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Session 1849 August 12, 2002 exercise it or not. Ms. Welsch appreciates Mr. Ollendorff's concerns, but she doesn't want to damper their efforts to begin marketing the full strip which they are talking about with their expansion east which includes the trolley system they want. She just doesn't want to limit the good work they are doing. Mr. Ollendorff acknowledged her concerns. Mr. Sharpe moved adoption. Ms. Colquitt seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried six to one, with Ms. Welsch voting Nay. AGENDA #8 - CHARTER COMMUNICATION FRANCHISE RENEWAL: Mr. Wagner moved to add this item to the agenda. Mr. Munkel seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Mr. Ollendorff said that our franchise, originally with Continental Cablevision, which we negotiated nearly twenty years expired several years ago. We have been living with extensions year by year. TCI and AT&T had completed most of the required upgrades. Charter will be completing these improvements within the next month. The company has agreed to all of the conditions with which we have been concerned including such items, for instance, as continued support of CALOP. He believes that all of the conditions have been successfully negotiated with Charter. The Council could approve an ordinance granting a new 12 year franchise renewal. In this case, we are adding a three year option to the twelve years. Before the Council can act on this ordinance, the Council must hold a public hearing. He recommends that the Council set one on August 26, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The renewal agreement will be on file in the office of the City Manager. Charter would also like for the City Council to introduce the ordinance tonight, as well. There would be no vote on that ordinance until the public hearing can be held. Mr. Munkel moved approval of a public hearing. Mr. Sharpe seconded the motion. Mr. Wagner stated that this would be a topic of high interest within University City. Many people have mentioned this to him, have called him and written him about this. He would like the City Manager to devise some way to spread the word about this public hearing in two weeks. He would like some thought to be put on this. Mr. Munkel wanted to know what the financial status of this communications company is. Mayor Adams said that Paul Allen, with Microsoft, should be alright. Mr. Munkel said he doesn't trust anyone. Mr. Wagner agrees with Mr. Munkel. Mr. Lieberman wished to charge the City Manager with the responsibility of making sure that this public hearing is well advertised. Mr. Ollendorff said that the print media in the audience has heard the requests and they will also hear from him. This is a very popular subject and he believes that he will II