HomeMy WebLinkAboutCHAPTER 91BCHAPTER 91B. CABLE TELEVISION
Updated 2016 91B-1
91B. CABLE TELEVISION
Chapter repealed by Ordinance # 4235 on March 14, 2016.
(3266, 3/8/99; 4235, 3/14/16)
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104-458 and as the same may, from time to time, be amended.
d. "Cable Television System", "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 w ithin a
community, but such term does not include:
1. A facility that serves only to retransmit the television signals of one
(1) or more television broadcast stations;
2. A facility that serves subscribers without using any public rights -of-
way;
3. A facility of a common carrier which is subject, in whole or in part,
to the provisions of 47 U.S.C. §§ 201-226, except that such facility shall be
considered a Cable System (other than for purposes of 47 U.S.C. § 541) to the
extent such facility is used in the transmission of video programming directly to
subscribers; unless the extent of such use is solely to provide interactive on -
demand services;
4. An open video system that complies with Section 653 of Title VI of
the Cable Act; or
5. Any facilities of any electric utility used solely for operating its
electric utility system.
e. "Cable Service" means:
1. The one-way transmission to Subscribers of video programming or
other programming service; and
2. Subscriber interaction, if any, which is required for the selection or
use of such video programming or other programming service.
f. "Channel" or "Cable Channel" means a portion of the electromagnetic
frequency spectrum which is used in a Cable System and which is capable of delivering
a television Channel as defined by the Federal Communications Commission.
g. "Council" means the City Council of the City of Rochester, Minnesota.
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h. "Franchise" means an initial authorization, or renewal thereof, issued by
the City, whether such authorization is design ated as a Franchise, permit, license,
resolution, contract, certificate, agreement or otherwise, which authorizes the
construction or operation of a Cable System.
i. "Franchise Agreement" means a Franchise granted pursuant to this
Ordinance containing the specific provisions of the Franchise granted, including
references, specifications, requirements and other related matters.
j. "Franchise Fee" means any tax, fee or assessment of any kind imposed
by the City or any other Governmental Authority on a Grantee or cable Subscriber, or
both, solely because of their status as such. The term "Franchise Fee" does not
include: (i) 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); (ii) capital costs which are required by the Franchise
Agreement to be incurred by the Grantee for PEG Access Facilities; (iii) requirements or
charges incidental to the awarding or enforcing of the Franchise, including payments for
bonds, security funds, letters of credit, insurance, indemnification, penalties or liquidated
damages; or (iv) any fee imposed under T itle 17 of the United States Code.
k. "Governmental Authority" means any Court or other federal, state, county,
municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, agency or
instrumentality.
l. "Grantee" means any Person receiving a Franchise pursuant to this
Ordinance and its agents, employees, officers, designees, or any lawful successor,
transferee or assignee.
m. "Grantor" or "City" means the City of Rochester, Minnesota as represented
by the Council or any delegate acting within the scope of its jurisdiction. The City
Administrator shall be responsible for the continuing administration of the franchise.
n. "Gross Revenues" means all revenue derived by the Grantee arising from
or attributable to the sale or exchange of Cable Service by th e Grantee within the City
from the operation of its Cable System including, but not limited to, monthly fees
charged to Subscribers for Basic Cable Service; monthly fees charged to Subscribers
for any optional service; monthly fees charged to Subscribers f or any Cable Service
other than Basic Cable Service; Installation, disconnection and reconnection fees;
leased Channel fees; converter rentals or sales; production equipment and personnel
fees; local advertising revenues; revenues from home shopping Channe ls. Gross
Revenues shall be the basis for computing the Franchise Fees imposed pursuant to
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Section 1.20 hereof. There shall be no deductions from Gross Revenues except for
uncollected amounts unless specifically authorized herein.
o. "Initial Service Area" means the area of the City which will receive Cable
Service initially, as set forth in any Franchise Agreement.
p. "Installation" means the connection of the System to Subscribers'
terminals, and the provision of Cable Service.
q. “Normal Business Hours” means those hours during which most similar
businesses in the City are open to serve customers. In all cases, “Normal Business
Hours” must include some evening hours at least one night per week and/or some
weekend hours.
r. “Normal Operating Conditions” means those service conditions which are
within the control of the Grantee. Those conditions which are not within the control of
the Grantee include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, civil disturbances, power
outages, telephone network outages, and severe or unusual weather conditions. Those
conditions which are ordinarily within the control of the Grantee include, but are not
limited to, special promotions, pay per view events, rate increases, regular peak or
seasonal demand periods, and maintenance or upgrade of the System.
s. "Person" means any individual or any association, firm, general
partnership, limited partnership, joint stock company, joint venture, trust, corporation,
limited liability company or other legally recognized entity, private or public, whether for-
profit or not-for-profit.
t. "Public, Educational or Government Access Facilities" or "PEG Access
Facilities" means:
1. Channel capacity designated for non-commercial public,
educational or governmental use; and
2. Facilities and equipment for the use of such Channel capacity.
u. "Section" means any Section, subsection or provision of this Ordinance.
v. "Service Area" or "Franchise Area" means the entire incorporated area
within the City as it is now constituted or may in the future be constituted.
w. "Service Interruption" means the loss of picture or sound on one or more
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Cable Channels.
x. "State" means the State of Minnesota.
y. "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 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.
z. "Subscriber" means any Person who or which lawfully elects to subscribe
to, for any purpose, a Cable Service provided by the Grantee by means of or in
connection with the Cable System.
91B.03. Franchise To Install And Operate.
a. A Franchise granted by the City under the provisions of this Ordinance
shall encompass the following purposes:
1. To engage in the business of providing Cable Service to
Subscribers within the Service Area.
2. To erect, install, construct, repair, rebuild, reconstruct, replace,
maintain and retain cables, lines, related electronic equipment, supporting
structures, appurtenances and other property in connection with the operation of
a Cable System in, on, over, under, upon, along and across Streets within the
Service Area.
3. To maintain and operate said Franchise properties for the
origination, reception, transmission, amplification and distribution of television
and radio signals for the delivery of Cable Services.
4. To set forth the obligations of a Grantee under the Franchise
Agreement.
b. Nothing contained in this Ordinance relieves a Person from liability arising
out of failure to exercise reasonable care to avoid injuring Grantee's faci lities while
performing work connected with grading, regarding or changing the line of a Street or
public place or with the construction or reconstruction of a sewer or water system.
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91B.04. Franchise Required. It shall be unlawful for any Person, other t han the
City, to construct, install or operate a Cable Television System in the City in, on, over,
under, upon, along or across any Street without a Franchise properly granted pursuant
to the provisions of this Ordinance. In no event shall the City act in consistent with state
or federal law. To the extent allowed under Applicable Laws, the City reserves the right
to permit certain Persons to maintain facilities in, on, over, under, upon, along or across
any streets without a franchise granted pursuant to this Ordinance when such facilities
are designed solely for internal communications and where no fees or other
compensation is charged nor is providing Cable Service to other Persons. Grantee
shall at all times abide by all requirements of any City right of way ordinance to the
extent not inconsistent with this Ordinance and any Franchise granted hereunder.
91B.05. Term Of The Franchise.
a. A Franchise granted hereunder shall be for the term established in the
Franchise Agreement and shall not exceed fifteen (15) years.
b. A Franchise granted hereunder may be renewed upon application by the
Grantee pursuant to the provisions of this Ordinance and Applicable Laws.
91B.06. Franchise Territory. Any Franchise granted pursuant to this Ordinance
shall be valid within the Service Area.
91B.07. Federal, State And City Jurisdiction.
a. This Ordinance shall be construed in a manner consistent with Applicable
Laws.
b. This Ordinance shall apply to all Franchises granted or renewed after the
effective date of this Ordinance. This Ordinance shall further apply to the
extent permitted by Applicable Laws to all existing Franchises granted
prior to the effective date of this Ordinance.
c. The rights of all Grantees are subject to the policing powers of the City to
adopt and enforce ordinances necessary to the health, safety and welfare of the public.
All Grantees shall comply with all Applicable Laws enacted by the City pursuant to that
power.
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d. No Grantee shall be relieved of its obligation to comply with any of the
provisions of this Ordinance or any Franchise granted pursuant to this Ordinance by
reason of any failure of the City to enforce prompt compliance.
e. This Ordinance and any Franchise granted pursuant to this Ordinance
shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the substantive laws of the City,
State of Minnesota and applicable federal laws, including the Cable Act.
f. This Ordinance complies with the Minnesota franchise standards
contained in Minnesota Statutes Section 238.084.
g. Grantee and the City shall conform to state laws and rules regarding cable
communications not later than one year after they become effective, unless otherwise
stated, and shall conform to federal laws and regulations regarding cable
communications as they become effective.
91B.08. Franchise Transfer.
a. Grantee shall not voluntarily or involuntarily, by operation of law or
otherwise, sell, assign, transfer, lease, sublet or otherwise dispose of, the Franchise
and/or Cable System or any of the rights or privileges granted by the Franchise, without
the prior written consent of the Council, and then only upon such legally permissible
terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Council, which consent shall not be
unreasonably denied or delayed. Any attempt to sell, assign, transfer, lease, sublet or
otherwise dispose of the Franchise and/or Cable System without the prior written
consent of the Council shall be null and void and shall be grounds for termination of the
Franchise pursuant to Section 1.30 hereof and the applicable provisions of any
Franchise Agreement.
b. Without limiting the nature of the events requiring the Council's approval
under this Section, the following events shall be deemed to be a sale, assignment or
other transfer of the Franchise and/or Cable System requiring compliance with this
Section: (i) the sale, assignment or other transfer of all or a majority of Grantee's assets
or the assets comprising the Cable System to any Person so as to create a new
controlling interest; (ii) the consolidation of the Grantee or any of its parents with any
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other Person so as to create a new Controlling Interest; (iii) the creation of a subsidiary
corporation or other entity so as to create a new Controlling Interest in Grantee; (iv) the
sale, assignment or other transfer of capital stock or partnership, membership or other
equity interests in Grantee or any of its parents by one or more of its existing
shareholders, partners, members or other equity owners so as to create a new
Controlling Interest in Grantee; (v) the issuance of additional capital stock or
partnership, membership or other equity interest by Grantee or any of its parents so as
to create a new Controlling Interest in Grantee; and (vi) the entry by the Grantee into an
agreement with respect to the management or operation of the Grantee, any of
Grantee's parents and/or the System or the subsequent amendment thereof so as to
create a new Controlling Interest in Grantee. The term "Controlling Interest" as used
herein is not limited to majority equity ownership of the Grantee, but also includes actual
working control over the Grantee and/or the System in whatever manner exercised.
c. In the case of any sale or transfer of ownership of any Franchise and/or
Cable System the City shall have 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
this Ordinance and Applicable Laws and such other reasonable information as the City
may request. If the City fails to rende r a final decision on the request within 120 days
from 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 time.
d. Grantee shall notify Grantor in writing of any foreclosure or any other
judicial sale of all or a substantial part of the property and assets comprising the Cable
System of the Grantee or upon the termination of any lease or interest covering all or a
substantial part of said property and asset s. Such notification shall be considered by
Grantor as notice that a change in control or ownership of the Franchise has taken
place and the provisions under this Section governing the consent of Grantor to such
change in control or ownership shall apply.
e. 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 any such
inquiry. In seeking Grantor's consent to any change of ownership or control, Grantee
shall have the responsibility of insuring that the transferee completes an application
which application shall include the information required under this Ordinance and
Applicable Laws. An application, consistent with state and federal law, shall be
submitted to Grantor. The transferee shall be required to establish to the satisfaction of
the City that it possesses the legal, technical and financial qualifications to operate and
maintain the System and comply with all Franchise requirements for the remainder of
the term of the Franchise. If, after considering the legal, financial and technical qualities
of the transferee and determining that they are satisfactory, the Granto r finds that such
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transfer is acceptable, the Grantor shall permit such transfer and assignment of the
rights and obligations of such Franchise as may be in the public interest. The consent
of the Grantor to such transfer shall not be unreasonably denied.
f. Any financial institution having a security interest in any and all of the
property and assets of Grantee as security for any loan made to Grantee or any of its
affiliates for the construction and/or operation of the Cable System must notify the
Grantor in accordance with this Ordinance and Applicable Laws that it or its designee
satisfactory to the Grantor seeks to take control of and operate the Cable Television
System.
g. In addition to the aforementioned requirements in this Section 1.8, the City
and Grantee shall, at all times, comply with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes
Section 238.083 regarding the sale or transfer of a franchise.
91B.09. City's Right To Purchase System. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes
Section 238.084(aa) the City shall have the right to purchase the Cable System.
91B.10. Purchase By City Upon Expiration Or Revocation. In accordance with
Section 627 of the Cable Act (47 U.S.C. 547) and all Applicable Laws, if a renewal of a
franchise held by a Grantee is denied and the City acquires ownership of the Cable
System or effects a transfer of ownership of the system to another Person, any such
acquisition or transfer shall be at fair market value, determined on the basis of the Cable
System valued as a going concern but with no value allocated to the franchise itself. If
a franchise held by a Grantee is revoked for cause and the City acquires ownership of
the Cable System or effects a transfer of ownership of the system to another Person,
any such acquisition or transfer shall be at an equitable price.
91B.11. Emergency Use. In the case of any emergency or disaster, Grantee
shall, upon request of the City or emergency management personnel, make its Cable
System and related facilities available to the City for emergency use.
91B.12. Geographical Coverage.
a. Grantee shall design, construct and maintain the Cable Television System
to have the capability to pass every dwelling unit in the Service Area, subject to any
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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 Cable 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 all rights -of-way necessary to extend service
to such Subscriber within such thirty (30) day period on reasonable terms and
conditions.
91B.13. Nonexclusive Franchise.
a. Any Franchise granted under this Ordinance 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 Laws. The Grantor also specifically reserves the right to operate a
municipal Cable Television System pursuant to Applicable Laws and shall not be
required to grant a Franchise to the City for the operation of a municipal Cable
Television System unless specifically required by Applicab le Laws.
b. In the event Grantor grants more than one Franchise Agreement to allow
Persons to enter into Grantor's Streets for the purpose of constructing and operating a
Cable System to provide Cable Services in the Service Area, the material provisions of
each subsequent Franchise Agreement shall be no more favorable nor less
burdensome than those of previously granted Franchise Agreements so that no one
Grantee is provided an unfair competitive advantage over another and to provide all
parties equal protection under the law. Notwithstanding the aforementioned
requirement, nothing herein shall in any way prohibit Grantor from imposing provisions
in subsequent Franchise Agreements which may be less favorable or more burdensome
than those provisions contained in existing Franchise Agreements so long as consistent
with all Applicable Laws.
91B.14. Multiple Franchises.
a. Grantor may grant one or more Franchises for a Service Area. Grantor
may, in its sole discretion, limit the number of Franchises grante d, based upon, but not
necessarily limited to, the requirements of Applicable Laws and specific local
considerations; such as:
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1. The capacity of the public rights-of-way to accommodate multiple
coaxial cables in addition to the cables, conduits and pipes of the utility systems,
such as electrical power, telephone, gas and sewage.
2. The impact on the City of having multiple Franchises.
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.
4. The financial capabilities of the applicant.
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 established herein.
c. The City may, in its sole discretion, require developers of new residential
housing with underground utilities to provide conduit to accommodate cables for a
minimum of two (2) Cable Systems in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.21(d).
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.
91B.15. Franchise Applications. Any Person other than the City, desiring an initial
Franchise for a Cable Television System shall file an application with the City. A
reasonable nonrefundable application fee in an amount established by the City shall
accompany the initial application. Such application fee shall not be deemed to be
"franchise fees" within the meaning of Section 622 of the Cable Act (47 U.S.C. § 542),
and such payments shall not be deemed to be (i) "payments in kind" or any involuntary
payments chargeable against the Franchise Fees to be paid to the City by Grantee
pursuant to Section 1.20 hereof and applicable provisions of a Franchise Agreement, or
(ii) part of the Franchise Fees to be paid to the City by Grantee pursuant to Section 1.20
hereof and applicable provisions of a Franchise Agreement.
An application for an initial Franchise for a Cable Television System shall be in a
form reasonably acceptable to Grantor and shall contain, where applicable:
a. A statement as to the proposed Service Area.
b. A resume of prior history of applicant, including the legal, technical and
financial expertise of applicant in the cable television field.
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c. A list of the general and limited partners of the applicant, if a partnership,
or the shareholders, if a corporation.
d. The percentage ownership of the applicant of each of its partners,
shareholders or other equity owners;
e. A list of officers, directors and managing employees of applicant or its
general partner, as applicable, together with a description of the background of each
such Person;
f. The names and addresses of any parent or subsidiary of applicant or any
other business entity owning or controlling applicant i n whole or in part, or owned or
controlled in whole or in part by applicant;
g. A current financial statement of applicant verified by an audit or otherwise
certified to be true, complete and correct to the reasonable satisfaction of the City;
h. Proposed construction and service schedule.
i. Any additional information that the City deems applicable.
91B.16. Consideration Of Initial Applications.
a. Upon receipt of any application for an initial Franchise, the City
Administrator shall prepare a report and make his or her 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 initial Franchises, or may declin e to
grant any Franchise.
91B.17. Franchise Renewal. Franchise renewals shall be in accordance with
Applicable Laws. Grantor and Grantee, by mutual consent, may enter into renewal
negotiations at any time during the term of the Franchise. To the extent consistent with
Applicable Laws or permitted by a court of competent jurisdiction, a reasonable non
refundable renewal application fee in an amount established by the City may be
required to accompany any renewal application. Such application fee shall n ot be
deemed to be “franchise fees” within the meaning of Section 622 of the Cable Act (47
U.S.C. §542), and such payments shall not be deemed to be (i) “payments in kind” or
any involuntary payments chargeable against the Franchise Fees to be paid to the City
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by Grantee pursuant to Section 1.20 hereof and applicable provisions of a Franchise
Agreement, or (ii) part of the Franchise Fees to be paid to the City by Grantee pursuant
to Section 1.20 hereof and applicable provisions of a Franchise Agreement.
91B.18. Consumer Protection And Service Standards. Except as otherwise
provided in the Franchise Agreement, Grantee shall maintain one or more customer
service and bill payment offices at convenient locations within the Service Area to
provide the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to comply with the following
consumer protection standards under Normal Operating Conditions:
a. Cable System office hours and telephone availability:
1. Grantee will maintain a local, toll free or collect call telephone
access line which will be available to its Subscribers 24 hours a day, seven (7)
days a week.
(i) Trained Grantee representatives will be available to respond
to customer telephone inquiries during Normal Business Hours.
(ii) After Normal Business Hours, the 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 Grantee representative on the next business
day.
2. Under Normal Operating Conditions, telephone answer time by a
customer representative, including wait time, shall not exceed thirty (30) seconds
when the connection is made. If the call needs to be transferred, transfer time
shall not exceed thirty (30) seconds. These standards shall be met no less then
ninety (90%) percent of the time under Normal Operating Conditions, measured
on a quarterly basis.
3. The Grantee 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.
4. Under Normal Operating Conditions, the customer will receive a
busy signal less than three percent (3%) of the time.
5. Customer service center and bill payment locations will be open at
least during Normal Business Hours.
6. “Normal Business Hours” means those hours during which most
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similar businesses in the City are open to serve customers. In all
cases, “Normal Business Hours” must include some evenin g hours
at least one night per week and/or some weekend hours.
7. “Normal Operating Conditions” means those service conditions
which are within the control of the Grantee. Those conditions which
are not within the control of the Grantee include, but are not limited
to, natural disasters, civil disturbances, power outages, telephone
network outages, and severe or unusual weather conditions.
Those conditions which are ordinarily within the control of the
Grantee include, but are not limited to, special promotions, pay per
view events, rate increases, regular peak or seasonal demand
periods, and maintenance or upgrade of the System.
b. Installations, outages and service calls. Under Normal Operating
Conditions, each of the following four standards will be met no less than ninety-five
percent (95%) of the time measured on a quarterly basis:
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. Excluding conditions beyond the control of Grantee, Grantee will
begin working on "service interruptions" promptly and in no event later than 24
hours after the interruption becomes known. The Grantee must begi n actions to
correct other service problems the next business day after notification of the
service problem.
3. The "appointment window" alternatives for Installations, service
calls, and other Installation activities will be either a specific time or, a t maximum,
a four-hour time block during Normal Business Hours. (The Grantee may
schedule service calls and other Installation activities outside of Normal Business
Hours for the express convenience of the customer.)
4. Grantee may not cancel an appointment with a customer after the
close of business on the business day prior to the scheduled appointment.
5. If Grantee's representative is running late for an appointment with a
customer and will not be able to keep the appointment as scheduled, th e
customer will be contacted prior to the time of the scheduled appointment. The
appointment will be rescheduled, as necessary, at a time which is convenient for
the customer.
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c. Communications between Grantee and Subscribers:
1. Notifications to Subscribers:
(i) The Grantee shall provide written information on each of
the following areas at the time of Installation of service, at least annually to
all Subscribers, and at any time upon request:
(A) Products and services offered;
(B) Prices and options for programming services and
conditions of subscription to programming and other services;
(C) Installation and service maintenance policies;
(D) Instructions on how to use the Cable Service;
(E) Channel positions of the programming carried on the
System; and
(F) Billing and complaint procedures, including the
address and telephone number of the Grantee's and Grantor's
offices within the Service Area.
(ii) Customers will be notified of any changes in rates,
programming services or Channel positions as soon as possible through
announcements on the Cable System and in writing. Notice must be
given to Subscribers a minimum of thirty (30) days in advance of such
changes if the change is within the control of the Grantee. In addition, the
Grantee shall notify Subscribers thirty (30) days in advance of any
significant changes in the other information required by Section
1.18(c)(1)(i). However, so long as specifically allowed by the Cable Act,
no prior notice shall be required by the Grantee for any rate ch ange that is
the result of a regulatory fee, franchise fee, or any other fee, tax
assessment or charge imposed by a Federal agency, the State of
Minnesota or Grantor.
2. Billing:
(i) Bills will be clear, concise and understandable. Bills must
be fully itemized, with itemizations including, but not limited to, basic and
premium service charges and equipment charges. Bills will also clearly
delineate all activity during the billing period, including optional charges,
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rebates and credits.
(ii) In case of a billing dispute, the Grantee must respond to a
written complaint from a Subscriber within thirty (30) days.
3. Refunds: Refund checks will be issued promptly, but no later than
either:
(i) The customer's next billing cycle following resolution of
the request or thirty (30) days, whichever is earlier, or
(ii) The return of the equipment supplied by the Grantee if
service is terminated.
4. Credits: Credits for service will be issued no later than the
customer's next billing cycle following the determination that a credit is
warranted.
91B.19. Rate Regulation. The City reserves the right to regulate rates for
Basic Cable Service and any other services offered over the Cable System, to the
extent permitted by Applicable Laws. The Grantee 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, Subpart N, as the same may be amended
from time to time. The City shall follow the rules relating to cable rate regulati on
promulgated by the FCC at 47 C.F.R., Part 76, Subpart N, as the same may be
amended from time to time.
91B.20. Franchise Fee.
a. Following the issuance and acceptance of a 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, certified by a representative of the
Grantee who is an Accountant, reflecting the total amounts of Gross Revenues and all
payments, and computations of the Franchise Fee for the previous calendar year. Upon
ten (10) days prior written notice, Grantor shall have the right to conduct an independent
audit of Grantee's records. If such audit indica tes a Franchise Fee underpayment of
five percent (5%) or more, the Grantee shall assume all reasonable costs of such an
audit and shall remit to Grantor all applicable Franchise Fees due and payable together
with interest thereon at the lesser of the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Laws or
18% per annum.
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c. Except as otherwise provided by law, including the applicable State
statute of limitations, 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 any
Franchise Agreement or for the performance of any other obligation of the Grantee.
d. In the event that any Franchise Fee payment o r recomputed amount is not
made on or before the dates specified in the Franchise Agreement, Grantee shall pay
as additional compensation an interest charge, computed from such due date, at an
annual rate equal to the lesser of the maximum rate permitted b y Applicable Laws or
18% per annum during the period for which payment was due.
e. Franchise Fee payments shall be made in accordance with the schedule
indicated in the Franchise Agreement.
91B.21. Design And Construction Requirements.
a. Grantee shall not construct any Cable System facilities until Grantee has
secured the necessary permits from Grantor, or other applicable Governmental
Authorities.
b. In those areas of the City where transmission or distribution facilities of all
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 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, then the Grantee likewise shall
construct, 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 r emain in
above-ground closures.
d. Any Grantee wishing to serve an area where the trenches have been
closed shall be responsible for its own trenching and associated costs and shall repair
all property to the condition which existed prior to such trenching.
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91B.22. Technical Standards.
a. The Grantee shall construct, install, operate and maintain its System in a
manner consistent with all Applicable Laws and the Federal Communications
Commission technical standards, and any standards set forth in its Fran chise
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 Federal Communications Commission standards and guidelines.
The Grantee and City shall additionally comply with any other Applicable Laws or
technical standards concerning any services which Grantee provides over its Cable
System including the FCC's jurisdiction over enforcement of technical standards.
b. The City shall have the right to enforce the FCC’s technical standards
consistent with the terms of the Ordinance and any Franchise granted hereunder.
c. All construction practices shall be in accordance with all applicable
sections of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, as well as all
other Applicable Laws.
d. All Installation of electronic equipment shall be of a permanent nature,
durable and installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the National
Electrical and Safety Code and National Electrical Code, as amended, and as may from
time to time be amended.
e. Antennae and their supporting structures (towers) shall be painted,
lighted, erected and maintained in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations
of the Federal Aviation Administration and all other Applicable Laws.
f. All of Grantee's plant and equipment, including, but not limited to, the
antenna site, headend and distribution system, towers, house connections, structures,
poles, wire, coaxial cable, fixtures and appurtenances shall be installed, located,
erected, constructed, reconstructed, replaced, removed, repaired, maintained and
operated in accordance with good engineering practices, performed by experienced
maintenance and construction personnel so as not to endanger or interfere with
improvements the City may deem appropriate to make or to interfere in any manner with
the rights of any property owner, or to unnecessarily hinder or obstruct pedestrian or
vehicular traffic.
g. Grantee shall at all times employ ordinary care and shall install and
maintain in use commonly accepted methods and devices preventing failures and
accidents which are likely to cause damage, injury or nuisance to the public.
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91B.23. Trimming Of Trees. Grantee shall have the authority to trim trees, in
accordance with all applicable utility restrictions, ordinance and easement restrictions,
upon and hanging over Streets and public places of the City so as to prevent the
branches of such trees from coming in contact with the wires a nd cables of Grantee.
City representatives shall have authority to supervise at City expense and approve all
trimming of trees conducted by Grantee.
91B.24. Use Of Grantee Facilities. The City shall have the right to install and
maintain, upon the poles and within the underground pipes and conduits of Grantee,
any wires and fixtures desired by the City to the extent that such installation and
maintenance does not interfere with existing or future operations of Grantee. If the City
desires to utilize Grantee’s facilities, the City and Grantee shall enter into a mutually
acceptable separate agreement for the provision thereof. The Grantee may deny use of
its facilities if the City’s proposed installation or maintenance is not technically feasible,
exceeds available space, or otherwise interferes with the existing or future operations of
Grantee.
91B.25. Programming Decisions. All programming decisions shall be at the sole
discretion of Grantee; provided, however, that any change in the mix, quality or level of
service shall be in accordance with 47 U.S.C. § 545, and any approval required by City
which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
91B.26. Indemnification. Grantee shall indemnify, defend and hold the City, its
officers, boards, commissions, agents and employees (collectively the "Indemnified
Parties") harmless from and against any and all lawsuits, claims, causes of action,
actions, liability, demands, damages, judgments, settlements, losses, expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees) and costs that any of the Indemnified Parties
acting within the performance of the official duties of the position and not resulting from
malfeasance in office, willful neglect of duty or bad faith may at any time suffer, sustain
or incur arising out of, based upon or in any way connected with the operation of
Grantee's System by Grantee and/or the acts and/or omissions of Grantee or its agents
or employees, whether or not pursuant to the Franchise. This indemnity shall apply,
without limitation, to any action or cause of action for invasion of privacy, defamation,
antitrust, errors and omissions, theft, fire, violation or infringement of any copyright,
trademark, trade names, service mark, patent, or any other right of any Person, whether
or not any act or omission complained of is authorized, allowed or prohibited by this
Ordinance or any Franchise Agreement, but shall exclude any claim or action arising
out of the acts or omissions of the Indemnified Parties or related to any City
programming or other access programming for which the Grantee is not legally
responsible.
An Indemnified Party shall promptly submit a written request to Grantee of any claim or
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legal proceeding which gives rise to Grantee’s indemnification obligations under this
Section. An Indemnified Party shall be offered the opportunity to participate in the
defense, compromise, settlement or other resolution or disposition of any claim or
proceeding. The Indemnified Party shall fully cooperate with Grantee regarding any
such matter.
91B.27. Insurance. Within sixty (60) days following the grant of a Franchise, the
Grantee shall obtain, pay all premiums for and make available to the City at its request
certificates of insurance for the following insurance policies:
a. A general commercial liability insurance policy insuring, indemnifying,
defending and saving harmless the Indemnified Parties from any and all claims by any
Person whatsoever on account of injury to or death of a Person or Persons occasioned
by the operations of the Grantee under any Franchi se granted hereunder, or alleged to
have been so caused or occurred with a minimum coverage of One Million Dollars
($1,000,000) for personal injury or death of one Person, and Three Million Dollars
($3,000,000) for personal injury or death of any two (2) o r more Persons in any one
occurrence. The policy limits provided for in this Section 1.27(a) may be unilaterally
increased by City every five (5) years to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index.
b. Property damage insurance for property damage occasioned by the
operation of Grantee under any Franchise granted pursuant to this Ordinance, or
alleged to have been so caused or occurred, with minimum coverage of One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000) for property damage to the property of any one Person and T hree
Million Dollars ($3,000,000) for property damage to the property of two or more Persons
in any one occurrence. The policy limits provided for in this Section 1.27(b) may be
unilaterally increased by City every five (5) years to reflect increases in t he Consumer
Price Index.
c. Workers Compensation Insurance as provided by Applicable Laws.
d. All certificates of insurance called for herein shall be in a form satisfactory
to the City with a company licensed to do business in the State of Minnesota wit h a
rating by A.M. Best & Co. of not less than "A," and shall require thirty (30) days written
notice of any cancellation to both the City and the Grantee. The Grantee shall, in the
event of any such cancellation notice, obtain, pay all premiums for, and file with the City,
written evidence of the issuance of replacement policies within thirty (30) days following
receipt by the City or the Grantee of any notice of cancellation.
e. If Grantee sells or transfers the Cable System, or in the event of
expiration, termination or revocation of a Franchise, insurance tail coverage shall be
purchased and filed with the City for the then applicable amounts, providing coverage
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for the time periods according to applicable statutes of limitation, insurance for any
issues attributable to the period Grantee held its Franchise.
f. It shall be the obligation of Grantee to promptly notify the City of any
pending or threatened litigation that would be likely to affect the Indemnified Parties.
91B.28. Records Required And Grantor's Right To Inspect.
a. Grantee shall at all times maintain:
1. A full and complete set of plans, records and "as-built" maps
showing the location of the Cable Television System installed or in use in the
City, exclusive of Subscriber service drops and equipment provided in
Subscribers' homes.
2. 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 Gran tor within thirty (30)
days following its request in a form reasonably acceptable to the Grantor.
b. 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 Applicable Laws, this Ordinance and the Franchise Agreement.
Grantee shall have the right to be present at any such examination.
c. The City shall also have the right to inspect, upon twenty-four (24) hours
written notice, at any time during Normal Business Hours at Grantee's office, all books,
records, maps, plans, financial statements, service complaint logs, performance test
results, records of request for service, and other like materials of Grantee as necessary
for enforcement of the provisions of this Ordinance and those of any Franchise
Agreement granted hereunder.
d. Copies of all petitions, applications, communications and reports
submitted by Grantee or on behalf of or relating to Grantee to the Federal
Communications Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other
Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect to any matters affecting the
Cable System authorized pursuant to this Ordinance and any Franchise shall be
submitted upon request to the City. Copies of responses from the Governmental
Authority to Grantee shall likewise be furnished to the City within fifteen (15) days of
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receipt of the response.
91B.29. Annual Reports.
a. Upon written request, Grantee shall, within ninety (90) days of each
calendar year end, submit a written end of the year report to Grantor with respect to the
preceding calendar year containing the following information:
1. 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 commenced or discontinued during the
reporting year;
2. A list of Grantee's officers, members of its board of directors, and
other principals of Grantee;
3. A list of stockholders or other equity investors holding five percent
(5%) or more of the voting interest in Grantee; and
4. Information as to the number of Subscribers, additional television
outlets, and the number of basic and pay service Subscribers.
b. All reports required under this Ordinance, except those required by law to
be kept confidential, shall be available for public inspection in the Grantee's offices
during Normal Business Hours.
c. All reports and records required under this Ordinance shall be furn ished at
the sole expense of Grantee, except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance or the
Franchise agreement.
91B.30. Franchise Violation. In the event Grantor believes that Grantee has
breached or violated any material provision of this Ordinance or a Franchise granted
hereunder and Grantor desires to impose the provisions of this Section 1.30, Grantor
shall act in accordance with the following procedures:
Grantor shall notify Grantee of the alleged violation or breach by Certified Mail
and demand that Grantee cure the same within a reasonable time, which shall not be
less than ten (10) days in the case of an alleged failure of the Grantee to pay any sum
or other amount due the Grantor under this Ordinance or the Grantee's Franchise and
thirty (30) days in all other cases. If Grantee fails either to cure the alleged violation or
CHAPTER 91B. CABLE TELEVISION
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breach within the time prescribed or to commence correction of the violation or breach
within the time prescribed and thereafter diligently pursue correction of such alleged
violation or breach, the Grantor shall then give written notice of not less than fourteen
(14) days of a public hearing to be held before the Council. Said notice shall specify the
violations or breaches alleged to have occurred. At the public hearing, the Council shall
hear and consider relevant evidence and thereafter render findings and its decision. In
the event the Council finds that a material violation or breach exists and that Grantee
has not cured the same in a satisfactory manner or has not diligently commenced to
cure of such violation or breach after notice thereof from Grantor and is not diligently
proceeding to fully cure such violation or breach, the Council may revoke and terminate
the Franchise or impose any other remedy permitted by the Fr anchise Agreement or
Applicable Laws. If the City chooses to terminate Grantee’s Franchise as opposed to
any other remedy authorized herein, the following additional procedure shall be
followed:
1. The City shall provide Grantee with written notice of the City’s intention to
terminate the Franchise and specify in detail the reason or cause for the
proposed termination.
2. Grantee shall be provided with fourteen (14) days advance written notice and
an opportunity to be heard at a regular or special meeting of C ity prior to any
final decision of City to terminate Grantee’s Franchise.
3. In the event that City determines to terminate Grantee’s Franchise, the
Grantee shall have an opportunity to appeal said decision in accordance with
all Applicable Laws.
4. If a valid appeal is filed, the Franchise shall remain in full force and affect
while said appeal is pending, unless the term of the Franchise sooner expires.
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91B.31. Force Majeure; Grantee's Inability To Perform. In the event Grantee's
performance of any of the terms, conditions or obligations required by this Ordinance 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 for the period of such
inability and no penalties or sanctions shall be imposed as a result thereof. For the
purpose of this Section, causes or events not within the control of Grantee shall include,
without limitation, acts of God, strikes, inability to obtain necessary contract labor or
materials (Grantee shall provide reasonable evidence and/or demonstrate that it has
exercised all reasonable diligence in a good faith effort to secure contract labor and/or
materials), sabotage, riots or civil disturbances, restraints imposed by order of a
governmental agency or court, failure or loss of utilities, explosions, acts of public
enemies, and natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides and fires.
91B.32. Abandonment Or Removal Of Franchise Property.
a. In the event that the use of any property of Grantee within the Franchise
Area or a portion thereof is discontinued for a continuous period of twelve (12) months,
Grantee shall be deemed to have abandoned that property. Grantee shall be afforded
thirty (30) days advance notice before this provision may be implemented.
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 in, on, under or over the Franchise Area. Unless
such permission is granted or unless otherwise provided in this Ordinance, the Grantee
shall remove all abandoned 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 made
by or on behalf of Grantee and shall leave all streets an d other 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 ap prove the condition of the
streets, public ways, public places, cables, wires, attachments and poles prior to and
after removal. The liability, indemnity and insurance provisions of this Ordinance and
any security fund provided for in the Franchise Agreement shall continue in full force
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 and the notice
required under subsection (a) above, the Grantee, if required by the Grantor, shall
submit to Grantor a bill of sale and/or other an instrument, satisfactory in form and
content to the Grantor, transferring to the Grantor the ownership of the Franchise
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property abandoned.
d. At the expiration of the term for which the Franchise is granted, or upon its
earlier revocation or termination, as provided for herein and/or in the Franchise
Agreement, 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 Ordinance, the
Grantee may, with the consent of the Grantor, 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.
91B.33. Extended Operation And Continuity Of Services. Upon the expiration,
revocation or termination of the Franchise, Grantee may, with writt en permission from
Grantor, continue to operate the Cable Television System for a period of time not to
exceed six (6) months from the date of such expiration, revocation or termination under
the terms and conditions of this Ordinance and the Franchise and to provide the regular
Subscriber service and any and all of the services that may be provided at that time.
91B.34. 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 Ordinance and the Franchise granted pursuant hereto,
and the receivers or trustees within said one hundred twenty (120) days shall have
remedied all the defaults and violations under the Franchise and/or this Ordinance or
provided a plan for the remedy of such defaults and violations 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 and this Ordinance.
b. In the case of a foreclosure or other judicial sale of the Franchise property,
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or any material part thereof, Grantor may give notice of termination of any Franchise
granted pursuant to this Ordinance upon Grantee and the successful bidder at such
sale, in which the event the Franchise granted and all rights and privileges of the
Grantee hereunder shall cease and terminate thirty (30) days after such notice has
been given, unless (1) Grantor shall have approved the transfer of the Franchise in
accordance with the provisions of the Franchise and this Ordinance; 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.
91B.35. Rights Reserved To Grantor.
a. In addition to any rights specifically reserved to the Grantor by this
Ordinance, 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 Applicable Laws, if the Grantor, in its sole opinion, 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. Waiver of any
provision in one instance shall not be deemed a waiver of such provi sion subsequent to
such instance nor be deemed a waiver of any other provision of the Franchise unless
the statement so recites.
c. The City reserves the right to delegate administrative responsibilities to
any City delegate acting within the scope of its jurisdiction, provided however,
enforcement actions remain the provenance of the City.
91B.36. Rights Of Individuals.
a. Grantee shall not deny service, deny access, or otherwise discriminate
against Subscribers, Channel users, or general citizens on the basis of race, color,
religion, disability, national origin, age, gender or sexual preference. Grantee shall
comply at all times with all other Applicable Laws, relating to nondiscrimination.
b. Grantee shall adhere to the applicable equal employment opportunity
requirements of Applicable Laws, 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
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Updated 2014 91B-27
the System, detection of unauthorized service, polling with audience participating, 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 Laws. 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.
e. No cable line, wire, amplifier, converter, or other piece of equipment
owned by Grantee shall be installed by Grantee in the Subscr iber'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.
Where a property owner or his or her predecessor has granted an easement including a
public utility easement or a servitude to another and the servitude by its terms
contemplates a use such as Grantee's intended use, Grantee shall not be required to
secure the written permission of the owner for the Installa tion of cable television
equipment.
f. To the extent required by Applicable Laws, no signals of a class IV cable
communications channel may be transmitted from a Subscriber terminal for purposes of
monitoring individual viewing patterns or practices without the express written
permission of a Subscriber. The request for permission must be contained in a
separate document with a prominent statement that the Subscriber is authorizing the
permission in full knowledge of its provisions. The written permissio n must be for a
limited period of time not to exceed one year with renewal at the option of the
Subscriber. No penalty may be invoked for a Subscribers failure to provide or renew
the authorization. The authorization is revocable at any time by the Subsc riber without
penalty of any kind. The permission must be required for each type or classification of
class IV cable communications activity planned.
1. No information or data obtained by monitoring transmission of a signal
from a Subscriber terminal, including but not limited to the lists of the names and
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Updated 2014 91B-28
addresses of the Subscribers or lists that identify the viewing habits of
Subscribers may be sold or otherwise made available to any Person other than
to Grantee and its employees for internal business use, or to the Subscriber who
is the subject of that information, unless the Grantee has received specific written
authorization from the Subscriber to make the data available.
2. Written permission from the Subscriber must not be required for the
systems conducting system wide or individually addressed electronic sweeps for
the purpose of verifying system integrity or monitoring for the purpose of billing.
Confidentiality of this information is subject to paragraph 1 above.
3. For purposes of this Section 136, a "class IV cable communications
channel" means a signaling path provided by a System to transmit signals of any
type from a Subscriber terminal to another point in the System.
91B.37. Conflicts. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this
Ordinance and a Franchise Agreement, the provisions of the Franchise Agreement shall
control.
91B.38. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance is held by any
Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction, to be invalid as conflicting with any
Applicable Laws now or hereafter in effect, or is held by such Governmental Authority to
be modified in any way in order to conform to the requirements of any such Applicable
Laws, such provision shall be considered a separate, distinct, and independent part of
this Ordinance, and such holding shall not affect the validity and enforceability of all
other provisions hereof. In the event that such Applicable Laws are subsequently
repealed, rescinded, amended or otherwise changed, so that the provision hereof which
had been held invalid or modified is no longer in conflict with such laws, 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.
3266; 3/8/99