Apr 9, 2002 By Jackie Beranek 3 min read

DAWSON – Council Monday decided not to take action on a Charter Communications franchise renewal agreement following a 40-minute presentation by James E. Corrin Jr., government relations expert for the cable company. Corrin presented a draft agreement for council’s review and reminded members their last agreement expired three years ago.

Solicitor Richard Husband told council that he really couldn’t see “much benefit” from the borough’s standpoint to signing the contract.

“I do not think we would want to act on the agreement without a considerable amount of research and discussion of the matter,” said Husband.

Corrin said the agreement is a “non-exclusive franchise.”

He also said the franchise would grant permission for Charter to provide cable services and other communications and information services through easements.

He also said that the cost of the franchise fee, between 1 and 5 percent, would be passed on to Dawson residents. The contract would also eliminate competition by restricting other cable companies from operating in the borough without a special cable system franchise.

Corrin said Charter wants the franchise rights to the borough for 12 years.

In other matters, council:

– Agreed to have police and code enforcement officer Roger Adams check out an abandoned refrigerator on Howell Street. Mayor Ken Ridgely said the abandoned appliance is a hazard to children because it still has the door on it.

– Council also agreed to remind Adams to brush up on the borough ordinances. Council wants Adams to begin citing residents who do not take proper care of their property.

– Agreed to set a committee for Ridgely to “beautify” the town. Council president Patty Lint agreed to serve on the committee.

– Councilwoman Phyllis Newell reminded residents that burning days are Wednesday and Saturday.

– Set spring clean up for the last two weekends in April. Council agreed to have a garbage hauler pick up trash, not appliances, on April 22 and 29. However, they reminded residents that all garbage to be taken away must be out on the Saturday and Sunday prior to the dates.

– Agreed to patch Boyd Avenue.

– Discussed putting a playgronnd behind the post office. The playground committee will work on recommendations for the playground and will report its findings at the May meeting.

– Councilwoman Donna Martin reported that Adams and the state police have been notified about a drug problem in the borough. An investigation is ongoing.

– Announced that they applied for a $5,000 grant.

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