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 town a corporate surety bond in an amount specified in the franchise to guarantee the faithful performance by the grantee of all its obligations provided under this chapter 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 town jointly and severally from the principal and surety any and all fines and liquidated damages due to the town and any and all damages, losses, costs and expenses suffered or incurred by the town resulting from the failure of the grantee to faithfully comply with the provisions of this chapter and the franchise; comply with all orders, permits and directives of any town agency or body having jurisdiction over its acts or defaults; pay fees due to the town; or pay any claims, liens or taxes due the town 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 town 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 town'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.
Conditions of reduction. The town may draw upon the performance bond if the grantee fails to faithfully comply with the provisions of this chapter and the franchise; comply with all orders, permits and directives of any town agency or body having jurisdiction over its acts or defaults; pay fees due to the town; or pay any claims, liens or taxes due the town which arise by reason of the construction, operation, maintenance or repair of the cable system.
E.
Use of performance bond. Prior to drawing upon the performance bond for the purposes described in this section, the town shall notify the grantee, in writing, that payment is due, and the grantee shall have 30 days from the receipt of such written notice to make a full and complete payment. If the grantee does not make the payment within 30 days, the town may withdraw the amount thereof, with interest and penalties, from the performance bond.
F.
Notification. Within three days of a withdrawal from the performance bond, the town 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. No later than 30 days upon the resolution of the dispute which resulted in a withdrawal from the performance bond, the grantee shall replenish the performance bond in an amount equal to the amount so withdrawn. Failure to make timely replenishment of such amount to the performance bond shall constitute a substantial violation of this chapter.
H.
Nonrenewal, alteration or cancellation of performance bond. The performance bond required herein shall be in a form satisfactory to the town and shall require 30 days' written notice of any nonrenewal, alteration or cancellation to both the town and the grantee. The grantee shall, in the event of any such cancellation notice, obtain, pay all premiums for and file with the town written evidence of the issuance of a replacement bond or policies within 30 days following receipt by the town or the grantee of any notice of cancellation.