Title 13 - Streets and Sidewalks

13.50 Cable Services Code

Article II. Cable Services Franchise Requirements

13.50.110 Cable Franchise Requirements.

A.
Unlawful to Operate Without a Franchise. It shall be unlawful for any Person to construct, operate or maintain a Cable System or to provide Cable Service or other competing multichannel video services, including OVS, in the City without a Franchise authorizing the same, unless applicable federal or State law prohibits the City’s enforcement of such a requirement. Any such Person shall be subject to a fine of $500 per day. The payment of such fine notwithstanding, all such violators shall be subject to all other applicable provisions of this Code to the fullest extent allowed by law, including, but not limited to, the payment of a Cable Franchise Fee. This section shall not apply to a Cable Franchisee who has properly asserted its intent and is pursuing renewal of the Franchise pursuant to 47 USC § 546.
B.
Nature of Rights Granted by any Cable Franchise. Cable Franchises shall not convey title, equitable or legal, in the Rights-of-Way, and shall give only the right to occupy Rights-of-Way, for the purposes of providing Cable Services and as may be further limited by the Cable Franchise. No Franchise shall grant the right to use Facilities owned or controlled by the City or a third-party, without the consent of such party, nor shall a Franchise excuse Cable Franchisee from obtaining appropriate access or attachment agreements before locating its Facilities on the Facilities owned or controlled by the City or a third-party. To the extent not inconsistent with Code Section 13.50.110(e), all Franchises shall be deemed to incorporate and be limited by the provisions of this Code and shall create rights for the sole and exclusive use of Franchisee. Any Franchise or other authorization for Cable Services, in whatever form granted, shall not grant or include: (i) any other permit or authorization required for the privilege of transacting and carrying on a business within the City required by the ordinances and laws of the City, including the provision of communications services; (ii) any permit, agreement, or authorization required in connection with operations in the Rights-of-Way including, without limitation, permits and agreements for placing devices on or in poles, conduits, or other structures, whether owned by the City or a private entity, or for excavating or performing other work in or along the Rights-of-Way.
C.
Franchise Not Exclusive.
1. 1.
  Any Cable Franchise granted by the City 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, to any other Person including itself, as it deems appropriate, subject to this Code and applicable federal and state law.
2. 2.
  The terms and conditions of any Cable Franchises granted or renewed after the effective date of this Ordinance shall be, when taken as a whole, no less burdensome or more beneficial than any other Cable Franchises granted or renewed subject to this Ordinance, when taking into consideration, where reasonably warranted, the situation that existed at the time in which the earlier terms were adopted. Provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the use of identical terms or conditions, or limit the enforceability of conditions that are freely negotiated.
3. 3.
  
  Further provided, nothing in this subsection shall create any remedy other than that which is provided in subsection 13.50.110.C.4 below, nor shall it be deemed to create any cause of action or claim of breach for any party.
4. 4.
  
  Before granting an additional Cable Franchise, the City shall give written notice to every existing Cable Franchisee of any other proposal to service all or part of such existing Cable Franchisee's Franchise area, identifying the applicant for such additional franchise and specifying the date, time, and place at which the City shall consider and/or determine whether such additional Cable Franchise should be granted. In the event that an existing Cable Franchisee believes that the City has entered into an additional Cable Franchise with terms or provisions that are, taken as a whole, more favorable or less burdensome than the terms set forth in its Franchise, taking into consideration, where reasonably warranted, the situation that existed at the time in which the different provisions were adopted, the City shall, upon request by such existing Cable Franchisee, enter into good faith negotiations with the existing Cable Franchisee to modify the Cable Franchisee’s Franchise.
D.
Franchise Territory. Every Cable Franchise shall apply to the entire territorial area of the City, as it exists now or may later be configured.
E.
Federal, State, and City Jurisdiction.
1. 1.
  This Chapter and Code shall be construed in a manner consistent with all applicable federal and state laws.
2. 2.
  In the event that the federal or state government discontinues preemption in any area of cable communications over which it currently exercises jurisdiction in such manner as to expand rather than limit municipal regulatory authority, City may, if it so elects, adopt rules and regulations in these areas to the extent not inconsistent with applicable law and the reasonable exercise of the City's police powers.
3. 3.
  The provisions of this Chapter and Code shall apply to all Cable Franchises granted or renewed after or simultaneously with the effective date of this Ordinance. This Chapter and Code shall also apply to all existing Cable Franchises, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of any such Franchise or applicable law. A Cable Franchise, whether entered into before or after the enactment of this Code, (including all of Cable Franchisee's particular rights, powers, protections, privileges, immunities and obligations associated therewith as the same exist on the date hereof) shall constitute a legally binding contract between the City and Cable Franchisee, and as such, cannot be amended, modified or changed by the Grantor without the consent of Cable Franchisee in any manner whatsoever, whether by ordinance, rule, regulation or otherwise. In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of a Cable Franchise and the provisions of this Chapter or Code, and other generally applicable regulatory ordinances of the City, the specific terms of the Franchise shall control; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall preclude the City from the proper exercise of its police powers.
4. 4.
  In the event of a change in state or federal law which by its terms would require the City to amend this Chapter or Code, the parties shall modify the existing Cable Franchise in a mutually agreed upon manner.
F.
Initial Franchise Applications. Any Person desiring an initial Franchise for a Cable System shall file an application with the City. A nonrefundable Application Fee as may be hereinafter established by the City shall accompany the application, which shall not be considered or credited against the collection of applicable Cable Franchise Fees.
G.
Consideration of Initial Applications. Upon receipt of any application for an initial Franchise, the designated City official shall prepare a report and make his or her recommendations respecting such application to the City Council.
H.
Franchise Renewal. Cable Franchise Renewals shall be in accordance with applicable law including, but not necessarily limited to, the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended. The City and a Cable Franchisee, by mutual consent, may enter into Renewal negotiations at any time during the term of the Franchise.
I.
Grant of Additional Franchise and Competing Service. The City may issue, pursuant to K.S.A. 12-2007, a competing Cable Franchise in the City. The Governing Body of the City shall order publication of a notice in The Overland Park Sun of a hearing to afford the public in the Franchise Area, including other Rights-of-Way users, as well as the public at large, an opportunity to comment on the proposed Franchise Ordinance, a copy of which shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk. In considering whether to grant one or more additional Franchises, the City may consider the following issues:
1. 1.
  The positive and/or negative impact of an additional Cable Franchise on the community.
2. 2.
  The ability and willingness of the specific applicant in question to provide Cable Services to the entire Franchise Area which is served by the existing Cable Franchisee. The purpose of this subsection is to ensure that any competition which may occur among Cable Franchisees will be on terms which when taken as a whole do not give a competitive advantage to one Cable Franchisee over another.
3. 3.
  The amount of time it will take the applicant to complete construction of the proposed Cable System and activate Cable Service in the entire Franchise Area; and, whether the applicant can complete construction and activation of its Cable System in a timely manner.
4. 4.
  The financial capabilities of the applicant and its guaranteed commitment to make the necessary investment to erect, maintain, and operate the proposed Cable System for the duration of the Franchise term. In order to ensure that any prospective Cable Franchisee does have the requisite current financial capabilities, the City may request equity and debt financing commitment letters, current financial statements, bonds, letters of credit, or other documentation to demonstrate to the City's satisfaction that the requisite funds to construct and operate the proposed Cable System are available.
5. 5.
  The quality and technical reliability of the proposed Cable System, based upon the applicant's plan of construction and the method of distribution of signals, and the applicant's technical qualifications to construct and operate such Cable System.
6. 6.
  The experience of the applicant in the erection, maintenance, and operation of a Cable System.
7. 7.
  The capacity of the Rights-of-Way to accommodate one or more additional Cable Systems and the potential disruption of those Rights-of-Way and private property that may occur if one or more additional Franchises are granted.
8. 8.
  The disruption of the availability of Cable Service within the City.
9. 9.
  Such other information as the City may deem appropriate to be considered prior to granting any competing or overlapping Franchise.
J.
Permits for Non-Franchised Entities. The City may issue a license to a Person other than the Cable Franchisee to permit that Person to traverse any portion of a Cable Franchisee's Cable Franchise Area within the City in order to provide Cable Service outside, but not within the City. Such license or easement, absent a grant of a Cable Franchise in accordance with this Chapter, shall not authorize nor permit said Person to provide Cable Service of any type to any home or place of business within the City.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.120 Design, Services and Capabilities.

A.
Cable System Design. Every Cable Franchisee shall offer Cable Service that meets the cable-related needs of the City. Such Cable Service shall, at a minimum, be comparable to Cable Services offered by that Cable Franchisee or its Affiliates operating any headend serving the City and surrounding municipalities in Johnson County. The Cable Franchise shall incorporate a description of the Cable Franchisee's Cable System including the general design and capabilities of the Cable System to identify for the City how the Cable System will meet the current and future Cable needs of the City.
B.
The Cable System. Every Cable System shall pass by every single-family dwelling unit and multiple-family dwelling unit within the Franchise Area in accordance with line extension policies set forth in this Ordinance. Service shall be provided to Subscribers in accordance with the schedules and line extension policies specified in this Ordinance unless otherwise specified in the Franchise.
C.
Drops To Public Buildings.
1. 1.
  Every Cable Franchisee shall provide installation of at least one (1) Cable Drop, and one (1) outlet, provide monthly Basic Cable Service, without charge, to Public Buildings specified by the City in the applicable Franchise, where the drop does not exceed two hundred (200) feet. All accredited K-12 schools, and public libraries shall also receive one (1) Cable Drop and one (1) outlet and Basic Cable Service at no charge, subject to the above 200 foot limit. The location of such Cable Drops and outlets shall be determined in cooperation with the management of the Public Building to which the connection is to be made. Following the City's designation of additional Public Building(s) to receive Cable Service, a Cable Franchisee shall complete construction of the Drop and outlet within one hundred and eighty (180) days if the City requests construction, weather permitting and subject to payment of the Direct Incremental Costs of installation in excess of two hundred (200) feet. Drops and outlets that are in addition to the one free Drop and outlet required by this Section shall be provided by a Cable Franchisee at the cost of Cable Franchisee's Direct Incremental Cost. Alternatively, at an institution's request, the institution may add outlets at its own expense, as long as such installation meets the Cable Franchisee's standards, which shall be made readily available to any public entity upon request. Additional outlets and Services to Public Buildings are subject to the applicable commercial rate.
2. 2.
  All such Cable Service outlets shall not be utilized for commercial purposes. The City shall take reasonable precautions to prevent any use of a Cable Franchisee's Cable System in any inappropriate manner or that may result in loss or damage to the Cable System. Users of such outlets shall hold the Cable Franchisee harmless from any and all liability or claims arising out of their use of such outlets, other than for those claims arising out of improper installation or faulty equipment.
3. 3.
  
  In instances where the Drop line from the feeder cable to the Public Building, school or library exceeds 200 feet, the Cable Franchisee may charge for its Direct Incremental Costs that are incurred in exceeding this length. A Cable Franchisee may require advance payment of this cost.
D.
School and Library Cable Modems. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Franchise, upon activation and commercial offering of two-way cable modem service by the Cable Franchisee within the Franchise Area, such Cable Franchisee shall provide upon written request one courtesy cable modem with Cable Internet Service without charge to every State accredited K-12 public school and public library in the Franchise Area, where the Drop does not exceed 200 feet, which may constitute an element of an individual Franchise I-Net requirement.
E.
Use of Cable Franchisee's Facilities. Subject to any applicable state or federal regulations, the City shall have the right to install and maintain, upon the poles and within the underground pipes and conduits of a Cable Franchisee, any wires and fixtures desired by the City for public purposes. The specific terms and conditions of such access shall be set out in the individual Cable Franchise Agreement. Provided, however, that (a) such use by Grantor shall not interfere with the current or future use by Cable Franchisee or any pre-existing user or lessor of Grantee's facilities; (b) such use by Grantor is restricted to non-commercial public purposes; and (c) Grantor takes reasonable precautions to prevent any use of Cable Franchisee's facilities in any manner that results in an inappropriate use thereof, or any loss or damage to the Cable System. For the purposes of this subsection, "public purposes" includes, but is not limited to, the use of the structures and installations for Grantor fire, police, traffic, utility, and/or signal systems, but not for commercial Cable System purposes in competition with the Cable Franchisee.
F.
Upgrade of System. Every Cable Franchisee shall upgrade its Cable System (herein referred to as the "System Upgrade"), if required, as set forth in its respective Franchise.
G.
Emergency Alert Capability. Every Cable Franchisee shall at all times provide the System capabilities to comply with the FCC's Emergency Alert System rules and regulations. Provided, that if the FCC at some future date eliminates the current regulations the City and Cable Franchisee shall mutually agree upon the applicable standard on a going forward basis.
H.
Periodic Review. The Cable Franchise shall include provisions to provide for a "periodic review" between the City and a Cable Franchisee to evaluate changes in law, technology, or service, and reasonable procedures for mutually agreed upon modifications to the Cable Franchise to incorporate changes identified as desirable or necessary as a result of any such periodic review.
I.
Closed Captioning and Descriptive Audio Service. Every Cable Franchisee will make audio descriptive service and closed captioning capabilities available to the extent required by state and federal law.
J.
Standby Power. Within twelve (12) months of activation of the System, the Cable Franchisee shall provide standby power generating capacity capable of providing at least twelve (12) hours of emergency supply at the Cable System Headend. For nodes, two hours with emergency power supply. Every Cable Franchisee shall maintain standby power System supplies throughout the major trunk cable networks capable of providing emergency power within the standard limits of commercially available power supply units.
K.
Status Monitoring. Every Cable Franchisee shall provide an automatic status monitoring System, or a functional equivalent, when the Cable System has been activated for interactive service provided that such status monitoring is technically and economically feasible.
L.
HDTV/ATV Conversion. Conversion to High Definition Television/Advanced Television (HDTV/ATV) formats shall occur in accordance with applicable law.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.130 Institutional Network, And Public Educational And Governmental Access Or "PEG Access".

A.
Institutional Network, Access Channels.
1. 1.
  Every Cable Franchisee shall, to the extent required in its Franchise and subject to applicable law, provide or fund an Institutional Network, or PEG Access Facilities or other public interest services, or some combination of the same, for use by Institutional users. Such obligations shall be comparable to support, when taken as a whole, provided by other existing Cable providers within the City. Such public interest requirements shall at a minimum satisfy the community need for such facilities and/or services as determined by the Governing Body for the period of the applicable Franchise.
2. 2.
  Every Cable Franchisee shall also provide channel capacity and support for Public, Educational and Government Access Channels, as specified in their Franchise. All such PEG Access Channels shall be available to all Subscribers as part of their Basic Cable Service. Given the on-going changes in the state of technology as of the Effective Date of this Code, absent the express written consent of the City, Cable Franchisee shall transmit PEG Access Channels in the format or technology utilized to transmit all of the Channels on the Basic Cable Service tier. Oversight and administration of the PEG Access Channels shall be set forth in the Franchise.
B.
Proof of Performance Testing. To ensure high quality service on the Access Channels, results of proof of performance testing as required by applicable federal law throughout the System and on all required Channels will be made available to the City upon request to the extent required in a Franchise. Every Cable Franchisee will monitor the Cable System to determine and ensure that the level of technical quality of the System's transmission of Access Channels is in conformance with FCC Rules and is the same as on other Channels transmitted on the Cable System.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.140 Technical Standards and Customer Service Practices.

A.
General Technical Standards and Customer Service Practices.
1. 1.
  To the extent set forth herein this Code incorporates Cable Service technical standards and establishes customer service practices that every Cable Franchisee must satisfy.
2. 2.
  Every Cable Franchisee shall maintain such equipment and keep such records as required to comply with all customer service and technical standards required by these regulations and other applicable laws. The Cable Franchisee shall at all times assist and cooperate with Grantor in explaining, interpreting and understanding such records or reports.
B.
Test and Compliance Procedure. Tests for a Cable System shall be performed periodically in a manner so as to conform with FCC specifications. The tests may be witnessed by representatives of the City and written test reports shall be made available to the City upon request. If any test locations fail to meet the performance standards, the Cable Franchisee shall be required to indicate what corrective measures have been taken and shall have the site retested.
C.
Cable System Office Hours and Telephone Availability.
1. 1.
  Every Cable Franchisee shall maintain a conveniently located customer service center, which shall include a place where Subscribers may pay their bills, pick up and return converter boxes and comparable items and receive information on the Cable Franchisee and its services. Such service center shall be open at least during Normal Business Hours. Cable Franchisee shall also maintain a publicly listed tollfree or local telephone line that is available to Subscribers twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.
2. 2.
  Every Cable Franchisee shall have Trained Company Representatives available to respond to Subscriber telephone inquiries during Normal Business Hours.
3. 3.
  After Normal Business Hours, the telephone access line may be answered by a service or an automated response system, including an answering machine. Inquiries received after Normal Business Hours must be responded to by a Trained Representative on the next business day.
4. 4.
  Under Normal Operating Conditions, telephone answer time by a Trained Customer Service representative or automated response unit, including wait time, shall not exceed thirty (30) seconds when the connection is made. If a call must be transferred, transfer time shall not exceed thirty (30) seconds. Under Normal Operating Conditions, these standards shall be met no less then ninety percent (90%) of the time, measured on a quarterly basis.
5. 5.
  Under Normal Operating Conditions, a Cable Franchisee shall establish an inbound telephone system upon which Subscribers shall not receive a busy signal more than three percent (3%) of the time.
6. 6.
  A Cable Franchisee will not be required to acquire equipment or perform surveys to measure compliance with the telephone answering standards above unless an historical record of complaints indicates a clear failure to comply.
D.
Service Calls and Installations. Under Normal Operating Conditions, each of the following standards must be met no less than ninety-five percent (95%) of the time as measured on a quarterly basis:
1. 1.
  Standard Installations will be performed within seven (7) business days after an order has been placed. "Standard Installations" are those that are located up to 125 feet from the existing distribution system.
2. 2.
  The appointment window alternatives for installations, service calls, and other installation activities, will be either a specific time or, within a maximum four (4) hour time block during Normal Business Hours. The Cable Franchisee may schedule service calls and other installation activities outside of Normal Business Hours for the express convenience of a Subscriber, if so requested.
3. 3.
  A Cable Franchisee may not cancel an appointment with a Subscriber after the close of business on the business day prior to the scheduled appointment.
4. 4.
  If a Cable Franchisee's representative is running late for an appointment with a Subscriber and will not be able to keep the appointment as scheduled, the Subscriber must be contacted. The appointment must be rescheduled, as necessary, at a time which is convenient for the Subscriber.
E.
Repairs and Interruptions.
1. 1.
  Under Normal Operating Conditions and excluding conditions beyond the control of a Cable Franchisee, every Cable Franchisee will begin working on Service Interruptions and outages within a reasonable time frame but in no event later than twenty-four (24) hours after the Service Interruption or outage becomes known. The Cable Franchisee must begin actions to correct other service problems on the business day following notification of such service problems.
2. 2.
  The term "Service Interruption" means the loss of picture or sound on one or more cable channels.
3. 3.
  Work on service problems, excluding conditions beyond the control of a Cable Franchisee, must begin by the next business day after notification of the problem.
4. 4.
  Outside repairs to cable plant which cannot be made by the initial service technician dispatched, shall under Normal Operating Conditions be re-scheduled within the next business day after the originally scheduled service call. The Subscriber does not need to be home for outside plant and line repairs.
5. 5.
  A Cable Franchisee may interrupt service only for good cause and for the shortest time reasonably possible, including interruption for System Upgrade, maintenance and repair. Subject to the reasonable safety precautions for the benefit of the Cable Franchisee's employees and agents, routine maintenance shall occur at times that affect the fewest number of Subscribers, generally between 12:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. To the extent that specific neighborhoods will be affected by a planned outage, such as during an upgrade, the Cable Franchisee shall provide advance notice through telephone calls, door hangers and/or other reasonable means.
6. 6.
  Upon Subscriber request a Cable Franchisee shall provide a credit equivalent to a pro rata of the monthly cable rate for each Service Interruption exceeding four (4) hours in any twenty-four (24) hour period, unless it is demonstrated that the Subscriber caused the outage, or the outage was planned as part of an upgrade or other work that occurred between the hours of 12:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M., of which the City and the Subscriber received appropriate prior notification. A Subscriber is entitled to a full refund for any disruption to a pay per view event. These credits and refunds shall be made available upon request by Subscriber describing the time, date and nature of the disruption experienced.
7. 7.
  Technicians capable of performing service related emergency repairs and maintenance must be available twenty-four (24) hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
8. 8.
  No charge shall be made to a Subscriber for any service call relating to Cable Franchisee owned and Cable Franchisee maintained equipment after the initial installation of Cable Service unless the problem giving rise to the service request can be demonstrated by Cable Franchisee to have been:
  1. a.
    Caused by the negligence, malicious destruction, illegal tampering, or theft of Cable Service or of cable equipment by the Subscriber; or
  2. b.
    A problem established as having been non-Cable System or Cable Service in origin.

A Cable Franchisee may also assess a service charge for service calls in instances where the problem was not caused by the Cable Franchisee.

1. 9.
  Cable Drop lines, cable trunk lines, or any other type of outside wiring that comprise part of a Cable Franchisee's Cable System that are located underground, shall be placed in such locations pursuant to City Code, and the surrounding ground shall be restored as close as is practical to its condition immediately prior to such underground construction activity within a reasonable period of time after connection to the Cable System. Except for a Cable Franchisee's maintenance facilities, no Cable Drop line, cable trunk line, or any other type of outside wiring shall be permitted to lay upon the ground for an unreasonable period of time within the City, except for the express purpose of being immediately connected to the Cable System of Cable Franchisee. The requirements of this subsection shall apply to all installation, reinstallation, service or repair commenced by a Cable Franchisee within the City during Normal Operating Conditions.

F.
Disconnections and Downgrades.
1. 1.
  If any Subscriber fails to pay a properly due monthly Subscriber fee, or any other properly due fee or charge, the Cable Franchisee may disconnect the Subscriber's outlet; provided, however, that such disconnection shall not be effected until after the later of: (i) thirty (30) days after the due date of said delinquent fee or charge; or (ii) fifteen (15) days after delivery to Subscriber of written notice of the intent to disconnect. If a Subscriber pays before expiration of the later of (i) or (ii), the Cable Franchisee shall not disconnect. Provided, however, that this Section does not apply to Subscribers disconnected as a result of insufficient funds.
2. 2.
  Absent extenuating circumstances, no Subscriber may be disconnected without prior written notice, the above notification of intent to disconnect in subsection 13.50.140.F.1 above shall satisfy this notice requirement. Provided, however, that no such prior notification requirement shall apply to disconnections for theft of service, or other violations of law.
3. 3.
  No Subscriber may be disconnected for non-payment if payment of outstanding balances is made before the scheduled date for disconnection, up to and including the last business day before the scheduled disconnection.
4. 4.
  No Subscriber may be disconnected due to a Cable Franchisee's failure to timely or correctly post payments.
5. 5.
  Unless requested by the Subscriber, no disconnection requiring a cable service representative on site at a Subscriber's premises may be disconnected outside of Normal Business Hours or on Sundays or holidays.
6. 6.
  Absent extenuating circumstances, a Cable Franchisee is not required to reconnect a Subscriber with an undisputed outstanding balance.
7. 7.
  A Cable Franchisee is permitted to refuse orders for premium or "pay per view" services from Subscribers with a record of non-payment.
8. 8.
  A Cable Franchisee may disconnect Subscriber premises that are responsible for signal leakage in excess of applicable federal limits. A Cable Franchisee may effectuate such disconnection without advance notice, provided that a Cable Franchisee shall immediately notify the Subscriber with door tags and/or telephone calls or other reasonable means. If the source of the signal leakage is remedied, and the Subscriber was not the cause of such leakage the Cable Franchisee shall reconnect the Subscriber at no charge. If the Subscriber was the cause of the signal leakage the Cable Franchisee may charge a reasonable reconnection fee. For purposes of this Section, use of FCC-approved navigation devices does not in and of itself constitute Subscriber caused signal leakage.
9. 9.
  Subscribers may request disconnection or a downgrade of cable service at any time. A Cable Franchisee may not impose any charge for service delivered after the requested date of disconnection. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Cable Franchisee may impose a charge for service delivered after the requested date of disconnection if the terms and conditions of subscribing to such service were clearly disclosed to the Subscriber at the time of subscription. As provided under federal law, subscribers may request a downgrade at no charge if made within thirty (30) days of a rate increase.
10. 10.
  Nothing in this Chapter or Code shall limit the right of a Cable Franchisee to reasonably deny Cable Service to any household or individual which has a negative credit or cable service history with the Cable Franchisee or another Person as verified by a credit reporting agency, which may include non-payment of bills, theft or damage to the Cable Franchisee's or other Person's equipment, outstanding balances, or threats or assaults on employees of the Cable Franchisee in the course of their employment.
G.
Communications Between Cable Franchisee and Subscribers.
1. 1.
  Notifications to Subscribers:
  1. a.
    Every Cable Franchisee shall provide written information to Subscribers on each of the following topics at the time of installation, at least annually to all Subscribers, and at any time upon request of a Subscriber:
    
    i.
    Product and Services offered;
    
    ii.
    Prices and options for programming Services and conditions of subscription to programming and other Services and facilities.
    
    iii.
    Installation and service maintenance policies;
    
    iv.
    Instructions on how to use Services;
    
    v.
    Channel positions of programming offered on a System; and
    
    vi.
    Billing and Complaint procedures, including the name, address and telephone number of the City.
  2. b.
    Subscribers will be given thirty (30) days advance notice of any changes in rates, programming Services, or Channel positions, if the change is within the control of the Cable Franchisee. All such notices shall be provided in writing by any reasonable means. In addition, the Cable Franchisee shall notify Subscribers thirty (30) days in advance of any significant changes in other information required by this Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any provision of this Code to the contrary, a Cable Franchisee shall not be required to provide prior notice of any rate change that is the result of a regulatory fee, Cable Franchise Fee, or any other fee, tax assessment, or change of any kind imposed by any government entity on the transaction between the Cable Franchisee and the Subscriber.
2. 2.
  Billing.
  1. a.
    Bills must be clear, concise, and understandable. Bills must be fully itemized, including, but not limited to, Basic and premium Service charges and equipment charges.
  2. b.
    Bills must clearly delineate all activity during the billing period, including optional charges, rebates, and credits.
  3. c.
    In case of a billing dispute, a Cable Franchisee must respond to a written Complaint from a Subscriber within thirty (30) calendar days.
  4. d.
    Credits for Service shall be issued no later than the Subscriber's next billing cycle after determination that the credit is warranted.
3. 3.
  Late Charges. A Cable Franchisee may impose a monthly fee for any delinquent balance owed by a Subscriber, subject to the following:
  1. a.
    At least ten (10) days before the date the fee is imposed, the Subscriber shall be given written notice, on the face of the bill or by separate notice of:
    
    i.
    The date after which the fee will be imposed if the balance is not paid; and
    
    ii.
    The amount of the fee that will be imposed; and
  2. b.
    The Fee for the delinquent payment shall not exceed the state statutory maximum as may be amended from time-to time.
4. 4.
  Credits and Refunds. Credit or refund checks will be issued promptly, but no later than either:
  1. a.
    The Subscriber's next billing cycle following resolution of the request or thirty (30) days, whichever is earlier, or
  2. b.
    The return of equipment supplied by the Cable Franchisee if Cable Services are terminated.
H.
Complaint Log. Subject to the privacy provisions of 47 U.S.C. § 521 et seq., every Cable Franchisee shall prepare as necessary and maintain written records of Complaints made to them and the resolution of such Complaints, including the date of such resolution. For purposes of this requirement all Complaints that result in the dispatch of a service technician shall be individually logged and for all other Complaints the Cable Franchisee may satisfy this requirement by the creation of a periodic written summary of the type of Complaint(s) and where appropriate their resolution. Such Complaint logs and summaries shall be on file at the office of Cable Franchisee for three (3) years, and available for inspection by the City upon request.
I.
Parental Control. Every Cable Franchisee shall make available to any Subscriber upon request a "lockout" device, which may be included within the Converter, for blocking both video and audio portions of any channel(s) of programming entering the Subscriber's premises. Such device shall be provided at a reasonable charge, except to the extent that federal law specifically provides otherwise. A Cable Franchisee may, however, require a reasonable security deposit for the use of such a device.
J.
Service Area.
1. 1.
  A Cable Franchisee may not discriminate in the build-out of its Cable System to a particular area of the City or provision of cable Service to individual or groups of residents on the basis of race, creed, religion, or economic condition. A Cable Franchisee shall serve all areas of the City with populations of at least ten (10) dwelling units per one quarter (1/4) aerial cable mile, including areas annexed subsequent to the grant of the Franchise, unless otherwise provided by Franchise ordinance. Such line extension requirements may be modified in a Franchise such as where a franchise is granted to a prior existing Cable operator located in an area annexed subsequent to the adoption of this Code, or such other circumstances that are sufficiently unique as determined by the Governing Body as not to create an unfair competitive advantage.
2. 2.
  Special Agreements. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent a Cable Franchisee from serving areas not covered under this section upon agreement with developers, property owners or residents.
K.
Customer Service Reporting Requirements. The City may require upon reasonable request that a Cable Franchisee periodically furnish to City semi-annual reports and any other reasonable information relevant to the Cable Franchisee's compliance with the customer Service requirements of this Chapter measured on a quarterly basis to the extent that the Cable Franchisee maintains such reports and information.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.150 Operation and Maintenance.

A.
Open Books and Records. Every Cable Franchisee shall cooperate with the City with respect to City's administration of this Code and any applicable Franchise subject to it. Subject to the privacy provisions of the Cable Act, City shall have the right to inspect, upon three (3) business days notice, during Normal Business Hours, all books, records, maps, plans, certified financial statements, service complaint logs, performance test results, and other existing like materials of a Cable Franchisee that relate and are material to the operation of the Cable Franchisee's Cable System and that are reasonably necessary to Grantor's enforcement or administration of this Code or the Cable Franchisee's Franchise. A Cable Franchisee shall not be required to maintain any books or records for franchise compliance purposes longer than three (3) years, except that financial records necessary to demonstrate compliance with the required Cable Franchise Fee payments shall be kept for six (6) years. Upon request, the City will treat designated information disclosed by a Cable Franchisee as confidential to the extent permissible under state and federal law and will advise said Cable Franchisee of any third-party requests for such information so that Franchisee may take appropriate and authorized steps to protect its rights. All such review of a Cable Franchisee's books and records shall be performed by an independent party if the City itself enters into the business as a competitor.
B.
Communications with Regulatory Agencies. Copies of all non-confidential petitions, applications, communications, and reports submitted by a Cable Franchisee to the FCC, Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal or state regulatory commission or agency which directly relate to the operation of the Cable System in the City shall be made available contemporaneously to the City upon request. Copies of responses from the above regulatory agencies to a Cable Franchisee likewise shall be made available promptly to the City upon request. If the City is specifically named in any such pleading or response, the City shall automatically be furnished a copy.
C.
Annual Reports.
1. 1.
  Upon request, a Cable Franchisee shall make available to City, within ninety (90) days of the end of each of the applicable Cable Franchisee's fiscal years during the term of this Franchise, the following:
  1. a.
    A revenue statement certified by a representative of the Cable Franchisee showing the Gross Revenues of the Cable Franchisee for the preceding fiscal year;
  2. b.
    A current list of names and addresses of each officer and director and other management personnel of the Cable Franchisee;
  3. c.
    A statement of the Cable Franchisee's current billing practices and charges;
  4. d.
    A copy, if any, of the Cable Franchisee's current Subscriber Service contract; and
  5. e.
    A copy of Annual Reports to stockholders, if any, for operating company and parent company.
  6. f.
    An index of all technical and operational reports that Franchisee is required to develop and maintain in its public file with respect to its Cable System pursuant to federal law.

Other than subsection (f), all of the above information shall not be required annually unless there is a change after the first filing.

1. 2.
  City and its agents and representatives shall have authority to arrange for and conduct an audit during Normal Business Hours of the books and records of Cable Franchisee that are reasonably necessary for the enforcement of a Franchise. A Cable Franchisee shall first be given thirty (30) days notice of the audit, the description of and purpose for the audit, and a description, to the best of City's ability, of the books, records, and documents that City wants to review. The costs and expense of such audit shall be borne by the Cable Franchisee if the audit reveals an underpayment of five percent (5%) or more.
2. 3.
  Any review or audit of a Cable Franchisee's books and records shall be performed by an independent party if the City itself enters into business as a competitor to a Cable Franchisee. In such case, all confidential information obtained during the audit shall not be disclosed to the City or any other party.

D.
Service Contract and Subscriber Information.
1. 1.
  A Cable Franchisee shall have authority to promulgate such rules, regulations, terms, and conditions governing the conduct of its business as shall be reasonably necessary to enable the Cable Franchisee to exercise its rights and perform its obligations under this Chapter and its Cable Franchise and to assure uninterrupted Cable Service to all of its Subscribers; provided such rules, regulations, terms, and conditions shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this Code, federal, state and/or local law, or any applicable rules and regulations.
2. 2.
  Upon request, a Cable Franchisee shall submit to City any standard residential Subscriber contract form that it utilizes. If no written contract exists, a Cable Franchisee shall file with the City a document completely and concisely stating the terms of the standard residential Subscriber contract offered.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.160 Financial Provisions, Remedies, Procedures and Due Process.

A.
Annual Cable Franchise Fee.
1. 1.
  As compensation for grant of a Cable Franchise and in consideration of permission to use the Rights-of-Way of the City for the construction, operation, maintenance and reconstruction of a Cable System, and to defray the costs of Cable Franchise obligations, every Cable Franchisee shall pay to the City on an annual basis throughout the term of its Cable Franchise, a sum totaling five percent (5%) of the Cable Franchisee's Gross Revenues.
2. 2.
  Further, every Cable Franchisee that offers any "bundled" services shall fairly reflect as part of its calculation of applicable Franchise Fees an appropriate and reasonable division of services among the various services offered. The specific cost accounting for such revenue attribution shall be set out in the individual Franchise or other agreement.
3. 3.
  Payments due City under this section shall be computed quarterly, for the preceding quarter, as of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Each quarterly payment shall be due and payable no later than forty five (45) days after the dates listed in the previous sentence. Each payment shall be accompanied by a brief report by the Cable Franchisee showing the basis for the computation and a "Cable Franchise Fee Worksheet," listing all of the sources of revenues attributable to the operation of the Cable Franchisee's System.
4. 4.
  Should any additional monies be due to the City as a result of information contained in the annual financial report of a Cable Franchisee or by audit as permitted by this Chapter, the Cable Franchisee shall pay such additional monies to the City within sixty (60) days after receipt of notice of same from the City.
5. 5.
  In the event that any of the quarterly Cable Franchise Fee payments are not timely made, a Cable Franchisee shall also pay the City interest thereon at the then-current prime rate. Said interest to be applied commencing with the forty-fifth (45th) day after the end of the quarter and continuing until all such overdue sums (including interest) are paid.
6. 6.
  No acceptance of any payment shall be construed as an accord that the amount paid is in fact the correct amount, nor shall such acceptance of payment be construed as a release of any claim the City may have for further sums payable under the provisions of this Chapter, Code or applicable Franchise. All amounts paid shall be subject to audit and re-computation by the City or its designee, at any time upon reasonable notice and specification of the documents requested to be reviewed. City's right to audit, and the Cable Franchisee's obligations to retain records related to the Cable Franchise Fee audit, shall expire six (6) years from the date on which each Cable Franchise Fee payment by the Cable Franchisee is due.
B.
Security Fund. Each Cable Franchisee may be required to maintain a security fund with the City to ensure compliance with this Code and applicable Franchise, in an amount and in a manner as set forth in the Cable Franchisee's Franchise.
C.
Bonds, Indemnification, and Insurance. Each Cable Franchisee shall maintain bonds and insurance with the City in amounts and in a manner as set forth in the Cable Franchisee's Franchise, and as required by the ROW Code. Each Cable Franchisee also shall be required to indemnify the City in a manner as set forth in Article 1 and in the Cable Franchisee's Franchise.
D.
Remedies and Enforcement Procedure.
1. 1.
  Whenever the City has reason to believe that a Cable Franchisee has violated any material provision of this Code or its Franchise, including the customer service and telephone availability requirements, the City shall first notify the Cable Franchisee in writing of the violation and demand correction within a reasonable time, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days. If the Cable Franchisee fails to demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the City that no violation exists, or if the Cable Franchisee fails to correct the violation within the time prescribed, or if the Cable Franchisee is unable to correct the violation and fails to commence corrective action within the time prescribed and to diligently remedy such violation thereafter, the Cable Franchisee shall then be given written notice of not less than thirty (30) days of a public hearing to be held before the City Council. Said notice shall indicate with reasonable specificity the violation alleged to have occurred. This procedure shall apply to all alleged Code or Cable Franchise violations, including those in which grounds for revocation are considered.
2. 2.
  At the public hearing, the City Council shall hear and consider all relevant evidence and thereafter render written findings and a written decision based upon the evidence.
3. 3.
  In the event the Cable Franchisee has corrected the violation or promptly commenced correction of such violation after notice thereof from the City and is diligently proceeding to fully remedy the violation, or that no violation has occurred, the proceedings shall terminate and no penalty or other sanction shall be imposed.
4. 4.
  In the event that a violation exists and that the Cable Franchisee has not corrected the same in a satisfactory manner or did not promptly commence and diligently proceed to correct the violation, the City may impose penalties and/or liquidated damages from the security fund, as follows:
  1. a.
    For system construction schedule violations, including, but not limited to provisions relating to initial construction schedules and system upgrade construction schedule, $500 per day of non-compliance;
  2. b.
    For all other violations, $250 per day per violation.

The City shall provide the Cable Franchisee with written notice of its decision together with a written finding of fact explaining the basis for such a decision.

1. 5.
  If the City elects to assess penalties or liquidated damages, then such election shall constitute the City's exclusive remedy for a period of sixty (60) days. Thereafter, if the Cable Franchisee remains in non-compliance, the City may pursue any other available remedy, including Franchise revocation.
2. 6.
  In the event that a Cable Franchise is cancelled or terminated by reason of the default of the Cable Franchisee, the security fund deposited pursuant to the Cable Franchise shall remain in effect and available to the City until all pending claims or penalties are resolved or settled, after which point any remaining amounts in the security fund shall revert to the possession of the Cable Franchisee.
3. 7.
  The rights reserved to the City with respect to the security fund are in addition to all other rights of City, whether reserved by this Code, applicable Cable Franchise, or authorized by law, and no action, proceeding, or exercise of a right with respect to such security fund shall affect any other right City may have.
4. 8.
  The foregoing provisions shall not be deemed to preclude the City from obtaining any other available remedies for repeated violations, of the same general type.

E.
Grounds for Revocation. In addition to any rights in this Code or applicable Franchise, the City reserves the right to revoke a Franchise, and all rights and privileges pertaining thereto, in the event that any of the following occur, and the City and a Cable Franchisee are not able to mutually agree upon a cure or alternate remedy:
1. 1.
  The Cable Franchisee substantially violates any material provision of this Code or its Franchise;
2. 2.
  The Cable Franchisee practices an act of fraud or deceit upon the City; or
3. 3.
  The Cable Franchisee becomes insolvent or is adjudged bankrupt.
4. 4.
  In revoking a Franchise the City shall utilize the enforcement procedures set forth in subsection 13.50.160.D. above.
F.
Right of Appeal.
1. 1.
  Upon the imposition of a penalty or revocation decision, a Cable Franchisee shall have a period of one hundred and twenty (120) days subsequent to the date of the formal adoption of the decision by the City Council within which to file an appeal with a court of competent jurisdiction.
2. 2.
  During any such appeal period, the Cable Franchise shall remain in full force and effect.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.170 Foreclosure, Receivership and Abandonment.

A.
Foreclosure. Upon the foreclosure or other judicial sale of all or a part of the Cable System, or upon the termination of any lease covering all or part of the Cable System, a Cable Franchisee shall notify the City of such fact and such notification shall be treated as a notification that a change in control of the Cable Franchisee has taken place, and the provisions of this Code governing the consent to transfer or change in ownership shall apply without regard to how such transfer or change in ownership occurred.
B.
Receivership. The City shall have the right to cancel a Cable Franchise one hundred twenty (120) days after the appointment of a receiver or trustee to take over and conduct the business of a Cable Franchisee, whether in 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. 1.
  Within one hundred twenty (120) days after its election or appointment, the receiver or trustee has fully complied with all the provisions of the Cable Franchise and remedied all defaults thereunder; and
2. 2.
  Such receiver or trustee, within said one hundred twenty (120) days, has executed an agreement, duly approved by a court having jurisdiction, whereby such receiver or trustee assumes and agrees to be bound by each and every provision of this Code and applicable Cable Franchise.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.180 Purchase of System.

If a renewal or extension of a Cable Franchise is denied without further right of appeal, or a Cable Franchise is lawfully terminated, with all rights of appeal exhausted, the City may acquire ownership of the Cable System or effect a transfer of ownership of the Cable System to another Person, any such acquisition or transfer shall in accordance with and to the extent permitted by 47 U.S.C. § 547 as it exists now or may be amended.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.190 Sale or Transfer of Cable Franchise.

A.
A Cable Franchisee shall not sell, transfer, lease, assign, sublet, or dispose of, in whole or in part, an interest in or control of a Cable Franchise or Cable System without the prior consent of the City, which consent shall not be unreasonably denied or delayed and may be denied only upon a good faith finding by the City that the proposed transferee lacks the legal, technical, or financial qualifications to consummate the transaction and operate the Cable System so as to perform its obligations under the Cable Franchise. This Section shall not apply to sales of property or equipment in the normal course of business. Consent from the City shall not be required for a transfer in trust, mortgage, or other instrument of hypothecation, in whole or in part, to secure an indebtedness, or for a pro forma transfer to a corporation, partnership, or other entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with a Cable Franchisee.
B.
The following events shall be deemed to be a sale, assignment, or other transfer of an interest in or control of a Cable Franchise or Cable System requiring compliance with this section: (i) the sale, assignment, or other transfer of all or a majority of a Cable Franchisee’s Cable System assets in the City; (ii) the sale, assignment, or other transfer of capital stock or partnership, membership, or other equity interests in a Cable Franchisee by one or more of its existing shareholders, partners, members, or other equity owners so as to create a new controlling interest in Cable Franchisee; (iii) the issuance of additional capital stock or partnership membership or other equity interest by a Cable Franchisee so as to create a new controlling interest in a Cable Franchisee; and (iv) a Cable Franchisee’s agreement to transfer management or operation of the Cable Franchisee or the System to an unaffiliated entity so as to create a new controlling interest in the Cable Franchisee. The term “controlling interest” as used herein means majority equity ownership of a Cable Franchisee.
C.
A transfer solely for security purposes such as the grant of a mortgage or security interest, including the pledge or grant of a mortgage or security interest to lenders of a Cable Franchisee’s assets, including, but not limited to, the Cable Franchise, such as in a transaction commonly known as an “initial public offering” shall not be deemed to be a sale, assignment or other transfer of an interest in or control of a Cable Franchise or Cable System and thus shall not require compliance with this section.
D.
In the case of any sale or transfer of ownership of an interest in or control of a Cable Franchise or Cable System, the City shall have one hundred twenty (120) days to act upon any request for approval of such sale or transfer that contains or is accompanied by such information as is required in accordance with FCC Regulations and the requirements of this Code. If the City fails to render a final decision on the request within one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt by the City of all required information, such request shall be deemed granted unless the requesting party and the City agree to an extension of the one hundred twenty (120) day period.
E.
The City reserves any legal right it has under applicable law to require a Cable Franchisee to pay all costs and expenses incurred by the City in connection with the sale, assignment, or transfer of a Cable Franchise, including, but not limited to, the City’s costs of reviewing the qualifications of any proposed transferees.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.200 Rights Of Individuals Protected.

A.
Discriminatory Practices Prohibited. A Cable Franchisee shall not deny Cable Service, deny access, or otherwise discriminate against Subscribers, programmers, or general citizens on the basis of income level, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or age. Every Cable Franchisee shall strictly adhere to the equal employment opportunity requirements of state and federal law. Every Cable Franchisee shall comply at all times with all other applicable federal, State, and local laws, and all executive and administrative orders relating to non-discrimination.
B.
Subscriber Privacy. Every Cable Franchisee shall at all times comply with the federal subscriber privacy requirements codified at 47 U.S.C. § 551.

(History: Ord.CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

13.50.210 Miscellaneous Provisions.

A.
Rate Regulation. The City reserves the right to regulate rates for Basic Cable Service and any other services offered over a Cable System, to the extent permitted by federal or state law. A Cable Franchisee shall be subject to the rate regulation provisions provided for herein, and those of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 47 C.F.R., Part 76.900, Subpart N. The City shall follow the rules relating to cable rate regulation promulgated by the FCC at 47 C.F.R., Part 76.900, Subpart N.
B.
Rights Reserved to Grantor. Upon either final non-appealable determination of non-renewal or revocation of a Cable Franchise, Grantor shall have discretion to permit a Cable Franchisee by mutual consent to continue to operate the Cable System for an extended period of time agreed upon by the parties. Any such operation of the System by a Cable Franchisee shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Code and the Cable Franchise, and shall provide the regular Subscriber service and any and all of the services that may be provided at that time.

(History: Ord. CaSC-2293 §1, 2001)

Effective on: 1/1/1901