Contract Extended With Time Warner

The City Council has decided to sell off surplus city vehicles, place a soda vending machine in a local park and extend its contract with cable television provider Time Warner for three months.

The council met in private sessions recently to negotiate a new agreement with Time Warner, but a number of points--including how long the cable provider’s new contract should last--have caused delays, said Councilwoman Joanne Baltierrez.

The council approved the extension Monday evening after agreeing that if no deal is reached by the end of three months, the city can begin to negotiate with other cable firms, Councilman Silverio Robledo said.

The council also decided to permit a vending machine in Pioneer Park.

Under the arrangement, 20% of revenues--an estimated $1,400 to $2,000 a year--would help fund youth programs of the Recreation and Community Services Department, according to the city.

Officials said the city determined that the beverage vending machine would not interfere with the success of a snack bar in the park.

The council also authorized the sale of four old automobiles and two pieces of old maintenance equipment, to be sold through the private General Auction Co.

The council will hold a public meeting for a fiscal year 1998-99 city budget planning session at 6:30 tonight in the Community Room at 117 Macneil St.