Local News in Brief : Panel Urges Extension, Fine on Cable TV System’s Installation

A Los Angeles City Council committee on Tuesday recommended that United Cable Television of Los Angeles Inc. be given another 10 months--until July 31, 1987--to complete installation of the long-delayed East San Fernando Valley cable TV system.

The Industry and Economic Development Committee also recommended that United be fined $121,875 for failing to meet a previously imposed city deadline of June 30 for installing the first 50 miles of the 1,140-mile system.

The committee also recommended that the council waive additional fines to United, but only if the company completes 270 miles of the system--and starts service to homes--by Jan. 31. If United fails to do so, it will be required to pay $100,000, plus $500 for each day’s delay in meeting the deadline.

As of Tuesday morning, the company had installed 67 miles of cable, said United attorney Mark Ambruster.

United originally was supposed to finish the system early this December, but last year received a 10-month extension from the City Council. The council set deadlines for completing segments of the system, with financial sanctions if United failed to meet them.

United recently asked the city to waive all fines, citing circumstances beyond its control--such as slow utility-company approval for the stringing of cable on utility poles----for delays in installation of the system.

The committee also recommended that the council approve a 10-year renewal of United’s franchise for the East Valley. United officials have said they do not want to continue investing in the system, the cost of which has grown from $60 million to $75 million, because the existing franchise, scheduled to expire in 1987, doesn’t give them time to make money.

The committee’s recommendations are scheduled to come before the full council today.