Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 5, 1993 TAG: 9310050315
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Council will take advantage of the opportunity to regulate rates for basic cable service.
Under the 1992 Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act, Congress authorized localities to regulate rates for basic service in areas where there is no competition for the service.
To obtain regulatory authority, the city must submit a form to the Federal Communications Commission verifying that it has the legal authority and administrative ability to regulate rates.
Council voted Monday to send the document to the FCC. The agency is expected to make a decision on the city's request within 30 days.
The Regional Cable Television Committee has recommended that Roanoke acquire the right to regulate rates for basic service because Cox Cable Roanoke will be free to raise rates after Nov. 15.
It has made a similar recommendation to Vinton and Roanoke County, which are also served by Cox Cable.
If the city obtains certification from the FCC to regulate basic service, it will control not only the rate, but the equipment used to receive this service. This includes converter and remote control rentals; additional outlet charges; installation, disconnection and reconnection charges; and fees for changing tiers of service.
Neither Roanoke nor the other localities have the right to regulate rates for the expanded tier of cable programming beyond the basic service.
Rates for the expanded service may be regulated by the FCC if the agency receives a complaint from a subscriber or the locality that they are unreasonable.
Premium and pay-per-view channels will remain unregulated.
Council also voted to hire a law firm experienced in cable television matters to advise the localities on securing the right to regulate basic rates and reviewing Cox Cable's rate calculations.
The regional committee said the rate issues are so complex that consultant attorneys are needed.
The firm's fee will be split between Roanoke, Vinton and Roanoke County on a pro rata basis according to the number of cable television subscribers in each locality.
\ ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL\ IN OTHER ACTION\ Summer recreation: Nearly 2,000 youngsters participated in the city's special summer recreation program, designed to keep them off the street and out of trouble. George Snead, director of public safety, said about one in every six children in the school system was involved in the recreation programs, which included a drug-resistance camp for nearly 100 children. City Manager Bob Herbert told council the recreation programs are a long-term investment that will pay off with less crime, drug abuse and other problems. Councilman William White said it's one of the city's most valuable programs.\ \ Backyard savings: James McClung, manager of solid-waste management, said there have been few complaints since backyard trash collection was eliminated in June. He said 825 residents retain backyard service because they are physically unable to take their cans to the curb, and 43 residents are paying a fee to keep backyard collection. The change will save the city $402,000 a year because fewer workers are needed. Part of the savings will be used to pay for the city's recycling program.\ \ The Municipal League: Council will ask the Virginia Municipal League to hold its 1996 annual conference in Roanoke. The organization rotates its conference among the state's major cities. The conference attracts about 1,000 officials from cities, towns and several suburban counties.\ \ Visitor center: Council endorsed a proposal for a visitor center on the Blue Ridge Parkway that has been developed by parkway officials, Explore Park and Roanoke County. City officials believe the visitor center will help attract people to the city.
\ Water service: Mattern and Craig, a Roanoke engineering firm, was retained to provide engineering services at a cost of $88,975 for upgrading water services in the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology, where more than 2,000 people are employed.
by CNB