[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Black Earth 4-7-1998 (Ch. 22 of the 1990 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter is to authorize the Village of Black Earth to grant a nonexclusive franchise to one or more grantees to install, maintain, and operate within the Village a cable television system for the distribution of television signals, frequency-modulated radio signals and any other electronic signals capable of being transmitted on a coaxial or fiber optic network, including data transmission and closed circuit television programs, provided that the grantee conforms to the conditions, limitations, and requirements of this chapter.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Black Earth Cable Television Franchise Ordinance of 1997."
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words in the singular number include the plural number.
BASIC SERVICE
Any service tier which includes, at a minimum, all signals of domestic television broadcast stations provided to any subscriber (except a signal secondarily transmitted by satellite carrier beyond the local service area of such station), any public, educational, and governmental programming required by the franchise, and any additional video programming signals or service added to the tier by the grantee.
CABLE ACT
Title VI of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 151 et seq., and all other provisions of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, P.L. No. 98-549, the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, P.L. No. 102-385, and the Telecommunications Act of 1997, P.L. No. 104-104.
CABLE OPERATOR
Any person or group of persons who or which provides cable service over a cable system and directly or through one or more affiliates owns a significant interest in such cable system or who or which otherwise controls or is responsible for, through any arrangement, the management and operation of such cable system.
CABLE SERVICE
The one-way transmission to subscribers of video programming or other programming service and subscriber interaction, if any, which is required for the selection or use of such video programming or other programming service.
CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM, CABLE SYSTEM or SYSTEM
Any facility owned by a cable operator consisting of a set of closed transmission paths and associated signal generation, reception, and control equipment that is designed to provide cable service which includes video programming and which is provided to multiple subscribers within a community, but such term does not include:
A. 
A facility that serves only to retransmit the television signals of one or more television broadcast stations;
B. 
A facility that serves subscribers without using any public right-of-way;
C. 
A facility of a common carrier which is subject, in whole or in part, to the provisions of Title II of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, except that such facility shall be considered a cable system to the extent such facility is used in the transmission of video programming directly to subscribers, unless the extent of such use is solely to provide interactive on-demand services;
D. 
An open video system that complies with Section 653 of the Cable Act, including any amendments thereto; or
E. 
Any facilities of any electric utility used solely for operating its electric utility systems.
CHANNEL
A portion of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum which is used in a cable system and which is capable of delivering a television channel (as "television channel" is defined in FCC regulations).
CONTROL
The power or authority to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the grantee.
CONVERTER
An electronic device that will shift any television channel(s) from one to another within the UHF or VHF frequency spectrum.
DWELLING UNIT
A building or that part of a building used as a home or residence.
EXTENDED BASIC SERVICE
Any video programming provided over a cable system, regardless of service tier, including installation or rental of equipment used for the receipt of such video programming, other than:
A. 
Video programming carried on the basic service tier;
B. 
Video programming offered on a pay-per-channel or pay-per-program basis; or
C. 
A combination of multiple channels of pay-per-channel or pay-per-program video programming offered on a multiplexed or time-shifted basis so long as the combined service consists of commonly identified video programming and is not bundled with any regulated tier of service.
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission, its designee, or any successor thereto.
FRANCHISE
An initial authorization or renewal thereof issued by the Village, as franchising authority, to a grantee to construct or operate a cable system.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
A contractual agreement entered into between the Village and any grantee hereunder which is enforceable by the Village and said grantee and which sets forth the rights and obligations between the Village and said grantee in connection with the franchise.
FRANCHISE FEE
Any tax, fee, or assessment the Village imposes on the grantee solely because of the grantee's status as such. The term "franchise fee" does not include:
A. 
Any tax, fee, or assessment of general applicability (including any such tax for 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 the grantee);
B. 
Capital costs which are required by the franchise to be incurred by the grantee for educational or governmental access facilities;
C. 
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
D. 
Any fee imposed under Title 17, United States Code.
GRANTEE
A person to whom a franchise under this chapter is granted and the lawful successors or assigns of such person.
GROSS REVENUES
Any and all revenues derived directly or indirectly by a grantee, its affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, or any person in which the grantee has a financial interest from or in connection with the operation of the cable system pursuant to this chapter. Further, annual gross revenues include compensation, in whatever form, derived from all cable services, cable operations, and cable-relaxed activities within the franchise area, including but not limited to:
A. 
Revenues from subscriber rates, pay television, premium channels, service tiers, service clusters, institutional networks, on-air advertising, installations, reconnections, or similar fees;
B. 
Rebates or commissions received from travel, home shopping or similar services or commercial access; and
C. 
Any and all compensation from all ancillary cable services, cable operations, and cable-related activities within the franchise area.
NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS
Those hours during which similar businesses in the Village are open to service customers. In all cases, "normal business hours" must include some evening hours at least one night per week and some weekend hours.
NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Those service conditions which are within the control of the cable operator. Those conditions which are not within the control of the cable operator 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 cable operator 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 cable system.
PERSON
Any natural person or any association, firm, partnership, joint-stock company, limited liability company, joint venture, corporation, or other legally recognized entity, private or public, whether for-profit or not-for-profit.
PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL OR GOVERNMENTAL ACCESS FACILITIES
Channel capacity designated for public, educational, or governmental use and the facilities and equipment for the use of such channel capacity.
SERVICE TIER
A category of cable service or other services provided by a cable operator and for which a separate rate is charged by the cable operator.
STREET
The surface of and space above and below any public street, road, highway, freeway, lane, alley, court, sidewalk, parkway or drive, or any public right-of-way, now or hereafter existing as such within the Village.
SUBSCRIBER
Any person legally receiving any service provided by a grantee pursuant to this chapter.
VIDEO PROGRAMMING
Programming provided by, or generally considered comparable to, programming provided by a television broadcast station.
VILLAGE
The Village of Black Earth, Wisconsin, or any duly appointed designee thereof, including but not limited to the Village Board and all the area within the territorial limits of the Village and its future corporate boundaries.
VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES or VILLAGE BOARD
The present governing body of the Village or any successors to the legislative power of said body or any duly appointed designee thereof.
A. 
Grant. In the event the Village shall grant to a grantee or renew a nonexclusive, revocable franchise to construct, operate, maintain and reconstruct a cable system within the franchise area, said franchise shall constitute both a right and an obligation to provide the service of a cable system as required by this chapter and by the terms of the franchise agreement.
B. 
Franchise required. Subject to federal and state law, no cable operator shall be allowed to occupy or use the streets within the incorporated limits of the Village without a franchise granted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
C. 
Franchise nonexclusive. Any franchise granted under this chapter shall be revocable and nonexclusive. The Village reserves the right to grant a similar franchise to any person at any time.
D. 
Revisions. Any franchise granted under this chapter is hereby made subject to any revisions of this chapter and the general ordinances of the Village, provided that such revisions do not materially and adversely alter the grantee's obligations or impair the grantee's rights set out in any franchise agreement.
E. 
Term. The term of any new or renewal franchise granted under this chapter shall be established in the franchise agreement; provided, however, that in no event shall any franchise granted under this chapter exceed the term of 15 years.
F. 
Mortgage or pledge of system. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prohibit a grantee from mortgaging or pledging of its system or any part thereof. However, any such mortgage or pledge shall be subject to and subordinate to the right of the Village under this chapter, any franchise agreement or applicable laws.
G. 
Previous rights abandoned. The franchise shall be in lieu of any and all other rights, privileges, powers, immunities, and authorities owned, possessed, controlled or exercisable by the grantee or any successor pertaining to the construction, operation, maintenance or reconstruction of a cable system in the Village. The acceptance of the franchise shall operate, as between the grantee and the Village, as an abandonment of any and all of such rights, privileges, powers, immunities and authorities within the Village. All construction, operation, maintenance and reconstruction by the grantee of any cable system in the Village shall be under this chapter and the franchise agreement and not under any other right, privilege, power, immunity or authority.
H. 
Subject to other regulatory agencies' rules and regulations. The grantee shall at all times during the life of the franchise be subject to all lawful exercise of the police power by the Village and other duly authorized regulatory state and federal bodies and shall comply with any and all codes which the Village has adopted or shall adopt applying to the public generally and to other grantees.
I. 
Pole use agreements required. The franchise shall not relieve the grantee of any obligation involved in obtaining pole or conduit use agreements from the gas, electric and telephone companies or others maintaining poles or conduits in the streets of the Village, whenever the grantee finds it necessary to make use of such poles or conduits.
J. 
No right of property. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the franchise shall not impart to the grantee any right of property in or on Village-owned property.
K. 
Use of grantee's facilities. The Village shall have the right to install and maintain, free of charge, upon the poles and within the underground pipes and conduits of the grantee, any wires and fixtures desired by the Village to the extent that such installation and maintenance do not interfere with existing and future operations of the grantee.
L. 
Franchise binding. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, all provisions of this chapter shall be binding upon the grantee, its successors, lessees or assignees.
A. 
Application. All applicants for a franchise under this chapter shall prepare and file a written application with the Village in such form as the Village shall designate.
B. 
Franchise renewal applicants. All applicants seeking to renew a franchise under this chapter shall seek such renewal in accordance with the Cable Act.
C. 
Review of application. Upon receipt of an application under this chapter, the Village shall review the same and make the application available for public inspection at such places as the Village shall designate. A decision shall be made on the application by the Village after evaluation thereof. The Village may grant one or more franchises or may decline to grant any franchise.
A. 
Renewal request. The Village shall determine whether to renew a franchise granted under this chapter in the event that the grantee files a written request for such a renewal. The grantee shall submit such a request at least 30 but no sooner than 36 months before the expiration of the franchise. At the time of such request, the Village may revise this chapter, reevaluate the needs of the community for cable service, and review the performance of the grantee. The Village shall conduct any proceedings necessary to consider the renewal request.
B. 
Renewal criteria where Cable Act applies. To the extent applicable, the Cable Act shall govern the procedures and standards for renewal of any franchise awarded pursuant to this chapter. Accordingly, the Village shall renew or extend a franchise unless it finds that:
(1) 
The grantee has not substantially complied with the material terms of this chapter, the franchise agreement, or with applicable law, or its officers have been convicted of a felony;
(2) 
The quality of the grantee's service, including signal quality, response to consumer complaints, and billing practices, but without regard to the mix or quality of cable services or other services provided over the system, has been unreasonable in light of community needs;
(3) 
The grantee lacks the legal, technical, or financial ability to provide the services, facilities, and equipment it proposes to provide;
(4) 
The service, facilities, and equipment the grantee proposes to provide are unreasonable in light of the community need for and cost of such services, facilities, and equipment; or
(5) 
The proposals contained in the renewal application are otherwise unreasonable.
C. 
Renewal where Cable Act does not apply. To the extent that the Cable Act is not applicable, the Village in its sole discretion and judgment shall have the right to grant, deny or conditionally grant renewal of a franchise, provided that the Village shall not unreasonably refuse to renew the franchise or unreasonably condition the renewal. The conditions the Village may place on its approval shall include, but are not limited to, remedy of historical or existing violations of the franchise or ordinance, payment of all fees and penalties owed by the grantee at the time of the renewal, acceptance of any updated ordinance, and acceptance of any updated franchise agreement.
A. 
Village's right to revoke and grounds therefor. In addition to all other rights which the Village has pursuant to law or equity, the Village reserves the right to revoke, terminate or cancel any franchise granted under this chapter, in the event that one or more of the following occur, each of which shall be deemed a material breach of the franchise:
(1) 
The grantee violates any material provision of this franchise or its franchise agreement with the Village;
(2) 
The grantee violates any state or federal law applicable to the grantee's operation within the Village;
(3) 
The grantee practices any fraud or deceit upon the Village or a subscriber;
(4) 
The grantee becomes insolvent or unable or unwilling to pay its debts or is adjudged as bankrupt;
(5) 
The grantee ceases to provide service over the cable system for a period exceeding 14 days for any reason within the grantee's control or abandons the management and/or operation of the system; or
(6) 
The grantee materially misrepresents a fact in the application for or negotiation of, or renegotiation of, or renewal of, its franchise.
B. 
Notice and opportunity to cure prior to revocation. In the event that the Village determines that the grantee has committed a material breach of the franchise, the Village may make a written demand on the grantee that the grantee cure such breach and inform the grantee that continued breach may be cause for revocation. If the breach is not cured to the satisfaction of the Village within 30 days following such demand, the Village may revoke the grantee's franchise and terminate the franchise agreement pursuant to the revocation procedures set out in § 120-8.
C. 
Notice and opportunity for hearing. The Village shall not revoke any franchise without giving the grantee reasonable notice and opportunity for a public hearing before the Village Board.
D. 
Revocation resolution. In the event that the Village determines to revoke a grantee's franchise under this section, the Village shall, by resolution, declare that the grantee's franchise is terminated and any security fund and bonds forfeited and shall undertake the revocation procedures set out in § 120-8.
A. 
Removal of facilities/continued operation. In the event that a grantee's franchise is revoked, expires, or is otherwise terminated, the Village may order the grantee to remove its facilities from the franchise area within 90 days of the date of such order, or the Village may require the grantee to continue operating its cable system for a period not to exceed 24 months as indicated in Subsection D below.
B. 
Restoration of property. In removing its facilities from the franchise area, the grantee shall refill, at its own expense, any excavation it makes and shall leave all public ways and places in as good condition as that prevailing prior to the grantee's removal of its facilities, without affecting the electrical or telephone cables, wires, or attachments. The grantee's insurance, indemnity obligations, performance bond(s) and security fund(s) required by this chapter and by the franchise agreement shall continue in full force and effect during the period of removal and until full compliance by the grantee with the terms and conditions of this section.
C. 
Restoration by Village; reimbursement of costs. If the grantee fails to complete any work required by Subsections A and B above or any other work required by the Village within 30 days after receipt of written notice and to the satisfaction of the Village, the Village may cause such work to be done and the grantee shall reimburse the Village for the cost thereof within 30 days after receipt of an itemized list of such costs, or the Village may recover such costs through the security fund or bonds provided by the grantee. The Village shall be permitted to seek legal and equitable relief to enforce the provisions of this section.
D. 
Extended operation. Subject to federal, state and local law, upon either the expiration or revocation of a franchise, the Village may require the grantee to continue to operate the cable system for a defined period of time not to exceed 24 months from the date of such expiration or revocation. The grantee shall, as trustee for its successor in interest, continue to operate the cable system under the terms and conditions of this chapter and the franchise agreement and to provide the regular cable service and any of the other services that may be provided at that time.
A. 
Lesser remedies. Nothing shall prohibit the Village from invoking lesser remedies than revocation for violations of the provisions of this chapter or the franchise agreement, including imposing monetary damages as set out in Subsection C below.
B. 
Notice and opportunity to cure prior to imposition of monetary damages. In the event that the Village determines that the grantee has failed to perform any material obligation under this chapter or the franchise agreement, the Village may make a written demand on the grantee that the grantee cure such breach and inform the grantee that continued breach may be cause for the imposition of monetary damages. If the breach is not cured to the satisfaction of the Village within 30 days following such demand, the Village may impose monetary damages on the grantee as set out in Subsection C.
C. 
Monetary damages. If after notice to the grantee and opportunity for hearing the Village determines that the grantee has failed to perform any material obligation under this chapter or the franchise agreement, or fails to do so in a timely manner, the Village may, at its option, and in its sole discretion, assess monetary damages against the grantee as provided in this Subsection C. This provision for assessment of damages is intended to be separate and apart from the Village's right to enforce the provisions of the construction and performance bonds provided for in this chapter and is intended to be in addition to any other remedies. This provision is intended to provide compensation to the Village for actual damages.
(1) 
For failure to comply with any of the customer service standards adopted by the Village in this chapter or set out in the franchise agreement, the grantee shall pay to the Village the sum of $200 for each day the grantee fails to comply.
(2) 
For failure to furnish, maintain, or offer cable services to any potential subscriber within the territorial limits of the Village in accordance with § 120-13 of this chapter or upon order of the Village, the grantee shall pay to the Village the sum of $200 for any such occurrence.
(3) 
For failure to obtain or file evidence of required insurance or other required financial security, the grantee shall pay to the Village the sum of $300 for any such occurrence.
(4) 
For failure to provide access to data documents, records or reports to the Village as required by this chapter, the grantee shall pay to the Village the sum of $100 for any such occurrence.
(5) 
For failure to comply with applicable construction, operation, or maintenance standards, the grantee shall pay to the Village the sum of $300 for any such occurrence.
(6) 
For failure to comply with a rate decision or refund order issued by the Village, the grantee shall pay to the Village the sum of $500 for any such occurrence.
A. 
Purchase of system by Village on revocation. If the Village revokes the franchise for cause, the grantee shall first offer the system for sale to the Village at an equitable price under the following procedures:
(1) 
If the determination of an equitable price cannot be negotiated or determined by the Village and the grantee, the price shall be determined by an impartial appraisal procedure pursuant to Ch. 788, Wis. Stats., wherein the grantee and the Village shall each choose an appraiser and the appraisers chosen shall choose a third appraiser and the price determined by such appraisers shall be considered the equitable price at which the system will be offered to the Village. The determination of the price of the system shall be decreased by the amount of any and all damages sustained by the Village in connection with revocation, including, without limitation, payment made by the Village to another person or entity to operate the system for a temporary period after revocation. The cost of the appraisal procedure shall be shared equally by the Village and the grantee.
(2) 
The Village shall have 90 days commencing on the day the equitable price of the system is determined either through negotiation or the appraisal procedure to exercise its option to purchase. If the Village does not exercise its option to purchase and the system is not sold to another operator who has obtained a franchise from the Village, the grantee, upon request by the Village, shall promptly remove all its facilities from the franchise area. While transfer of the system and franchise is being negotiated, arranged or ordered, the grantee may be required to continue service to the public.
B. 
Purchase of system by Village on nonrenewal. If the Village determines not to renew a grantee's franchise, the grantee shall first offer the system for sale to the Village at fair market value, determined on the basis of the system valued as a going concern but with no value allocated to the franchise itself. The following procedures shall be followed:
(1) 
If the determination of fair market value cannot be negotiated or determined, the value shall be determined by an impartial appraisal procedure pursuant to Ch. 788, Wis. Stats., wherein the grantee and the Village shall each choose an appraiser and the appraisers chosen shall choose a third appraiser and the valuation determined by such appraisers shall be considered the fair market value at which the system will be offered to the Village. The determination of the value of the system shall be decreased by the amount of any damages sustained by the Village in connection with nonrenewal, including, without limitation, payment made by the Village to another person or entity to operate the system for a temporary period after nonrenewal. The cost of the appraisal procedure shall be shared equally by the Village and the grantee.
(2) 
The Village shall have 90 days commencing on the day the fair market value of the system is determined either through negotiation or the appraisal procedure to exercise its option to purchase. If the Village does not exercise its option to purchase and the system is not sold to another operator who has obtained a franchise from the Village, the grantee, upon request by the Village, shall promptly remove all its facilities. While transfer of the system and franchise is being negotiated, arranged or ordered, the grantee may be required to continue service to the public.
A. 
Transfer of franchise. Any franchise granted under this chapter shall be a privilege to be held for the benefit of the public. Any franchise so granted cannot, in any event, be sold, transferred, leased, assigned or disposed of by any method, including but not limited to forced or voluntary sale, merger, or consolidation, either in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the Village, and then only under such reasonable conditions as the Village may establish. Such consent as required by the Village shall be given or denied no later than 120 days following such request and shall not be unreasonably withheld. Prior consent shall not be required when transferring the franchise between wholly owned subsidiaries of the same entity.
B. 
Notice to Village on twenty-percent change of ownership or control. A grantee shall promptly notify the Village in writing of any proposed change in, or transfer of, control of the grantee. For the purpose of this subsection, a change in, or transfer of, control shall occur on the acquisition or transfer by any person of 20% or more of the beneficial ownership interest in the grantee.
C. 
Consent of Village required on fifty-one-percent change of ownership or control. In the event that any person or group of persons acquires or transfers 51% or more of the beneficial ownership interest in the grantee, the grantee's franchise shall be subject to cancellation unless and until the Village shall have consented in writing to the acquisition or transfer. The Village shall give or deny consent no later than 120 days after receiving written notice of the acquisition or transfer. The Village's consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. For the purpose of determining whether it shall consent to such change, transfer or acquisition of control, the Village may inquire into the qualifications of the prospective controlling party, and the grantee shall assist the Village in any such inquiry.
D. 
Grantee's responsibility. In seeking the Village's consent to any change in ownership or control, the grantee shall have the responsibility to do the following:
(1) 
To show to the Village's satisfaction whether the proposed purchaser, transferee, or assignee (the "proposed transferee"), which in the case of a corporation shall include all directors and all persons having a legal or equitable interest of 51% or more of the voting stock:
(a) 
Has ever been convicted of a felony or is presently under an indictment, investigation or complaint charging a felony;
(b) 
Has ever had a judgment in an action for fraud, deceit or misrepresentation entered against it, her, him, or them by any court of competent jurisdiction; or
(c) 
Has pending any legal claim, lawsuit or administrative proceeding arising out of or involving a cable system.
(2) 
To establish to the Village's satisfaction the financial solvency of the proposed transferee by submitting all current financial data for the proposed transferee which the grantee was required to submit in its franchise application, and such other data as the Village may request, where the same shall be audited, certified and qualified by a certified public accountant.
(3) 
To establish to the Village's satisfaction that the legal, financial and technical capability of the proposed transferee is such as shall enable it to maintain and operate the cable system for the remaining term of the franchise under the existing franchise terms.
E. 
Effect of Village's consent to transfer. The consent or approval of the Village to any transfer by the grantee shall not constitute a waiver or release of the rights of the Village in and to the streets, and any transfer shall by its terms be expressly subject to the terms and conditions of any franchise. The grantee shall not be released from its obligations under this chapter and the franchise agreement without the express written consent of the Village.
F. 
Transfer document to be filed with Village. A grantee, upon transfer, shall within 60 days thereafter file with the Village a copy of the deed, agreement or other written instrument evidencing such sale, transfer of ownership or control or lease, certified and sworn to as correct by the grantee.
G. 
Village's right to purchase system. The Village shall be entitled to a right of first refusal of any written offer to purchase the grantee's system, which offer the grantee has accepted subject to the Village's rights under this chapter. The price to be paid by the Village shall be the price of such offer on the same terms and conditions as such offer. The Village shall notify the grantee of its decision to purchase within 90 days of the Village's receipt from the grantee of a copy of the offer.
A grantee's franchise area shall be the territorial limits of the Village of Black Earth as they may exist now and in the future.
A. 
Developed areas. In developed areas of the Village, the grantee shall, on request of a potential subscriber, extend service to the potential subscriber pursuant to the following requirements:
(1) 
Without regard to density of dwelling units, the grantee shall extend and make cable television service available to any dwelling unit within 300 feet of existing cable plant.
(2) 
Where the dwelling unit is not within 300 feet of existing cable plant, the grantee shall provide to any potential subscriber desiring service an estimate of the cost to extend service to the potential subscriber. The grantee and the potential subscriber shall share the cost of the extension as follows: the grantee shall pay 100% of the cost of the first 300 feet of the extension and shall pay 60% and the potential subscriber 40% of the cost of the next 300 feet of the extension, up to a maximum of 600 feet. For that part of an extension that is longer than 600 feet, the grantee may charge the potential subscriber for the grantee's actual cost of that portion of the extension. Within one year, any amount paid by a subscriber for an extension under this subsection shall be refundable to that subscriber in the event the area subsequently reaches a density level of 17 dwelling units per strand mile. In no event shall the amount of the refund exceed the amount paid by the subscriber for the extension.
B. 
New subdivisions/newly developed areas. The grantee shall, at its expense, extend its system so that cable service is available in all new subdivisions or newly developed areas in the Village. The Village may waive this requirement on a project basis on good cause shown by the grantee.
(1) 
In a new subdivision or developing area where utility and cable facilities are to be above ground, the Village will forward to the grantee an approved engineering plan of each project. The grantee shall commence the design and construction process upon receipt of the plan. Upon notification from the Village that the first home in the project has been approved for a building permit, the grantee shall have three months to complete construction, unless the Village agrees to extend this time period.
(2) 
In a new subdivision or developing area where utility and cable facilities are to be placed underground, the Village shall give the grantee at least 30 days' advance written notice of the date on which open trenching will be available for the grantee's installation of conduit, pedestals and/or vaults, and laterals to be provided at the grantee's expense. The grantee shall provide specifications as needed for trenching and shall place its facilities in the trenches on the date specified in the notice. Costs of trenching and easements required to bring cable service to the new subdivision shall be nondiscriminatory and shall be paid by the grantee.
C. 
Special agreements. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the grantee from serving areas not covered under this section upon agreement with developers, property owners, or residents, provided that 3% of the gross revenues derived from such service within the franchise area are returned to the Village as required under § 120-18 of this chapter.
A. 
Effective date. Any franchise awarded under this chapter shall take effect 30 days after the effective date of the franchise agreement between the Village and the grantee, provided that the grantee has accepted the franchise pursuant to Subsection B.
B. 
Acceptance. To accept a franchise granted under this chapter, a grantee must file any required bonds, funds and proof of insurance, as well as written notice of acceptance, with the Village Administrator.
C. 
Written notice of acceptance. The grantee's written notice of acceptance shall include a certification that the grantee agrees to the following:
(1) 
Grantee to have no recourse. The grantee shall have no recourse whatsoever against the Village for any loss, cost, expense or damage arising out of any provision or requirement of this chapter or its regulation or from the Village's exercise of its authority to grant additional franchises.
(2) 
Acceptance of power and authority of Village. The grantee expressly acknowledges that in accepting the franchise it has relied upon its own investigation and understanding of the power and authority of the Village to grant this franchise.
(3) 
Inducements not offered. The grantee acknowledges by acceptance of the franchise that it has not been induced to enter into this franchise by any understanding or promise or other statement, whether verbal or written, by or on behalf of the Village concerning any term or condition of this franchise that is not included in this chapter.
(4) 
Grantee accepts terms of franchise. The grantee acknowledges by the acceptance of the franchise that it has carefully read its terms and conditions and it is willing to and does accept all the obligations of such terms and conditions and further agrees that it will not set up as against the Village the claim that any provision of this chapter, as adopted, is unreasonable, arbitrary, invalid or void, but shall be required to accept the validity of the terms and conditions of the franchise in their entirety.
A. 
Village reserves right of rate regulation. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B below, the grantee shall establish rates for its services which shall be applied on a nondiscriminatory basis in the franchise area. Pursuant to federal law, the Village reserves the right to assume regulation of rates paid by cable subscribers; such rate regulation shall be performed by the Village Board in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 76, Subpart N. As specified by the FCC's Rules (Part 76, Subpart N), such rate regulation shall cover basic service rates and customer premises installations and equipment rates (including charges for, but not limited to, converter boxes, remote control units, connections for additional television receivers and other cable home wiring). The Village reserves the right to further regulate rates pursuant to any additional powers granted to it by either the FCC or federal or state law.
B. 
Service disconnection. A subscriber shall have the right to have its service disconnected without charge, except for actual costs incurred by the grantee or other charges that are allowable under FCC regulations, which shall include the removal of any equipment owned by the grantee from the subscriber's residence. Such disconnection shall be made as soon as practicable and in no case later than 30 days following written notice to the grantee of the same. No grantee shall enter into any agreement with a subscriber which imposes any charge following disconnection of service, except for reconnection and subsequent monthly or periodic charges, and those charges shall be no greater than charges for new customers. This section shall not prevent a grantee from refusing service to any person because of the grantee's prior accounts with that person which remain due and owing.
A. 
Discriminatory practices prohibited.
(1) 
A grantee shall not refuse cable television service or otherwise discriminate against any person or organization who or which requests such service on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, creed or sex. A grantee shall not, as to rates, charges, service facilities, rules, regulations or in any other respect, make or grant any unreasonable preference or advantage, nor subject any person to any prejudice or disadvantage. The grantee shall comply at all times with the Cable Act and all other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, and all executive and administrative orders relating to nondiscrimination which are hereby incorporated and made part of this chapter by reference.
(2) 
This section shall not be deemed to prohibit promotional rates for service introductions or temporary promotional discounts. This section does not preclude a grantee from offering special services or rates to senior citizens or services to commercial subscribers at rates different from those charged residential subscribers, which shall include, but not be limited to, charges for installation on a time and materials basis. The grantee may also enter into separate contracts with multiple dwelling unit buildings and may charge discounted rates for services based upon single point billing or other contractual considerations.
B. 
Fairness and equal access. A grantee's system shall be operated in a manner consistent with the principles of fairness and equal access to its facilities, equipment, channels, studios and other services for all citizens, businesses, public agencies or other entities having a legitimate use for the system and no one shall be arbitrarily excluded from its use. Allocation of use of such facilities shall be made according to the rules or decisions of regulatory agencies affecting the same, and where such rules or decisions are not effective to resolve a dispute between conflicting users or potential users, the matter shall be submitted for resolution by the Village.
C. 
Equal employment. A grantee shall strictly adhere to the equal employment opportunity requirements of federal, state and local laws and regulations in effect on the date of the franchise grant and as amended from time to time.
D. 
Discontinuation of service. If a subscriber fails to pay any proper fee or charge for any service provided by the grantee, the grantee may discontinue said service, provided that the unpaid bill is at least 45 days past due and the subscriber has been given at least 10 business days' prior notice of the intention to discontinue service. If the grantee receives payment of all outstanding fees and charges, including any late charges, before any service has been discontinued, then the grantee shall not discontinue said service. After any service has been discontinued, upon request of the subscriber accompanied by payment in full of all fees or charges due the grantee and the payment of an appropriate reconnection charge, if any, the grantee shall promptly reinstate said service. Subscribers shall retain the right to deactivate their terminals but shall continue to be responsible for charges until the grantee is notified to terminate service. The subscriber shall not be charged any fee for the cancellation or downgrading of cable service, except in accordance with applicable FCC regulations.
E. 
Rights of residents.
(1) 
An owner or operator of an apartment building, condominium, nursing home, mobile home park, or any other rental facility may not interfere with or charge a fee for the installation of cable system facilities for the use of a lessee of said property or premises, except that such owner or operator may require:
(a) 
Installation to conform to reasonable conditions necessary to protect the safety, appearance and functioning of the premises;
(b) 
The grantee, occupant, or tenant to pay for the installation, operation, or removal of such facilities; and
(c) 
The grantee, occupant, or tenant to agree to indemnify the owner or operator for any damages caused by the installation, operation or removal of such facilities.
(2) 
It shall be unlawful for the grantee to compensate or offer to compensate any person, or for any person to demand or receive compensation from the grantee, for the placement upon the premises of such person of the grantee's facilities necessary to connect such person's premises to the distribution lines of the grantee to provide cable service to said premises.
(3) 
Except where there is a bulk rate agreement between a landlord and the grantee, a landlord may not discriminate in the amount of rent charged to tenants or occupants who receive cable service and those who do not.
Upon the grant of a new franchise, the grantee shall reimburse the Village for all reasonable costs, including but not limited to attorney and consultant fees, incurred by the Village relating to the grant of the new franchise.
A. 
Annual franchise fee. A grantee shall pay to the Village an annual franchise fee in the amount designated in the franchise agreement. Such franchise fee shall not be less than 5% of the grantee's annual gross revenues, or such other maximum amount as allowed by law. In the event that a change in either state or federal law would allow the Village to increase the franchise fee above 5% of the grantee's annual gross revenues, the grantee shall not be liable for such increase until the Village shall give the grantee written notice of such change in the law. The franchise fee payment shall be in addition to any other payment owed to the Village by the grantee and shall not be construed as payment in lieu of municipal property taxes or other state, county or local taxes.
B. 
Payment schedule. The franchise fee shall be paid on the annual anniversary date of the passage of this agreement (March 15).
C. 
Financial statement to be provided by grantee. By March 15 of each year of this agreement, a grantee shall furnish to the Village an audited statement reflecting the total amount of the gross revenues and all payments, deductions and computations for the period covered by the franchise fee payment. The Village shall have the right to conduct an independent audit of the grantee's records, and if such audit indicates a franchise fee underpayment of 5% or more, the grantee shall assume all reasonable costs of such audit.
D. 
Interest on delinquent payments. If any payment is not made as required, interest on the amount due shall accrue from the date of the required submittal at an annual rate of 12%. The grantee shall pay an additional compensation to the Village if the payment is late by 45 days or more. Such additional compensation shall be equal to an additional 6% per annum in order to defray those additional expenses and costs incurred by the Village by reason of the delinquent payment.
E. 
Acceptance by the Village. No acceptance of any payment by the Village shall be construed as a release or as an accord and satisfaction of any claim the Village may have for further or additional sums payable as a franchise fee under this chapter or for the performance of any other obligation of the grantee.
F. 
Alternative fee basis. In the event the franchise fee payment established under this chapter is ruled unconstitutional or unenforceable, the Village may impose and collect an equivalent charge on any legally permissible basis, provided that such charge does not exceed the previously allowed limit on franchise fee payments.
A. 
Additional standards may be imposed. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the grantee and Village from agreeing to exceed the customer service standards set out in this chapter or the establishment or enforcement of any state or local law or regulation concerning customer service or consumer protection that imposes customer service standards or consumer protection requirements that exceed the customer service standards set out in this chapter or address matters not addressed in this chapter.
B. 
Local payment location. The grantee shall maintain a local Black Earth payment location which shall be open during normal business hours. This payment location shall accept subscriber payments.
C. 
Telephone availability.
(1) 
The grantee shall maintain a local, toll-free or collect call telephone access line which will be available to its subscribers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained representatives of the grantee will be available to respond to customer telephone inquiries during normal business hours. 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 representative of the grantee on the next business day.
(2) 
Under normal operating conditions, telephone answer time by a customer representative, including wait time, shall not exceed 30 seconds when the connection is made. If the call needs to be transferred, transfer time shall not exceed 30 seconds. These standards shall be met no less than 90% of the time under normal operating conditions, measured on a quarterly basis.
(3) 
The grantee shall 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 3% of the time.
D. 
Installations, outages and service calls. Under normal operating conditions, each of the following four standards shall be met by the grantee no less than 95% of the time measured on a quarterly basis:
(1) 
Standard installations will be performed within seven business days after an order has been placed. "Standard" installations are those that are located up to 150 feet from the existing distribution system.
(2) 
Excluding conditions beyond the control of the grantee, the grantee shall begin working on service interruptions promptly and in no event later than 24 hours after the interruption becomes known to the grantee. The grantee must begin actions to correct other service problems the next business day after receiving 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, at 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) 
The grantee may not cancel an appointment with a customer after the close of business on the business day prior to the scheduled appointment. If the grantee's representative is running late for an appointment with a customer and will not be able to keep the appointment as scheduled, the customer will be contacted. The appointment will be rescheduled, as necessary, at a time which is convenient for the customer.
E. 
Repair standards.
(1) 
The grantee shall maintain a repair force of technicians who, under normal operating conditions, are capable of responding to subscriber requests for service within the following time frames:
(a) 
System service interruption. Under normal operating conditions, within two hours, including weekends, of receiving subscribers' calls which by number identify a system service interruption of sound or picture on one or more channels affecting all the subscribers of the system or an interruption of all services to 2% of all subscribers.
(b) 
Isolated service interruption. Within 24 hours, including weekends, of receiving requests for service identifying an isolated service interruption (less than 2% of subscribers) of sound or picture for one or more channels. This standard shall be met no less than 95% of the time, measured on a quarterly basis.
(c) 
Inferior reception quality. Within 48 hours, including weekends, of receiving a request for service identifying a problem concerning picture or sound quality.
(2) 
The grantee shall be deemed to have responded to a request for service under the provisions of this section when a technician arrives at the service location or contacts the customer by telephone and begins work on the problem. In the case of a subscriber not being home when the technician arrives, response shall be deemed to have taken place if the technician leaves written notification of arrival.
F. 
Notification of service interruption to Village Administrator. The grantee shall promptly notify the Village Administrator, in writing or, if appropriate, by oral communication, of any significant interruption in the operation of the system. For the purpose of this subsection, "significant interruption in the operation of the system" shall mean any interruption of sound or picture on one or more channels of a duration of at least 24 hours to at least 5% of the subscribers.
G. 
Subscriber credit for service interruptions. Upon service interruptions of the subscriber's cable service, the following shall apply:
(1) 
For service interruptions of over four hours and up to seven days, the grantee shall provide a credit to the subscriber of 1/30 of one month's fee for affected service for each twenty-four-hour period service is interrupted for four or more hours.
(2) 
For service interruptions of seven days or more in one month, the grantee shall provide a credit based on the hourly rate the subscriber pays for all monthly service and the number of hours of the service interruption.
H. 
Upgrading of facilities and service. The grantee shall upgrade its facilities and service as subscribers' demands dictate so that its system is as advanced as the current state of technology with field-proven equipment will allow.
A. 
Standards. The grantee's system shall be constructed and operated so as to meet those technical and performance standards required by the FCC's rules and regulations relating to cable television systems and found in 47 CFR §§ 76.601 to 76.618, as amended, from time to time.
B. 
Tests and compliance procedures. Within 60 days after the effective date of the franchise agreement, the grantee shall, upon the Village's request, submit a detailed test plan describing the methods and schedules for testing its system on an ongoing basis to determine compliance with this chapter and the franchise agreement. The test plan shall be subject to the approval of the Village, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. The tests for basic cable service shall be performed at intervals of no greater than 12 months. The tests may be witnessed by representatives of the Village, and the grantee shall submit written test reports to the Village. If more than 10% of the locations tested fail to meet the performance standards, the grantee shall be required to indicate what corrective measures have been taken and the entire test shall be repeated. The grantee's failure to take corrective measures within 30 days after the initial tests are performed may be considered a breach of the franchise.
C. 
Additional testing. At any time after commencement of service to subscribers, the Village may require the grantee to perform additional tests, full or partial repeat tests, or tests involving service to a specific subscriber. Such additional tests will be made on the basis of complaints received or other evidence indicating an unresolved controversy or significant noncompliance with the FCC's technical standards.
D. 
Costs of tests. The costs of all tests required in Subsections B and C above, and retesting as necessary, shall be paid by the grantee and may be passed through to subscribers.
A. 
Compliance with safety codes. All construction practices shall be in accordance with all applicable sections of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and any amendments thereto as well as state and local codes where applicable.
B. 
Compliance with electrical codes. All installation of electronic equipment shall be of a permanent nature, durable, installed and maintained in accordance with the applicable sections of the then-current edition of the National Electric Safety Code and all state and local codes where applicable.
C. 
Compliance with aviation requirements. Antennas and their supporting structures (towers) shall be painted, lighted, erected and maintained in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Aeronautical Administration and all other applicable federal, state, or local laws, codes and regulations governing the erection and operation of supporting structures or television towers.
A. 
Approval of proposed construction.
(1) 
The grantee shall first obtain the Village's approval prior to commencing construction on the streets, alleys, public grounds or places of the Village. Applications for approval of construction shall be in a form provided by the Village.
(2) 
The right of construction, including easements, is not implied except on locations where the Village has the authority to grant such rights and easements and then only in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. All other rights of construction, including easements, shall be the responsibility of the grantee.
B. 
Excavation permits. The grantee shall not open or disturb the surface of any street, sidewalk, driveway, or public place for any purpose without first having obtained all necessary permits.
C. 
Use of existing poles or conduits. Nothing in this chapter shall authorize the grantee to erect and maintain in the Village new poles where existing poles are servicing the area. The grantee shall seek and obtain permission from the Village before erecting any new poles, underground conduits or appurtenances where none exist at the time the grantee seeks to install or expand its system.
D. 
Method of installation.
(1) 
All wires, cables, amplifiers and other property of the grantee shall be constructed and installed in an orderly and workmanlike manner. All cables and wires shall be installed parallel with existing telephone and electric wires whenever possible. Multiple cable configurations shall be arranged in parallel and bundled with due respect for engineering and safety considerations.
(2) 
All installations shall be underground in those areas of the Village where public utilities providing telephone and electric service are underground at the time of installation.
(3) 
In areas where telephone or electric utility facilities are above ground, the grantee shall place its facilities underground without additional cost to the Village or to the residents of the Village (other than as may be reflected in rates charged to subscribers) at such time as such telephone and electric facilities are required to be placed underground by the Village or are placed underground. The Village shall give grantee at least six months' prior notice of any construction to place telephone or electric facilities underground.
Upon reasonable notice by the Village, the grantee shall demonstrate compliance with any or all of the standards and requirements imposed by this chapter. The grantee shall provide sufficiently detailed information to permit the Village to verify readily the extent of compliance.
A. 
Complaints to grantee. A grantee shall establish written procedures for receiving, acting upon and resolving subscriber complaints without intervention by the Village. The procedures shall prescribe the manner in which a subscriber may submit a complaint, either orally or in writing, to the grantee. At the conclusion of the grantee's investigation of a subscriber complaint, but in no event more than 10 days after receiving the complaint, the grantee shall notify the subscriber of the results of the investigation and its proposed action or resolution, if any. The grantee shall also notify the subscriber of the subscriber's right to file a complaint with the Village in the event the subscriber is dissatisfied with the grantee's decision. The Village appoints the Village Administrator as its agent to receive inquiries or complaints about the grantee's operations.
B. 
Complaints to the Village. A subscriber who is dissatisfied with the grantee's proposed decision shall be entitled to have the complaint reviewed by the Village. The subscriber shall initiate the review by filing a complaint, together with the grantee's decision, if any, with the Village and by the Village notifying the grantee of the filing. The subscriber shall make such filing and notification within 20 days of receipt of the grantee's decision or, if no grantee decision has been provided, within 30 days after filing the original complaint with the grantee. The Village may extend these time limits for reasonable cause.
C. 
Review by the Village. The Village shall determine, upon a review of a subscriber complaint and the grantee's decision, if any, whether further action is warranted. In the event the Village does not initiate further proceeding within 15 days of the filing of the complaint, the grantee's proposed action or resolution shall be final. If the Village decides to initiate further investigation, the Village shall require the grantee and the subscriber to submit, within 10 days of notice thereof, a statement of the facts and arguments in support of their respective positions. The Village shall issue a written decision within 15 days of receipt of the statements or, if a hearing is requested, within 15 days of the conclusion of the hearing, setting forth the basis of the decision.
D. 
Remedies for violations. The Village may, as a part of a subscriber complaint decision issued by the Village under the provision of this chapter, impose monetary damages on the grantee. Damages may be imposed only if the Village finds that the grantee has arbitrarily refused or failed without reasonable justification to comply with the provisions of this section.
A. 
Complaint file. A grantee shall keep an accurate and comprehensive file of any and all complaints regarding the cable system. A grantee shall establish a procedure to remedy complaints quickly and reasonably to the satisfaction of the Village. A grantee shall keep complete records of its actions in response to all complaints for a period of three years. The grantee shall make a copy of its complaint file available to the Village upon request.
B. 
Service request log and summary. The grantee shall maintain a log and summary of all subscriber service requests, identifying the number and nature of the requests and their disposition for a period of three years. A copy of such log and summaries shall be made available to the Village upon request.
C. 
Outage log and summary. A grantee shall maintain a log and summary of all major service outages for a period of three years. For the purposes of this subsection, "major service outage" shall mean any interruption of sound or picture on one or more channels of a duration of at least 24 hours to at least two subscribers. A copy of such log and summaries shall be made available to the Village upon request.
A. 
Use of streets. For the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining a cable system in the Village, a grantee may erect, install, construct, repair, replace, relocate, reconstruct and retain in, on, over, under, upon, across and along the streets within the Village such lines, cables, conductors, ducts, conduits, vaults, manholes, amplifiers, appliances, pedestals, attachments and other property and equipment as are necessary and appurtenant to the operation of the grantee's system, provided that the grantee applies for and obtains all applicable permits and otherwise complies with this chapter and all other Village codes and ordinances.
B. 
Filing of plans with the Village. Prior to construction, reconstruction, upgrade, rebuild or any other major modification or change of the grantee's system, other than routine repairs, the grantee shall, in each case, file its plans for such work with the Village and shall not commence any such work until it receives written approval of its plans from the Village. The Village shall not unreasonably withhold its approval. Upon the Village's request, the grantee shall provide written progress reports to the Village until the work is completed.
C. 
Noninterference/notice. The grantee shall construct, maintain, and operate its system so as not to interfere with other uses of the streets. The grantee shall individually notify all residents directly affected by the proposed work at least five business days prior to the commencement of such work.
A. 
Facilities not to be hazardous or interfere.
(1) 
All wires, conduits, cables and other property and facilities of the grantee shall be so located, constructed, installed and maintained so as not to endanger any person or unnecessarily interfere with the usual and customary trade, traffic and travel upon the streets and public places of the Village.
(2) 
The grantee shall keep and maintain all its property in good condition, order and repair. The Village reserves the right to inspect and examine at any reasonable time and upon reasonable notice the property owned or used, in part or in whole, by the grantee.
(3) 
The grantee shall keep accurate maps and records of all its facilities and furnish copies of such maps and records when requested by the Village.
(4) 
The grantee shall not place poles or other equipment where they will interfere with the rights or reasonable convenience of adjoining property owners, or with any gas, electric or telephone fixtures, or with any water hydrants or mains. All poles or other fixtures placed in a street shall be placed in the right-of-way between the roadway and the property, as specified by the Village.
B. 
Restoration and reimbursement.
(1) 
In the event of disturbance of any street or private property by the grantee, it shall, at its own expense and in a manner approved by the Village and the owner, replace and restore such street or private property in as good a condition as before the work causing such disturbance was done.
(2) 
If the grantee fails to perform such replacement or restoration, the Village or the owner shall have the right to do so at the sole expense of the grantee. The grantee shall make payment to the Village or owner for such replacement or restoration immediately upon demand. All requests for replacement or restoring of such streets or private property as may have been disturbed must be in writing to the grantee.
C. 
Emergency removal of facilities. If at any time, in case of fire or disaster in the Village, it shall become necessary in the reasonable judgment of the Village to cut or move any of the wires, cables, amplifiers, appliances or appurtenances thereto of the grantee, such cutting or moving may be done and any repairs rendered necessary thereby shall be made by the grantee at its sole expense.
D. 
Changes required by public improvements. The grantee shall, at its expense, protect, support, temporarily disconnect, relocate in the same street or other public place, or remove from the street or other public place any property of the grantee when required by the Village by reason of traffic conditions, public safety, street vacation, street construction, change or establishment of street grade, or installation of sewers, drains, water pipes, Village-owned power or signal lines, and tracts or any other type of structure or improvement by public agencies.
E. 
Requests for removal or change. The grantee shall, on the request of any person holding a building moving permit, temporarily raise or lower its wires to permit the moving of such building. The expense of such temporary removal, raising or lowering of the wires shall be paid by the person requesting the same, and the grantee shall have the authority to require such payment in advance. The grantee shall be given notice not less than nine business days prior to any move contemplated to arrange for temporary wire changes.
F. 
Authority to trim trees. The grantee shall have the authority to trim trees upon and overhanging streets, alleys, sidewalks, and other public places of the Village so as to prevent the branches of such trees from coming in contact with the wires and cables of the grantee. All trimming is to be done under the supervision and direction of the Village after the explicit, prior written notification and approval of the Village and at the expense of the grantee.
A. 
Basic cable service. The grantee shall provide basic cable service, which shall include any service tier which includes the retransmission of local television signals, to all subscribers at the established monthly subscription rates.
B. 
Public educational and government (PEG) access channel. The grantee shall provide at least two channels for use by the Village for PEG purposes. The grantee shall not charge for this installation or for monthly service, but internal wiring shall be the responsibility of the organization receiving the service.
C. 
Shared channel. The grantee shall provide the local high school and the Village a shared channel with the ability to cablecast television programming to all cable taps in the Village. The grantee shall not charge for this service but it is understood that the School District and the Village shall be responsible for providing their own origination equipment.
D. 
Cable channel for commercial use. The grantee shall designate channel capacity for commercial use as required by the Cable Act and applicable law.
E. 
System upgrade. The grantee agrees to upgrade its cable system in the Village within 36 months after the effective date of a new franchise. The updated system shall have a minimum bandwidth capacity of 450 MHz with a capacity minimum of 54 channels. At the time of the system upgrade, the grantee shall provide any modifications in equipment and wiring needed to make existing PEG access facilities compatible with any upgraded system. The grantee also agrees to perform future cable system upgrades as new technology become economically feasible.
A. 
Use of data from subscribers. A grantee, the Village or any other person shall not initiate or use any form, procedure or device for procuring information or data from cable subscribers' terminals by use of the cable system without prior written authorization from each subscriber so affected.
B. 
Subscriber data. The Village, the grantee or any person shall not, without prior written valid authorization from each subscriber so affected, provide any data identifying or designating subscribers. Any data so authorized will be made available to the authorizing subscriber in understandable fashion.
C. 
Subscriber agreements. Any agreement or contract such as is necessary for Subsections A and B above shall not be part of any other contract or agreement and shall not be a condition of subscribing to the system.
D. 
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any monitoring for cable system integrity or to verify billing accuracy.
A. 
Operating policies. 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: products and services offered; prices and options for programming services and conditions of subscription to programming and other services; installation and service maintenance policies; instructions on how to use the cable services; channel positions of programming carried on the cable system; and the procedures for billing and making inquiries or complaints (including the name, address and local telephone number of the employee or employees or agent to whom such inquiries or complaints are to be addressed) and also furnish information concerning the Village office responsible for administration of the franchise, including the name and telephone number of the office. The written information shall also include a description of the grantee's business hours, legal holidays and procedures for responding to inquiries after normal business hours. The grantee shall provide all subscribers and the Village with written notice no less than 30 days prior to any proposed change in any of the areas listed in this subsection.
B. 
Rates, programming service and channel position. The grantee shall provide the Village and subscribers with written notice of any changes in rates, programming services, or channel position at least 30 days prior to implementing such change(s). Such notice shall state the precise amount of any rate change and briefly explain in readily understandable fashion the cause of the rate change (e.g., inflation, changes in external costs or the addition/deletion of channels). When the change involves the addition or deletion of channels, each channel added or deleted must be separately identified. Notices to subscribers shall inform them of their right to file complaints about changes in cable programming service tier rates and services, shall state that the subscriber may file the complaint within 90 days of the effective date of the rate change, and shall provide the address and telephone number of the Village Administrator. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the grantee shall not be required to provide prior notice of any rate change that is the result of a regulatory fee or any other fee, tax, assessment or charge of any kind imposed by the Village or any federal or state agency on the transaction between the grantee and the subscriber.
C. 
Billing. Bills shall be clear, concise, understandable and shall include the grantee's toll-free or collect telephone number for subscriber use. Bills shall be fully itemized, with itemizations including but not limited to basic and premium service charges and equipment charges. Bills shall also clearly delineate all activity during the billing period, including optional charges, rebates and credits. In case of a billing dispute, the grantee shall respond to a written complaint from a subscriber within 30 days. Refund checks will be issued promptly and no later than either the next billing cycle following resolution of the request or 30 days, whichever is earlier, or the return of the equipment supplied by the grantee if service is terminated. Credits for service shall be issued no later than the customer's next billing cycle following the determination that a credit is warranted.
D. 
Copies to the Village. Copies of all notices provided to subscribers shall be filed concurrently with the Village.
The overall quality of service provided by a grantee to subscribers may be subject to evaluation by the Village at least annually. In addition, the Village may evaluate the quality of service at any time, based on subscriber complaints received by the grantee and the Village and the grantee's response to those complaints. Upon determining that service quality is inadequate, the Village may order the grantee to cure the inadequacies. The grantee shall commence corrective action within 30 days after receipt of written notice of such order. Failure to do so shall be deemed to be a material breach of the franchise and subject to the remedies prescribed in this chapter. The Village may use the performance bond and/or security fund provided for in this chapter to remedy any such franchise breach.
The Village shall have the right to inspect, upon 24 hours' written notice, at any time during normal business hours at the grantee's regional office, all books, records, maps, plans, financial statements, all logs required under this chapter, performance test results, records of requests for service and other like materials of the grantee relating to the operation of the franchise. If any such books or records are not kept in the regional office, and if the Village shall determine that an examination of such records is necessary or appropriate to the performance of any of the Village's duties, then the grantee shall make such records available locally on 10 business days' notice. When requested by the grantee and to the extent allowed by law, the Village shall treat as confidential proprietary information or trade secrets obtained by the Village during such inspection; the Village shall make such information available only to those persons who must have access to the information to perform their duties on behalf of the Village.
A. 
Annual submissions to the Village. The grantee shall submit to the Village with each March 15 franchise fee payment a written annual report which shall include the following information:
(1) 
A summary of the previous year's activities in development of the cable system, including but not limited to services begun or discontinued during the reporting year and the number of subscribers for each class of service.
(2) 
A gross revenues statement.
B. 
Submissions to the Village on request. Upon the Village's request, the grantee shall submit to the Village a written report which shall include the following information:
(1) 
A list of the grantee's officers, members of its board of directors, and other principals of the grantee;
(2) 
A list of stockholders or other equity investors holding 5% or more of the voting interest in the grantee and its parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations and other entities, if any, unless the parent is a public corporation whose annual reports are publicly available;
(3) 
A statement of projected construction, if any, for the next two years; and
(4) 
Accurate copies of maps and/or plats of the locations and character of all existing and proposed installations of the grantee over, upon or under the streets of the Village.
C. 
Other submissions. Copies of all petitions, applications and communications submitted by the grantee to the FCC, Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal or state regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction in respect to any matter affecting cable operation within the franchise area shall also be submitted simultaneously to the Village.
D. 
Records to be kept on file. All records required by this section shall be kept on file by the grantee for the applicable periods under federal and state law.
A. 
Performance bond required for new franchises. At the time a new franchise is granted, the grantee shall furnish and file with the Village a performance and payment bond, or a performance and payment bond together with such other security as is approved by the Village. The bond shall be in the amount of $5,000 and shall run to the Village, which may be entitled to damages as a result of any occurrence in the operation of or termination of the cable system operated under this chapter and the franchise agreement. The bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the grantee of all terms and conditions of the franchise granted under this chapter. The rights reserved to the Village with respect to the bond or other security are in addition to all other rights the Village may have under this chapter or any other law.
B. 
Performance bond for renewed franchise. At the time a franchise is renewed, the Village may require the grantee to furnish and file with the Village a performance and payment bond, or a performance and payment bond together with such other security as is approved by the Village. The bond shall be in the amount specified in the franchise agreement and shall run to the Village, which may be entitled to damages as a result of any occurrence in the operation of or termination of the cable system operated under this chapter and the franchise agreement. The bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the grantee of all terms and conditions of the franchise granted under this chapter. The rights reserved to the Village with respect to the bond or other security are in addition to all other rights the Village may have under this chapter or any other law.
C. 
Construction bond. Prior to undertaking any construction work costing $50,000 or more relating to the franchise granted under this chapter, the grantee shall file with the Village a construction bond in the amount specified in the franchise agreement in favor of the Village and any other person who may claim damages as a result of the breach of any duty by the grantee assured by said bond. Such construction bond shall be in the form approved by the Village and issued by a company approved by the Village. In no event shall the amount of such construction bond be construed to limit the liability of the grantee for damages. The Village may waive this requirement or permit consolidation of the construction bond with the performance bond specified above in Subsection A.
The Village may require the grantee to deposit into a bank account established by the Village, and maintain on deposit through the term of this franchise, the sum specified in the franchise agreement as security for the grantee's faithful performance of all of its obligations under this chapter and the franchise agreement and for the payment by the grantee of any claims, liens, taxes and fees due to the Village which arise by reason of the construction, operation, or maintenance of the grantee's system.
The grantee shall give prior notice to the Village specifying the names and addresses of any entity, other than the grantee, that, within one calendar year, will perform services valued at $10,000 or more relating to the franchise; provided, however, that all provisions of the franchise remain the responsibility of the grantee. All provisions of any franchise shall apply to any subcontractor or others performing any work or services pursuant to the provisions of the franchise. Nothing in this section shall be construed as allowing the transfer of any rights or responsibilities of the grantee without written approval of the Village.
A. 
Extent of indemnity.
(1) 
The grantee shall, by acceptance of any franchise granted, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Village, its officers, boards, commissions, agents, and employees from any and all claims, suits, judgments for damages or other relief, costs and attorney fees in any way existing out of or through or alleged to arise out of or through:
(a) 
The act of the Village in granting the franchise;
(b) 
The acts or omissions of the grantee, its servants, employees, or agents, including but not limited to any failure or refusal by the grantee, its servants, employees, or agents to comply with any obligation or duty imposed on the grantee by this chapter or the franchise agreement; or
(c) 
The exercise of any right or privilege granted or permitted by this chapter or the franchise agreement.
(2) 
Such indemnification shall include, but not be limited to, all claims arising in tort, contract, infringements of copyright, violations of statutes, ordinances or regulations or otherwise.
B. 
Notifications of claims. The Village shall notify the grantee within 10 business days after the presentation of any claim or demand, either by suit or otherwise, made against the Village.
C. 
Defense of claims. In the event any claims shall arise, the Village or any other indemnified party shall tender the defense thereof to the grantee. Defense of any such claim shall be by counsel reasonably acceptable to the Village or other indemnified party; provided, however, that the Village or other indemnified party in its sole discretion may participate in the defense of such claims at the grantee's sole expense, and in such event such participation shall not relieve the grantee from its duty to defend against liability or to pay any judgment entered against such party. The grantee shall not agree to any settlement of claims without Village approval.
D. 
Village's negligence. The grantee shall not be required to indemnify the Village for negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Village's officials, boards, commissions, agents or employees.
A. 
Liability insurance. The grantee shall maintain throughout the term of the franchise, and any extensions thereto, the insurance policies described below, which shall be written on an occurrence basis. Such policies shall name as an additional insured the Village, its officers, boards, commissions, agents and employees, shall be primary to any insurance carried by the Village, and shall be obtained from a company or companies approved by the Village and in a form satisfactory to the Village. Such policies shall be as follows:
(1) 
Comprehensive general liability insurance. General comprehensive liability insurance containing the following coverage: premises/operations; products/completed operations; broad form property damage; contractual liability coverage for explosion; collapse and underground hazards; and pollution control liability. The policy shall include limits of not less than $1,000,000 for bodily injury (including death) and property damage for each occurrence of not less than $2,000,000 in the aggregate.
(2) 
Workers' compensation. Workers' compensation insurance in compliance with § 102.31, Wis. Stats., and in compliance with the laws of each state having jurisdiction over each employee.
(3) 
Comprehensive automobile liability. Comprehensive automobile liability including owned, nonowned, and hired vehicles with limits of not less than $1,000,000 for bodily injury (including death) and $1,000,000 for property damage for each occurrence.
(4) 
Umbrella liability. Umbrella liability with limits of not less than $8,000,000 which shall carry the following endorsement: "It is hereby understood and agreed that despite anything to the contrary where underlying insurance, as described herein, provides greater protection or indemnity to the insured than the terms and conditions of this policy, this insurance shall pay on behalf of the insured the same terms, conditions and coverage which apply to the basic underlying insurance. Where no such broader underlying insurance exists, this policy shall pay on behalf of the insured upon terms and conditions and limitations of the carrier's umbrella excess policy."
B. 
Notice of cancellation or reduction of coverage. The insurance policies mentioned above shall contain an endorsement stating that the policies are extended to cover the liability assumed by the grantee under the terms of this chapter and the franchise agreement and shall contain the following endorsement: "It is hereby understood and agreed that this policy may not be canceled nor the amount of coverage thereof reduced until 30 days after receipt by the Village Administrator by registered mail of two copies of a written notice of such intent to cancel or reduce the coverage."
C. 
Evidence of insurance filed with Village Administrator. All policies of insurance or certified copies thereof and written evidence of payment of required premiums shall be filed and maintained with the Village Administrator during the term of the franchise or any renewal thereof.
D. 
Village's right to revise insurance requirements. The Village reserves the right to revise the insurance requirements stated in this chapter at any time during the term of any franchise granted under this chapter.
E. 
No waiver of performance bond. Neither the provisions of this chapter nor any insurance accepted by the Village pursuant hereto, nor any damages covered by the Village thereunder, shall be construed to excuse faithful performance by the grantee or limit the liability of the grantee under this franchise or for damages, either to the full amount of the bond or otherwise.
During the term of a franchise and upon request by the Village, the grantee shall provide free basic and extended basic service to any and all Village buildings used for municipal purposes and to all public and parochial schools within the franchise area and within 150 feet of existing cable plant. The grantee may charge for usual installation costs. The Village may extend service within each building so served as long as such extensions are in compliance with applicable FCC rules and regulations.
A grantee shall at all times keep its cables and other appurtenances used for transmitting signals shielded in such a manner that there will be no interference with signals received by radios or televisions not connected to the grantee's service.
A grantee may promulgate such rules, regulations, terms and conditions governing the conduct of its business as shall be reasonably necessary to enable the grantee to exercise its rights and perform its obligations under the franchise and to assure uninterrupted service to all its subscribers. However, such rules, regulations, terms and conditions shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter, the franchise agreement, or state or federal law.
A. 
No unauthorized use. It shall be unlawful for any person to make any unauthorized connection, whether physically, electrically, acoustically, inductively or otherwise, with any part of a grantee's cable system within the franchise area for the purpose of enabling or receiving any television signal, radio signal, picture, program or sound without payment to the grantee.
B. 
No tampering. It shall be unlawful for any person, without the grantee's consent, to willfully tamper with, remove or injure any cables, wires or equipment used by a grantee for distribution of television signals, radio signals, picture, programs or sound.
C. 
Penalties. Any person violating or failing to comply with the provisions of this section shall be subject to a forfeiture for each day of violation or failure to comply, not to exceed $300.
A. 
Compliance with laws, rules and regulations. In the event any valid law, rule or regulation of any governing authority or agency having jurisdiction, including but not limited to the FCC, contravenes the provisions of this chapter subsequent to its adoption, the provisions hereof shall be superseded by any such valid law, rule or regulation to the extent that the provisions hereof are in conflict with and contrary to any such law, rule or regulation.
B. 
Conflicting ordinances repealed. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this chapter are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.
C. 
Severability. Should any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or portion of this chapter or a franchise be declared to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of this chapter and the franchise as a whole but shall only affect the portion thereof declared to be invalid, and the Village Board hereby expressly states and declares that it would nonetheless have passed this chapter and granted the franchise had it known that any such word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or portion of said chapter or franchise was invalid.
D. 
Waiver or exemption. The Village reserves the right to waive provisions of this chapter or exempt a grantee from meeting provisions of this chapter if the Village determines that such waiver or exemption is in the public interest.
E. 
Nonenforcement. Subject to the provisions of the Cable Act, a grantee shall not be relieved of any obligation to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter, the franchise agreement, or any rule, regulation, requirement or directive promulgated by the Village by reason of any failure of the Village or its officers, agents or employees to enforce prompt compliance, nor shall such be considered a waiver thereof.
F. 
Force majeure. Any delay, preemption, or other failure to provide cable service and to perform other duties contained in this chapter and the franchise agreement by the grantee caused by factors beyond the grantee's control, such as acts of nature, labor disputes, nondelivery by program suppliers, war, riots, or government order or regulation, shall not result in a breach of the terms of this chapter or the franchise agreement. The grantee shall exercise reasonable efforts to cure promptly any such delays and the cause thereof, and performance under the terms of this chapter and franchise agreement shall be excused by Village for the period of time during which such factors continue.
G. 
Modification of chapter.
(1) 
The Village reserves the right to add, delete, modify or otherwise change provisions of the chapter whenever it deems the same necessary, which changes shall only be made after reasonable notice to the grantee and a public hearing, notice of which hearing shall be published three consecutive times, the last of which shall be a least 10 days prior to such hearing. Such additions, deletions, modifications or changes shall be reasonable and shall not materially affect the grantee's operation under the franchise nor its income or profits derived therefrom.
(2) 
The grantee may initiate proceedings to change and modify this chapter upon application to the Village, which also shall only be done after the holding of a public hearing as set forth herein.