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memo 1 page

To: From: Date: May 22, 2024 Re: Public Hearing on Cable Franchise Renewal This memorandum serves as an explanation of the public hearing regarding the renewal of the cable franchise for the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. The hearing is being conducted in accordance with Section 626 of the federal Cable Act, which outlines the procedure for franchise renewal. The current franchise agreement with Altice has expired, and the Village has initiated negotiations for a new agreement. The public hearing is a critical component of these negotiations, providing an opportunity for the Village to gather public input on Altice’s performance and the community’s future cable-related needs. The Village seeks citizen feedback on the following key points: 1. The past performance of the cable operator. 2. The Village’s future cable-related needs. Franchise renewal represents a prime opportunity for municipalities to assert their rights concerning their cable operator and to secure significant benefits in exchange for granting the operator the right to use public rights-of-way. Potential benefits through franchise renewal include: 1. Strong and enforceable customer service standards. 2. A state-of-the-art cable system. 3. Protections of the public rights-of-way. 4. Franchise fees for the cable operator’s use of the public rights-of-way and improved franchise fee accountability. 5. Reporting requirements on the cable operator. 6. Legal protections for the Village. 7. Improved mechanisms to enforce the franchise agreement. These are some of the advantages that may be obtained through the franchise renewal process. Citizens are encouraged to address these topics or any other cable-related issues of importance to them during the public hearing. Mayor Brian Pugh Trustees Ian Mutaugh Nora Moriarty Nicholson Cara Politi Len Simon Village Manager Bryan T. Healy Village Treasurer Daniel Tucker Village Clerk Pauline DiSanto Village of Croton-on-Hudson New York Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building One Van Wyck Street Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520-2501