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4 Mr. Tolbert said the area currently does not have access to CTS, and access in general is very poor. Mr. Tolbert said that the study will look at how to get good transit service to this area. Mr. Lynch proposed that the PACC Technical Committe e take the lead in identifying community individuals to serve on the steering committee. Mr. Cox said that the RFP needs to speak to the need for considerable community input. Mr. Lynch made a motion to authorize staff to move forward with the RFP proc ess and citizen committee and to spend between $25,000 and $30,000 as the City's share to complete the study. Mr. Caravati seconded the motion and it was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling . REPORT : CABLE FRANCHISE RENEWAL UPDATE Mr. Craig Brown, City Attorney, explained that the existing franchise with Adelphia Cable expires on June 30, 2003 and the renewal process has begun. Mr. Brown said that Adelphia Cable has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy which should allow them to reorganize and continue in business, and said that it is premature to know the impact of their bankruptcy on service in Charlottesville. Mr. Brown said they are up to date in payment of their franchise fees and taxes to the City. He said staff is proceeding with the process as if Adelphia will continue to operate, though there is a possibility that they may need to sell off some of their assets which could include the Charlottesville service. If sold, the City must approve the transfer, with the City having the right of first refusal. Mr. Brown said that a needs assessment and telephone survey will be done. He said that the City may be able to address system upgrades, office hours, repair and installation, and chan nel capacity for government and public access channels, but has very little authority over programming and rate regulation. Mr. Brown said the matter will be brought back to Council in September, and Council may want to consider appointing a citizens adv isory committee to work with staff during the franchising process. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Mr. Brown said that Adelphia Cable does not have a franchise agreement with Albemarle County, but the County is now interested in franchising f or cable service, and staff will be in discussion with the County to see if the City and County can coordinate. Mr. Caravati suggested that the City try to do a franchise jointly with the County and said he would advise speeding up the process because he does not think Adelphia can be trusted. Mr. Caravati said he would like to see the City open its arms to competitors. Mr. Caravati said that recent legislation allows certain localities in Virginia to operate their own cable systems, and he said he woul d like to have that considered. Mr. Lynch said the fact that Adelphia is paying their franchise fees is good news, and is probably a sign that they are making money in Charlottesville. Mr. Lynch said he is concerned about the possibility of Adelphia exi ting and not having a buyer to take their place. Mr. Lynch asked what leverage the City has with prices for broadband for internet service. Mr. Brown said that the law is very up in the air and in a state of flux now regarding that Responding to a q uestion from Mr. Schilling, Mr. Brown said that the cost for the needs assessment, telephone survey, and technical consultant would be between $30,000 and $50,000. Mr. Schilling asked what we do with the information if we find Adelphia does not have the ability to meet the needs, and Mr. Brown said that goes to the issue of whether to renew the franchise. Mr. Brown said that raises the issue of if Adelphia is not able to,