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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #57 - Discussion Item77 CITY OF MIAMI FLORIDA 52 INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM a TO : The Honorable Mayor and Members DATE : July 16, 1997 FILE ,of the City Commission SUBJECT : Request for Monthly Report on Status of Cable TV Franchise FROM Edward Margu REFERENCES: City Manage ENCLOSURES: As per your request, the City is pursuing two courses of action in regard to the City Cable TV franchise: the formal renewal process of the Miami-TCI (MTCI) franchise in accordance with 47 USC § 546A and a Request for Proposal to solicit additional cable TV providers. An update to the summary presented at the June 9, 1997 Commission Meeting of the actions occurring as part of the MTCI renewal process follows. The Honorable Mayorb Members of the City Commission Request for Monthly Report on Status of Cable TV Franchise July 16, 1997 Page 2 Date Action May 6, 1997 MTCI received a letter from the City invoking the formal renewal process and indicating timeframe for completion of components of formal process. May" 6, 1997 MTCI received a letter from the City outlining results of external audit performed by Rachlin, Cohen, and Holtz and requesting a response within 10 days. May 7, 1997 City Commission passed a motion extending the MTCI cable TV franchise on a month- by-month'basis. May 16, 1997 City received a letter from MTCI stating disagreement with findings of external auditors and recommending meeting to discuss differences. May 21; 1997 MTCI was obligated to submit to the City an updated response to the renewal questionnaire (no later than fifteen (15) days from May 6, 1997). NOTE: MTCI submitted incorrect questionnaire on this date. City faxed correct questionnaire to MTCI on May 23, 1997. MTCI indicated FAX was not received; sent messenger to pick up 6/4/97. MTCI committed to update questionnaire by June 17. On June 17, MTCI committed to update questionnaire by July 1. Updated questionnaire was hand delivered to City on July 1 and a copy was mailed to.Leibowitz and Associates on July 8 (received on July 11). 2 The Honorable Mayo* Members of the City Commission Request for Monthly Report on Status of Cable TV Franchise July 16, 1997 Page 3 Date Action May 21, 1997 City sent letter to MTCI requiring the submission of documents supporting position m disagreement with City external auditors as outlined in May 16, 1997_ letter. May 22, 1997 City Commission passed an ordinance extending the MTCI cable TV franchise on a month -by -month basis. May 30, 1997 MTCI was required to submit documents supporting position in disagreement with City external auditors as outlined in May 16, 1997 letter. NOTE: MTCI submitted required documents. June 17, 1997 Meeting was held with City, MTCI, legal counsel (Leibowitz and Assoc.), external auditors, and internal auditors to discuss financial July 25, 1997 disagreements. MTCI agreed to schedule technical presentation to the City to discuss how MTCI plans on fulfilling the needs of the City. This meeting is now scheduled for August 6. Outstanding financial items include audit findings (external and internal) and $825,000 credit previously settled in an agreement between the City and MTCI by Resolution 88-711. MTCI responded back to Leibowitz and Assoc. on July 7 verbally that they were still in disagreement with these items. Leibowitz and Assoc. responded in writing requesting a written legal opinion from MTCI by July 11. No response has been received to date. Response is now expected by July 25. Response is due from MTCI on written legal opinion as to disposition of $825,00 credit as per Resolution 88-711. J� 3 Members The Honorable Mayor. r of the City Commission Request for Monthly Report on Status of Cable TV Franchise July 16, 1997 Page 4 Date Action August 6, 1997 MTCI technical presentation to the City August 14, 1997 City. is to complete its ascertainment proceedings and issue its findings (no later than forty-five (45) days from July 1, 1997). September 29, 1997 TO is to submit a formal renewal proposal to the City (no later than forty-five (45) days from the date of issue of City ascertainment findings). October-9, 1997 City is to provide public notice of receipt of MTCI proposal within ten (10) days of receipt. February 6, 4 998 City is to make a determination as to whether to grant the franchise renewal or issue a preliminary assessment that the franchise shall not be renewed (must be done within one hundred twenty (120).days of receipt of formal renewal proposal). 4 The Honorable Mayor Members of the City Commission Request for Monthly Report on Status of Cable TV Franchise July 16, 1997 Page 5 A summary of the events or actions occurring as part of the additional cable TV provider RFP process include: Date Action May 7, 1997 City Commission passed a motion requesting the City Manager to solicit additional cable TV providers through RFP process. May 22, 1997 City Commission passed a resolution authorizing the City Manager to solicit additional cable TV providers through RFP process. October 20, 1997 City is to issue RFP for additional cable providers -responses requested within 30 days. November 18, 1997 Responses are due back from City RFP for additional cable providers. December 11, 1997 Presentation to be made to City Commission on findings from RFP process for additional cable providers. .5