11-18-1998 VC PH-MMINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING
• OF THE
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
HELD WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1998
Present: David B. Norris, Mayor
Charles O'Meilia, Vice Mayor
Dr. Edward M. Eissey, President Pro Tem --
Gail H. Vastola, Councilman
Joseph A. Tringali, Councilman
Dennis W. Kelly, Village Manager
George W. Baldwin, Village Attorney
Kathleen F. Kelly, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Norris called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All members of Council were
present. All members of staff were present.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to hear comments from the Public and the cable
• operator concerning proposed rate changes by Adelphia Cable Communications which
were effective June 1998.
Village Manager Dennis Kelly gave a report to the Village Council regarding changes to
cable television rates, which increases Adelphia's "expanded basic service" by $2.18 per
month.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Lucia Traugott, 130 Yacht Club Drive addressed the Council regarding the inability of
small groups not being permitted to negotiate package rates. Mrs. Traugott gave the
example of the condominium where she resides, which contains 4 units. Mrs. Traugott
stated that she feels the Village should seek other recourse for these residents.
Chuck Blaine, Director of Governmental and Community Affairs for Adelphia Cable
Communications, spoke before the Council, and stated that the proposed rates are
consistent with the FCC regulations as well as the Village ordinance.
The Village Council questioned Mr. Blaine about the feasibility of establishing all single-
family residences as a special entity in order to acquire a bulk or discounted rate for
Village residents. Mr. Blaine replied by telling the Council that a high percentage of cable
subscribers from the Village already benefit from bulk rates, and that he is not a lawyer,
• so he could not advise the Village regarding the establishing of a special entity.
Minutes of Public Hearing
• Held Thursday, June 25, 1998
The Council stated their opposition to the rate increase, noting specifically that no
improvement has been shown in the service being offered. Mr. Blaine replied that the
service has expanded, and another system upgrade is being implemented during this
year. He further stated that PageTime, Power Link, Digital Cable and Long Distance
services has been added, as well as more diversified programming.
Manny Grinn, 536 Greenway Drive, inquired whether the basic rate includes, on a tape-
delayed basis, televised broadcasts of Council meetings. Mr. Grinn was informed that
the use of a governmental channel is already available to the Village. It was clarified by
the Council to Mr. Grinn that, although access must be provided for no charge by
Adelphia, it would cost the Village to do the broadcasting.
The consensus of Council was to pursue the idea of making the Village an Association
or special entity to enable residents to have the same discount benefit as other groups,
and to open up competition within the Village with other cable providers. Mr. Blaine
explained that Adelphia is not an exclusive franchise, and the Council can contract with
other providers at this time.
• ADJOURNMENT
There being no further comments to be heard, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Kathleen F. Kelly, CMC, Villag Jerk
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