[Ord. No. 817, § 1, 11-23-1999]
Except as otherwise provided by law, a person, firm, corporation
or utility may not utilize a public right-of-way by placing or maintaining
any permanent or semi-permanent medium used to transmit or transport
electric or electronic signals, natural gas, or other materials in
order to provide a service within the city without a franchise to
do so from the city. No person, firm, corporation or utility may operate
in and upon the streets, alleys, public ways, and places in the city
for the purpose of collecting and conveying garbage accumulated in
the city without a franchise issued by the city. The board of city
commissioners may grant, by resolution, any franchise that provides
a service within the City of Williston.
[Ord. No. 817, § 2, 11-23-1999]
An exclusive, perpetual or irrevocable franchise may not be
granted. A franchise may not be granted for a term exceeding 20 years.
A franchise may not be extended but may be renewed in the same manner
as a new franchise.
[Ord. No. 817, § 3, 11-23-1999]
Before any franchise is granted, the board of city commissioners
shall hold a public hearing. Notice of the hearing must be published
at least once in the official newspaper not less than 10 days prior
to the date of the hearing.
[Ord. No. 817, § 4, 11-23-1999]
Before any franchise is granted, the applicant shall file with
the city auditor an application containing such information as may
be necessary and helpful to act on the application. All applications
for a franchise must be accompanied by a non-refundable application
fee of $500.
[Ord. No. 817, § 5, 11-23-1999]
Any franchise granted by the municipality will not be exclusive
and shall not be construed to prevent the municipality from granting
to any other party the right to use the public right-of-ways.
[Ord. No. 817, § 6, 11-23-1999]
A fee or a right to negotiate a future fee shall be included
in all franchises.