[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of
Warwick as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 5-4-1998 by Ord.
No. 98-3]
A.
The Township of Warwick finds that the development of
cable television and communications systems has the potential of having great
benefit and impact upon the people of Warwick. Because of the complex and
rapidly changing technology associated with cable television, the Township
further finds that the public convenience, safety and general welfare can
best be served by establishing regulatory powers which should be vested in
the Township or such persons as the Township shall designate. It is the intent
of this article and subsequent amendments to provide for and specify the means
to attain the best possible public interest and public purpose in these matters
and any franchise issued pursuant to this article shall be deemed to include
this finding as an integral part thereof.
B.
Further, it is recognized that cable communications systems
have the capacity to provide not only entertainment and information services
to the Township's residents, but can provide variety of broadband, interactive
communications services to institutions and individuals. Many of these services
involve Township agencies and other public institutions, by providing governmental,
educational or health care communications.
C.
For these purposes, the following goals underlie the
regulations contained herein:
(1)
Communications services should be provided to the maximum
number of Township residents.
(2)
The system should be capable of accommodating both the
present and reasonably foreseeable future cable communications needs of the
Township.
(3)
The system should be improved and upgraded during the
franchise term so that the new facilities necessary for the operation of this
system shall be integrated to the maximum extent possible with existing facilities.
(4)
The cable communications system authorized by this article
shall be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community, and
shall provide a wide diversity of information sources and services to the
public.
This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Warwick Cable Communication
Regulatory Ordinance," and it shall become a part of the ordinances of the
Township.
For the purpose of this article 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 and words
in the plural number include the singular number. The word "shall" is mandatory
and "may" is permissive. Words not defined shall be given their common and
ordinary meaning.
A separately available basic service tier to which subscription is
required for access to any other tier of service. Such basic service tier
shall, at a minimum, consist of the following: all signals carried in fulfillment
of Cable Act, Sections 614 and 615; any public, educational, and governmental
access programming required in this article or the franchise; any signal of
any television broadcast station that is provided by the cable operator to
any subscriber, except a signal which is secondarily transmitted by a satellite
carrier beyond the local service area of such station. Additional signals
may be added to the basic tier by the grantee.
The Board of Supervisors of the Township of Warwick.
A nonbroadcast signal that originates within the facilities of the
cable communications system.
A facility, consisting of a set of closed transmission paths and
associated signal generation, reception and control equipment that is designed
to provide cable service which includes video programming and which is provided
to multiple subscribers within a community, but such term does not include:
A facility that serves only to retransmit the television signals of
one or more television broadcast stations;
A facility that serves only subscribers in one or more multiple unit
dwellings under common ownership, control, or management, unless such facility
or facilities uses any public rights-of-way;
A facility of a common carrier which is subject, in whole or in part,
to the provision of Title II of the Cable Act, 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; or
Any facilities of any electric utility used solely for operating its
electric utility systems.
A six-megahertz (MHZ) frequency band, which is capable of carrying
either one standard video signal, a number of audio, digital or other nonvideo
signals or some combination of such signals. One channel of high definition
television will utilize more than six MHZ.
Such noncommercial video, audio, data and other services provided
to institutional users on an individual application basis. These may include,
but are not limited to, one-way video, two-way video, audio or digital signals
among institutions.
A subscriber who receives a service in a place of business where
the service may be utilized in connection with a business, trade or profession.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Communications Act of 1934; the Cable Communications Policy Act
of 1984; the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992;
and the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as they may be amended or succeeded
from time to time.
A verbal or written indication from a subscriber within the Township
of a problem that generates a work order by the grantee or complaint to the
Township that is communicated to the grantee with any aspect of cable service.
An electronic device which converts signals to a frequency not susceptible
to interference within the television receiver of a subscriber, and any channel
selector which permits a subscriber to view all signals delivered at designated
converter dial locations at the set or by remote control.
Cable communications channels dedicated to noncommercial use by the
Township, county, commonwealth or federal governmental agencies, and public
and nonprofit, private educational institutions.
A channel which can only be received by the person and/or institution
intended to receive signals on such channel.
A coaxial connection from feeder cable to the subscriber/user television
set, radio or other terminal.
Any channel designated for noncommercial educational access use.
The price that a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller for
a going concern based on the system valuation prevailing in the industry at
the time.
The Federal Communications Commission and any legally appointed successor.
The nonexclusive rights granted by separate agreement pursuant to
this article to construct, operate and maintain a cable communications system
along the public ways within all or a specified area in the Township. Any
such authorization, in whatever form granted, shall not mean or include any
license or permit required for the privilege of transacting and carrying on
a business within the Township as required by other ordinances and laws of
the Township.
The entire Township, or portions thereof, for which a franchise is
granted under the authority of this article. If not otherwise stated in the
franchise, the franchise area shall be the corporate limits of the Township,
including all territory thereafter annexed to the Township.
The natural person(s), partnership(s), domestic and foreign corporation(s),
association(s), joint venture(s), or organization(s) of any kind which has
been legally granted a franchise by the Township, and its lawful successor,
transferee or assignee.
The percentage, as specified by the Township, of the franchisee's
gross revenues from the operation of the cable system in exchange for the
rights granted pursuant to this article and the franchise agreement.
Any channel specifically designated or dedicated for noncommercial
government access use.
The Township of Warwick as represented by the Township Board of Supervisors
acting within the scope of its jurisdiction.
All revenue derived directly or indirectly by the grantee from the
operation of the cable communications system within the Township. Revenues
derived from the operation of the cable system received by any affiliate,
subsidiary or any person in which the grantee has a financial interest shall
be included in the grantee's gross revenues in any case where those revenues
were derived by the affiliate, subsidiary or person in which the grantee has
a financial interest to avoid or reduce the grantee's franchise fee obligation.
The connection of the system from feeder cable to subscribers' terminals.
Any channel designated or dedicated for use by persons unaffiliated
with the grantee.
Observing a communications signal, or the absence of a signal, where
the observer is not a party to the communication, whether the signal is observed
by visual or electronic means, for any purpose whatsoever.
The ability to distribute cable programming to a particular segment
or segments of the cable subscribers.
Access channel use in a manner similar to public broadcasting service
station programming and underwriting acknowledgments.
An individual, partnership, association, organization, corporation
or any lawful successor transferee of said individual, partnership, association,
organization or corporation.
A linear mile of cable as measured on the street or easement from
pole to pole or pedestal to pedestal.
Any channel designated or dedicated for noncommercial use by the
general public or noncommercial organizations which is made available for
use without charge on a nondiscriminatory basis in accordance with the rules
and regulations specified in the franchise.
The surface, the air space above the surface, and the area below
the surface of any public street, highway, lane, path, alley, sidewalk, boulevard,
drive, bridge, tunnel, parkways, utility easements or other public right-of-way
now or hereafter held by the Township which shall entitle the Township and
the grantee to the use thereof for the purpose of installing and maintaining
the grantee's cable television system. No reference herein, or in any franchise,
to the "public way" shall be deemed to be a representation or guarantee by
the Township that its title to any property is sufficient to permit its use
for such purpose, and the grantee shall, by its use of such terms, be deemed
to gain only such rights to use property in the Township as the Township may
have the undisputed right and power to give.
Written notice addressed to the grantee at its principal office within
the Township or such other office as the grantee has designated to the Township
as the address to which notice shall be transmitted to it, which notice shall
be certified and postmarked not less than 10 calendar days prior to that day
in which the party giving such notice shall commence any action which requires
the giving of notice. In computing said 10 calendar days, holidays recognized
by the Township shall be excluded.
Any person residing in the Township as otherwise defined by applicable
law.
A subscriber who receives a service in an individual dwelling unit
where the service is not to be utilized in connection with a business, trade
or profession.
Includes any sale, exchange, barter or offer for sale.
Any public or nonprofit, private educational institution including
primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities.
The entire geographic area within the franchise territory.
The cable communications system constructed for use within the Township
including, without limitation, the headend, antenna, cables, wires, lines,
towers, amplifiers, converters, health and property security systems, equipment
or facilities located within the corporate limits of the Township designed,
constructed or wired for the purpose of producing, receiving, amplifying and
distributing by coaxial cable, fiber optics, microwave or other means, audio
and visual, radio, television and electronic signals to and from subscribers
in the Township and any other equipment or facilities located within the corporate
limits of the Township intended for the use of the system; provided, however,
such system facility excludes buildings, contracts, facilities, and equipment
where primary use is for providing service to other system facilities located
outside the Township limits.
The disposal by the grantee, directly or indirectly, by gift, assignment,
voluntary sale, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of 25% or more at one
time of the ownership or controlling interest in the system, or 30% cumulatively
over the term of the franchise of such interests to a corporation, partnership,
limited partnership, trust or association, or person or group of persons acting
in concert unless otherwise exempted herein.
The major distribution cable used in cable communications, which
divides into feeder lines which are tapped for service to subscribers.
A signal originating from a terminal to the cable system headend
including video, audio or digital signals for either programs or other uses
such as security alert services, etc.
A person or organization utilizing channel or equipment and facilities
for purpose of producing and/or transmission of material, as contrasted with
receipt thereof in a subscriber capacity.
A.
Grant. In the event that the Township shall grant to
the grantee a nonexclusive, revocable franchise to construct, operate, and
maintain a cable communications system within the Township, said franchise
shall constitute both a right and an obligation to provide the services of
a cable communications system as regulated by the provisions of this article
and the franchise. The franchise shall include by reference those provisions
of the grantee's application for franchise that are finally negotiated and
accepted by the Township and grantee.
B.
Event of conflict. The franchise shall be granted under
the terms and conditions contained herein, consistent with the Township's
charter and/or other applicable statutory requirements. In the event of conflict
between the terms and conditions of this article, the franchise, or the terms
and conditions on which the Township can grant a franchise, the charter and/or
statutory requirements shall control.
C.
General Township ordinances. Any franchise granted by
the Township is hereby made subject to the general ordinance provisions now
in effect and hereafter made effective. Nothing in the franchise shall be
deemed to waive the requirements of the various codes and ordinances of the
Township regarding permits, fees to be paid, or manner of construction.
The franchise area shall be the entire Township, or portions thereof,
for which a franchise is granted.
For the purpose of operating and maintaining a cable communications
system in the Township, the grantee may erect, install, construct, repair,
replace, reconstruct and retain in, on, over, under, upon, across and along
the public streets and ways within the Township such wires, cables, conductors,
ducts, conduits, vaults, manholes, amplifiers, appliances, pedestals, attachments
and other property and equipment as are necessary to the operation of the
cable communications systems, provided, however, that the grantee complies
with all design, construction, safety, and performance provisions contained
in this article, the franchise agreement, and other applicable local ordinances.
In the event that a grantee chooses to utilize Township-owned conduit
or other facilities for any portion of its cable communications system, the
consideration for the use of Township conduit or other facilities shall be
at charges to be agreed upon between the parties.
No poles or pedestals shall be erected by the grantee without prior
approval of the Township with regard to location, height, type and any other
pertinent aspect. However, no location of any pole of the grantee shall be
a vested right and such poles shall be removed or modified by the grantee
at its own expense whenever the Township determines that the public convenience
would be enhanced thereby. The grantee shall utilize existing poles and conduits,
where possible. The Township shall have the right, during the life of the
franchise, to install and maintain upon the poles owned by the grantee, any
wire and pole fixtures that do not unreasonably interfere with the cable system
operations of the grantee. The Township shall reimburse the grantee for any
make-ready costs. The use of the grantee's poles shall be at a fair and reasonable
rate.
No cable communications system shall be allowed to occupy or use the
streets of the Township or be allowed to operate without a franchise.
The term of any franchise granted pursuant to this article shall be
stated in the franchise.
Any franchise granted pursuant to this article shall be nonexclusive.
The Township specifically reserves the right to grant at any time such additional
franchises for a cable communication system as it deems appropriate, and/or
build, operate, and own such cable communication system or systems as it deems
appropriate. Subject to applicable law and regulation, any additional cable
communications system franchises granted by the Township shall, to the extent
practicable, seek to create a level regulatory playing field and shall contain
similar terms and conditions, including, without limitation, provisions of
public benefit with similar cost, taking into account the size and population
of the franchised areas. A grantee is required to indemnify the Township and
to hold the Township harmless from all claims against it by third parties
arising out of its compliance with this provision to the extent that such
claims are not barred by Section 635A of the Cable Television Consumer Protection
and Competition Act of 1992 (Limitation of Franchise Authority Liability),
or by any other provision of law.
Whenever the agreement shall set forth any time for an act to be performed
by or on behalf of the grantee or the Township, such time shall be deemed
of the essence and any failure of the grantee or the Township to perform within
the time allotted shall be sufficient ground for the other party to invoke
an appropriate penalty including possible revocation of the franchise, subject
to force majeure.
In any controversy or dispute under this article, the law of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania shall apply.
A.
Transfer of franchise. Any franchise granted hereunder
shall not be sold, transferred, leased, assigned or disposed of, including
but not limited to transfer by force or voluntary sale, merger, consolidation,
receivership or other means, nor shall the control of the grantee be changed,
without the prior consent of the Township. The Township reserves the right
to impose certain conditions on the transferee as a condition of transfer
approval to ensure that the franchisee is able to meet ordinance and franchise
requirements and existing operating practices.
B.
Transfer threshold. The grantee shall promptly notify
the Township of any actual or proposed change in, or transfer of, or acquisition
by any other party of, control of the grantee. The word "control" as used
herein is not limited to major stockholders but includes actual working control
in whatever manner exercised. A transfer of ownership requiring approval shall
arise upon the disposal by the grantee, directly or indirectly, by gift, assignment,
voluntary sale, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of 25% or more at one
time of the ownership or controlling interest in the system, or 30% cumulatively
over the term of the franchise of such interests to a corporation, partnership,
limited partnership, trust or association, or person or group of persons acting
in concert. Except that no consent shall be required for any sale, transfer,
or assignment of ownership or control to an entity under common control with
the grantee, provided that prior to such transfer, the grantee provides to
the Township verifiable information to establish that such transferee under
common control has the financial, legal and technical ability to fully perform
all obligations of the franchise.
C.
Township approval. Every change, transfer, or acquisition
of control of the grantee shall make the franchise subject to cancellation
unless and until the Township shall have consented thereto, which consent
will not be unreasonably withheld. For the purpose of determining whether
it shall consent to such change, transfer, or acquisition of control, the
Township may inquire into the legal, financial, character, technical and other
public interest qualifications of the prospective controlling party, and the
grantee shall provide the Township with all required information relevant
to said inquiry. Failure to provide all information requested by the Township
as part of said inquiry shall be grounds for denial of the proposed change,
transfer or acquisition of control.
D.
Assumption of control. The Township agrees that any financial
institution having a pledge of the franchise or its assets for the advancement
of money for the construction and/or operation of the franchise shall have
the right to notify the Township that it or its designees satisfactory to
the Township will take control and operate the cable television system. Further,
said financial institution shall also submit a plan for such operation that
will insure continued service and compliance with all franchise obligations
during the term the financial institution exercises control over the system.
The financial institution shall not exercise control over the system for a
period exceeding 18 months, unless extended by the Township at its discretion
and during said period of time it shall have the right to petition for transfer
of the franchise to another grantee. If the Township finds that such transfer,
after considering the legal, financial, character, technical and other public
interest qualifications of the applicant are satisfactory, the Township will
transfer and assign the rights and obligations of such franchise as in the
public interest. The consent of the Township to such transfer shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
E.
No waiver of Township property rights. The consent or
approval of the Township to any transfer of the grantee shall not constitute
a waiver or release of the rights of the Township in and to the streets, and
any transfer shall, by its terms, be expressly subject to the terms and conditions
of this article and the franchise.
F.
Transfer time periods. The Township will not approve
any transfer or assignment of the franchise prior to completion of construction
of the proposed system unless appropriate guarantees which are acceptable
to the Township are made by the transferee.
G.
Disclosure of purchase price. The Township reserves the
right to require the grantee and transferee to disclose the purchase price
of any transfer or assignment of the cable system.
H.
Signatory requirement. Any approval by the Township of
transfer of ownership or control shall be contingent upon the prospective
controlling party becoming a signatory to the franchise.
I.
Time frame for Township review. The Township shall have
120 days to act upon any request for approval of such sale or transfer that
contains or is accompanied by such information as is required in accordance
with FCC regulations and by the Township. If the Township fails to render
a final decision on the request within 120 days, such request shall be deemed
granted unless the requesting party and the Township agree to an extension
of time.
Upon completion of the term of any franchise granted under this article,
the Township may grant or deny renewal of the franchise of the grantee in
accordance with the provisions of the Cable Act. The grantee shall own the
cable communication system, but shall have no property right in the public
rights of way upon the completion of the franchise term including any renewals
and extensions thereof.
A.
Police powers. In accepting the franchise, the grantee
acknowledges that its rights hereunder are subject to the police power of
the Township to adopt and enforce general ordinances necessary to the safety
and welfare of the public; and it agrees to comply with all applicable general
laws and ordinances enacted by the Township pursuant to such power.
B.
Conflicts. Any conflict between the provisions of this
article or the franchise and any other present or future lawful exercise of
the Township's police powers shall be resolved in favor of the latter, except
that any such exercise that is not of general application in the jurisdiction
or applies exclusively to the grantee or cable communications systems which
contains provisions inconsistent with this article or the franchise shall
prevail only if, upon such exercise, the Township finds an emergency exists
constituting a danger to health, safety, property or general welfare and such
exercise is mandated by law.
A.
Because the Township finds that the streets of the county,
commonwealth, and Township to be used by the grantee in the operation of its
system within the boundaries of the franchise area are valuable public properties
acquired and maintained by the county, commonwealth, and Township at great
expense to its taxpayers; the grant to the grantee to the said streets is
a valuable property right without which the grantee would be required to invest
substantial capital in right-of-way costs and acquisitions; and the administration
of this article and the franchise imposes upon the Township additional regulatory
responsibility and expense, a grantee of any franchise hereunder shall pay
to the Township a franchise fee in an amount as designated in the franchise,
but in no event less than 5% of the gross annual revenues, or the maximum
amount permitted under applicable federal, commonwealth, or local law, if
such maximum is greater than 5%. The annual franchise fee payable shall be
in addition to any other fee and shall commence as of the effective date of
the franchise. Annually, the Township shall be furnished a statement of said
payment by a certified public accountant, reflecting the total amounts of
annual gross revenues, a breakdown by type of revenue, and the above charges
and computations for the period covered by the payment.
B.
Franchise fee in addition to other tax or payment. The
Township believes that payment of the franchise fee made by the grantee to
the Township shall not be considered in the nature of a tax, but shall be
in addition to any and all taxes which are now or may be lawfully required
hereafter to be paid by any federal, commonwealth, or local law. This payment
shall be in addition to any other tax or payment owed to the governments or
other taxing jurisdiction by the grantee.
C.
Acceptance by the Township. No acceptance of any payment
by the Township shall be construed as a release or as an accord and satisfaction
of any claim the Township may have for further or additional sums payable
as a franchise fee under this article or for the performance of any other
obligation of the grantee.
D.
Failure to make required payment. In the event that any
franchise payment or recomputed amount is not made on or before the dates
specified herein, the grantee shall pay as additional compensation an interest
charge, computed from such due date, at the annual rate equal to the commercial
prime interest rate of the Township primary depository bank during the period
that such unpaid amount is owed.
E.
Payments to be made quarterly. The franchise fee and
any other cost or damage assessed against the grantee shall be payable quarterly
to the Township of Warwick. The grantee shall file a complete and accurate
statement verified by a financial officer of the grantee, of all gross revenues
within the franchise area and the number of subscribers per service during
the period for which said quarterly payment is made, and said payment shall
be made to the Township no later than 45 days following the expiration of
each calendar quarter ending March 1, June 30, and September 30, and no later
than the 90 days after the calendar quarter ending December 31.
F.
The Township's right of inspection. The Township shall
have the right to inspect the grantee's income records and the right to audit
and to recompute any amounts determined to be payable under this article.
Audits shall be at the expense of the Township unless the audit reveals an
underpayment of more than 5% in the amount of the franchise fee due to the
Township, in which event the cost of the audit shall be borne by the grantee.
Any additional amount due the Township as a result of the audit shall be paid
within 30 days following written notice to the grantee by the Township which
notice shall include a copy of the audit report.
A.
Grounds for revocation. The Township reserves the right
to revoke any franchise granted hereunder and rescind all rights and privileges
associated with the franchise in the following circumstances, each of which
shall represent a default and breach under the article and the franchise grant:
(1)
If the grantee shall default in the performance of any
of the material obligations under this article, the franchise, or under such
documents, contracts and other terms and provisions entered into by and between
the Township and the grantee.
(2)
If the grantee shall fail to provide or maintain in full
force and effect the liability and indemnification coverage or the performance
bond as required herein.
(3)
If the grantee, after all established regulatory and
appellate procedures have been exhausted, shall violate any orders or rulings
of any regulatory body having jurisdiction over the grantee relative to this
article or the franchise.
(4)
If the grantee practices any fraud or deceit upon the
Township or cable subscribers.
(5)
The grantee's construction schedule is delayed 180 days,
beyond the schedule contained in the franchise or beyond any extended date
set by the Township.
(6)
The grantee becomes insolvent, unable or unwilling to
pay its debts or is adjudged bankrupt.
(7)
Failure to restore service after 96 consecutive hours
of interrupted service substantially throughout the franchise area, except
when approval of such interruption is obtained from the Township.
(8)
Material misrepresentation of fact in the application
for or negotiation of the franchise or any extension or renewal thereof.
(9)
If the grantee ceases to provide a substantial portion
of ongoing cable services for any reason within the control of the grantee
over the cable communications system.
B.
Effect of circumstances beyond control of the grantee.
The grantee shall not be declared at fault or be subject to any sanction under
any provision of this article in any case, in which performance of any such
provision is prevented for reasons beyond the grantee's control. A fault shall
not be deemed to be beyond the grantee's control is committed by a corporation
or other business entity in which the grantee holds a controlling interest
whether held directly or indirectly.
C.
Effect of pending litigation. Pending litigation or any
appeal to any regulatory body or court having jurisdiction over the grantee
shall not excuse the grantee from the performance of its obligations under
this article or the franchise. Failure of the grantee to perform such obligations
because of pending litigation or petition may result in forfeiture or revocation
pursuant to the provisions of this section.
D.
Procedure prior to revocation.
(1)
The Township shall make written demand that the grantee
comply with any such requirement, limitation, term condition, rule or regulation
or correct any action deemed cause for revocation. If the failure, refusal
or neglect of the grantee continues for a period of 30 days following such
written demand, the Township shall place its request for termination of the
franchise upon a regular Board of Supervisors meeting agenda. The Township
shall cause to be served upon such grantee at least seven days prior to the
date of such Board of Supervisors meeting, a written notice of this intent
to request such termination, and the time and place of the meeting, notice
of which shall be published by the Township Manager or his designee, at least
once, seven days before such meeting in a newspaper of general circulation
within the Township.
(2)
The Board of Supervisors shall hear any persons interested
therein, and shall determine in its discretion whether or not any failure,
refusal or neglect by the grantee was with just cause.
(3)
If such failure, refusal or neglect by the grantee was
with just cause, as reasonably determined by the Township, the Board of Supervisors
shall direct the grantee to comply within such time and manner and upon such
terms and conditions as are reasonable.
(4)
If the Board of Supervisors shall determine such failure,
refusal, or neglect by the grantee was without just cause, then the Board
of Supervisors shall, by resolution, declare that the franchise of the grantee
shall be terminated unless there is compliance by the grantee within 90 days.
E.
Disposition of facilities. In the event a franchise expires
and is not renewed or extended, is revoked or otherwise terminated, the Township
may, in its sole discretion, do any of the following:
(2)
Effect a transfer of ownership of the system to another
party.
(3)
Order the removal of all or a portion of the system facilities
as required by the Township within a reasonable period of time as determined
by the Township or require the original grantee to maintain and operate its
system for a period of six months or until such further time as is mutually
agreed upon.
F.
Restoration of property. In removing its plant, structures
and equipment, the grantee shall refill, at its own expense, any excavation
that shall be made by it and shall leave all public ways and places in as
good a condition or better as that prevailing prior to the grantee's removal
of its equipment and appliances without affecting the electrical or telephone
cable wires or attachments. The Township shall inspect and approve the condition
of the public ways and public places and cables, wires, attachments, and poles
after removal. The liability, indemnity, insurance and performance bond as
provided herein 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 paragraph, this article and the franchise.
G.
Restoration by Township; reimbursement of costs. In the event of a failure by the grantee to complete any work required by §§ 60-6 and 60-7 and/or Subsection F above, or any other work required by Township law or ordinance within the time as may be established and to the satisfaction of the Township, the Township may cause such work to be done and the grantee shall reimburse the Township the cost thereof within 30 days after receipt of an itemized list of such costs or the Township may recover such costs through the performance bond provided by the grantee. The Township shall be permitted to seek legal and equitable relief to enforce the provisions of this section.
H.
Extended operation. Upon either the expiration and nonrenewal
or revocation of a franchise, the Township may require the grantee to continue
to operate the system for a period of six months from the date of such expiration
or revocation, or until such time as is mutually agreed upon. The grantee
shall continue to operate the cable communications system under the terms
and conditions of this article and the franchise and to provide the regular
subscriber service and any and all of the services that may be provided at
the time. The Township shall be permitted to seek legal and equitable relief
to enforce the provisions of this section.
A.
Termination by insolvency. The franchise granted hereunder
shall, at the option of the Township, cease and terminate 120 days after the
appointment of a receiver or receivers or trustee or trustees to take over
and conduct the business of the grantee whether in a receivership, reorganization,
bankruptcy or other action or proceeding unless such receivership or trusteeship
shall have been vacated prior to the expiration of said 120 days, or unless:
(1)
Such receivers or trustees shall have, within 120 days
after their election or appointment, fully complied with all the terms and
provisions of this article and the franchise granted pursuant hereto, and
the receivers or trustees within said 120 days shall have remedied all defaults
under the franchise or have commenced expeditiously and in good faith to do
so in the reasonable opinion of the Board of Supervisors; and
(2)
Such receivers or trustees shall, within said 120 days,
execute an agreement duly approved by the court having jurisdiction in the
premises, whereby such receivers or trustees assume and agree to be bound
by each and every term, provision and limitation of the franchise herein granted.
B.
Termination by judicial action. In the case of a foreclosure
or other judicial sale of the plant, property and equipment of the grantee
or any part thereof, including or excluding the franchise, the Township may
serve notice of termination upon the grantee and the successful bidder at
such sale, in which event the franchise and all rights and privileges of the
grantee granted hereunder shall cease and terminate 30 days after service
of such notice, unless:
Equal opportunity employment shall be afforded by all operators of cable
television systems to all qualified persons, and no person shall be discriminated
against in employment because of race, color, religion, age, national origin,
sex, or physical handicap. The grantee shall comply with all equal opportunity
provisions enacted by federal, commonwealth and local authorities, as well
as all such provisions contained in this article and the franchise.
All notices from grantee to the Township pursuant to this article and
the franchise shall be to the Township Manager or his/her designee. The grantee
shall maintain with the Township, throughout the term of the franchise, an
address for service of notices by mail. The grantee shall also maintain a
locally accessible office as specified in this article and the franchise,
and telephone number for the conduct of matters related to the franchise during
normal business hours. The grantee shall be required to advise the Township
of such address(es) and telephone numbers and any changes thereof.
The grantee shall not be excused from complying with any of the terms
and conditions of this article or the franchise by any failure of the Township
upon any one or more occasions to insist upon or to seek compliance with any
such terms or conditions.
A.
Right to purchase of the system by the Township upon
termination or expiration of the franchise.
(1)
Right to purchase. In the event the grantee forfeits
and the Township terminates the franchise for cause, pursuant to provisions
of this article and the franchise, or the franchise is not renewed at or following
the normal expiration of the franchise term, the Township shall have the right,
directly or as an intermediary, to purchase the franchised cable communications
system or effect the ownership of the system to another person. Any such acquisition
or transfer shall be as specified in the Cable Act. The Township shall notify
the grantee in writing within 30 days following nonrenewal or termination
of its intent to acquire the system on its behalf or effectuate the ownership
of the system to another person. Purchase price shall be based upon the value
of the system determined pursuant to this section.
(2)
Arbitration. In the event the Township and grantee are
unable to agree upon the value of the cable communications system, either
party may require by written notice to the other that the value of cable communications
system be submitted to arbitration in the following manner:
(a)
The Township and the grantee shall each within 15 days
after such written notice select an arbitrator who shall be a disinterested
person with reasonable knowledge and experience relative to the subject to
be arbitrated. The two arbitrators thus selected shall immediately thereafter
select a third arbitrator who shall likewise be a disinterested person having
reasonable knowledge and experience relative to the subject to be arbitrated.
(b)
Within 30 days after appointment of all arbitrators and
upon 10 days' written notice to the parties, the panel of arbitrators shall
commence a hearing on the issue of valuation and shall receive all relevant
information from the parties.
(c)
The hearing shall be recorded and may be transcribed
at the request of either party. All hearing proceedings, debate and deliberations
shall be open to the public and at such times and places as contained in the
notice or as thereafter publicly stated, except that if two arbitrators agree,
debate and deliberations may be held in closed session.
(d)
The value of the system as determined by the arbitration panel shall be determined pursuant to Subsection A(1) above.
(e)
Within 30 days after the close of the hearing, the panel
of arbitrators shall prepare findings and decision agreed upon by a majority
of the panel which shall be filed with the Township and served by mail upon
the grantee. The decision of the panel regarding the value of the system shall
be final and binding upon the parties. Should there be no majority decision,
the proceedings shall become null and void and shall be started anew, unless
the parties extend by mutual agreement the time which the panel of arbitrators
has to make a decision.
(f)
Either party may seek judicial relief in the following
circumstances:
[1]
A party fails to select an arbitrator;
[2]
The arbitrators fail to select a third arbitrator;
[3]
One or more arbitrators is unqualified;
[4]
Designated time limits have been exceeded;
[5]
The panel has not proceeded expeditiously;
[6]
The decision was procured by corruption, fraud or undue means;
[7]
There was evident partiality on the part of one or more of the
arbitrators;
[8]
The arbitration panel exceeded its authority hereunder;
[9]
Based upon the record, the panel abused its discretion.
(g)
In the event a court of competent jurisdiction determines
that judicial relief is appropriate to the circumstances set forth above,
the court in its discretion may order the arbitration procedure repeated and
issue findings, orders and directions.
(h)
The expenses of the arbitrators and those expenses incurred
by the panel as a whole shall be borne equally by the parties.
(3)
Notification. The purchase price shall be the value of
the system as determined by the arbitration panel.
B.
Right of inspection of records. Upon reasonable advance
notice, the Township shall have the right to inspect at any time during normal
business hours all books, records, reports, maps, plans, financial statements,
and other like materials of the grantee relating to the operation of the cable
communications system and the enforcement of this article and the franchise
within the Township, including but not limited to system records where information
is not available on a franchise area basis. The grantee shall provide such
information in such form as may be required by the Township for said records.
C.
Right of inspection of construction. The Township shall
have the right to inspect all construction or installation work performed
subject to the provisions of the franchise and upon prior notice to the grantee,
to make such tests as it shall find necessary to ensure compliance with the
terms of this article and other pertinent provisions of the law. The grantee
shall be afforded the opportunity to be present at and observe such testing
and shall be provided with the results of any such testing undertaken by the
Township.
D.
Right of inspection of property. At all reasonable times,
the grantee shall permit examination by any duly authorized representative
of the Township, of system facilities, together with any appurtenant property
of the grantee situated within or without the Township.
E.
Right to require removal of property. Upon denial of
renewal of this article or the franchise, or upon its revocation or expiration
and nonrenewal, as provided for herein, the Township shall have the right
to require the grantee to remove, at its own expense, all portions of the
cable communications system required by public necessity from all streets
and public ways within the Township within six months of receipt of a written
notice from the Township.
F.
Expense reimbursement to Township. Unless otherwise provided
in the franchise agreement, the grantee shall pay the Township a sum of money
which will, when added to application fees received, reimburse all costs and
expenses incurred by it in connection with preparation of this article, the
initial franchise agreements, including, but not limited to, consultant fees,
attorneys' fees, publication fees, travel expenses and all other direct costs;
provided, however, that the Township shall submit a detailed schedule of all
such costs. Such payment shall be made within 30 days after the Township furnishes
the grantee with a written statement of such initial franchise expenses.
A.
Ongoing regulation. The Township shall exercise appropriate
regulatory authority under the provisions of this article and applicable law.
This authority shall be vested in the Township Board of Supervisors and administered
through the Township Manager or his designee in order to provide day-to-day
administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article and any franchise
granted hereunder, and to carry out the Township's responsibilities with regard
to cable communications.
B.
Change in law or regulation. Notwithstanding any other
provisions of this article to the contrary, the grantee shall at all times
comply with all laws and regulations of the local, commonwealth and federal
government. In the event that any actions of the commonwealth or federal government
or any agency thereof, or any court of competent jurisdiction upon final adjudication,
substantially reduce in any way the power or authority of the Township under
this article or the franchise, or if in compliance with any local, commonwealth,
or federal law or regulation is in conflict with the terms of this article,
the franchise, or any law or regulation of the Township, then the Township,
at its option, may notify the grantee that it wishes to negotiate those provisions
which are affected in any way by such modification in regulations or statutory
authority. Thereafter, the grantee shall negotiate in good faith with the
Township in the development of alternate provisions which shall fairly restore
the Township to the maximum level of authority and power permitted by law.
The Township shall have the right to modify any of the provisions to such
reasonable extent as may be necessary to carry out the full intent and purpose
of this article and the franchise.
C.
Authority. The Township reserves the right to exercise
the maximum plenary authority, as may at any time be lawfully permissible,
to regulate the cable communications system, the franchise and the grantee.
Should applicable legislative, judicial or regulatory authorities at any time
permit regulation not presently permitted to the Township, the Township may
without the approval of the grantee engage in any such additional regulation
as may then be permissible, whether or not contemplated by this article or
the franchise.
A.
The Township shall have the following regulatory responsibility:
(1)
Administration and enforcement of the provisions of this
article and any franchise granted hereunder.
(2)
Award, renewal, extension or termination of a franchise
pursuant to the provisions of this article, the franchise, and other applicable
law.
(3)
Consent prior to sale or transfer of any franchise granted
hereunder.
(4)
Performance evaluation.
(5)
Rate regulation, if applicable.
B.
The Township also reserves the right to perform the following
functions:
(1)
Develop objectives and coordinate activities related
to the operation of government channels.
(2)
Approve procedures and standards for public, government
and educational access and operations and services, including the use of dedicated
channels and sharing of public facilities.
(3)
Coordinate plans for expansion, interconnection and growth
of cable services.
(4)
Analyze the possibility of integrating cable communications
with other Township, state or regional telecommunications networks.
(5)
Formulate and recommend long-range telecommunications
policy for the Township, and determine the future cable-related needs and
interests of the community.
(6)
Provide the administrative effort necessary for the conduct
of performance evaluations, and any other activities required for the administration
of the franchise.
(7)
Monitor the grantee's process for handling citizen complaints
and periodically inspect and analyze the records related to such complaints.
(8)
Receive applications for rate increases if applicable
and provide staff assistance in the analysis and recommendations thereto.
(9)
Monitor the grantee's adherence to operational standards,
service requirements and line extension policies.
(10)
Assure compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.
(11)
Arrange tests and analysis of equipment and performance,
as needed to insure compliance with this article and the franchise.
(12)
Assure continuity in service.
(13)
Receive for examination all data and reports required
by this article.
A.
Schedule filings. The grantee shall file with the Township
schedules which shall describe all services offered, all rates and charges
of any kind, and all terms and conditions relating thereto. No rates or charges
shall be effective except as they appear on a schedule so filed. The grantee
shall notify subscribers in writing at least 30 days prior to the implementation
of any change in services offered, rates charges, or terms and conditions
related thereto.
B.
Nondiscriminatory rates. The grantee shall establish
rates that are nondiscriminatory within the same general class of subscribers
which must be applied fairly and uniformly to all subscribers in the franchise
area for all services. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the grantee
from offering discounts to commercial and multiple-family dwelling subscribers
billed on a bulk basis; promotional discounts; or reduced installation rates
for subscribers who have multiple services. The grantee's charges and rates
for all services shall be itemized on subscribers' monthly bills.
C.
Township regulation. To the extent that federal or commonwealth
law or regulation may now, or as the same may hereafter be amended to, authorize
the Township to regulate the rates for any particular service tiers, service
packages, equipment, or any other services provided by the grantee, the Township
shall have the right to exercise rate regulation to the full extent authorized
by law, or to refrain from exercising such regulation for any period of time,
at the sole discretion of the Township.
A.
Evaluation sessions. The Township and the grantee may,
at the discretion of the Township, hold scheduled performance evaluation sessions
every three years. All such evaluation sessions may be open to the public.
B.
Special sessions. Special evaluation sessions may be
held at any time during the term of the franchise at the request of the Township.
C.
Public hearings. All evaluation sessions may be open to the public and announced in a newspaper of general circulation in accordance with public notice, as provided in § 60-50. The grantee shall notify subscribers of any such public meetings by announcement on the designated local government channel on the system between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. for five consecutive days preceding each session.
D.
Topics for review. Topics which may be discussed at any
scheduled or special evaluation session may include but not be limited to
system performance and construction, grantee compliance with this article
and the franchise, customer service and complaint response, subscriber privacy,
services provided, programming offered, service rate structures, franchise
fees, penalties, free or discounted services, applications of new technologies,
judicial and FCC filings, and line extensions.
E.
Cooperation by grantee. During the review and evaluation
by the Township, the grantee shall fully cooperate with the Township and shall
provide such information and documents as the Township may need to reasonably
perform its review.
Any person, firm, corporation or utility which permits the violation
of this article shall, upon being found liable in a civil enforcement proceeding
commenced by the Township, pay a fine of $600 plus all court costs, including
reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the Township. A separate offense shall
arise for each day or portion thereof in which a violation is found to exist
or for each section of the article which is found to have been violated. In
addition to civil actions before a District Justice, the Township may enforce
this article in an action in equity brought in the Bucks County Court of Common
Pleas.
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 an amount specified in the franchise
to guarantee the faithful performance of the grantee of all its obligations
provided under this article and the franchise. 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 and any and all damages, losses, costs, and expenses
suffered or incurred by the Township resulting from the failure of the grantee
to: faithfully comply with the provisions of this article and the franchise;
comply with all orders, permits and directives of any Township agency or body
having jurisdiction over its acts or defaults; pay fees due to the Township;
or pay any claims, liens or taxes due the Township which arise by reason of
the construction, operation, maintenance or repair of the cable system. Such
losses, costs and expenses shall include but not be limited to attorney's
fees and other associated expenses.
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. However,
no application shall be made by the grantee within one year of any prior application.
D.
Construction bond. The grantee shall maintain and by
its acceptance of any franchise granted hereunder agrees that it will maintain,
through the rebuild or construction of the cable television system as required
by this article or the franchise, a faithful construction bond in an amount
specified in the franchise conditioned upon the faithful performance of the
grantee in the construction or rebuild of a cable television system complying
with related provisions of this article and the franchise, and upon the further
condition that if the grantee shall fail to comply with any law, ordinance
or regulation governing the construction or rebuild of the cable television
system, there shall be recoverable jointly and severally from the principal
and surety of the bond any damages or loss suffered by the Township as a result,
including the full amount of any compensation, indemnification, or cost of
repair, construction, removal or abandonment of any property of the grantee,
plus attorneys' fees and costs, up to the full amount of the bond.
E.
Use of performance bond and construction bond. Prior
to drawing upon the performance bond or the construction bond for the purposes
described in this section, the Township shall give the grantee written notice
of its intent to draw on the bond. Said notice shall detail the basis for
drawing on the bond and, if the grantee has not already been provided with
a written notice of violation and an opportunity to correct the violation,
the notice provided under this subsection shall provide the grantee with a
minimum of 30 days to remedy the matter. If the matter is not remedied within
the cure period specified in the applicable notice, 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 within 10 days, the Township
may withdraw the amount thereof, with interest, from the performance bond.
Nothing herein shall preclude the Township from taking action in emergency
situations without the thirty-day period specified above.
F.
Notification. Within three days of a withdrawal from
the performance bond or construction 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 performance bond and construction bond. No later than 30 days after mailing to the grantee by certified mail notification of a withdrawal pursuant to Subsection E above, the grantee shall replenish the performance bond and/or construction bond in an amount equal to the amount so withdrawn.
H.
Nonrenewal, alteration, or cancellation of performance
bond and construction bond. The performance bond and construction bond 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 policies within 30
days following receipt by the Township or the grantee of any notice of cancellation.
I.
Inflation. To offset the effects of inflation, the amount
of the performance bond provided for herein is subject to reasonable adjustment
as provided in the franchise.
A.
Certificate of insurance. Prior to commencement of construction,
but in no event later than 60 days after the effective date of the franchise
and thereafter continuously throughout the duration of the franchise and any
extensions or renewals thereof, the grantee shall furnish to the Township
certificates of insurance, approved by the Township, for all types of insurance
required under this section. Failure to furnish said certificates of insurance
in a timely manner shall constitute a violation of this article.
B.
Filing. Any insurance policy obtained by the grantee in compliance with this section shall be filed and maintained with the Township Manager during the term of the franchise, and may be changed from time to time to reflect changing liability limits and/or to compensate for inflation consistent with Subsection H below. The grantee shall immediately advise the Township of any litigation that may develop that would affect this insurance.
C.
No liability limit. Neither the provisions of this section
or any damages recovered by the Township hereunder shall be construed to or
limit the liability of the grantee under any franchise issued hereunder or
for damages.
D.
Endorsement. All insurance policies maintained pursuant
to this article or the franchise shall contain the following, or a comparable,
endorsement:
“It is hereby understood and agreed that this insurance policy
may not be canceled by the insurance company nor the intention not to renew
be stated by the insurance company until 30 days after receipt by the Township
Manager, by registered mail, of a written notice of such intention to cancel
or not to renew.”
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E.
Hold-harmless clause. All contractual liability insurance
policies maintained pursuant to this article or the franchise shall include
the provision of the following hold-harmless clause:
“The grantee agrees to indemnify, save harmless and defend the
Township, its officials, agents, servants, and employees, and each of them
against and hold it and them harmless from any and all lawsuits, claims, demands,
liabilities, losses and expenses, including court costs and reasonable attorney's
fees, for or on account of any injury to any person, or any death at any time
resulting from such injury, or any damage to any property, which may arise
or which may be alleged to have arisen out of or in connection with the work
covered by the franchise and performed or caused to be performed by the grantee,
its employees, agents and contractors or their successors. The foregoing indemnity
shall apply except if such injury, death or damage is caused directly by the
negligence or other fault of the Township, its agents, servants, or employees
or any other person indemnified hereunder.”
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F.
Commonwealth institution. All insurance policies provided
under the provisions of this article or the franchise shall be written by
companies authorized to do business in the commonwealth, and approved by the
Pennsylvania Department of Insurance.
G.
Named insured. At any time during the term of the franchise,
the Township may request, and the grantee shall comply with such request,
to name the Township as an additional named insured for all insurance policies
written under the provisions of this article or the franchise.
H.
Inflation. To offset the effects of inflation and to
reflect changing liability limits, all of the coverages, limits, and amounts
of the insurance 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.
I.
General liability insurance. The grantee shall maintain,
and by its acceptance of any franchise granted hereunder specifically agrees
that it will maintain throughout the term of the franchise, general liability
insurance insuring the grantee in the minimum of:
J.
Policy inclusions. Such general liability insurance must
include coverage for all of the following: comprehensive form, premises-operations,
explosion and collapse hazard, underground hazard, products/completed operations
hazard, contractual insurance, broad form property damage, and personal injury.
K.
Automobile liability insurance. The grantee shall maintain,
and by its acceptance of any franchise granted hereunder specifically agrees
that it will maintain throughout the term of the franchise, automobile liability
insurance for owned, nonowned, or rented vehicles in the minimum amount of:
L.
Workers' compensation and employer's liability insurance.
The grantee shall maintain, and by its acceptance of any franchise granted
hereunder specifically agrees that it will maintain throughout the term of
the franchise, workers' compensation and employer's liability, valid in the
commonwealth, in the minimum amount of:
M.
No limitation on liability. None of the provisions of
this article or any insurance policy required herein, or any damages recovered
by the Township hereunder, shall be construed to excuse the faithful performance
by or limit the liability of the grantee under this article or the franchise
for damages either to the limits of such policies or otherwise.
A.
Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law,
the grantee shall, at its sole cost and expense, fully indemnify, defend and
hold harmless the Township, its officers, public officials, boards and commissions,
agents, and employees from and against any and all lawsuits, claims (including
without limitation workers' compensation claims against the Township or others),
causes of action, actions, liability, and judgments for injury or damages
(including but not limited to expenses for reasonable legal fees and disbursements
assumed by the Township in connection therewith but excluding claims, suits,
actions, liabilities, judgments or damages that are the direct result of negligence
or deliberate acts or omission of the Township, its officers, employees, agents,
boards or commissions):
(1)
To persons or property, in any way arising out of or
through the acts or omissions of the grantee, its subcontractors, agents or
employees, to which the grantee's negligence shall in any way contribute,
and regardless of whether the Township's negligence or the negligence of any
other party shall have contributed to such claim, cause of action, judgment,
injury, or damage.
(2)
Arising out of any claim for invasion of the right of
privacy, for defamation of any person, firm or corporation, or the violation
or infringement of any copyright, trademark, trade name, service mark or patent,
or any other right of any person, firm or corporation, but excluding claims
arising out of or related to Township or educational access programming.
(3)
Arising out of the grantee's failure to comply with the
provisions of any federal, commonwealth, or local statute, ordinances or regulation
applicable to the grantee in its business hereunder.
B.
The foregoing indemnity is conditioned upon the following:
The Township shall give the grantee reasonable notice of any claim or the
commencement of any action, suit or other proceeding covered by the provisions
of this section. The grantee will provide the defense of any claims brought
against the Township under this section of the franchise by selecting counsel
of the grantee's choice to defend the claim, subject to the reasonable consent
of the Township, which will not unreasonably be withheld. Nothing herein shall
be deemed to prevent the Township from cooperating with the grantee and participating
in the defense of any litigation by its own counsel at its own costs and expense,
provided however, that the grantee shall have the right to defend, settle
or compromise any claim or action arising hereunder and the grantee shall
have the sole authority to decide the appropriateness and the amount of any
such settlement. Recovery by the Township of any sum by reason of the liquidated
damages required by the franchise shall be deducted from any recovery which
the Township might have against the grantee arising out of the same transaction
under the terms of this section.
A.
Authorization to commence construction and application
procedures. Within 30 days after acceptance by the grantee of a franchise,
the grantee shall apply for any needed contracts for pole use. Pole space
and other facilities obtained from the Township, utilities, and other lawful
uses of the public way shall be at the cost and expense of the grantee. Within
30 days after completion of the make-ready survey identifying the routes of
the system facility, the grantee shall apply for all additional licenses from
the commonwealth, Township, or other necessary parties, such as the railroads
for crossing under or over their property. In any event, all necessary applications
for permits, licenses, certificates and authorizations shall be applied for
in a timely fashion so that such filing and processing shall not interfere
with or cause delay with the construction scheduled as outlined in the franchise.
B.
Power to contract. Upon grant of the franchise and in
order to construct, operate and maintain a cable system in the Township, the
grantee shall obtain right-of-way permits from appropriate Township, commonwealth,
county, and federal officials necessary to cross or otherwise use highways
or roads under their respective jurisdiction; obtain permission, when required,
from the Federal Aviation Administration to erect and maintain antennas; and
obtain whatever other permits a Township, county, commonwealth or federal
agency may require.
A.
Compliance with construction and technical standards.
The grantee shall construct, rebuild, install, operate and maintain its system
in a manner consistent with all laws, ordinances, construction standards,
governmental requirements, FCC technical standards, and detailed technical
standards submitted by the grantee as part of its application, which standards
are incorporated by reference herein. The grantee, through the system, shall
provide uniform, strong signals which are free from any significant distortion
and interference. The system shall be designed, constructed, operated and
maintained for twenty-four-hours-a-day continuous operation. The system shall
produce, for reception on subscribers' receivers which are in good working
order, either monochrome or color pictures (providing the receiver is color
capable) which are free from any significant interference or distortion which
would cause any material degradation of video or audio quality.
B.
State of the art. The grantee shall construct, install,
operate and maintain its system in accordance with the then-current standards
of the art of cable communications, such standards to include but not be limited
to the following:
C.
Township approval of construction plans. Prior to the
erection of any towers, poles or conduits or the upgrade or rebuild of the
cable communications system under this article, the grantee shall first submit
to the Township and other designated parties for approval a concise description
of the facilities proposed to be erected or installed, including engineering
drawings, if required, together with a map and plans indicating the proposed
location of all such facilities. No erection or installation of any tower,
pole, underground conduit, or fixture or any rebuilds or upgrading of the
cable communications system shall be commenced by any person until approval,
therefore, has been received from the Township. Approval of each phase of
new construction or rebuild design plans shall be deemed granted for any submission
made to the Township unless expressly disapproved within 60 days. All other
approvals, such as permits, will be provided within the time frames specified
by relevant law and regulation.
D.
Contractor qualifications. Any contractor proposed for
work of construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of
system equipment must be properly licensed under laws of the commonwealth
and all local ordinances.
E.
Minimum interference. The grantee's system and associated
equipment erected by the grantee within the Township shall be so located as
to cause minimum interference with the proper use of streets, alleys, and
other public ways and places, and to cause minimum interference with the rights
and reasonable convenience of property owners who adjoin any of the said streets,
alleys or other public ways and places. No pole or other fixtures placed in
any public ways by the grantee shall be placed in such a manner as to interfere
with normal travel on such public way.
F.
Township maps. The Township does not guarantee the accuracy
of any maps showing the horizontal or vertical location of existing substructures.
In public rights-of-way, where necessary, the location shall be verified by
excavation.
G.
Quality of construction. Construction, installation,
operation, and maintenance of the cable communications system shall be performed
in an orderly and workmanlike manner, in accordance with then current technological
standards and the manufacturer's specifications. All cables and wires shall
be installed, where possible, parallel with electric and telephone lines.
Multiple cable configurations shall be arranged in parallel and bundled with
due respect for engineering considerations.
H.
Construction standards. The grantee shall at all times
comply with National Electrical Safety Code (National Bureau of Standards);
National Electrical Code (National Bureau of Fire Underwriters); Bell System
Code of Pole Line Construction; applicable FCC or other federal, commonwealth
and local regulations; and standards as set forth in the franchise.
I.
Noninterference. In any event, the system shall not endanger
or interfere with the safety of persons or property in the franchise area
or other areas where the grantee may have equipment located.
J.
Antennas. Any antenna structure used in the cable communications
system shall comply with construction, marking, and lighting of antenna structure
standards as required by federal and commonwealth law or regulation.
K.
OSHA. All worker facilities, conditions, and procedures
that are used during construction, installation, operation, and maintenance
of the cable system shall comply with the standards of the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration.
L.
RF leakage. RF leakage shall not exceed FCC permitted
maximum levels as evidenced by annual cumulative leakage index measurements.
FCC Rules and Regulations shall govern. The system shall cause no measurable
interference in TV signal reception to any operating receiver not connected
to and serviced by the system.
M.
Standby power. The grantee shall maintain equipment capable
of providing standby power for a minimum of eight hours for the headend and
two hours for transportation and trunk amplifiers.
The franchise shall specify the construction schedule.
The grantee shall provide service to all dwelling units or commercial
entities requesting service and in any additional areas annexed to the Township
within six months of such request, subject to any line extension requirements
specified in the franchise agreement.
A.
Underground installation. All installations shall be
underground in those areas of the Township where public utilities providing
both telephone and electric service are underground at the time of installation.
In areas where either telephone or electric utility facilities are aboveground
at the time of installation, the grantee may install its service aboveground,
provided that at such time as those facilities are required to be placed underground
by the Township or are placed underground, the grantee shall likewise place
its services underground without additional cost to the Township or to the
individual subscriber so served within the Township. Where not otherwise required
to be placed underground by this article or the franchise, the grantee's system
shall be located underground at the request of the adjacent property owner,
provided that the excess cost over the aerial location shall be borne by the
property owner making the request. All cable passing under the roadway shall
be installed in conduit.
B.
Permits. Prior to construction or alteration, however,
the grantee shall in each case file plans with the appropriate Township agencies,
complete use agreements with the utility companies, obtain all construction
permits and receive written approval of the Township before proceeding, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
C.
Interference with persons, improvements, public and private
property and utilities. The grantee's system and facilities, including poles,
lines, equipment and all appurtenances, shall be located, erected and maintained
so that such facilities shall:
(1)
Not endanger or interfere with the health, safety or
lives of persons;
(2)
Not interfere with any improvements the Township, county
or commonwealth may deem proper to make;
(3)
Not interfere with the free and proper use of public
streets, alleys, bridges, easements or other public ways, places or property,
except to the minimum extent possible during actual construction or repair;
(4)
Not interfere with the rights and reasonable convenience
of private property owners, except to the minimum extent possible during actual
construction or repair; and
(5)
Not obstruct, hinder or interfere with any gas, electric,
water or telephone facilities or other utilities located within the Township.
D.
Restoration to prior condition. In case of any disturbance
of pavement, sidewalk, driveway or other surfacing, the grantee shall, at
its own cost and expense and in a manner approved by the Township, replace
and restore all paving, sidewalk, driveway, landscaping, or surface of any
street or alley disturbed, in as good a condition as, or better than, before
said work was commenced and in a good workmanlike, timely manner in accordance
with standards for such work set by the Township. Weather permitting, restoration
shall be undertaken within no more than 10 business days after the damage
is incurred and the grantee shall use its best efforts to complete the restoration
as soon as possible thereafter.
E.
Relocation of the facilities. In the event that at any
time during the period of the franchise, the Township, county or commonwealth
shall lawfully elect to alter, or change, the grade of any street, alley or
other public ways, the grantee, upon reasonable notice by the proper authority,
shall remove or relocate as necessary its poles, wires, cables, underground
conduits, manholes and other fixtures at its own expense.
F.
Cooperation with building movers. The grantee shall,
on the request of any person holding a building moving permit issued by the
Township, temporarily raise or lower its wire to permit the moving of buildings.
The expense of such temporary removal, raising or lowering of 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 not
less than 15 working days' advance notice to arrange for such temporary wire
changes.
G.
Tree trimming. The grantee shall have the authority,
except when in conflict with existing Township ordinances, to trim any trees
upon and overhanging public right-of-way so as to prevent the branches of
such trees from coming in contact with system facilities, except that at the
option of the Township, such trimming may be done by it, or under its supervision
and direction, at the expense of the grantee.
H.
Easements. All necessary easements over and under private
property shall be the responsibility of the grantee.
I.
Private property. The grantee shall be subject to all
laws, ordinances or regulations regarding private property in the course of
constructing, installing, operating or maintaining the cable communications
system in the Township of Warwick. The grantee shall promptly repair or replace
all private property, both real and personal, damaged or destroyed as a result
of the construction, installation, operating or maintenance of the cable communications
system at its sole cost and expense.
No poles shall be erected by the grantee without prior approval of the
Township with regard to location, height, types and any other pertinent aspect
and consideration given by the Township to the availability of existing poles
and local aesthetics. However, no location of any pole or wire-holding structure
of the grantee shall give rise to a vested interest and such poles or structures
shall be removed or modified by the grantee at its own expense whenever the
Township determines that the public convenience would be enhanced thereby.
A.
Progress reports. Within 30 days of the granting of a
franchise to construct a new system pursuant to this article, the grantee
shall provide the Township with a written progress report detailing work completed
to date and a schedule for complete on of construction. Such report shall
include a description of the progress in applying for any necessary agreements,
licenses, or certifications and any other information the Township Manager
may deem necessary. The content and format of the report will be determined
by the Township Manager and may be modified at his/her discretion. The time
frame established above shall not apply to the upgrade or rebuild of an existing
system.
B.
Time frame for reports. Written progress reports as described in Subsection A above shall be submitted to the Township on a bimonthly basis throughout the new construction or rebuild process. The Township Manager may require more frequent reporting if he/she determines it is necessary to better monitor the grantee's progress.
C.
Subscriber information. Prior to the commencement of
any significant system construction, the grantee shall produce an informational
document to be distributed to all residents of the area to be under construction,
which shall describe the activity that will be taking place. The informational
document shall be reviewed and approved by the Township Manager prior to its
distribution.
A.
Completion tests. Not later than 60 days after any new
or substantially rebuilt portion of the system is made available for service
to subscribers; and thereafter on the annual anniversary of the effective
date of the franchise the grantee shall conduct technical performance tests
to demonstrate full compliance with all technical standards contained in this
article and the franchise, and the technical standards and guidelines of the
FCC.
B.
Methodology. Such tests shall be performed by, or under
the supervision of a qualified engineer or technician with proper training
and experience. A copy of the report shall be submitted to the Township, describing
test results, instrumentation, calibration, and test procedures, and the qualification
of the engineer responsible for the tests.
C.
Test points. System monitor test points shall be established
at or near the output of the last amplifier in the longest feeder line, at
or near trunk line extremities. Such periodic tests shall be made at the test
points as shall be required by the FCC and/or the franchise.
D.
FCC tests. In addition to the performance test reports
required herein, a copy of any performance test reports required by the FCC
shall be submitted to the Township within 60 days of completion.
E.
Township required tests. Whenever there have been similar
complaints made or when there exists other evidence, which, in the judgment
of the Township, casts doubt on the reliability or quality of the grantee's
system, the Township shall have the right and authority to compel the grantee
to test, analyze, and report on the performance of its system with respect
to the specified complaints. To the extent permitted by law or regulation,
the Township may require additional tests, full or partial repeat tests, different
test procedures, or tests involving a specific subscriber's terminal. Reports
on such tests shall be delivered to the Township no later than 30 days after
the Township formally notifies the grantee and shall include the following
information: the nature of the complaints which precipitated the special tests;
what system component was tested; the equipment used, and procedures employed
in said testing; the results of such tests; and methods by which said complaints
were resolved. Said tests and analyses shall be supervised by a qualified
engineer or technician, who shall sign all records of the special tests and
forward same to the Township with a report interpreting the results of the
tests and recommending what actions should be taken. If requested by the Township,
and at the Township's expense, the grantee shall allow an independent engineer
to conduct such tests. The grantee shall reimburse the Township for the expense
of the tests if such tests indicate that the cable communications system does
not substantially comply with relevant laws and regulations.
A.
Programming. Concurrently with the activation of the
cable communications system in the Township, the grantee shall provide all
services to subscribers as described herein and in the franchise.
(1)
The system shall carry the broad categories of programming
and services listed in the franchise. Should the grantee desire to change
the selection of programs or services offered on any of the tiers, it shall
maintain the mix, quality and level of services provided over the system.
Any such change in programs or services offered shall comply with the conditions
and procedures contained in the franchise, and shall be reported to the Township
at least 30 days prior to the proposed implementation, and when practicable,
45 days prior notice to the Township. The grantee shall notify all subscribers
in writing at least 30 days prior to implementing any change in the selection
of programs or services offered on any tiers, or prior to adding or deleting
any channels or changing the channel number for any station. The grantee shall
use its best efforts to ensure diversity of programming.
(2)
A basic service tier shall be offered to subscribers
throughout the term of this article and the franchise.
(3)
At a minimum, the grantee shall provide and maintain,
within the time frame specified in the franchise, the following access channels
whose purposes are outlined below:
(a)
"Government access channel," which shall be a specifically
designated channel for noncommercial local governmental use and shall be managed,
scheduled and programmed exclusively by the Township.
(b)
"Educational access channel," which shall be a specifically
designated channel for noncommercial use by local public and private school
authorities, and shall be managed, scheduled and programmed exclusively by
them.
(c)
A "public access channel," which will be a specifically
designated channel for noncommercial use by members of the general public
on a nondiscriminatory basis and shall be managed and scheduled by the grantee.
(4)
The grantee shall make available leased access channels
for commercial use as required by federal law.
(5)
The grantee shall fully provide, at a minimum, services,
facilities and equipment for public, educational and government access as
indicated in the franchise.
B.
Emergency override. The grantee shall provide, service
and maintain public emergency transmission facilities to the Township, as
described in the franchise.
A.
Standard installations. Standard installation shall consist
of a service not exceeding 150 feet from a feeder cable or pedestal attachment
to the customer's residence. Service in excess of 150 feet and concealed wiring
shall be charged at such cost as exceeds normal installation costs. The desire
of the Subscriber as to the point of entry into the residence or commercial
establishment and as to the location of pedestals shall be observed whenever
possible. Runs in building interiors shall be as unobtrusive as possible.
The grantee shall use due care in the process of installation and shall repair
any damage to the subscriber's property caused by said installation. Weather
permitting, such restoration shall be undertaken within no more than 10 days
after the damage is incurred and the grantee shall use its best efforts to
undertake and complete such restoration as soon as possible thereafter.
B.
On-time guarantee. Excluding circumstances beyond its
control, the grantee shall guarantee that service and installation appointments
will be performed promptly. To this end, and except as provided above, the
grantee shall not charge a subscriber for an installation where the grantee
is late for the installation appointment. Furthermore, in the event the grantee
is late for a service appointment, the grantee shall provide the affected
customer with a $20 bill credit. Where the grantee schedules appointment windows,
the grantee shall be considered late for an appointment if it does not arrive
at the customer's home within the scheduled window.
C.
Antennas and antenna switches. Except in cases where
safety is threatened after notification to the affected party and the safety
problem is not corrected, the grantee shall not, as a condition to providing
cable communications service, require any subscriber or potential subscriber,
to remove any existing antenna structures for the receipt of over-the-air
television signals. The grantee shall install, upon the request of the subscriber,
an RF or antenna switch where required for the provision of services provided
by the grantee. If the grantee finds safety a problem, the affected subscriber
shall be notified, provided with an opportunity to correct the problem, and
have service resumed after correction has occurred.
D.
Lockout devices. The grantee shall provide to the potential
subscriber, as part of its promotional literature, information concerning
the availability of a lockout device for use by a subscriber. The grantee
reserves the right to require a reasonable deposit for the use of this device,
as set forth in the rate schedule. The lockout device described herein shall
be made available to all subscribers requesting it beginning on the first
day that any cable service is provided.
E.
Reconnection. The grantee shall restore service to customers
wishing restoration of service provided customer shall first satisfy any previous
obligations owed.
F.
Free disconnection. Subscribers shall have the right
to have cable service disconnected without charge. Such disconnection shall
be made as soon as practicable and in no case later than 15 days following
notice to grantee of same. A refund of unused service charges shall be paid
to the customer within 45 days from the date of termination of service.
A.
Business office. The grantee shall establish, operate
and maintain within 10 miles of the Township a business office, teleproduction
facility, and maintenance and repair facility for the purpose of receiving
inquiries, requests and complaints concerning all aspects of the construction,
installation, operation, and maintenance of the system and for the payment
of subscribers' service charges, and providing facilities for the production
of programming.
B.
Telephone service. The grantee shall have a locally listed
or toll-free telephone number to receive subscriber service calls 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. The grantee shall provide a sufficient number of
telephone lines and telephone staff members to enable subscribers to reach
the grantee as specified in the FCC regulations. The grantee's number shall
be published and made available to subscribers and the general public. The
grantee shall in addition provide a private telephone number to the Township
and utility companies to enable the Township of the utility companies to reach
the grantee in case of emergency on a twenty-four-hour, seven-days-a-week
basis for same-day response.
C.
Response time. The grantee shall respond to and resolve
subscribers' complaints or requests for service in connection with repairs
and maintenance and malfunctions of system facilities. The grantee shall respond
as quickly as possible to such complaints and requests, but shall in any case
respond within the time frames set forth in the franchise. Complaints or requests
which may pose a potential health and safety hazard will be responded to immediately.
In connection with billing complaints, the grantee shall respond within seven
business days.
D.
Grantee rules. The grantee shall prepare and file with
the Township copies of all of its rules and regulations in connection with
the handling of inquiries, requests and complaints. The grantee shall, by
appropriate means, such as a card or brochure, furnish information concerning
the procedures for 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 furnish information concerning
the Town office responsible for the administration of the franchise, including,
but not limited to, the address and telephone number of said office.
E.
Complaint records. The grantee shall keep full records
in connection with all inquiries, or complaints and requests in connection
with the system that result in the generation of a work order or are referred
by the Township, or that are referred to the grantee's customer satisfaction
department for resolution. Such records shall identify the person contacting
the grantee, and the person responding on behalf of the grantee, the subject
matter of the contact, the date and time it was received, the resolution of
the matter in question or the action taken by the grantee in connection with
the contact, and the date and time thereof, and such other information as
may be deemed pertinent by the grantee. These records shall be made available
for periodic inspection by the Township.
F.
Equipment service. The grantee shall service or replace,
without charge above the normal lease cost, all equipment which it owns and
leases to the subscriber, provided, however, that the grantee may charge a
subscriber for service to or replacement of any equipment damaged due to negligence
of such subscriber. This provision shall not apply to any equipment covered
by a separate service/maintenance contract.
G.
Investigation and remedial action. For recurrent complaints
regarding service deficiencies (other than total or partial loss of service,
such as "ghosting," weak audio signal, distortion, and the like), the Township
Manager may require the grantee to investigate and report to hint/her the
causes and cures thereof, and the Township Manager may also conduct his/her
own investigation. Thereafter, the Township Manager may order specified remedial
action to be taken within reasonably feasible time limits. If such action
is not taken, or is ineffective, or if within 30 days the grantee files with
the Board of Supervisors a notice of objection to the order, the Board of
Supervisors may conduct a hearing and may, if the evidence warrants a finding
of fault on the part of the grantee, take appropriate action pursuant to the
terms of this article.
A.
Subscription rights. It shall be the right of all subscribers
to receive continuous, uninterrupted service insofar as their financial and
other obligations to the grantee are honored.
B.
Cooperation. In the event that the grantee elects to
rebuild, modify or sell the system, or the Township gives notice of intent
to terminate or fails to renew its franchise, the grantee shall cooperate
with the Township or new grantee or operator in maintaining continuity of
service to all subscribers. During such period, grantee shall be entitled
to the revenues for any period during which it operates the system, and shall
be entitled to reasonable costs for the services when it no longer operates
the system.
C.
Failure to provide continuity. In the event the grantee
fails to operate the system for 30 consecutive days without prior approval
of the Township or without just cause, the Township may, at its option, operate
the system or designate an operator until such time as the grantee restores
service under conditions acceptable to the Township or a permanent operator
is selected. If the Township is required to fulfill this obligation for the
grantee, the grantee shall reimburse the Township for all reasonable costs
or damages in excess of revenues from the system received by the Township
that are the result of the grantee's failure to perform.
A.
Protection of subscriber privacy mandatory. The grantee
shall at all times protect the privacy of subscribers, as provided in this
article and other applicable federal, commonwealth, and local laws.
B.
Notice of privacy provisions. At the time of entering
into an agreement to provide any cable service or other service to a subscriber,
and at least once a year thereafter, the grantee shall provide notice in the
form of a separate written statement to subscriber which clearly and conspicuously
informs the subscriber of the privacy rights of the subscriber and the limitations
placed upon the grantee with regard to the collection, retention, inspection
and dissemination of any personally identifiable information.
C.
Correction policy. Each subscriber shall be provided
access to all personally identifiable information regarding that subscriber
which is collected and maintained by the grantee. Such information shall be
made available to the subscriber at reasonable times and at a convenient place
designated by the grantee. A cable subscriber shall be provided reasonable
opportunity to correct any error in such information.
A.
Nondiscrimination required. The grantee shall not deny
service, deny access, or otherwise discriminate against subscribers, channel
users or general citizens on the basis of race, color, religion, national
origin, age, sex, or physical or mental handicaps, provided the subscriber
shall pay all applicable fees for the service desired. The grantee shall comply
at all times with all other applicable federal, commonwealth and local laws
and regulations, and all executive and administrative orders relating to nondiscrimination
which are hereby incorporated and made part of this article by reference.
B.
Fairness of accessibility. The entire system of the grantee
shall be operated in a manner consistent with the principles of fairness and
equal accessibility of its facilities, equipment, channels, studios and other
services to all citizens, businesses, public agencies and other entities having
a legitimate use for the network; and no one shall be arbitrarily excluded
from its use; allocation of use of said facilities shall be made according
to the rules or decisions of the grantee and any regulatory agencies affecting
the same.
C.
Information accessibility. Each individual shall have
the right to information concerning the provisions of this article and the
rules and regulations formulated pursuant to it by the Board of Supervisors,
the grantee, agent or entity created hereunder or pursuant to this article.
A.
Records. The Township or its officially designated representatives
shall have the right to inspect all pertinent or relevant records, books,
plans, customer service logs, and financial statements maintained by the grantee
which relate to the operation of the cable system, enforcement of this article
and the franchise, and directly to computation of gross annual revenues, and
construction and location of facilities within the Township, at the grantee's
place of business upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours.
Access to the aforementioned records shall not be denied by the grantee on
the basis that said records contain "proprietary" information. The Township
and its officially designated representatives agree to treat any information
disclosed and reports, maps and other documents submitted to or inspected
by the Township or its designated representatives as confidential and only
to disclose it to employees, agents or representatives thereof that have a
need to know or in order to enforce the provisions hereof. The grantee shall
make available adequate financial records within the Township to permit the
auditing of the grantee's gross revenues. The Township shall notify the grantee
in a timely manner if a request is made for information which the grantee
has clearly marked as "confidential." Such notification shall specify the
period of time the grantee has to submit to the Township, any comments on
the request, and may, at its own expense, resist the request. The Township,
in any event, shall not be liable for any disclosure required by law.
B.
Review. The grantee shall permit any duly authorized
representative of the Township to examine and copy or transcribe any and all
maps and other records kept or maintained by the grantee or under its control
concerning the operations, affairs, transactions or property of the grantee.
If any of such maps or records are not kept in the Township, or upon reasonable
request made available in the Township, and if the Township shall determine
that an examination of such maps or records is necessary or appropriate to
the performance of any of their duties, then all travel and maintenance expenses
necessarily incurred in making such examination shall be paid by the grantee.
The grantee shall file with the Township:
A.
Regulatory communications. Upon request from the Township,
any reports required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), including
but not limited to any annual proof of performance tests and results, equal
employment opportunity (EEO) reports, required financial information, and
all petitions, applications and communications of all types submitted by the
grantee to the FCC, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), or any other
federal or commonwealth regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction
over any matter affecting operation of the grantee's system, will be made
available to the Township.
B.
Facilities report. An annual report setting forth the
physical miles of plant construction and plant in operation during the fiscal
year shall be submitted to the Township. After completion of initial construction
or any rebuild, maps designating the location of the cable plant shall be
filed with the Township. Thereafter, any revisions to the system shall be
reflected in updated maps provided to the Township in a timely manner after
such changes are made.
C.
Construction reports. During the progress of any initial,
rebuild, or other major construction undertaken during the term of the franchise,
reports shall be sent to the Township on a bimonthly basis until construction
is complete, as specified in this franchise.
E.
Test required by Township. Technical tests required by the Township as specified in § 60-39E of this article and the franchise shall be submitted within 30 days of notification.
F.
Change in service. Written notification of any change
in programming or service shall be provided to the Township 30 days prior
to implementation, and, when practicable, prior notice shall be given 45 days
in advance.
G.
Grantee rules. The grantee's schedule of charges, contract
or application forms of regular subscriber service policy regarding the processing
of subscriber complaints, delinquent subscriber disconnect and reconnect procedures
and any other terms and conditions adopted as the grantee's policy in connection
with its subscribers shall be filed with the Township and conspicuously posted
in the grantee's local office. All such terms and conditions, including schedule
of charges, must have been filed with the Township prior to their becoming
effective. Such rules, regulations, terms and conditions shall not be in conflict
with the provisions hereof or applicable commonwealth and federal laws, rules
or regulations.
H.
Proof of bonds and insurance. The grantee shall submit
to the Township the required performance bond, or a certified copy thereof,
and written evidence of payment of required premium, and all policies of insurance
required by this article, or certified copies thereof, and written notice
of payment of required premium.
I.
Financial and ownership reports. The following financial
reports for the franchise area shall be submitted to the Township as provided
for below:
(1)
An annual ownership report, indicating all persons, who
at any time during the preceding year did control or benefit from an interest
in the franchise of 5% or more to be provided where any changes in ownership
have occurred from those previously reported.
(2)
A fully audited and certified financial report from the
previous calendar year, including year-end balance sheet; income statement
showing subscriber revenue from each category of service and every source
of nonsubscriber revenue, line item operating expenses, depreciation expense,
interest expense and taxes paid; statement of sources and applications of
funds; and depreciation schedule to be provided every three years, if requested.
The fully-audited and certified information will be provided on a Township
basis for gross revenue. Required financial information may be provided on
a consolidated basis for expenses, depreciation, and sources and applications
of funds.
(3)
A current annual statement of all capital expenditures
including the cost of construction and of equipment to be provided every three
years, if requested. Such information may be provided on a consolidated basis
where franchisee specific information is not available.
(4)
An annual list of any changes to the officers and members
of the Board of the grantee and of any parent corporation.
(5)
An annual report of the grantee and any parent corporation.
J.
Operational reports. The following system and operational
reports shall be submitted to the Township upon written request by the Township
Manager or his designee:
(1)
A report on the system's technical tests and measurements
as set forth herein and in the franchise.
(2)
A report on programs and services offered by the grantee,
including public, educational, government, and leased access.
(3)
An annual summary of the previous year's activities including,
but not limited to, subscriber totals for each category of service offered
including number of pay units sold, new services offered, and the amount collected
annually from other users of the system and the character and extent of the
service rendered thereto.
(4)
An annual summary of complaints received and handled
in addition to any reports required in the franchise.
(5)
An annual projection of system and service plans for
the future.
K.
Additional reports. The grantee shall prepare and furnish
to the Township at the times and in the form prescribed, such additional reports
with respect to its operation, affairs, transactions or property, as may be
reasonably necessary and appropriate to the performance of any of the rights,
functions or duties of the Township in connection with this article or the
franchise, upon written request of the Township Manager or his designee.
A.
Mandatory records. The grantee shall at all times maintain:
(1)
A record of all complaints received and interruptions
or degradation of service experience for the preceding period prior to a performance
review or a maximum of three years, whichever is less.
(2)
A full and complete set of plans, records and "as built"
maps showing the location of all cable communication system equipment installed
or in use in the Township, exclusive of subscriber service drops.
B.
Other records. The Township may impose reasonable requests
for additional information, records and documents from time to time.
The captions to sections throughout this article are intended solely
to facilitate reading and reference to the sections and provisions of this
article. Such captions shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this
article.
A.
Invitation of any applications for a franchise, public
notice of "request for proposals." The Township may invite applications for
a cable television franchise by means of a public notice advertising the availability
of its "request for proposals." The public notice shall contain, but need
not be limited to:
(1)
A description of the franchise area which is sought.
(2)
A statement that a formal "request for proposals" is available
to prospective applicants from a Township official whose name, address, and
telephone number are specified.
(3)
A statement that applications for the franchise must be submitted
in writing in the form and manner specified in the "request for proposals"
no later than a day certain.
(4)
A statement that all applications will be made available for
public inspection during normal business hours at a specified location.
B.
Request for proposals. Prior to inviting any applications
for any television franchise, the Township shall prepare a "request for proposals"
that shall contain, but need not be limited to, the following:
(1)
A description of the cable television system and services
desired by the Township including any system specifications established by
the Township.
(2)
A statement specifying the form that all applications
shall follow.
(3)
A statement indicating the amount of the application
fee (if any) to be submitted with the application, and the manner in which
such fee is to be submitted.
(4)
A statement that all applications must contain the information
required by the "request for proposal."
(5)
The closing date for the submission of applications.
(6)
The name, address, and telephone number of the Township
official(s) who may be contacted for further information.
C.
Requirement for public hearing on reasonable notice.
The Township shall conduct a public hearing prior to awarding or denying any
cable television franchise. The hearing shall be preceded by reasonable notice
to each of the franchise applicants and to the public, and shall be conducted
by the Township Board of Supervisors in accordance with the following procedures:
(1)
There shall be an agenda for the hearing which shall
specify the proposal(s) to be considered at the hearing.
(2)
Every person who has applied for a cable television franchise
shall appear at the hearing either in person or by authorized representative.
The application of any applicant not so appearing shall not be further considered,
except for good cause shown.
(3)
All persons shall be given opportunity to participate
in the hearing, but nothing contained herein shall limit the power of the
presiding officer to establish reasonable time limits and otherwise limit
repetitive statements or questions.
(4)
The notice of hearing shall:
D.
Township discretion. The Township, at its discretion,
may reject any application for a franchise. In awarding a franchise, the Township
shall allow the applicant's cable system a reasonable period of time to become
capable of providing cable service to all households in the franchise area;
may require adequate assurance that the cable operator will provide adequate
public, educational, and governmental access channel capacity, facilities,
or financial support; and may require adequate assurance that the cable operator
has the financial, technical, or legal qualifications to provide cable service.
Unless otherwise indicated, when the performance of or doing of any
act, duty matter, payment, or thing is required hereunder and a period of
time or duration for the fulfillment of doing thereof is prescribed and is
fixed herein, the time shall be computed so as to exclude the first and include
the last day of the prescribed or fixed period of duration time. When the
last day of the period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, that
day shall not be counted in the computation.
[Adopted 8-18-1997 by Ord.
No. 97-7]
This article shall be known and cited as the "Video Programming Tax
Ordinance."
The following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them
in this section:
Any person or group of persons who provides cable service over a
cable system and directly or through one or more affiliates owns an interest
in such cable system or who otherwise controls or is responsible for, through
any arrangement, the management and operation of a cable system. The term
does not include a provider of wireless or direct-to-home satellite transmission
service.
The transmission, distribution or broadcasting of video programming
or services by satellite directly to subscribers' premises without the use
of ground receiving or distribution equipment, except at the site of the subscribers
or in the uplink process to the satellite.
Shall have the same meaning as it has in any franchise agreement
in effect at any time between the Township and a cable television operator.
If no such agreement is in effect, then this term shall mean the amount charged
for or received by video programmers from sales of video programming, and
related charges for bad check and late payment charges, installation, connection,
additional outlets, repair services, digital audio services, radio services,
programming guides and equipment rental services, the amount charged for or
received by common carriers from sales of access to video programming, and
related charges for bad check and late payment charges, installation, connection,
additional outlets, repair services, digital audio services, radio services,
programming guides and equipment rental services, and the amount charged for
or received by persons from sales of access to video programming by any means
of transmission, other than wireless or direct-to-home satellite transmission,
directly to subscribers with service addresses in the municipality. Gross
receipts shall not include:
Amounts charged for or received by persons from sales of telephone access
or service that entitles the subscriber to the privilege of interactive telephonic
quality telecommunications with substantially all persons having telephone
or radio telephone stations constituting a part of a particular system or
in a specified area;
Any revenues received by persons providing access to video programming
from video programmers for the transport of video programming to a subscriber's
premises or access to the video dial tone network;
The tax imposed under this act if the tax is shown as a separate line
charge to subscribers;
Any other taxes, fees or surcharges on services furnished by persons
providing access to video programming or video programmers which are imposed
on subscribers by the commonwealth, the County of Bucks, or the Township pursuant
to statute, ordinance, resolution or regulation and which are collected on
behalf of the governmental unit by the provider of the services;
Any portion of a debt related to the sale of video programming or the
sale of access to a video network, the gross charges for which are not otherwise
deductible or excludable, that have become worthless or uncollectible as determined
under applicable federal income tax standards. If the portion of the debt
deemed to be bad is subsequently paid, the video programmer or person shall
report and pay the tax on that portion during the reporting period in which
the payment is made;
Amounts received from retail sales of tangible personal property that
provides access to video programming;
Amounts charged for or received by persons from sales of video programming
which is delivered to subscribers through a satellite master antenna television
(SMATV) system; or
Amounts received by a common carrier from persons for related charges
for bad check and late payment charges, installation, connection, additional
outlets, repair services, digital audio services, radio services, programming
guides and equipment rental services that are resold by such persons to the
ultimate consumer.
The ultimate consumer of the video programming provided by video
programmers over any means of transmission, other than wireless or direct-to-home
satellite transmission. The term does not include a video programmer that
purchases video dial tone transport service to provide video programming over
a video dial tone system.
A common carrier service for the transport of video programming to
subscribers.
An individual, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust,
corporation, governmental entity, limited liability company or any other entity
that provides video programming to subscribers.
Video or information programming, whether in digital or analog format,
that is provided by a cable operator or generally considered comparable to
programming provided by a cable television operator and upon which such cable
television operator pays a franchise fee. "Video programming" does not include
online, interactive information services to the extent that access to such
services is accomplished via a dial-up or private telephone line or via wireless
or direct-to-home satellite transmission.
The distribution of video programming using radio communications,
including, but not limited to, terrestrial-based radio systems.
There is hereby imposed a tax at the rate hereinafter set forth on the
gross receipts of any video programmer derived from the sale of video programming
to customers who receive that programming within Warwick Township.
The tax imposed by this article shall be the same percentage of gross
receipts as the franchise fee is of gross receipts under any present or future
cable television franchise agreement to which the Township is a party, provided,
however, that the rate of tax shall not exceed 5% of gross receipts. If there
is no cable television franchise agreement in effect at any time, the rate
of tax during that time shall be 5% of gross receipts.
The tax imposed by this article shall be due and payable at the Warwick
Township Building, 2581 Old York Road, Jamison, Pennsylvania 18929, on the
last day of April, July, October, and January, and shall consist of the tax
due on account of the gross receipts of a taxpayer for the three months preceding
the month of payment.
A penalty of 10% of the amount due shall be added to any tax paid after
its due date.
A.
Credit for interstate transactions. Any person subject
to the tax imposed under this act shall be entitled to a credit against the
tax imposed by this act equal in amount to any similar tax on gross receipts,
other than a generally applicable sale or use tax or corporate income tax,
that the person has paid to another state or government entity thereof under
a lawful requirement of such state or government entity on sales by the person
of the same video programming or sales of access to such video programming
to subscribers located within the Township.
B.
Credit for taxes paid under franchise or similar fees.
Any person subject to the tax imposed under this act shall be entitled to
a credit against the tax imposed by this act equal in amount to any fees on
gross receipts that the person has paid under any franchise fee or similar
fee authorized or permitted by federal or commonwealth law or imposed by ordinance
of the Township, or agreed to pursuant to a written franchise agreement between
the person and the Township, with respect to any revenues received by a person
or video programmer from subscribers for access to the person's video network
or for video programming or from video programmers for the transport of video
programming to a subscriber's premises or for access to a video network.
Any person providing video programming hereunder may be audited by the
Township in accordance with the provisions of Act 37 of 1995.