The second public hearing concerning Auburn's impending cable franchise agreement with Adelphia was likely the last, as the cable television advisery committee heard from seven residents Tuesday afternoon who voiced their concern about Adelphia's service, costs and original agreement with the city.

The hearing was about 10 minutes longer than the first, and more than double the amount of people spoke. But it still wasn't enough to make chairman Robert Penafeather think another hearing is necessary.

"I personally don't see a need for one more," Penafeather said.

Council chambers was at half-capacity as John Hogan got things started, reading from a prepared speech.

"Auburn has lost five years of community development," Hogan said, referring to the time Adelphia has controlled the right of way since purchasing it from Harron Communications. "We have a lot of catching up to do."

Bill Balyszak then stepped up to the microphone and proposed an a la carte purchasing procedure, where residents could pick and choose what channels they'd like in their package, paying a pro-rated 67-cents-per-channel fee.

"I don't need seven sports channels, nor any cartoon, video or yada yada channels," he said. "So why do I and the rest of us have to pay these exorbitant fees for something we do not want or watch?"

Dave Rabuano said he's had problems with Internet service since purchasing a computer in December. And Jacqueline Frost brought up complaints she's voiced at council meetings and the previous hearing.

"We are not a priority to Adelphia," or any other large company that would sell Auburn cable, said Frost, who feels the city should partner with a private company in providing the service to its residents.

Frost reiterated that she would like to see a formal legal statement regarding Adelphia's 1999 purchase of the franchise, when she believes, due to the financial standing of the company (it was on the verge of bankruptcy), fraud was committed.

She also presented a petition with 600 signed names and 50 additional comment sheets to the committee that detailed complaints of local residents.

She requested that the committee publish accounts from the focus groups it held in 2004 and hold one additional public hearing.

"We need another one," Frost said. "The public feels strongly about the issue, and the times of these hearings, 5 p.m. and 2 p.m., haven't allowed for everyone to come out. The community has the right to speak out."

Adelphia's Thomas Wilson said his employees haven't received anywhere near the amount of complaints Frost collected in petitions and comments.

"It doesn't make any sense to me," he said. "The math just doesn't add up."

Wilson said the company is installing a circuit this week that would increase speeds on Internet capabilities.

Penafeather said the committee will hold a number of meetings to dissect the information it has. He said residents still have time to send their comments regarding the franchise to City Hall.

The committee is hoping to have its final report recommendation prepared by the end of April.

Staff writer Benning W. De La Mater can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 237 or ben.delamater@lee.net