This ordinance shall be known and may be cited
as the "West Goshen Township Cable Communications Regulatory Ordinance."
The Township of West Goshen finds that the development
of cable television and communication systems has substantial benefits
and impacts upon West Goshen Township and its residents. Rapidly changing
and complex technologies associated with cable television require
that public convenience and the general welfare be protected, which
can best be served by vesting the township and its designees with
regulatory powers. It is the intent of this ordinance to provide for
and specify the means by which the public interest and welfare will
be protected, furthered and preserved. As a consequence, any franchise
issued pursuant to this ordinance shall be deemed to include this
finding as an integral part thereof. Further, it is recognized that
cable television systems have the capacity to provide not only entertainment
and information services to the township and its residents, but also
to provide a variety of cable television and interactive communication
services to institutions and individuals by providing governmental,
educational and health-care communications. For these purposes, the
regulations contained herein are established upon the belief and with
the goals that:
A.
Cable communication services should be provided to
the maximum number of township residents.
B.
The cable system should be capable of accommodating
the communications needs of the township, both for the present and
in the reasonably foreseeable future.
C.
The cable system shall be constructed and maintained
during any franchise term so that new components may be integrated
into the cable system to the maximum extent possible with existing
facilities.
D.
The cable system authorized by this ordinance shall
be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.
E.
The cable system operator shall be dedicated to the
inherent philosophy of providing quality public, educational and governmental
access to the township's residents.
