2004-11 Cable TVRESOLUTION NO. 04 -11
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
EXPRESSING ITS STRONG DISPLEASURE WITH THE RECENT
NOTIFICATION BY ADELPHIA CABLE OF ITS INTENT TO INCREASE
CABLE TELEVISION RATES TO LOCAL CUSTOMERS FOR ALL
SERVICE FROM BASIC TO EXPANDED CABLE SERVICE; PROVIDING
FOR PUBLIC RELEASE OF THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR
NOTIFICATION TO ADELPHIA MANAGEMENT OF THIS RESOLUTION;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee, Florida has permitted by franchise agreement the
provision of cable television services for the citizens of the City of Okeechobee,
which franchise allows the provider to use City rights of way to serve its customers
and to provide top quality programming and services for such customers; and
WHEREAS, such franchise has expired, and Adelphia Cable continues to provide services
at the pleasure of the City pending negotiation and execution of a new franchise for
the cable system; and
WHEREAS, many of the customers served within the City of Okeechobee are on a fixed
income, or otherwise on a fixed budget which limits their ability to enjoy the luxury
of cable television service, and even nominal increases in rates has an effect on
their livelihood; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Okeechobee, and the State of Florida, recently endured and
suffered through four hurricanes of Category 2 or higher within the month of
September, 2004, two of which caused significant damage and hardship in
Okeechobee, including loss of property, jobs and income; and
WHEREAS, the management at Adelphia Cable, despite such hardship, released
notification in October, 2004 of a rate increase for cable service for all classes of
service, which will increase monthly subscription rates from 5 -10 percent
commencing in November, 2004;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee,
Florida; presented at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote
of the City Council; and properly executed by the Mayor or designee, as Chief
Presiding Officer for the City:
1. THAT the City of Okeechobee finds that the citizens of the City of
Okeechobee, having recently endured the loss and damage occasioned by
two major hurricanes, are not in a position to absorb new fees and costs for
non essential services such as cable television.
2. THAT the City of Okeechobee understands the need for cash flow to support
commercial activity, but that the announcement of a rate increase at a time
of Toss and suffering by its customers is insensitive at best, by the
management or consultants at Adelphia Cable, and there appears to be little
evidence to support a rate increase at this time.
3. THAT the City of Okeechobee therefore resolves and does by such
resolution express its extreme displeasure at the need, and the timing of, the
Page 1 of 2
ATTEST:
THIS ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED this 19 day of October, 2004.
Lane Gamiotea, `CMC
City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
John R. Cook
City Attorney
announcement of rate increase by Adelphia Cable, and directs that this
resolution be released to the public, and as well to the management of
Adelphia Cable.