A.
Performance bond. Upon the effective date of the franchise, the grantee shall obtain and maintain during the entire term of the franchise and any extensions and renewals thereof, at its cost and expense, and file with the Township, a corporate surety bond in such sum as specified in the franchise agreement to guarantee the faithful performance by the grantee of all its obligations provided under this chapter and the franchise agreement. Failure to timely obtain, file and maintain said bond shall constitute a substantial violation within the meaning of this section.
B.
Conditions. The performance bond shall provide the following conditions:
(1)
There shall be recoverable by the Township jointly and severally from the principal and surety, any and all fines and liquidated damages due to the Township, as specified in the franchise agreement, and any and all damages, losses, costs, and expenses suffered or incurred by the Township resulting from the failure of the grantee to (i) faithfully comply with the provisions of this chapter and the franchise agreement; (ii) comply with all orders, permits and directives of any Township agency or body having jurisdiction over its acts or defaults; (iii) pay fees due to the Township; (iv) pay any claims, liens or taxes due the Township which arise by reason of the construction, operation, maintenance or repair of the cable communications system. Such losses, costs and expenses shall include but not be limited to attorney's fees and other associated expenses.
(2)
The total amount of the bond shall be forfeited in favor of the Township in the event that the Township revokes the franchise pursuant to § 56-13 for the two following reasons:
(a)
The grantee abandons the cable communication systems at any time during the term of the franchise or any extension thereof; or
(b)
The grantee assigns the franchise without the express written consent of the Township, provided that the grantee has been notified of such noncompliance in writing by the Township and has failed to cure same within 30 days.
C.
Reduction of bond. Upon written application by the grantee, the Township may, at its sole option, permit the amount of the bond to be reduced or waive the requirements for a performance bond subject to the conditions set forth below. Reductions granted or denied upon application by the grantee shall be without prejudice to the grantee's subsequent applications or to the Township's right to require the full bond at any time thereafter.
D.
Letter of credit. If requested by the Township in lieu of the performance bond required by this section, the grantee shall obtain, maintain and file with the Township an irrevocable letter of credit from a financial institution licensed to do business in the state in any amount specified in the franchise agreement, naming the Township as beneficiary. The form and contents of such letter of credit shall be approved by the Township and shall be released only upon expiration of the franchise or upon the replacement of the letter of credit by a successor grantee. Failure to obtain the letter of credit within the time specified herein shall constitute a substantial violation within the meaning of this chapter.
E.
Use of performance bond or letter of credit. Prior to drawing upon the letter of credit or the performance bond for the purposes described in this section, the Township shall notify the grantee in writing specifying the item for which payment is claimed and the date it was due. The grantee shall have 10 days from the receipt of such written notice to make a full and complete payment. If the grantee does not make the payment, the Township may withdraw the amount thereof, with interest and penalties, from the letter of credit or the performance bond.
F.
Notification. Within three days of a withdrawal from the letter of credit or performance bond, the Township shall send to the grantee, by certified mail, return receipt requested, written notification of the amount, date and purpose of such withdrawal.
G.
Replenishment of letter of credit or performance bond. No later than 30 days after mailing to the grantee by certified mail notification of a withdrawal pursuant to Subsection F above, the grantee shall replenish the letter of credit or performance bond in an amount equal to the amount so withdrawn. Failure to make timely replenishment of such amount to the letter of credit or performance bond shall constitute a substantial violation of this chapter.
H.
Nonrenewal, alteration, or cancellation or letter of credit or performance bond. The performance bond or letter of credit required herein shall be in a form satisfactory to the Township and shall require 30 days' written notice of any nonrenewal, alteration or cancellation to both the Township and the grantee. The grantee shall, in the event of any such cancellation notice, obtain, pay all premiums for, and file with the Township, written evidence of the issuance of replacement bond or letter of credit within 30 days following receipt by the Township or the grantee of any notice of cancellation.
I.
To offset the effects of inflation, the amounts of the bond or letter of credit provided for herein are subject to reasonable increases at the end of every three-year period of the franchise, applicable to the next three-year period, upon the determination of the Township.