SpongeBob, Viacom networks to stay part of Bardstown Cable TV system
Mayor Bill Sheckles poses with SpongeBob SquarePants after announcing the city and Viacom reached an agreement that will keep Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and more than a dozen cable channels on the city-owned cable TV system.
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette
Tuesday, April 8, 2014, 11 p.m. — Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and the rest of the Viacom family TV networks will continue to be part of the Bardstown Cable TV system, Mayor Bill Sheckles announced at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
With a SpongeBob plush toy at his side, Sheckles said the city had negotiated a satisfactory agreement with Viacom that will result in slight increase for cable subscribers.
Extended basic subscribers will see their bill increase 53 cents per month, and the upper tier digital subscribers will see their monthly bill increase by $1.26. The council voted unanimously to give the mayor the power to enter into the agreement with Viacom.
The increases will be effective May 1, Jeff Mills, city electrical engineer said. Even with the increases, the city’s cable TV system still represents the best value for the money, he said.
In addition to Nickelodeon, Viacom networks include BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV2, MTV Hits, Nick Jr., Nick Teen, Nick Toons, Spike, TV Land, VH-1 and VH-1 Classic.
FINAL APPROVAL ON SYMPSON LAKE RULES. The council gave final approval to the new rules governing Sympson Lake that preserves water skiing and pleasure boating but bans jet skis.
The ordinance limits use of the lake from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, and limits water skiing to the hours between 10 a.m. and sunset.
The new rules prohibit skiing within 2,000 feet of the lake’s earthen dam, and forbids night fishing. Annual boating permits for county residents will cost $50; non-resident will pay $100.
The council’s approval was not unanimous, however. Councilman Joe Buckman voted against the new rules, telling the Gazette after the meeting that the rules don’t address the need to preserve water quality and protect the lake as the only water source for the city and much of the county.
The city will now begin selling boating permits, Sheckles said.
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