O 474 C.S.
. .
ORDINANCE NO. 474 C.S.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE REPEALING CHAPTER 2 OF
TITLE 5 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE
AND ADDING THERETO A NEW CHAPI'ER 2
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: That Chapter 2 of Title 5 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code is hereby
repealed and deleted in its entirety and replaced with a new Chapter 2 of Title 5 attached hereto
as Exhibit "An and incorporated herein by this reference as though fully set forth.
SECTION 2: A summary of this Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper published
and circulated in the City of Arroyo Grande at least five (5) days prior to the City Council meeting
at which the proposed Ordinance is to be adopted. A certified copy of the full text of the
proposed Ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk. Within fifteen (15) days after
adoption of the Ordinance, the summary with the names of those City Council members voting
for and against the Ordinance shall be published again, and the City Clerk shall post a certified
copy of the full text of such adopted Ordinance.
SECTION 3: This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its final passage.
On motion of Council Member Souza , seconded by
Council Member Lad y and on the following roll call vote, to-wit:
AYES: Council Members Souza, Lady, Brandy, and Mayor Dougall
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Fuller
the foregoing Ordinance was adopted this 14th day of , 1996.
R
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ATTEST:
11~(j. ~
NANCY A. VIS, CITY CLERK
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APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
LYON & CARMEL
Byr&;r~ ~L.-Haw-
. OTH.. J. C . L ROBERT L. HUNT, CITY MANAGER
ASSIST ANT CIT TTORNEY
(
I, NANCY A. DAVIS, City Clerk of the City of Arroyo Grande, County of San Luis Obispo,
State of California, do hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing Ordinance No.
474 C. s. is a true, full and correct copy of said Ordinance passed and adopted at a regular
meeting of said Council on the 14th day of Mav , 1996.
WITNESS my hand and Seal of the City of Arroyo Grande affixed this 16th. day of May ,
1996.
<f7~a. ~
NANCY A. VIS, CITY CLERK
CHAPTER 2: CABLE TELEVISION FRANCmSES
Section 5-2.01 Intent
A. The City of Arroyo Grande, pursuant to applicable Federal and State law, is
authorized to grant one or more non-exclusive franchises to construct, operate, maintain and
reconstruct cable television systems within the City limits.
B. The City Council finds that the development of cable television and communica-
tions Systems has the potential of having great benefit and impact upon the residents of Arroyo
Grande. Because of the complex and rapidly changing technology associated with cable
television, the City Council further finds that the public convenience, safety and general welfare
can best be served by establishing regulatory powers which should be vested in the City or such
persons as the City may designate. It is the intent of this Chapter and subsequent amendments
to provide for and specify the means to attain the best possible cable television service to the
public and any franchises issued pursuant to this Chapter shall be deemed to include this as an
integral finding thereof.
Section 5-2.02 Definitions
For the purposes of this Chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and their
derivations shall have the meaning given herein. Words used in the present tense include the
future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words in the singular
number include the plural number. Words not defined shall be given their common and ordinary
meanmg.
A. "Basic Cable Service" means any service tier which includes the retransmission
of local television broadcast signals.
B. "Cable Television" or "System," also referred to as "Cable Communications
System" or "Cable System," means a facility consisting of a set of closed transmission paths and
associated signal generation, reception, and control equipment, that is designed to provide cable
service which includes video programming and which is provided to multiple subscribers within
a community, but such term does not include:
(1) A facility that serves only to transmit television signals of one (1) or more
television broadcast stations;
(2) A facility that serves only subscribers in one (1) or more multiple unit
dwellings under common ownership, control, or management, unless such facility uses any
public rights-of-way;
(3) A facility of a common carrier, except that such facility shall be considered
a cable system to the extent such facility is used in the transmission of video programming
directly to subscribers; or
EXHiBiT A
(4) Any facilities of any electric utility used solely for operating its electric
utility system.
C. "Cable Service" means the total of the following:
(1) The one-way transmission to subscribers of video programming of other
programming service; and
(2) Subscriber interaction, if any, which is required for the selection of such
video programming or other programming service.
.. D. "Channel" or "Cable Channel" means a portion of the electromagnetic frequency
spectrum which is used in a cable system which is capable of delivering a television channel as
defined by the Federal Communications Commission.
E. "Council" means the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande.
F. "Franchise" means an initial authorization, or renewal thereof, issued by the
Council, whether such authorization is designated as a franchise, permit, license, resolution,
contract, 'certificate, agreement, or otherwise, which authorizes the construction or operation of
a cable system.
G. "Franchi~e Agreement" means a franchise grant ordinance or a contractual
agreement, containing the specific provisions of the franchise granted, including references,
specifications, requirements and other related matters. .
H. "Franchise Fee" means any tax, fee or assessment of any kind imposed by the City
on a Grantee as compensation for the Grantee's use of the public rights-of-way. The term
"franchise fee" does not include:
(1) Any tax, fee or assessment of general applicability (including any such tax,
fee, or assessment imposed on both utilities and cable operators or their services, but not
including a tax, fee or assessment which is unduly discriminatory against cable operators or cable
subscribers) ;
(2) Capital costs which are required by the franchise to be incurred by Grantee
for public, educational, or governmental access facilities;
(3) Requirements or charges incidental to the awarding or enforcing of the
franchise, including payments for bonds, security funds, letters of credit, insurance, indemnifica-
tion, penalties, or liquidated damages; or
(4) Any fee imposed under Title 17, United States Code.
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I. "Grantee" means any "person" receiving a franchise pursuant to this Chapter and
under the granting franchise ordinance or agreement, and its lawful successor, transferee or
assIgnee.
J. "Grantor" or "City" means the City of Arroyo Grande as represented by the
Council or any delegate acting within the scope of its jurisdiction.
K. "Gross Annual Receipts" means the annual gross receipts received by a Grantee
from all sources of operations of the Cable Television System within the City utilizing the public
streets and rights-of-way for which a franchise is required in order to deliver such cable service,
excluding refundable deposits, rebates or credits, except that any sales, excise or other taxes or
charges collected for direct payment or pass-through to local, State or Federal government, other
than the franchise fee, shall not be included.
L. "Initial Service Area" means the area of the City which will receive service
initially, as set forth in any Franchise Agreement.
M. "Installation" means the connection of the, system to subscribers' terminals, and
the initiation of service.
N. "Person" means an individual, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust,
corporation or governmental entity.
O. "Public. Educational or Government Access Facilities" or "PEG Access Facilities"
means the total of the following:
(1) Channel capacity designated for noncommercial public, educational, or
government use; and
(2) Facilities and equipment for the use of such channel capacity.
P. "Section" means any section, subsection or provision of this Chapter.
Q. "Service Area" or "Franchise Area" means the entire geographic area within the
City as it is now constituted or may in the future be constituted, unless otherwise specified in
the franchise granting ordinance or agreement.
R. "Service Tier" means a category of cable service or other services provided by
a Grantee and for which a separate rate is charged by the Grantee.
S. "State" means the State of California.
T. "Street" means each of the following which have been dedicated to the public or
are hereafter dedicated to the public and maintained under public authority or by others and
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located within the City limits: streets, roadways, highways, avenues, lanes, alleys, sidewalks,
easements, rights-of-way and similar public property and areas that the Grantor shall permit to
be included within the definition of street from time to time.
U. "Subscriber" means any person who or which elects to subscribe to, for any
purpose, a service provided by the Grantee by means of or in connection with the cable system,
and who pays the charges therefor.
Section 5-2.03 Franchise to Install and Operate
A franchise granted by the City under the provisions of this Chapter shall encompass the
following purposes:
A. To authorize Grantee to engage in the business of providing cable television
service, and such other services as may be permitted by law, which Grantee chooses to provide,
to subscribers within the designated service area.
...B. To authorize Grantee to erect, install, construct, repair, rebuild, reconstruct,
replace, maintain, and retain, cable lines, related electronic equipment, supporting structures,
appurtenances, and other property in connection with the operation of the cable system in, on,
over, under, upon, along and across streets or other public places within the designated service
area.
C. To authorize Grantee to maintain and operate its properties for the origination,
reception, transmission, amplification, and distribution of television and radio signals and for the
delivery of cable services, and such other services as may be permitted by law.
D. To set forth the respective obligations of a Grantee and the City under the
franchise.
Section 5-2.04 Franchise Required
It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, install or operate a cable television
system in the City within any public street without a properly granted franchise awarded pursuant
to the provisions of this Chapter.
Section 5-2.05 Term of the Franchise
A. A franchise granted hereunder shall be for a term established in the franchise
agreement, commencing on the date established in the franchise agreement.
B. A franchise granted hereunder may be renewed upon application by the Grantee
pursuant to the provisions of applicable State and Federal law and of this Chapter.
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Section 5-2.06 Franchise Territory
Any franchise shall be valid within all the territorial limits of the City, and within any
area added to the City during the term of the franchise, unless otherwise specified in this Chapter
or the franchise agreement.
Section 5-2.07 Federal or State Jurisdiction
This Chapter shall be construed in a manner consistent with all applicable Federal and
State laws and shall apply to all franchises granted or renewed after the effective date of this
Chapter to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Section 5-2.08 Franchise Non-Transferable
A. Grantee shall not sell, transfer, lease, assign, sublet or dispose of, in whole or in
part, either by forced or involuntary sale, or by ordinary sale, contract, consolidation or
otherwise, the franchise or any of the rights or privileges therein granted, without the prior
consent of the Council and then only upon such terms and conditions as may be reasonably
prescribed by the Council, which consent shall not be unreasonably denied or delayed. Any
attempt to sell, transfer, lease, assign or otherwise dispose of the franchise without the consent
of the Council shall be null and void. The granting of a security interest in any Grantee assets,
or any mortgage or other hypothecation, shall not be considered a transfer for the purposes of
this Section.
B. The requirements of Subsection A. shall apply to any change in control of
Grantee. The word "control" as used herein is not limited to major stockholders or partnership
interests, but includes actual working control in whatever manner exercised. In the event that
Grantee is a corporation, prior authorization of the Council shall be required where ownership
or control of more than ten percent (10%) of the voting stock of Grantee is acquired by a person
or group of persons acting in concert, none of whom own or control the voting stock of the
Grantee as of the effective date of the franchise, singularly or collectively.
C. Grantee shall notify Grantor in writing of any foreclosure or any other judicial sale
of all or a substantial part of the franchise property of the Grantee or upon the termination of
any lease or interest covering all or a substantial part of said franchise property. Such
notification shall be considered by Grantor as notice that a change in control of ownership of the
franchise has taken place and the provisions under this Section governing the consent of Grantor
to such change in control of ownership shall apply.
D.. For the purpose of determining whether it shall consent to such change, transfer, or
acquisition of control, Grantor may inquire into the qualifications of the prospective transferee
or controlling party, and Grantee shall assist Grantor in such inquiry. In seeking Grantor's
consent to any change of ownership or control, Grantee shall have the responsibility of ensuring
that the transferee completes an application in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
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Grantor, which application shall include the information required under Subsections A. through
C. of Section 5-2.13 of this Chapter. An application shall be submitted to Grantor not less than
sixty (60) days prior to the date of transfer. In addition to the information included in the
application, Grantor also may require from the proposed transferee such additional information
as Grantor may reasonably deem to be applicable. The transferee shall b.e required to establish
that it possesses the qualifications and fmancial and technical capability to operate and maintain
the system and comply with all franchise requirements for the remainder of the term of the
franchise. If the legal, financial, character, and technical qualifications of the applicant are
satisfactory, the Grantor shall consent to the transfer of the franchise. The consent of the Grantor
to such transfer shall not he unreasonably denied or delayed.
E. Any financial institution having a pledge of the Grantee or its assets for the
advancement of money for the construction and/or operation of the franchise shall have the right
to notify the Grantor that it or its designee satisfactory to the Grantor shall take control of and
operate the cable television system, in the event of a Grantee default of its financial obligations.
Further, said financial institution shall also submit a plan for such operation within thirty (30)
days of assuming such control that will ensure continued service and compliance with all
franchise requirements during the term the fmancial institution exercises control over the system.
The financial institution shall not exercise control over the system for a period exceeding one
(1) year unless extended by the Grantor in its discretion and during said period of time it shall
have the right to petition the Grantor to transfer the franchise to another Grantee.
F. Upon transfer, Grantee shall reimburse Grantor for Grantor's reasonable
processing and review expenses in connection with a transfer of the franchise or of control of
the franchise, including without limitation, costs of administrative review, fmancial, legal and
technical evaluation of the proposed transferee, consultants (including technical and legal experts
and all costs incurred by such experts), notice and publication costs and document preparation
expenses, not to exceed any maximum that may be specified in the franchise agreement. Any
such reimbursement shall not be charged against any franchise fee due to Grantor during the
term of the franchise.
Section 5-2.09 Geographical Coverage
A. Grantee shall design, construct and maintain the cable television system to have
the capability to pass every dwelling unit in the City, subject to any service area line extension
requirements of the franchise agreement.
B. After service has been established by activating trunk and/or distribution cables
for any service area, Grantee shall provide service to any requesting subscriber within that
service area within thirty (30) days from the date of request, provided that the Grantee is able
to secure any additional rights-of-way necessary to extend service to such subscriber within such
thirty (30) day peri~ on reasonable terms and conditions.
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Section 5-2.10 Nonexclusive Franchise
Any franchise granted shall be nonexclusive. The Grantor specifically reserves the right
to grant, at any time, such additional franchises for a cable television system or any component
thereof, as it deems appropriate, subject to applicable State and Federal law, provided that no
such additional franchise shall be granted on terms materially more favorable or less burdensome
than any other franchise granted hereunder.
Section 5-2.11 Multiple Franchises
A. Grantor may grant any number of franchises subject to applicable State or Federal
law. Grantor may limit the number of franchises granted, based upon, but not necessarily
limited to, the requirements of applicable law and specific local considerations, such as:
(1) The capacity of the public rights-of-way to accommodate multiple cables
in addition to the cables, conduits and pipes of the utility systems, such as electrical power,
telephone, gas and sewerage.
(2) The benefits that may accrue to cable subscribers as a result of cable
system competition, such as lower rates and improved service.
(3) The disadvantages that may result from cable system competition, such as
the requirement for multiple pedestals on residents' property, and the disruption arising from
numerous excavations of the rights-of-way.
B. Each Grantee awarded a franchise to serve the entire City shall offer service to
all residences in the City, in accordance with construction and service schedules mutually agreed
upon between Grantor and Grantee, and consistent with applicable law.
C. Developers of new residential housing with underground utilities shall provide
conduit to accommodate cables for at least two (2) cable systems in accordance with the
provisions of Section 5-2.20.E.
D. Grantor may require that any new Grantee be responsible for its own underground
trenching and the costs associated therewith, If, in Grantor's opinion, the rights-of-way in any
particular area cannot feasibly and reasonably accommodate additional cables.
Section 5-2.12 Franchise Applications
Any person desiring an initial franchise for a cable television system shall file an
application with the City. A reasonable nonrefundable application fee established by the City
shall accompany the application to coyer all costs associated with processing and reviewing the
application, including without limitation, costs of administrative review, financial, legal and
technical evaluation of the applicant, consultants (including technical and legal experts and all
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costs incurred by such experts), notice and publication requirements with respect to the
consideration of the application and document preparation expenses. In the event such costs
exceed the application fee, the selected applicant(s) shall pay the difference to the City within
thirty (30) days following receipt of an itemized statement of such costs.
Section 5-2.13 Applications - Contents
An application for an initial franchise for a cable television system shall contain, where
applicable:
A. A statement as to the proposed franchise and service area;
B. Resume of prior history of applicant, including the expertise of applicant in the
cable television field;
C. List of the partners, general and limited, of the applicant, if a partnership, or the
percentage of stock owned or controlled by each stockholder, if a corporation which is not
publicly traded;
D. List of officers, directors and managing employees of applicant, together with a
description of the background of each such person;
E. The names and addresses of any parent or subsidiary of applicant or any other
business entity owning or controlling applicant in whole or in part, or owned or controlled in
whole or in part by applicant;
F. A current financial statement of applicant verified by a Certified Public Accountant
audit or otherwise certified to be true, complete and correct to the reasonable satisfaction of the
City;
G. Proposed construction and service schedule; and
H. Any additional information that the City deems reasonably necessary.
Section 5-2.14 Consideration of Initial Applications
A. Upon receipt of any application for an initial franchise, the City Manager shall
prepare a report and make recommendations respecting such application to the City Council.
B. A public hearing shall be set prior to any initial franchise grant, at a time and date
approved by the Council. Within thirty (30) days after the close of the hearing, the Council shall
make a decision based upon the evidence received at the hearing as to whether or not the
franchise(s) should be granted, and, if granted, subject to what conditions. The Council may
grant one (1) or more franchises, or may decline to grant any franchise.
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Section 5-2.15 Franchise Renewal
Franchise renewals shall be in accordance with applicable law.. Grantor and Grantee, by
mutual consent, may enter into renewal negotiations at any time during the term of the franchise.
Upon mutual execution of a franchise renewal agreement, Grantee shall reimburse Grantor for
costs incidental to the franchise renewal award, not to exceed any maximum specified in the
franchise agreement. Any such reimbursement shall not be charged against any franchise fee
due to the Grantor during the term of the franchise.
Section 5-2.16 Minimum Consumer Protection and Service Standards
A. Except as otherwise provided in the Franchise Agreement, Grantee shall maintain
a local office or offices to provide the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to comply
with the following consumer protection and service standards under normal conditions of
operation:
(1) Sufficient toll-free telephone line capacity during normal business hours,
and excepting unusual events such as system outages, to assure that a minimum of ninety-five
percent (95%) of all calls will be answered before the fourth (4th) ring and ninety percent (90%)
of all callers for service will not be required to wait more than thirty (30) seconds, after the call
pickup and the conclusion of any automated telephone' response procedures before being
connected to a service representative.
(2) Emergency telephone line capacity on a twenty-four (24) hour basis,
including weekends and holidays.
(3) A local business and service office open during normal business hours and
at least some period weekly on evenings and/or weekends, and adequately staffed to accept
subscriber payments and respond to service requests and complaints.
(4) An emergency system maintenance and repair staff, capable of responding
to and repairing major system malfunction on a twenty-four (24) hour per day basis.
(5) An installation staff, capable of installing service to any subscriber within
seven (7) working days after receipt of a request, in all areas where trunk and feeder cable have
been activated.
(6) At the subscriber's request, Grantee shall schedule, within a specified four
(4) hour time period, all appointments with subscribers for installation of service.
B. Grantee shall render efficient service, make repairs promptly, and interrupt service
only for good cause and for the shortest time possible. Scheduled interruptions, insofar as
possible, shall be preceded by notice and shall occur during a period of minimum use of the
cable system, preferably between midnight and six A.M. (6:00 A.M.).
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C. The Grantee shall maintain a repair force of technicians normally capable of
responding to subscriber requests for service within the following time frames:
(1) For a system outage: Within two (2) hours, including weekends, of
receiving subscriber calls or requests for service which by number identify a system outage of
sound or picture of one (1) or more channels, affecting at least ten percent (10%) of the
subscribers of the system.
(2) For an isolated outage: Within twenty-four (24) hours, including
weekends, of receiving requests for service identifying an isolated outage of sound or picture for
one (1) or more channels that affects three (3) or more subscribers. On weekends, an outage
affecting fewer than three (3) subscribers shall result in a service call no later than the following
Monday morning.
(3) For inferior signal quality: Within forty-eight (48) hours, including
weekends, of receiving a request for service identifying a problem concerning picture or sound
quality.
Grantee shall be deemed to have responded to a request for service under the provisions
of this Section when a technician arrives at the service location and begins work on the problem.
In the case of a subscriber not being home when the technician arrives, the technician shall leave
written notification of arrival. Three (3) successive subscriber failures to be present at an
appointed time shall excuse Grantee of the duty to respond.
Grantee shall not charge for the repair or replacement" of defective equipment provided
by Grantee to subscribers, except when the damage resulted from the subscriber's wilful or
deliberate act.
D. Unless excused, Grantee shall determine the nature of the problem within forty-
eight (48) hours of beginning work and resolve all cable system related problems within five (5)
business days unless technically infeasible.
E. Upon request, Grantee shall provide appropriate credits to subscribers whose
service has been materially interrupted due to cable system problems.
F. Upon five (5) days notice, Grantee shall establish its compliance, on an average
monthly basis, with any or all of the standards required above. Grantee shall provide sufficient
documentation to permit Grantor to verify the compliance.
G. A repeated and verifiable pattern of non-compliance with the consumer protection
standards of A.-F. above, after Grantee's receipt of due notice and an opportunity to cure, may
be deemed a material breach of the franchise agreement.
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H. Grantee shall establish written procedures for receiving, acting upon and resolving
subscriber complaints without intervention by the Grantor. The written procedures shall
prescribe the manner in which a subscriber may submit a complaint either orally or in writing
specifying the subscriber's grounds for dissatisfaction. Grantee shall file a copy of these
procedures with Grantor.
1. Following prior written notice to Grantee, Grantor shall have the right to review
Grantee's response to subscriber complaints in order to determine Grantee's compliance with the
franchise requirements, subjectto the subscriber's right to privacy.
J. It shall be the right of all subscribers to continue receiving service insofar as their
financial and other obligations to the Grantee are honored. In the event that the Grantee elects
to rebuild, modify, or sell the system, or the Grantor gives notice of intent to terminate or not
to renew the franchise, the Grantee shall act so as to ensure that all subscribers receive service
so long as the franchise remains in force.
In the event of a change of control of Grantee, or in the event a new operator acquires
the system, the original Grantee shall cooperate in all reasonable respects with the Grantor, new
Grantee or operator in maintaining continuity of service to all subscribers. During such period,
Grantee shall be entitled to the revenues for any period during which it operates the system.
K. In the event Grantee fails to operate the system for seven (7) consecutive days
without prior approval or subsequent excuse of the Grantor, the Grantor may, at its sole option,
operate the system or designate an operator until such time as Grantee restores service under
conditions acceptable to the Grantor or a permanent operator is selected. If the Grantor should
fulfill this obligation for the Grantee, then during such period as the Grantor fulfills such
obligation, the Grantor shall be entitled to collect all revenues from the system, and the Grantee
shall indemnify the Grantor against any damages Grantor may suffer as a result of such failure.
L. All officers, agents or employees of Grantee who, in the normal course of work
require entry onto subscribers' premises shall carry a photo-identification card in a form
approved by Grantor. Grantee shall account for all identification cards at all times. Every
vehicle of the Grantee utilized for field maintenance shall be clearly identified.
Section 5-2.17 Additional Service Standards
Additional service standards and standards governing consumer protection and response
by Grantee to subscriber complaints not otherwise provided for in this Chapter may be
established in the franchise agreement, and Grantee shall comply with such standards in the
operations of the cable television system. A verified and continuing pattern of noncompliance
may be deemed a material breach of the franchise, provided that Grantee shall receive due pro-
cess, including written notification, an opportunity to be heard and an opportunity to cure, prior
to any sanction being imposed.
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Section 5-2.18 Franchise Fee
A. Following the issuance and acceptance of the franchise, the Grantee shall pay to
the Grantor a franchise fee in the amount set forth in the franchise agreement.
B. The Grantor, on an annual basis, shall be furnished a statement within sixty (60)
days of the close of the calendar year, either audited and certified by an independent Certified
Public Accountant or certified by an officer of the Grantee, reflecting the total amounts of gross
receipts and all franchise fee payments, deductions and computations for the period covered by
the payment. Upon thirty (30) days prior written notice, Grantor shall have the right to conduct
an independent audit of Grantee's records for the preceding three (3) calendar years, in
accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, and if such audit indicates a franchise
fee underpayment of two .percent (2 %) or more, the Grantee shall assume all reasonable costs
of such an audit and the audit may be extended to include the preceding five (5) year period.
C. Except as otherwise provided by law, no acceptance of any payment by the
Grantor shall be construed as a release or as an accord and satisfaction of any claim the Grantor
may have for further or additional sums payable as a franchise fee under this Ordinance or for
the performance of any other obligation of the Grantee.
D. In the event that any franchise payment or recomputed amount is not made on or
before the dates specified in the franchise agreement, Grantee shall pay as additional
compensation:
(1) An interest charge, computed from such due date, at an annual rate equal
to the prime lending rate published in the Wall Street Journal on the due date plus one percent
(1 %) during the period for which payment was due; and
(2) If the payment is late by forty-five (45) days or more, a sum of money
equal to five percent (5 %) of the amount due in order to defray those additional expenses and
costs incurred by the Grantor by reason of delinquent payment.
E. Franchise fee payments shall be made in accordance with the schedule indicated
in . the franchise agreement.
Section 5-2.19 Security Fund
A. Grantor may require Grantee to provide a security fund, in an amount and form
established in the franchise agreement. The amount of the security fund shall be established
based on the extent of the Grantee's obligations under the terms of the franchise.
B. The security fund shall be available to Grantor as provided in Section 5-2.34 to
satisfy all claims, liens and/or' taxes due Grantor from -Grantee which arise by reason of
construction, operation, or maintenance of the system, and to satisfy any actual or liquidated
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damages arising out of a franchise breach, subject to the procedures and amounts designated in
the franchise agreement.
C. If the security fund is drawn upon by Grantor in accordance with the procedures
established in this Ordinance and the franchise agreement, Grantee shall cause the security fund
to be replenished to the original amount no later than thirty (30) days after each withdrawal by
Grantor. Failure to replenish the security fund shall be deemed a material breach of the
franchise.
Section 5-2.20 Design and Construction Requirements
A. Grantee shall not construct any cable system facilities until Grantee has secured
the necessary permits from Grantor, or other cognizant public agencies.
B. In those areas of the City where transmission lines or distribution facilities of the
public utilities providing telephone and electric power service are underground, the Grantee
likewise shall construct, operate and maintain its transmission and distribution facilities therein
underground.
C. In those areas of the City where the Grantee's cables are located on the above-
ground transmission or distribution facilities of the public utility providing telephone or electric
power service, and in the event that the facilities of both such public utilities subsequently are
placed underground at full cost to such public utilities, then the Grantee likewise shall
reconstruct, operate and maintain its transmission and distribution facilities underground, at
Grantee's cost. Certain of Grantee's equipment, such as pedestals, amplifiers and power
supplies, which normally are placed above ground, may continue to remain in above-ground
enclosures, unless otherwise provided in the franchise agreement.
D. Any changes in or extensions of any poles, anchors, wires, cables, conduits,
vaults, laterals or other fixtures and ,equipment (herein referred to as "structures"), or the
construction of any additional structures, in, upon, along, across, under or over the streets,
alleys and public ways shall be made under the direction of Grantor's City Engineer or a
designee, who shall, if the proposed change, extension or construction conforms to the provisions
hereof, issue written permits therefor. The height above public thoroughfares of all aerial wires
shall conform to the requirements of the California Public Utilities Commission or other
regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof.
(1) All transmission and distribution structures, lines and equipment erected
by the Grantee shall be located so as not to interfere with the proper use of streets, alleys and
other public ways and places, and to cause minimum interference with the rights or reasonable
convenience of property owners who adjoin any of the said streets, alleys or other public ways
and places, and not to interfere with existing public utility installations.
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(2) In the event that any property or improvement of the Grantor in the public
rights-of-way is disturbed or damaged by the Grantee or any of its contractors, agents or
employees in connection with undertaking any and all work pursuant to the right granted to the
Grantee pursuant to this Chapter, the Grantee shall promptly, at the Grantee's sole cost and
expense, restore as nearly as practicable to their former condition said property or improvement
which was so disturbed or damaged, and in the event that any such property or improvement
shal~ at any later time become uneven, unsettled or otherwise require restoration, repair or
replacement because of such disturbance or damage by the Grantee, then the Grantee, as soon
as reasonably possible, shall, promptly upon receipt of notice from the Grantor and at the
Grantee's sole cost and expense, restore as nearly as practicable to their former condition said
property or improvement which was disturbed or damaged. Any such restoration by the Grantee
shall be made in accordance with such materials and specifications as may, from time to time,
be then provided for by Grantor Ordinance.
(3) Prior to commencing any work in the public rights-of-way, the Grantee
shall obtain any and all permits lawfully required by such Grantor codes and ordinances of
general application for such work. In the event that emergency work may be required by the
Grantee, however, the Grantee shall obtain any and all such permits within three (3) working
days after the beginning of such emergency work.
(4) There shall be no unreasonable or unnecessary obstruction of the public
rights-of-way by the Grantee in connection with any of the work herein provided for, and the
Grantee shall maintain such barriers, signs and warning signals during any such work performed
on or about the public rights-of-way or adjacent thereto as may be necessary to reasonably ~void
injury or damage to life and property.
(5) If at any time during the period of this franchise the Grantor shall lawfully
elect to alter or change the grade or location of any street, alley or other public rights-of-way,
the Grantee shall, upon reasonable notice by the Grantor, remove, relay and relocate its poles,
wires, cables, underground conduits, manholes and other fixtures at it own expense, and in each
instance comply with the requirements of the Grantor; provided, that Grantee shall have no such
obligation if other public utilities occupying the same public rights-of-way are not also required
to remove, relay or relocate their poles, wires, cables, underground conduits, manholes and
other fixtures at their own expense.
(6) The Grantee shall not place poles, conduits or other fixtures above or
below ground where the same will interfere with any gas, electric, telephone fixtures, water
hydrants or other utility, and all such poles, conduits or other fixtures placed in any street shall
be so placed as to comply with all Ordinances of the Grantor.
(7) The Grantee may be required by the Grantor to permit joint use of its
utility poles and appurtenances located in the streets, alleys or other public rights-of-way, by
utilities insofar as such joint use may be reasonably practicable and upon payment of reasonable
rental tl1erefor; provided that in the absence of agreement regarding such joint use, the City
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Council shall provide for arbitration of the terms. and conditions of such joint use and the
compensation to be paid therefrom, which award shall be fInal.
(8) The Grantee shall, on request of any person holding a moving permit
issued by the Grantor, temporarily move its wires or fIxtures to permit the moving of buildings,
the expense of such temporary removal to be paid by the person requesting the same, and the
Grantee shall be given not less than forty-eight (48) hours' advance notice to arrange for such
temporary changes.
(9) The Grantee shall have the authority, except when in conflict with existing
Grantor Ordinances, to trim any trees upon and overhanging the streets, alleys, sidewalks and
public places so as to prevent the branches of such trees from coming in contact with the wires
and cables of the Grantee, except that at the option of the Grantor, such trimming may be done
by it, or under its supervision and direction, at the expense of the Grantee.
E. In the event of multiple franchisees desiring to serve new residential developments
in which the electric power and telephone utilities are underground, the following procedure shall
apply with respect to access to and utilization of underground easements.
(1) The developer shall be responsible for contacting and surveying all
franchised cable operators to ascertain which operators desire to provide cable television service
to that development. The developer may establish a reasonable deadline to receive cable
operator responses. The fInal development map shall indicate the cable operators that have
agreed to serve the development.
(2) If one (1) or two (2) cable operators wish to provide service, they shall be
accommodated in the joint utilities trench on a nondiscriminatory shared cost basis. If fewer
than two (2) operators indicate interest, the developer shall provide conduit to accommodate two
(2) sets of cable television cables and d~icate to the City any initially unoccupied conduit. The
developer shall be entitled to recover the costs of such initially unoccupied conduit in the event
that Grantor subsequently leases or sells occupancy or use rights to any Grantee.
(3) The developer shall provide at least ten (10) working days' notice of the
date that utility trenches will be open to the cable operators that have agreed to serve the
development. When the trenches are open, cable operators shall have two (2) working days to.
begin the installation of their cables, and fIve (5) working days after beginning installation to
complete installation.
(4) The fInal development map shall not be approved until the developer
submits evidence that:
(a) It has notifIed each Grantee that underground utility trenches are
to be open as of an estimated date, and that each Grantee will be allowed access to such
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trenches, including trenches from proposed streets to individual homes or home sites, on
specified nondiscriminatory terms and conditions; and
(b) It has received a written notification from each Grantee that the
Grantee intends to install its facilities during the open trench period on the specified terms and
conditions, or such other terms and conditions as are mutually agreeable to the developer and
the Grantee, or has received no reply from a Grantee within ten (10) days after its notification
to such Grantee, in which case' the Grantee will be deemed to have waived its opportunity to
install its facilities during the open trench period.
(5) Sharing the joint utilities trench shall be subject to compliance with State
regulatory agency and utility standards. If such compliance is not possible, the developer shall
provide a separate trench for the cable television cables, with the entire cost shared among the
participating operators. With the concurrence of the developer, the affected utilities and the
cable operators, alternative installation procedures, such as the use of deeper trenches, may be
utilized, subject to applicable law.
(6) Any cable operator wishing to serve an area where the trenches have been
closed shall be responsible for its own trenching and associated costs.
(7) In the event that more than one (1) franchise is awarded, the City reserves
the right to limit the number of drop cables per residence, or to require that the drop cable(s)
be utilized only by the cable operator selected by the resident to provide service.
(8) The City reserves the right to grant an encroachment permit to a cable
franchisee applicant to install conduit and/or cable in anticipation of the granting of a franchise.
Such installations shall be at the applicant's risk, with no recourse against the City in the event
the pending franchise application is not granted. The City may require an applicant to provide
a separate trench for its conduit and/or cable, at the applicant's cost. The construction of such
separate trench, if provided, shall be coordinated with, and subject to, the developer's overall
construction schedule.
Section 5-2.21 Technical Standards
A. The Grantee shall construct, install, operate and maintain its system in a manner
consistent with all applicable laws, ordinances, construction standards, governmental require-
ments, FCC technical standards, and any detailed standards set forth in its franchise agreement.
In addition the Grantee shall provide to the Grantor, upon request, a written report of the results
of the Grantee's periodic proof of performance tests conducted pursuant to FCC and franchise
standards and guidelines.
B. Repeated and verified failure to maintain specified technical standards shall
constitute a material breach of the franchise.
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Section 5-2.22 Hold Hannless
Grantee shall indemnify, defend and hold Grantor~ its officers, agents and employees
harmless from any liability, claims, damages, costs or expenses, to the extent provided in the
franchise agreement.
Section 5-2.23 Insurance
A. On or before. commencement of franchise operations, the Grantee shall obtain
policies of liability, Workers' Compensation and property insurance from appropriately qualified
insurance companies.
B. The policy of liability insurance shall:
(1) Be issued to Grantee and name Grantor, its officers, agents and employees
as additional insureds;
(2) Indemnify for all liability for personal and bodily injury, death and damage
to property arising from activities conducted and premises used pursuant to this Chapter by
providing coverage therefor, including but not limited to:
- Negligent acts or omissions of Grantee, and its agents, servants and
employees, committed in the conduct of franchise operations, and/or
- Use of motor vehicles;
(3) Provide a combined single limit for comprehensive general liability and
comprehensive automobile liability insurance in the amount provided for in the franchise
agreement. Such insurance policy shall be subject to review and approval by Grantor's legal
counsel; and
(4) Be noncancellable and non modifiable without thirty (30) days' prior written
notice thereof directed to Grantor.
C. The policy of Workers' Compensation Insurance shall comply with the laws of the
State of California.
D. The policy of property insurance shall provide fire insurance with extended
coverage on the franchise property used by Grantee in. the conduct of franchise operations in an
amount adequate to enable Grantee to resume franchise operations following the occurrence of
any risk covered by this insurance.
E. Grantee shall file with Grantor, by the deadline provided in the franchise
agreement, a certificate of insurance for each of the required policies executed by the company
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,
issuing the policy or by a broker authorized to issue such a certificate, certifying that the policy
is in force and providing the following information with respect to said policy:
(1) The policy number;
(2) The date upon which the policy will become effective and the date upon
which it will expire;
(3) The names of the named insureds and any additional insured required by
the franchise agreement;
(4) The subject of the insurance;
(5) The type of coverage provided by the insurance; and
(6) The amount or limit of coverage provided by the insurance.
.. If the certificate of insurance does not provide all of the above information, Grantor
reserves the right to inspect the relevant insurance policies.
F. In the event Grantee fails to maintain any of the above-described policies in full
force and effect, G~tor shall, upon forty-eight (48) hours' notice to Grantee, have the right to
procure the required insurance and recover the cost thereof from Grantee. Grantor shall also
have the right to suspend the franchise during any period that Grantee fails to maintain said
policies in full force and effect.
Section 5-2.24 Records Required and Grantor's Right to Inspect
A. Grantee shall at all times maintain:
(1) A record of all service calls and interruptions or degradation of service
experienced for the preceding two (2) years, provided that such complaints result in or require
a service call, subject to the subscriber's right of privacy.
(2) A full and complete set of plans, records and "as-built" maps showing the
locations of the cable television system installed or in use in the City, exclusive of subscriber
service drops and equipment provided in subscriber's homes.
(3) If requested by Grantor, a summary of service calls, identifying the
number, general nature and disposition of such calls, on a monthly basis. A summary of such
service calls shall be submitted to the Grantor within thirty (30) days following any Grantor
request, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Grantor.
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B. The Grantor may impose reasonable requests for additional information, records
and documents from time to time, provided they reasonably relate to the scope of the City's
rights under this Chapter or the Grantee's franchise agreement.
C. Upon reasonable notice, and during normal business hours, Grantee shall permit
examination by any duly authorized representative of the Grantor of all franchise property and
facilities, together with any appurtenant property and facilities of Grantee situated within or
without the City, and all records relating to the franchise, provided they are necessary to enable
the Grantor to carry out its regulatory responsibilities under this Chapter or the franchise
agreement. Grantee shall have the right to be present at any such examination.
Section 5-2.25 Annual Reports
Within ninety (90) days after the end of the calendar year, if requested by Grantor,
Grantee shall submit a written annual report to Grantor with respect to the preceding calendar
year in a form approved by Grantor, including, but not limited to, the following information:
A. A summary of the previous year's (or in the case of the initial reporting year, the
initial year's) activities in development of the cable system, including, but not limited to,
services begun or discontinued during the reporting year;
B. A list of Grantee's officers, members of its board of directors, and other principals
of Grantee;
C. A list of stockholders or other equity investors holding five percent (5 %) or more
of the voting interest in Grantee;
D. An indication of any residences in Grantee's service area where service is not
available, and a schedule for providing service;
E. Information as to the number of homes passed, subscribers, additional television
outlets, and the number of basic and pay subscribers;.
F. Information as to the degree of compliance with the provisions contained in
Section 5-2.43 herein and all steps required by this Chapter and applicable law have been taken
to assure that the privacy rights 'of individuals have been protected; and
G. Any other information relevant to franchise regulation which the Grantor shall
reasonably request, and which is relevant to its regulatory responsibilities.
Section 5-2.26 Copies of Federal and State Communications
Upon request, Grantee shall submit to Grantor copies of all pleadings, applications and
reports submitted by Grantee to, as well as copies of all decisions, correspondence and actions
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by, any Federal, State or local court, regulatory agency, or other governmental body which are
non-routine in nature and which will materially affect its cable television operations within the
franchise area.
Section 5-2.27 Public Reports
If Grantee is publicly held, a copy of each Grantee's annual and other periodic reports
and those of its parent, shall be submitted to Grantor within forty-five (45) days of its issuance.
Section 5-2.28 Opinion Survey
Upon request of the Grantor, but not more than once annually, the Grantee shall conduct
a subscriber satisfaction survey pertaining to quality of service, which may be in a postcard
format that can be transmitted to subscribers in Grantee's invoice for cable services. The results
of such survey shall be provided to the Grantor on a timely basis. The cost of such survey shall
be borne by the Grantee.
Section 5-2.29 Reports - General
A. All reports required under this Chapter, except those required to be kept confiden-
tial, as provided in Subsection E. below, shall be available for public inspection in the Grantor's
offices.durlng normal business hours.
B. All reports and records required under this Chapter shall be furnished at the sole
expense of Grantee, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter or the franchise agreement.
C. The willful refusal, failure, or neglect of Grantee to file any of the reports
required as and when due under this Chapter, may be deemed a material breach of the franchise
agreement if such reports are not provided to Grantor within thirty (30) days after written request
therefor, and may subject the Grantee to all remedies, legal or equitable, which are available to
Grantor under the franchise or otherwise.
D. Any materially false or misleading statement or representation made knowingly
and willfully by the Grantee in any report required under this Chapter or under the franchise
agreement may be deemed a material breach of the franchise and may subject Grantee to all
remedies, legal or equitable, which are available to Grantor under the franchise or otherwise.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 5-2.24, 5-2.25 and 5-2.26, Grantee
shall have no obligation to provide copies of documents or information to Grantor which contain
trade secrets of Grantee or which are otherwise of a confidential or proprietary nature to Grantee
unless it receives satisfactory assurances from Grantor that such documents or information can
and will be held in strictest confidence by the Grantor and not made available for public
inspection. To the extent possible, Grantee will provide Grantor with summaries of any required
documents or information or copies thereof with trade secrets and proprietary matters deleted
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therefrom'. The burden of proof shall be on Grantee to establish the confidential nature of any
information submitted, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Grantor.
Section 5-2.30 Annual Review of System Performance
Each year throughout the term of the franchise, if requested by the City Council, Grantor
and Grantee shall meet publicly to review system performance and quality of service.
The various reportS required pursuant to this Chapter, results of technical performance
tests, the record of subscriber complaints and Grantee's response to complaints, and the
information acquired in any subscriber surveys, shall be utilized as the basis for review. In
addition, any subscriber may submit comments or complaints during the review meetings, either
orally or in writing, and these shall be considered. Within thirty (30) days after the conclusion
of a system performance review meeting, Grantor may issue findings with respect to the cable
system's franchise compliance and quality of service.
If Grantor determines that Grantee is not in compliance with the requirements of this
Chapter or the Grantee's franchise, Grantor may direct Grantee to correct the areas of
noncompliance within a reasonable period of time. Failure of Grantee, after due notice, to
correct the areas of noncompliance within the period specified therefor or to commence
compliance within such period and diligently achieve compliance thereafter, shall be considered
a material breach of the franchise, and Grantor may exercise any remedy within the scope of this
Chapter and the franchise agreement considered appropriate.
Section 5-2.31 Special Review of System Performance
When there have been complaints made or where there exists other evidence which, in
the judgment of the Grantor, casts reasonable doubt on the reliability or. quality of cable service
to the effect that the Grantee is not in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter or its
franchise, the Grantor shall have .the right to compel the Grantee to test, analyze and report on
the performance of the system in order to determine whether the Grantee is in compliance with
the terms of this chapter and the franchise agreement. Grantor may not compel Grantee to
provide such tests or reports unless and until Grantor has provided Grantee with at least thirty
(30) days' notice of its intention to exercise its rights under this Section and has provided
Grantee with an opportunity to be heard prior to its exercise of such rights. Such test or tests
shall be made and the report shall be delivered to the Grantor no later than thirty (30) days after
the Grantor notifies the Grantee that it is exercising such right, and shall be made at Grantee's
sole cost. Such report shall include the following information: The perceived problem areas that
initiated the special review, the tests performed, what system components were tested, the
equipment used and procedures employed in said testing and the results of such tests. Any other
information pertinent to the special tests shall be recorded.
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Section 5-2.32 Special State-of-the-Art and Services Evaluation Sessions
The Grantor may hold special state-of-the-art and services evaluation sessions at any time
during the term of a franchise, provided such sessions are held no more often than once every
four (4) years. The intent of this review shall be to review the quantity of services offered to
the public, compared to the services available in cOmparable communities. The Grantee shall
be notified of the place, time and date thereof and the topics to be discussed. Such sessions may
be open to the public and advertised in a newspaper of general circulation at least thirty (30)
days before each session. The sessions may include an evaluation of any items considered
relevant to the stated intent of this evaluation. Either the Grantor or the Grantee may propose
items for discussion or evaluation. By agreement between the Grantor and the Grantee, this
evaluation may be combined with the performance review provided in Section 5-2.30.
Section 5-2.33 Remedies for Franchise Violations
If Grantee fails to perform in a timely manner any material obligation required by this
Chapter or a franchise granted hereunder, following notice from the Grantor, an opportunity for
Grantee to be heard, and an opportunity to cure such nonperformance in accordance with the
provisions of Section 5-2.34 of this Chapter and the franchise, Grantor, by resolution of the City
Council, may at its option and in its sole discretion:
A. Cure the violation and recover the actual cost thereof from the security fund
established herein if such violation is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice to the
Grantee of Grantor's intention to cure and draw upon the security fund;
B. Assess against Grantee liquidated damages in an amount set forth in the franchise
agreement for any such violations(s) if such violation is not cured, or if Grantee has not
commenced a cure, on a schedule acceptable to Grantor, within thirty (30) days after written
notice to the Grantee of Grantor's intention to assess liquidated damages. Such assessment may
be withdrawn from the security fund, and shall not constitute a waiver by Grantor of any other
right or remedy it may have under the franchise or applicable law, including without limitation,
its right to recover from Grantee such additional damages, losses, costs and expenses, including
actual attorney's fees, as may have been suffered or incurred by Grantor by reason of or arising
out of such breach of the franchise; and
C. Exercise its right to revoke the franchise as provided in Section 5-2.35 of this
Chapter.
Section 5-2.34 Procedure for Remedying Franchise Violations
Prior to imposing any remedy or other sanction against Grantee specified in this Chapter,
Grantor shall give Grantee notice and opportunity to be heard on the matter, in accordance with
the following procedures:
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A. Grantor shall fIrst notify Grantee of the violation in writing by personal delivery or
registered or certifIed mail, and demand correction within a reasonable time, which shall not be
less than fIve (5) days in the case of the failure of the Grantee to pay any sum or other amount
due the Grantor under this Chapter or the Grantee's franchise and thirty (30) days in all other
cases. If Grantee fails to correct the violation within the time prescribed or if Grantee fails to
commence correction of the violation within the time prescribed and diligently remedy such
violation thereafter, the Grantor shall then give written notice of not less than twenty (20) days
of a public hearing to be held before the Council. Said notice shall specify the violations alleged
to have occurred.
B. At the public hearing, the Council shall hear and consider all relevant evidence,
and thereafter render fIndings and its decision.
C. In the event the Council fInds that the Grantee has corrected the violation or has
diligently commenced correction of such violation after notice thereof from Grantor and is
diligently proceeding to fully remedy such violation, or that no material violation has occurred,
the proceedings shall terminate and no penalty or other sanction shall be imposed.
D. In the event the Council fInds that the material violations alleged in the notice to
Grantee exist and that Grantee has not corrected the same in a satisfactory manner or has not
diligently commenced correction of such violation after notice thereof from Grantor and is not
diligently proceeding to fully remedy such violation, the Council may impose one (1) or more
of the remedies provided in this Ordinance and the franchise agreement as it, in its discretion,
deems appropriate under the circumstances.
Section 5-2.35 Grantor's Power to Revoke
Subject to limitations imposed by applicable Federal or State law, Grantor reserves the
right to revoke any franchise granted pursuant to "this Chapter and rescind all rights and
privileges associated with it in the following circumstances, each of which shall represent a
default by Grantee and a material breach under the franchise grant:
A. If Grantee shall default in the performance of its material obligations under this
Chapter or the franchise agreement and shall continue such default after receipt of due notice and
reasonable opportunity to cure the default;
B. If Grantee shall fail to provide or maintain in full force and effect the insurance
coverage or security fund as required in the franchise agreement;
C. If Grantee shall violate any order or ruling of any regulatory body having
jurisdiction over the Grantee relative to the Grantee's franchise, unless such order or ruling is
being contested by Grantee by appropriate proceedings conducted in good faith;
D. If Grantee practices any material fraud or deceit upon Grantor;
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E. Except as provided in Section 5-2.40 herein, if Grantee becomes insolvent, unable
or unwilling to pay its debts, or is adjudged a bankrupt.
The termination and forfeiture of the Grantee's franchise shall in no way affect any right
of Grantor to pursue any remedy under the franchise or any provision of law.
Section 5-2.36 Force Ma1eure: Grantee's Inability to Perform
In the event Grantee's performance of any of the terms, conditions or obligations required
by this Chapter or a franchise granted hereunder is prevented by a cause or event not within
Grantee's control, such inability to perform shall be deemed excused and no penalties or
sanctions shall be imposed as a result thereof. For the purpose of this Seetion,causes or events
not within the control of Grantee shall include without limitation acts of God, strikes, sabotage,
riots or civil disturbances, weather conditions, restraints imposed by order of a governmental
agency or court, explosions, safety incidents involving nuclear facilities, acts of public enemies,
and natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides and fIres, but shall not include
fInancial inability of the Grantee to perform or failure of the Grantee to obtain any necessary
permits or licenses from other governmental agencies or the right to use the facilities of any
public utility where such failure is due solely to the acts or omissions of Grantee, or the failure
of the Grantee to secure supplies, services or equipment necessary for the installation, operation,
maintenance or repair of the cable communications system where the Grantee has failed to
exercise reasonable diligence to secure such supplies, services or equipment.
Section 5-2.37 Abandonment or Removal of Franchise Property
A. In the event that the use of any property of Grantee within the public rights-of-way
is discontinued for a continuous period of twelve (12) months, Grantee shall be deemed to have
abandoned that franchise property. Any part of the cable system that is intended for use only
when needed because it is parallel or redundant to other parts the system, or otherwise, shall not
be deemed to have been abandoned because of its lack of use.
B. Grantor, upon such terms as Grantor may impose, may give Grantee permission
to abandon, without removing, any system facility or equipment laid, directly constructed,
operated or maintained under the franchise. Unless such permission is granted or unless
otherwise provided in this Chapter, the Grantee shall remove all abandoned above-ground
facilities and equipment upon receipt of written notice from Grantor and shall restore any
affected street to its former state at the time such facilities and equipment were installed, so as
not to impair its usefulness. In removing its plant, structures and equipment, Grantee shall refill,
at its own expense, any excavation that shall be made by it and shall leave all public ways and
places in as good condition as that prevailing prior to such removal without materially interfering
with any electrical or telephone cable or other utility wires, poles, or attachments. Grantor shall
have the right to inspect and approve the condition of the pubic ways, public places, cables,
wires, attachments and poles prior to and after removal. The liability, indemnity and insurance
provisions of this Chapter and the security fund as provided herein shall continue in full force
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and effect during the period of removal and until full compliance by Grantee with the terms and
conditions of this Section.
C. Upon abandonment of any franchise property in place, the Grantee, if required
by the Grantor, shall submit to the Grantor an instrument, satisfactory in form to the Grantor,
transferring to the Grantor the ownership of the franchise property abandoned.
.
D. At the expiration of the term for which the franchise is granted, or upon its
revocation or earlier expiration, as provided herein, in any such case without renewal, extension
or transfer, the Grantor shall have the right to require Grantee to remove, at its own expense,
all above-ground portions of the cable television system from all streets and public ways within
the City within a reasonable period of time, which shall not be less -than one hundred eighty
(180) days.
E. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Chapter, the Grantee
may abandon any underground franchise property in place so long as it does not materially
interfere with the use of the street or public rights-of-way in which such property is located or
with the use thereof by any public utility or other cable Grantee.
Section 5-2.38 Restoration by Grantor: Reimbursement of Costs
In the event of a failure by Grantee to complete any restoration work required herein or
by any other law or ordinance, and if such work is not completed within thirty (30) days after
receipt of written notice thereof from Grantor or, if more than thirty (30) days are reasonably
required therefor, if Grantee does not commence such work within such thirty (30) days period
and diligently complete the work thereafter (except in cases of emergency constituting a threat
to public health, safety or welfare), Grantor may cause such work to be done and Grantee shall
reimburse Grantor the costs thereof within thirty (30) days after receipt of an itemized list of
such costs, or Grantor may recover such costs through the security fund provided by Grantee.
Section 5-2.39 Extended Operation and Continuity of Services.
Upon expiration or revocation of the franchise, the Grantor shall have the discretion to
permit Grantee to continue to operate the cable television system for an extended period of time.
Grantee shall continue to operate the system for a reasonable period of tine under the terms and
conditions of this Chapter and the franchise and to provide the regular subscriber service and any
and all of the services that may be provided at that time. It shall be the right of all subscribers
to continue to receive all available services provided that financial and other obligations to
Grantee are honored. The Grantee shall use reasonable efforts to provide continuous,
uninterrupted service to its subscribers, including operation of the system during transition
periods for a reasonable period of time following franchise expiration or termination.
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Section 5-2.40 Receivership and Foreclosure
A. A franchise granted hereunder shall, at the option of Grantor, cease and terminate
one hundred twenty (120) days after appointment of a receiver or receivers, or trustee or
trustees, to take over and conduct the business of Grantee, whether in a receivership,
reorganization bankruptcy or other action or proceeding, unless such receivership or trusteeship
shall have been vacated prior to the expiration of said one hundred twenty (120) days, or unless:
(1) such receivers or trustees shall have, within one hundred twenty (120) days after their
election or appointment, fully complied with all the terms and provisions of this Chapter and the
franchise granted pursuant hereto, and the receivership or trustees within said one hundred
twenty (120) days shall have remedied all defaults under the franchise or provided a plan for the
remedy of such defaults which is satisfactory to the Grantor; and (2) such receivers or trustees
shall, within said one hundred twenty (120) days, execute an agreement duly approved by the
court having jurisdiction in the premises whereby such receivers or trustees assume and agree
to be bound by each and every term, provision and limitation of the franchise granted.
B. Except as provided in Section 5-2.8 E. herein, in the case of a foreclosure or other
judicial sale of the franchise property, or any material part thereof, Grantor may serve notice
of termination upon Grantee and the successful bidder at such sale, in which event the franchise
granted and all rights and privileges of the Grantee hereunder shall cease and terminate thirty
(30)" days after service of such notice, unless: (1) Grantor shall have approved the transfer of
the franchise, as and in the manner that this Chapter provides; and (2) such successful bidder
shall have covenanted and agreed with Grantor to assume and be bound by all terms and
conditions of the franchise.
Section 5-2.41 Rights Reserved to Grantor
A. In addition to any rights specifically reserved to the Grantor by this Chapter, the
Grantor reserves to itself every right and power which is required to be reserved by a provision
of any Ordinance or under the franchise.
B. The Grantor shall have the right to waive any provision of the franchise, except
those required by Federal or State regulation, if the Grantor determines (1) that it is in the public
interest to do so, and (2) that the enforcement of such provision will impose an undue hardship
on the Grantee or the subscribers. To be effective, such waiver shall be evidenced by a
statement in writing signed by a duly authorized representative of the Grantor. Waiver of any.,
provision in one (1) instance shall not be deemed a waiver of such provision subsequent to such
instance nor be deemed a waiver of any other provision of the franchise unless the statement so
recites.
Section 5-2.42 Rights of Individuals
A. Grantee shall not deny service, deny access, or otherwise discriminate against
subscribers, channel users, or general citizens on $e basis of race, color, religion, national
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origin, age or sex. Grantee shall comply at all times with all other applicable Federal, State and
local laws and regulations relating to nondiscrimination.
B. Grantee shall adhere to the applicable equal employment opportunity requirements
of Federal, State and local regulations, as now written or as amended from time to time.
C. Neither Grantee, nor any person, agency, or entity shall, without the subscriber's
consent, tap, or arrange for the tapping, of any cable, line, signal input device, or subscriber
outlet or receiver for any purpose except routine maintenance of the system, detection of
unauthorized service, polling with audience participation, or audience viewing surveys to support
advertising research regarding viewers where individual viewing behavior cannot be identified.
D. In the conduct of providing its services or in pursuit of any collateral commercial
enterprise resulting therefrom, Grantee shall take reasonable steps to prevent the invasion of a
subscriber's or general citizen's right of privacy or other personal rights through the use of the
system as such rights are delineated or defined by applicable law. Grantee shall not without
lawful court order or other applicable valid legal authority utilize the system's interactive two-
way equipment or capability for unauthorized personal surveillance of any subscriber or .general
citizen for any purpose unrelated to the operation of the cable system.
E. No cable line, wire amplifier, converter, or other piece of equipment owned by
Grantee shall be installed by Grantee in the subscriber's premises, other than in appropriate
easements, without first securing any required consent. If a subscriber requests service,
permission to install upon subscriber's property shall be presumed.
F. The Grantee, or any of its agents or employees, shall not sell, or otherwise make
available to any party for any purpose other than the operation or transfer of the cable system
without consent of the subscriber pursuant to State and Federal privacy laws:
(1) Any list of the names and addresses of subscribers containing the names
and addresses of subscribers who request in writing to be removed from such list; and
(2) Any list which identifies the viewing habits of individual subscribers. This
does not prohibit the Grantee from providing composite ratings of subscriber viewing to any
party .
Section 5-2.43 Separability
If any provision of this Ordinance is held by any court or by any Federal or State !igency
of competent jurisdiction, to be invalid as conflicting with any Federal or State law, rule or
regulation now or hereafter in effect, or is held by such court or agency to be modified in any
way in order to conform to the requirements of any such law, rule or regulation, such provision
shall be copsidered a separate, distinct, and independent part of this Chapter, and such holding
shall not affect the validity and enforceability of all other provisions hereof. In the event that
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such law rule or regulation is subsequently repealed, rescinded, amended or otherwise changed,
so that the provision thereof which had been held invalid or modified is no longer in conflict
with such law, rule or regulation, said provision shall thereupon return to full force and effect
and shall thereafter be binding on Grantor and Grantee, provided that Grantor shall give Grantee
thirty (30) days' written notice of such change before requiring compliance with said provision
or such longer period of time as may be reasonably required for Grantee to comply with such
provision.
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