
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 10, 1990                   TAG: 9004100524
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

COUNCIL WANTS POWER TO REGULATE CABLE

Roanoke City Council wants Congress to restore the authority of local governments to regulate the rates and operations of cable television systems.

Council approved a resolution Monday night that supports pending legislation in the House and Senate to restore local control over cable television.

Six years ago, Congress took away the authority of localities to regulate cable rates and other operations of cable systems.

"Back in 1984, when the Cable Television Act was passed, it was described by the Federal Communications Commission chairman as the emancipation of cable television," said Councilman Howard Musser, who is chairman of the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee.

Some members of Congress now support restoring some local control over cable television operations, he said.

On another matter, council agreed to consider during budget discussions next month a proposal that municipal employees who work downtown either be provided free parking or given a parking allowance.

The city provides free parking to some public works employees and others who work for municipal departments located outside downtown. The city also provides free parking for top management officials in downtown, but most city employees in the municipal complex have to make their own arrangements for parking and pay for it.

Musser said fairness dictates that the city provide the same parking benefits for downtown workers as those who work elsewhere.

Also, council:

Approved City Manager Robert Herbert's recommendation that council endorse an application for $8,000 in state emergency home repair funds that will be matched by local money to pay for emergencyrepairs to houses occupied by low-income families.

Approved Herbert's recommendation that another $50,000 be appropriated to continue the appraisals and acquisition of land that will be needed for the Roanoke River flood-reduction project.

Rezoned land off Hershberger Road near Bean Street to permit the construction of an FM radio station, a family restaurant, family arcade and a miniature golf course.

by CNB