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BY CAROL ARNETT

The Florissant City Council held two public hearings last week. The first hearing was held to receive comment regarding the proposed video services agreement from AT &T for television services. An ordinance would be required to enter into an agreement.

John Medler, with AT&T, spoke to the council about the agreement. The company wants to come into Florissant and offer television services next year, he said. AT&T would provide IPTV services under the proposed agreement.

“We will be competing against Charter and the other providers of television services,” Medler said.” If the council approves the agreement, it would be the fourth city in the state to do so.” He said AT&T already had agreements with Creve Coeur, Overland and Webster Groves. “I should add that every one of those passed unanimously,” he said.

Medler said that the competition that AT&T would provide would benefit consumers. He said that Charter has been able to raise prices because they have no direct wire-line competition. He said markets in other states have shown that cable companies will lower rates as they have competition.

Medler also pointed out that the city does not receive any revenue from satellite services, but it does get 5% percent of Charter’s gross revenue. The city would also receive 5% from AT&T’s services. “Any satellite customers who move to either Charter or us after they see all of our ads will mean more revenue for the city.”

AT&T’s service would include a digital video recording service, similar to TIVO, and will have picture in picture capability. They will also offer caller ID on the TV. It will also support HDTV on all channels that offer it.

If Charter sues the city for allowing AT&T, Medler said, AT&T would provide the funding to fight the suit. AT&T would need to put in boxes to support the services.

If Charter sues the city for allowing AT&T, Medler said, AT&T would provide the funding to fight the suit. AT&T would need to put in boxes to support the service. AT&T will agree in the proposed agreement to work with the city and follow city regulations in regard to the boxes.

AT&T would like to start offering the service in March.

IN THE SECOND PUBLIC HEARING, Budget Rent A Car requested a special use permit to operate a car rental business at 929 North Highway 67. This is in the shopping center to the north of Ruiz on Lindbergh.

William Madden, with Budget, spoke to the council. The rental center will have approximately 18 cars. No maintenance or cleaning of the vehicles will take place at the site.

Councilman Dan Sullivan said he had no problems with the plan. “It fills a hole in that center,” he said.

IN OTHER MATTERS, THE COUNCIL:
•Passed a bill allowing Johnny Londoff Chevrolet to add on to the main building, renovate two buildings, and make other site improvements to the dealership at 1375 Dunn Road.

•Passed a bill allowing Uncle Bob’s Storage to change the free standing sign at their property at 940 Shackelford Road.

•Passed a bill amending the city code by adding a new section to prohibit residency of sex offenders in proximity to certain facilities; to prohibit loitering and presence in certain areas by sex offenders and establish a penalty.

“We’re one of the safest cities in the nation,” Mayor Robert Lowery said of the bill, “and in order to stay that way, we’ve got to be proactive.”

“This has not been a problem but it is necessary to take steps for the safety of our children,” the mayor stated.
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