NEWPORT BEACH : 20-Year Cable Pact Decision Postponed

After questioning whether a 20-year contract with two cable companies would be too long, the City Council this week postponed a vote on the issue until the companies could survey residents about the types of cable service they want.

The companies, ComCast Cablevision Co. and Community Cablevision Co., say the 20-year contracts are needed so that they can make major improvements in the cable system and gain a return on their investment.

If the contracts are approved, the companies say they will increase the number of cable channels from 39 to 54, and add a special Fire Department channel and one for Christian programming.

However, some council members said they would prefer shorter contracts.

“I’m having a little problem signing up for the length of time,” said Councilwoman Evelyn R. Hart at a Monday meeting, noting that in other cities companies are able to operate with shorter contracts.

Councilman John W. Hedges has questioned the appropriateness of a 20-year contract since the issue first came before council last month. “The job they are doing has yet to prove that they’re doing a superior job,” Hedges said. “That’s my feeling.”

Both companies annually pay the city 5% of their gross receipts as a franchise fee for operating, although the non-exclusive contract also allows other companies to operate in Newport Beach.

Both contracts expire in 1992, and city officials had hoped to have new contracts in place by the end of this year. Th council is scheduled to discuss the contracts again on Oct. 28.