The ordinance codified in this chapter is known and may be cited as the "Cable Communications Franchise Ordinance."
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A. "Additional service" "Administrative Officer" "Affiliated person" or "affiliates" "Agency subscriber" "Basic service" or "basic cable service" or "basic service tier" "Broadcast signal" "Cable Act" "Cablecast signal" "Cable operator" "Cable service" "Cable system" or "cable communications system" or "system" "Channel" "City" "Closed circuit" or "institutional service" "Commercial subscriber" "Complaint" "Control" or "controlling interest" "Converter" or "terminal" "Drop" "Education channel" "Facilities" "FCC" "Franchise" "Government channel" "Grantee" "Grantor" "Gross annual revenue" or "gross annual receipts" or "gross receipts" "Headend" "Institutional network" or "institutional system" "Lease channel" "Local origination channel" "Monitoring" or "tapping" "Nodes" "Non-broadcast signal" "Open channel" "Pay cable," "pay service," "premium-service" or "pay television" "Pedestal" "PEG channel" "Person" "Plant" "Pole attachment agreement" or "attachment agreement" "Program" or "programming" "Programmer" "Property of grantee" "Public channel," "access channel," "community service channel" or "community channel" "Public right-of-way" "Pull box" "Resident" "Residential dwelling unit" or "dwelling unit" "Residential subscriber" "Service" "Service area" or "franchise service area" "Service interruption" "Service tier" or "tier" "Streets and public ways" "Subscriber" "Tap" "Telecommunications Act" "Unit" "User(s)"
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words, terms, phrases, and their derivations have the meanings given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future tense, and words in the singular number include the plural number.
means any service not included in "basic service" or "institutional service."
means the City Manager or the City Manager's designee.
means each person who falls into one or more of the following categories: (1) each person having, directly or indirectly, a controlling interest in grantee; (2) each person in which grantee has, directly or indirectly, a controlling interest; (3) each officer, director, general partner, limited partner holding an interest of 5% or more, joint venturer, or joint venture partner in grantee's cable system in the City; and (4) each person, directly or indirectly, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with grantee; provided that "affiliated person" excludes the Grantor, any limited partner holding an interest of less than 5% in a grantee, or any creditor of grantee, solely by virtue of its status as a creditor, and which is not otherwise an affiliated person by reason of owning a controlling interest in, being owned by, or being under common ownership, common management, or common control with grantee.
means a subscriber who receives a service in a government or public agency, school, or nonprofit corporation facility.
means the lowest service tier which includes the retransmission of local television broadcast signals and public, educational, and governmental access channels.
means a signal transmitted over the air to a geographically dispersed public audience and received by a cable system.
means the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended by the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 and by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. Section 521 et seq.).
means a non-broadcast signal that originates within the facilities of the cable system, whether from a live or recorded source.
means any person or group of persons (1) who provides cable service over a cable system in the City and, directly or through one or more affiliates, owns a significant interest in that cable system; or (2) who otherwise controls or is responsible for, through any arrangement, the management and operation of a cable system in the City.
means: (1) the one-way transmission to subscribers of video programming or other programming service; and (2) subscriber interaction which is required for the selection of or use of such video programming or such other programming service.
means 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 the City; but this term does not include: (1) a facility that serves only to retransmit the television signals of one or more television broadcast stations; (2) a facility that serves subscribers without using any public right-of-way; (3) a facility of a common carrier which is subject, in whole or in part, to the provisions of Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.), except that such facility shall be considered a cable system (other than for purposes of Section 621(c) of the Cable Act, 47 U.S.C. Section 541) to the extent such facility is used in the transmission of video programming directly to subscribers, unless the extent of such use is solely to provide interactive on-demand services; (4) an open video system that complies with Section 653 of the Cable Act (47 U.S.C. Section 573); or (5) any facilities of any electric utility used solely for operating its electric utility systems.
means a frequency band capable of carrying a standard video signal or some combination of video signals.
means the City of Lake Forest, California.
means services provided to institutional users on an individual or collective basis. The information contained in such a service may or may not be simultaneously available to other system subscribers or users.
means a subscriber who receives a cable service in a place other than a residential dwelling unit.
means a dispute in which a subscriber notifies grantee of an outage or degradation in picture quality, billing or other issue pertaining to the subscriber's cable service which is not corrected during the initial telephone or service call.
means actual working control in whatever manner exercised, including, without limitation, working control through ownership, management, debt instruments, or negative control, as the case may be, of the cable system or a grantee. A rebuttable presumption of the existence of control or a controlling interest shall arise from the beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, by any person or group of persons acting in concert (other than underwriters during the period in which they are offering securities to the public) of 20% or more of any person (which person or group of persons is referred to as "controlling person"), or being a party to a management contract.
means a device located at a subscriber's premises that converts signals from one frequency to another or otherwise processes signals for use by subscribers.
means the cable connecting the cable system's plant to equipment at the subscriber's premises.
means any channel capacity where non-profit, non-commercial educational institutions are the primary designated programmers.
shall mean any equipment located, in whole or in part, in, above, or below streets, public rights-of-way, or other public property used by the Grantor in its system including without limitation, conduits, cables, cabinets, nodes, structures, headend equipment, receive only earthstations, down link equipment and antennas, electronics, fiber cable, coaxial cable, drops and switching equipment.
means the Federal Communications Commission or its designated representatives.
means a written legal undertaking or action of the Grantor which authorizes a specific person to use the Grantor's streets and public ways for the purpose of installing, operating, maintaining, or reconstructing a cable system to provide cable service.
means any channel capacity where local government agencies are the primary designated programmers, and programming is informational programming regarding government activities and programs.
means the person granted a franchise to install, operate, maintain, or reconstruct a cable system and the lawful successors, transferees, or assignees of that person.
means the City, acting by and through its elected governing body, or such representative as the governing body may designate to act on cable matters in its behalf.
means all revenue, as determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which is received, directly or indirectly, by grantee and by each affiliated person from or in connection with the distribution of any cable service, and any other service which may, under now or then applicable Federal law, be included in the Cable Act definition for the purpose of calculating and collecting the maximum allowable franchise fee for operation of the system, whether or not authorized by any franchise, including, without limitation, leased or access channel revenues received, directly or indirectly, from or in connection with the distribution of any cable service. It is intended that all revenue collected by the grantee, and by each affiliated person, from the provision of cable service over the system, whether or not authorized by the franchise, be included in this definition. Gross annual revenue also specifically includes: (1) the fair market value of any nonmonetary (i.e., barter) transactions between grantee and any person, other than an affiliated person, but not less than the customary prices paid in connection with equivalent transactions; (2) the fair market value of any nonmonetary (i.e., barter) transaction between grantee and any affiliated persons, but not less than the customary prices paid in connection with equivalent transactions conducted with persons who are not affiliated persons; (3) any revenues generated from the provision of Internet and/or broadband services which utilize the cable system for delivery and must not be excluded pursuant to applicable law; and (4) any revenue received, as reasonably determined from time to time by the Grantor, through any means which is intended to have the effect of avoiding the payment of compensation that would otherwise be paid to the Grantor for the franchise granted. Gross annual revenue also includes any bad debts recovered. Gross annual revenue also includes all advertising revenue which is received directly or indirectly by grantee, any affiliated person, or any other person from or in connection with the distribution of any service over the system or the provision of any service-related activity in connection with the system. Gross annual revenue does not include: (1) the revenue of any person to the extent that said revenue is also included in the gross annual revenue of grantee; (2) taxes imposed by law on subscribers which grantee is obligated to collect, and (3) amounts which must be excluded pursuant to applicable law.
means that central portion of the system where signals are introduced into the system.
means a system or portion of a system intended primarily to service non-residential subscribers.
means any channel where someone other than Grantor or grantee is sold the rights to air programming.
means any channel where a grantee is the primary designated programmer.
means observing or receiving a signal, where the observer is neither the sending nor receiving party and is not authorized by the sending or receiving party to observe said signal, whether the signal is observed or received by visual, electronic, or any other means whatsoever.
shall mean the cabinet or housing and equipment, power supply, fans, gas generators, batteries and optical to electrical converters, which is the point where fiber facilities and coaxial facilities are connected.
means a signal that is not involved in over-the-air broadcast for general public reception.
means any channel that can be received by all subscribers without the use of special equipment not normally possessed by, or available to, anyone who may become a subscriber.
means signals for which there is a fee or charge to users over and above the charge for basic service, including any tiers of service; provided, however, the sale or lease of studio facilities, equipment, or tapes to local users shall not be deemed pay or premium services.
shall mean an above-ground or below-ground enclosure which houses active and/or passive electronic equipment used to serve subscribers.
means collectively, the channel capacity dedicated public, education or government channel.
means any corporation, partnership, proprietorship, individual, or organization authorized to do business in the State of California.
means the transmitting medium and related equipment which transmits signals between the headend and subscribers, including drops.
means any agreement with the Grantor, any other governmental entity, or any public utility relating to a grantee's use of any utility poles, ducts, or conduits.
means the information content of a signal and the act or process of creating such content, whether that content is intended to be pictures and sound, sound only, or any other form of information whatsoever.
means any person who provides program material or information for transmission by means of a system.
means all property owned or leased within the franchise service area by grantee in the conduct of its system business under a franchise.
means any channel capacity for which members of the public, or any community organization, may provide non-advertiser supported programming; provided, however, sponsorship identification fees may be paid and accepted to further community programming.
means any public street, public way, public place or rights-of-way, now laid out or dedicated, and the space on, above or below it, and all extensions thereof, and additions thereto, under the jurisdiction of Grantor.
shall mean a flush mounted or above-ground housing which encloses one or more conduit openings.
means any person residing in the franchise service area, or as otherwise defined by applicable law.
means a home, mobile home, condominium, apartment, cooperative unit, and any other individual dwelling unit.
means a subscriber who receives a service in a dwelling unit.
means any kind of service or type of benefit provided by grantee, or any group of related benefits obtained or made available to any person, involving the use of a signal transmitted via a cable communications system, whether the signal and its content constitute the entire service or comprise only a part of a service which involves other elements of any number or kind.
means the entirety of the City of Lake Forest.
means the loss of picture or sound on one or more cable channels.
means a category of cable service or other services provided by a cable operator and for which a separate rate is charged by the cable operator, other than per channel or per event programming or legitimate packages of per channel or per event programming.
means the surface of, and the space above and below, any public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public way or right-of-way of any type whatsoever.
means any person that lawfully subscribes to and receives, a cable service provided by grantee by means of or in connection with its cable system.
means the point of interconnection between that portion of the cable system located in the public rights-of-way and a drop.
means the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. Section 251 et seq.).
means a discrete place where system services are used, such as a residence, apartment, office, store, etc.
means any person who either receives services from a cable system or who accomplishes any purpose by, in part or in whole, transmitting or receiving information via a cable system, or who creates programming for that purpose, or who receives and uses programming.
B.
Terms Not Defined. Words, terms, or phrases not defined herein shall first have the meaning as defined in the Cable Act, and then the special meanings or connotations used in any industry, business, trade, or profession where they commonly carry such special meanings. If those special meanings are not common, they will have the standard definitions as set forth in commonly used and accepted dictionaries of the English language.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007; Ord. 223 § 1, 2-1-2011; Ord. 247 § 33, 2013)
A.
Authority to Grant Franchises. The Grantor may grant a franchise to provide cable service to any person who offers to provide a system pursuant to this chapter.
B.
Form. A franchise may, at Grantor's sole option, take the form of an ordinance, license, permit, contract, resolution, or any other form elected by Grantor.
C.
Grants Not Required. Consistent with applicable State and Federal law, no provision of this chapter requires the granting of a franchise when, in the opinion of the Grantor, it is in the public interest not to do so.
D.
Purpose. The purpose of a franchise is to identify and authorize the operation of a cable communications system by a specific grantee, and to identify and specify those terms, conditions, definitions, itemizations, specifications and other particulars of the agreement between the Grantor and a grantee. In so doing, a franchise may clarify, extend, and interpret the provisions of this chapter. Where a franchise and this ordinance conflict, both shall be liberally interpreted to achieve a common meaning or requirement. In the event this is not possible within reasonable limits, the franchise shall prevail. Unless otherwise specifically stated, no provision of this chapter shall be deemed to be contractually incorporated into any franchise granted hereunder.
E.
Compliance with Law. Neither this ordinance nor a franchise granted under it relieves a grantee of any requirement of Grantor, or of any ordinance, rule, regulation, or specification or Grantor now or hereafter in effect pursuant to Grantor's police power, including, but not limited to, the obtaining of a business license, and the payment of all permit and inspection fees required from time to time by the Grantor.
F.
Franchise Non-exclusive. Grantor may, at its option, grant one or more franchises to construct, operate, maintain, and reconstruct a system. Said franchises shall constitute both a privilege and an obligation to provide the system and services required by this ordinance and the franchise.
G.
Duration. The term of any franchise, and all rights, privileges, obligations and restrictions pertaining thereto, shall be specified in the franchise. The effective date of any franchise shall be as specified in the franchise.
H.
Use of Public Streets and Rights-of-Way. For the purposes of operating and maintaining a system in the franchised service area, a grantee may place and maintain within the public rights-of-way such property and equipment as are necessary and appurtenant to the operation of the cable communications system. Prior to construction or alteration of the plant in public rights-of-way, a grantee shall apply for, pay all applicable fees, and receive all necessary permits.
I.
Use of Other Utilities. Any person who provides a system or services as defined herein shall be deemed a grantee and must obtain a franchise. If such grantee uses distribution channels furnished by any telephone company, other public utility, or any other entity which are functionally equivalent to those used by a cable operator, said grantee shall be required to comply with all of the provisions of this chapter.
J.
Assignment, Transfer or Sale of Franchise.
1.
There shall be no assignment of a franchise, in whole or in part, or any change in control of a grantee, without the prior express written approval of the Grantor.
2.
Any assignment or transfer, or any change in control, without the Grantor's prior written consent shall constitute a default which will cause a franchise to terminate.
3.
At least 120 days before a proposed assignment or change in control of the franchise is scheduled to become effective, a grantee shall request in writing the Grantor's written consent. A grantee shall submit to the Grantor (concurrently with the submission of its written request) an FCC 394 Form (or successor form) together with: (a) any other information or documentation required by the State or Federal government (including the FCC); (b) the information referenced in subsection 7 of this paragraph; (c) unedited and unredacted copies of the sale or transfer documents with all schedules and exhibits thereto; and (d) information regarding the financial ability and stability of the proposed assignee with respect to being able to perform all obligations of the existing franchise.
4.
The Grantor shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to such an assignment or change in control. However, in evaluating the request for assignment, transfer, sale, or change in control, the Grantor may, in its sole discretion and among other things, undertake a technical inspection and audit of the system to determine whether the system complies with all applicable technical and safety codes, this ordinance, and the franchise.
5.
If the Grantor determines (as a result of the technical inspection and audit) that the system does not comply with Federal, State, or local standards, then a grantee shall be provided with an opportunity to correct or cure the non-compliance either prior to or after the transfer or change of control. In the alternative, the Grantor may work with both the current and proposed grantee to cure the non-compliance. The Grantor shall be under no obligation to approve any transfer or assignment if a grantee is in breach.
6.
Before an assignment or change in control is approved by the Grantor, the proposed assignee, transferee, or buyer shall execute an affidavit acknowledging that it has read, understood, and will abide by both this ordinance and the applicable franchise.
7.
In the event of any approved assignment or change in control, the assignee or transferee shall assume all obligations and liabilities of the former grantee relating to the franchise unless specifically relieved by the Grantor at the time the assignment or change in control is approved.
8.
If the Grantor disapproves a request for consent, then a grantee may submit another request or an amended request for consent or seek whatever address is permitted under applicable law. In such a situation, a new 120 day time-frame begins to run from the date of the submission of the new, amended, or modified request or application.
K.
Reimbursement of Processing and Review Costs. Grantee shall reimburse Grantor for Grantor's reasonable processing and review expenses in connection with a transfer of the franchise or a change in control of the franchise, including without limitation, costs of administrative review, financial, legal, and technical evaluation of the proposed transferee, costs of consultants (including technical and legal experts), notice and publication costs, and document preparation expenses. A reasonable deposit in an amount determined by the City may be required by the City. In addition, prior to any transfer or change in control, grantee shall reimburse Grantor for all of Grantor's expenses in connection with evaluating or negotiating a renewal of grantee's franchise, whether or not said renewal was ever finalized or granted. Grantor may send grantee an itemized description of all such charges, and grantee shall pay such amount within 20 days after the receipt of such description.
L.
Violation. If a grantee violates any provision of subparagraph J of Section 5.31.030, the franchise shall automatically terminate. The procedures contained in Section 5.31.130 of this ordinance shall not apply to an unlawful transfer or change in control, and the franchise shall automatically terminate upon the occurrence of that violation.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A.
Reservation. Grantor reserves every right it may have in relation to its power of eminent domain over grantee's franchise and property.
B.
Non-waiver or Bar. Neither the granting of any franchise, nor any provisions of this ordinance, shall constitute or be construed as a waiver or bar to the exercise of any governmental right or power by Grantor.
C.
Delegation of Powers. Any right or power in, or duty retained by or imposed upon Grantor, or any commission, officer, employee, department, or board of Grantor, may be delegated by Grantor to any officer, employee, department or board of Grantor, or to such other person or entity as Grantor may designate to act on its behalf.
D.
Right of Inspection of Construction. The Grantor shall have the right to inspect and approve all construction, installation, or other physical work performed by grantee in the public rights-of-way and on private property consistent with its generally applicable building codes, so long as said inspection and testing does not unreasonably interfere with grantee's operations.
E.
Right to Require Removal of Property. Consistent with applicable law, at the expiration of the term or any renewal term or extension for which the franchise is granted, or upon its lawful revocation, expiration, or termination, the Grantor shall have the right to require a grantee to remove, at grantee's expense, all portions of its system and any other property from all streets and public rights-of-way within the franchise service area within a reasonable period of time.
F.
Right of Intervention. The Grantor shall have the right of intervention in any suit, proceeding or other judicial or administrative proceeding in which the Grantor has any material interest, and to which a grantee is party.
G.
Place of Inspection. The Grantor shall have the right to inspect grantee's local premises, and to request copies of all relevant information that is reasonably necessary for the exercise of Grantor's regulatory authority, upon reasonable notice at any time during normal business hours. Any grantee records kept at another place shall, within 10 days of Grantor's request, be made available at grantee's local premises within the County of Orange for Grantor's inspection and copying. All reports and records required pursuant to this ordinance shall be furnished at the sole expense of grantee, except as otherwise provided in this ordinance or the franchise.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A.
Discriminatory Practices Prohibited. A grantee shall not deny cable service or otherwise discriminate against subscribers or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or other protected classes. A grantee shall strictly adhere to the equal employment opportunity requirements of Federal, State, or local governments and shall comply with all applicable laws and executive and administrative orders relating to non-discrimination.
B.
Tapping and Monitoring. A grantee shall not tap or monitor, or permit any other person controlled by grantee to tap or monitor, any cable, line, signal input device, or subscriber outlet or receiver, for any purpose whatsoever without the express written consent of the subscriber or a court order therefor; provided, however, that a grantee may monitor customer service calls for quality control purposes and may conduct system-wide or individually addressed "sweeps" for the purpose of verifying system integrity, monitoring signal levels, or checking for unauthorized connections to the cable television system, service levels, or billing-for-pay services.
C.
Data Collection.
1.
Except for its own use, or in connection with the provision of cable services or for release of data to the Grantor, the grantee shall not permit its system to be used for data collection purposes, nor shall it otherwise collect data which would reveal the commercial product or other preferences or opinions of an individual subscriber, members of their families, or their guests, licensees or employees, unless the grantee shall have received the prior written consent of such subscriber.
2.
In any event, the grantee shall not disclose or permit the release or sale of data on individual subscribers or groups thereof, but may disclose or permit the release or sale of aggregate data only.
3.
Disclosure of Subscriber Lists. The grantee shall not disclose, or sell, or permit the disclosure or sale of its subscriber list without the prior written consent of each subscriber on such list; provided that grantee may use its subscriber list as necessary for the construction, marketing, and maintenance of the grantee's services and facilities authorized by a franchise, and the billing of subscribers for cable services; and provided further, that consistent with applicable law, Grantor may use grantee's subscriber list for the purpose of communication with subscribers in connection with matters relating to the operation, management, and maintenance of the cable system.
4.
Grantee shall not disclose individual subscriber preferences, viewing habits, beliefs, philosophy, creeds, or religious beliefs to any third person, firm, agency, governmental unit, or investigating agency without court authority or the prior written consent of the subscriber.
D.
Terms of Subscriber Consent.
1.
Any written consent, if given, shall be limited to a period of time not to exceed one year, or a term agreed upon by the grantee and the subscriber.
2.
The grantee shall not condition the delivery or receipt of cable services to any subscriber on any such consent.
3.
A subscriber may at any time revoke, without penalty or cost, any consent previously given by delivering to the grantee in writing a statement of the subscriber's intent to so revoke.
E.
Other Persons Affected. The prohibitions contained in paragraphs A through D, inclusive, of this Section 5.31.050 apply to grantee, as well as to all of the following:
1.
Officers, directors, employees, agents, and general and limited partners of the grantee;
2.
Any person or combination of persons owning, holding, or controlling any corporate stock or other ownership interests in the grantee;
3.
Any affiliated or subsidiary entity owned or controlled by grantee, or in which any officer, director, stockholder, general, or limited partner, or person or group of persons owning, holding or controlling any ownership interest in the grantee, shall own, hold or control any corporate stock or other ownership interests; and
4.
Any person, firm, or corporation acting or serving in the capacity of a holding or controlling company of the grantee.
F.
Subscriber Bill of Rights. Grantee shall provide to all subscribers, at the time of initial connection and annually thereafter, a notice in a form previously approved by Grantor (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) describing, in understandable language, the subscriber's rights and obligations that are generally provided under the franchise and Federal law, including a description of how to contact the grantee and, if necessary, the Grantor, in the event of an unresolved subscriber complaint.
G.
Notice to New Subscribers. Before providing cable service to any subscriber, grantee shall provide a written notice to the subscriber containing substantially the following information:
"Subscriber understands that Company uses public rights-of-way and other facilities of the City of Lake Forest in providing service and that this continued use cannot be guaranteed. Subscriber agrees not to make any claims against the City of Lake Forest or its officers or employees in the event that such use is denied for any reason, and Company is unable, in its discretion, to provide service over alternate routes."
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A.
Payments to the Grantor.
1.
As compensation for any franchise to be granted, and in consideration of permission to use the Grantor's streets and public rights-of-way for the construction, operation, maintenance, and reconstruction of a system, the grantee shall pay to the Grantor the amounts specified in the franchise.
2.
Payments due the Grantor shall be computed quarterly, and shall be paid within 30 days after the close of each calendar quarter. The payment shall be accompanied by a report showing the basis for the computation and such other relevant facts as may be required by the Grantor to determine the accuracy of the payment. A final annual reconciliation, and payment if any, shall be delivered to Grantor by grantee within 90 days after the end of each calendar year.
3.
If any franchise payment or recomputed amount is not made on or before the dates specified above in subsection 2, grantee shall pay as additional compensation the greater of the following:
a.
An interest charge, computed from the applicable due date, at an annual rate equal to the prevailing commercial prime interest rate in effect upon the due date, plus 3%.
b.
A sum of money equal to $4,000 for each month, or part thereof, of delay, which sum shall also bear interest from the due date at an annual rate equal to the prevailing commercial prime interest rate in effect upon the due date, plus 1%.
4.
In addition to any late payment made pursuant to subsection 3 above, if a payment is late by 60 days or more, grantee shall pay a sum of money equal to 5% of the amount due in order to defray additional expenses and costs incurred by Grantor as a result of such delinquent payment.
5.
No acceptance of any payment shall be construed as a release of, or an accord, or satisfaction of, any claim that the Grantor might have for further or additional sums payable under the terms of this ordinance, or for any other performance by grantee of an obligation hereunder.
6.
Payments of compensation made by a grantee to the Grantor pursuant to the provisions of this ordinance are in addition to, and exclusive of, any and all authorized taxes, business license fees, and other fees, levies, or assessments now in effect, or subsequently adopted in accordance with State and Federal law.
B.
Security Fund.
1.
Within 30 days after the effective date of the franchise, a grantee shall deposit into a bank account established by a grantee, for the benefit of Grantor, and shall maintain on deposit through the term of the franchise, a sum specified in the franchise as security for the faithful performance by grantee of all of the provisions of the franchise, and compliance with this ordinance and with all orders, permits and directions of the Grantor, or any designated representative of the Grantor having jurisdiction over grantee's acts or defaults under the franchise or this ordinance, and as security for the payment by a grantee of any claims, fees, liens, or taxes due the Grantor which arise by reason of the construction, operation, maintenance or reconstruction of the system pursuant to the franchise or this ordinance, and to satisfy any actual or liquidated damages arising out of a franchise breach.
2.
Except as otherwise provided in the franchise, if a grantee fails, after 20 days written notice, to pay to the Grantor any fees that are due and unpaid, or fails to repay within such 20 days, any damages, costs or expenses which the Grantor is compelled to pay by reason of any act or default of a grantee in connection with its franchise; or if grantee fails to comply with any provision of the franchise or this ordinance and the Grantor determines that such failure was without just cause and, in a manner consistent with the procedures specified in Section 5.31.140 of this ordinance, Grantor reasonably determines it can be remedied by a withdrawal from the security fund or is nevertheless subject to liquidated damages, then, in any such event, the Grantor may immediately withdraw the amount thereof from the security fund, with interest and any liquidated damages. Upon such withdrawal, the Grantor shall notify a grantee of the amount and the date of withdrawal.
3.
Within 30 days after notice to grantee that any amount has been withdrawn by Grantor from the security fund, a grantee shall deposit a sum of money sufficient to restore such security fund to the original amount.
4.
Grantee shall be entitled to the return of the security fund, or portion thereof, with interest, that remains on deposit at the expiration or termination of the franchise, once all amounts due to the Grantor have been paid. Grantee shall also retain its right to challenge any withdrawal from such security fund.
5.
The rights reserved to the Grantor with respect to the security fund are in addition to all other rights of the Grantor, and no action, proceeding or exercise of a right with respect to such security fund shall affect any other right the Grantor may have.
C.
Faithful Performance Bond. Within 30 days after the effective date of the franchise, a grantee shall furnish proof of the posting of a faithful performance bond in favor of the Grantor, with corporate surety approved by the Grantor in the sum specified in the franchise and conditioned that a grantee shall well and truly observe, fulfill, and perform each term and condition of the franchise; provided, however, that such bond shall not be required after certification by Grantor of the completion of construction of grantee's cable system. The corporate surety must be authorized to issue such bonds in the State of California, and the bond must be obtained and secured through an authorized agent in the County of Orange. During the course of construction, the amount of the bond may from time to time be reduced, as provided in the franchise. Written evidence of payment of premiums shall be filed with the Grantor.
D.
Letter of Credit.
1.
At the option of the Grantor, a grantee may be authorized, in lieu of creating a security fund or obtaining a faithful performance bond, to post an irrevocable letter of credit, issued by a bank approved by the Grantor, in the amount specified in the franchise. Said letter of credit shall incorporate wording approved by the Grantor enabling it to draw from time to time such funds as the Grantor may determine to be necessary to satisfy any material defaults of grantee or to make any payments due Grantor under or in connection with this ordinance or grantee's franchise, upon not more than 10 days written notice to the issuer of the letter of credit. Said letter of credit shall further provide for 60 days written notice by certified mail from its issuer to Grantor of any pending expiration or cancellation, and said notice shall without further cause constitute reason for the Grantor to draw the full sum to be held in its owner accounts until such letter of credit is reestablished in a form satisfactory to Grantor.
2.
If Grantor requires such a letter of credit, grantee shall pay all fees or other charges required to keep it in force and shall, within 30 days of any draw by Grantor, restore its face value to the original amount.
3.
All provisions herein applicable to bonds or security funds shall also apply to letters of credit.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A.
Services to be Provided. A cable system shall provide, as a minimum, the broad programming categories specified in the franchise.
B.
Changes in Services. Grantee shall inform Grantor and its subscribers at least 30 days in advance of making any change in a cable service, or in the rates charged therefor.
C.
Non-discrimination. Grantee shall not discriminate between or among subscribers within one type or class in the availability of services, at either standard or differential rates according to published rate schedules, except as otherwise authorized by law. No charges may be made for services except as listed in published schedules which are available for inspection by anyone at grantee's office, quoted by grantee on the telephone, and displayed or communicated to all potential subscribers.
D.
Prepayment. Grantee may not charge subscribers for services more than one month in advance unless an individual subscriber requests a longer period. Bills may be due and payable upon mailing but shall not be delinquent, and no late charge penalties shall be assessed, until the later of: (1) 22 days from postmark; or (2) service has actually been provided for the billed period. All bills and billing statements shall clearly indicate the billing period, the actual due date, and the delinquent or late payment or assessment.
E.
Disconnect for Cause. Grantee may disconnect a subscriber only for cause, which shall include, without limitation, the following:
F.
Reconnection. Grantee shall, upon subscriber's written request, reconnect service which has been disconnected for payment delinquency when payment has removed the delinquency. If authorized by applicable law, a published standard charge may be made for reconnection. Grantee shall not be required to make more than three reconnections for the same subscriber if the disconnections involved were caused by payment delinquency within any previous 24 month period. Reconnection for disconnects covered by Section 5.31.070(e)(2), (3), and (4) shall be at grantee's sole discretion.
G.
Installations.
1.
Grantee shall promptly provide and maintain service as specified in the franchise to the residential, commercial, and industrial structures in the franchise service area, as defined in the franchise, upon request of the lawful occupant or owner.
2.
Where a new drop is required to provide service, grantee shall advise each subscriber that the subscriber has the right to require that installation be done over any route on the subscriber's property, and in any manner the subscriber may elect which is technically feasible and consistent with proper construction practices. If the subscriber requests installation other than a standard installation, then the subscriber may be required to pay a reasonable fee for the time and materials occasioned by that installation.
3.
For purposes of this paragraph, a standard installation shall include installation of drop cable with fittings up to 150 feet from the CATV distribution system measured along the cable from the center line of the street or utility easement through the house wall or, at the subscriber's option, through the floor from a house vent or crawl space directly to the subscriber's television set with five feet of cable from the wall or floor entry to the TV set. Also included as part of a standard installation is the grounding cable, fine tuning of the television set, and the provision by the grantee of the appropriate literature and information.
4.
After cable service has been established by activating trunk or distribution cables for any area, grantee shall provide service to any person requesting service in that area within seven days from the date of request, provided that the grantee is able to secure all access rights necessary to extend service to that potential subscriber within that seven day period on reasonable terms and conditions.
H.
Non-standard Installations. For each non-standard installation, a grantee may charge the subscriber for the cost of material and labor in excess of that required for a standard installation. Grantee shall provide each subscriber a written estimate of all charges for a non-standard installation prior to installation and obtain subscriber's written authorization in advance for all non-standard installation charges.
I.
Converters/Terminals. At such time as a converter or terminal is required for subscribers to have access to all services on its system, grantee shall make them available to subscribers for a fee. Grantee may require each subscriber who elects to install a converter or terminal to furnish a security deposit therefor.
1.
Each converter or terminal device shall be and remain the property of the grantee unless Grantor approves or requires its sale to the subscriber. Grantee shall be responsible for maintenance and repair of all equipment owned by grantee and may replace it as grantee may from time-to-time elect, except that subscriber shall be responsible for loss of or damage to any such device while in the subscriber's possession.
2.
Upon termination or cancellation of subscriber's service, subscriber shall promptly return grantee's property to grantee in the same condition as received, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
3.
Grantee may apply the security deposit against any sum due from subscriber for loss of or damage to such converter or terminal exceeding reasonable wear and tear. In the event that no security deposit has been required, the grantee may charge the subscriber for any such damage exceeding reasonable wear and tear.
4.
If grantee has no claim against the subscriber's security deposit, grantee shall return it, or the balance, to the subscriber within 20 days of return of the converter or terminal.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A.
System Construction. The system shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of the franchise.
B.
Construction Components and Techniques. Construction components and techniques shall be in accordance with the franchise and all applicable law.
C.
Construction Notice. Grantee shall give at least 48 hours advance notice to all property owners and to the Grantor prior to installing any aboveground or underground structures upon easements located on private property. Grantee shall be a member of Underground Service Alert ("USA"). Grantor shall not modify its construction requirements subsequent to the completion of construction so as to require reconstruction or retrofit unless the public health and safety so requires.
D.
System Construction.
1.
The grantee shall begin to offer cable service and any other service authorized by the franchise no later than the date specified in the franchise.
2.
A grantee shall provide a detailed construction plan including an estimated progress schedule, area construction or reconstruction maps, a system testing plan, and projected dates for offering service to subscribers.
3.
A grantee shall remove or relocate, at the request of the Grantor and without expense to the Grantor, any facilities installed, used and maintained under any franchise if and when made necessary by any lawful change of grade, alignment or width of any public street, way, alley or place, including the construction of any subway or viaduct by the Grantor.
4.
The City Engineer shall be authorized to direct a grantee to locate any conduits and appurtenances as may be reasonably necessary to avoid sewers, water pipes, conduits or other structures lawfully in or under the streets; and before the work of constructing any pipes and appurtenances is commenced, the grantee shall file with said Engineer plans showing the location thereof, which shall be subject to the approval of said Engineer; and all such construction shall be subject to the inspection of said Engineer and done to his reasonable satisfaction. All street coverings or openings of traps, vaults, and manholes shall at all times be kept flush with the surface of the streets; provided, however, that vents for underground traps, vaults and manholes may extend above the surface of the streets when said vents are located in parkways, between the curb and property lines.
5.
If any portion of any street shall be damaged by reason of defects in any of the conduits and appurtenances maintained or constructed pursuant to a franchise, or by reason of any other cause arising from the operation or existence of any pipes and appurtenances constructed or maintained under any other grant, said grantee shall, at its own cost and expense, immediately repair any such damage and restore such street, or portion of street, to as good condition as existed before such defect or other cause of damage occurred, such work to be done under the direction of the City Engineer, and to his or her satisfaction.
6.
A grantee shall guarantee the integrity, durability and structural integrity of any street cut repairs necessary for the installation or repair of grantee's facilities for the life of the street. Grantee shall repair or replace, at no expense to the City, any failed street cut completed by grantee or grantee's subcontractor, as determined by the City Engineer.
E.
Geographical Coverage. A grantee shall construct the cable system so that it is capable of providing cable service to every residential dwelling unit and other structures specified in the franchise within the franchise service area. A grantee shall take reasonable steps to accommodate future annexations to the franchise service area (as defined and provided by the franchise), with any exceptions requiring specific Grantor approval. Service shall be provided to subscribers in accordance with the schedules specified in the franchise. The route of separate cables serving institutional subscribers shall be as approved by Grantor and specified in the franchise.
F.
Construction Default. Upon the failure, refusal or neglect of grantee to cause any construction, repair, or the terms of any construction permit, or other necessary work to comply with the terms of the franchise, thereby creating an adverse impact upon public safety, Grantor may (but shall not be required to) cause such work to be completed in whole or in part, and upon so doing shall submit to grantee an itemized statement of costs. Grantee shall be given reasonable advance notice of Grantor's intent to exercise this power, and 15 days to cure the default. Grantee shall, within 30 days of billing, pay to Grantor the actual costs incurred.
G.
Vacation or Abandonment. In the event any street, alley, public highway, or portion thereof used by a grantee shall be vacated by the Grantor, or the use thereof discontinued by a grantee, upon written notice a grantee shall forthwith remove its facilities therefrom unless specifically permitted to continue the same. On the removal thereof, grantee shall restore, repair or reconstruct the area where such removal has occurred, to such condition as may be required by the Grantor. In the event of any failure, neglect or refusal of a grantee, after 30 days' notice by the Grantor, to do such work, Grantor may cause it to be done, and grantee shall, within 30 days of billing, pay to Grantor the actual costs incurred.
H.
Abandonment in Place. Grantor may, upon written application by grantee, approve the abandonment of any property in place by grantee, under such terms and conditions as Grantor may approve. Upon Grantor-approved abandonment of any property in place, grantee shall cause to be executed, acknowledged, and delivered to Grantor such instruments as Grantor shall prescribe and approve, transferring and conveying the ownership of such property to Grantor.
I.
Removal of System Facilities. In the event that grantee's plant is deactivated for a continuous period of 30 days, without prior written notice to and approval by Grantor, then grantee shall, at Grantor's option and demand, and at the sole expense of grantee, promptly remove from any streets or other areas all property of grantee. Grantee shall promptly restore the streets or other areas from which such property has been removed to its condition existing prior to grantee's use thereof; provided that grantee shall not be required to remove conduit from underground, where Grantor has determined that no damage to the surface of any structures will result from such non-removal.
J.
Movement of Facilities. In the event it is necessary, at Grantor's discretion, to temporarily move or remove any of a grantee's property for a public purpose, grantee, upon reasonable notice, shall move, at the expense of grantee, its property as may be required to facilitate such public purpose. No such movement shall be deemed a taking of grantee's property. Nothing herein shall limit the right of grantee to seek reimbursement from any party other than Grantor.
K.
Undergrounding of Cable. Cables shall be installed underground at grantee's cost. Previously installed aerial cable shall be installed underground at grantee's pro rata cost in concert with other utilities, when those other utilities convert from aerial to underground construction.
L.
Facility Agreements. No franchise shall relieve grantee of any obligations involved in obtaining pole or conduit space from any department of Grantor, any utility company, or from others maintaining utilities in Grantor's streets.
M.
Extension of Franchise Service Area. If Grantor elects to grant one or more franchises hereunder, and if thereafter one or more of the franchises expires or is otherwise terminated, Grantor may, if it so elects, require a remaining grantee, or more than one, to extend its system to provide service to the franchise service area previously served under the terminated franchise, unless grantee demonstrates to Grantor's reasonable satisfaction that it is not commercially practicable to do so. The terms and requirements of such extension shall not exceed those contained in this chapter or in grantee's franchise.
N.
Repair of Streets and Public Ways. Any and all streets and public ways, and improvements located within such streets and public ways, disturbed or damaged by a grantee or its contractors during the construction, operation, maintenance, or reconstruction of the system, shall be restored at grantee's expense, and within the time frame and limits specified by Grantor, to their original condition unless otherwise authorized in writing by Grantor.
O.
Erection of Poles Prohibited. Grantee shall not erect any pole on or along any street or public way. If additional poles in an existing aerial route are required, grantee shall negotiate with the public utility for their installation. Any such installation shall require the advance written approval of the Grantor. Subject to applicable Federal and State law, a grantee shall negotiate the lease of pole space and facilities from the existing pole owners for all aerial construction, under mutually acceptable terms and conditions.
P.
Reservation of Street Rights. Nothing in a franchise shall prevent the Grantor from constructing, repairing, or altering any public work. All such work shall be done, insofar as practicable, in such manner as not to unnecessarily obstruct, injure or prevent the free use and operation of any property of grantee. However, if any property of grantee shall interfere with the construction, maintenance, or repair of any public improvement, that property shall be removed or replaced in such manner as directed by Grantor so that the same shall not interfere with the public work, and such removal or replacement shall be at the expense of a grantee.
Q.
No Interference. Grantee shall not place equipment where it will interfere with existing and future uses of the streets, public right-of-way, or public property, with the rights of private property owners, with gas, electric, or telephone fixtures, with water hydrants or mains, with wastewater stations, with any traffic control system, or any other service or facility that benefits the Grantor's or its residents' health, safety or welfare.
R.
Protection of Streets. Grantee, at its own expense, shall protect streets and public rights-of-ways, easements, and support or temporarily disconnect or relocate at its sole cost in the same street or other street or public right-of-way, any property of such grantee when necessitated by reason of:
1.
Traffic conditions;
2.
Public safety;
3.
Temporary or permanent street closing;
4.
Street construction or resurfacing;
5.
A change or establishment of street grade;
6.
Installation of sewers, drains, water pipes, storm drains, lift stations, force mains, power or signal lines, and any traffic control system; or
7.
Any improvement, construction or repair or any improvement related to the Grantor's residents' health, safety or welfare.
S.
Marking of Facilities. It shall be the responsibility of a grantee to locate and mark or otherwise visibly indicate and alert others to the location of its underground cable before employees agents, of independent contractors of any entity perform work in the marked-off area. A grantee shall participate in and adhere to the practices of Underground Services Alert ("USA") and provide at least 48 hours prior notice to USA prior to any excavation.
T.
Construction Standards.
1.
All construction, installation, maintenance and repair shall treat the aesthetics of the property as a priority, shall not substantially affect the appearance or the integrity of the structure, and shall not be installed on private property without the property owner's permission subject to Section 621 of the Cable Act (47 U.S.C. Section 541).
2.
All underground drops shall follow (to the greatest extent possible) property lines, and cross property only at right angles unless otherwise permitted by the property owner, or required due to the physical characteristics of the subsurface, or required under applicable law. The Grantor may, either by way of a generally applicable resolution or through the imposition of routing conditions in any franchise determine the routing or placement of cable, conduit, nodes, pedestals, power supplies, vaults, and other equipment relating to the system.
3.
All construction shall be accomplished between the hours specified by the Grantor in the approved permit or ordinances.
U.
Payment of Fees.
1.
Grantee shall obtain, at its own expense, all permits and licenses required by local law, rule, regulation or applicable ordinance.
2.
As a condition of obtaining all necessary permits and licenses, the grantee shall pay all applicable permit fees and, in addition, all of the Grantor's direct labor and supervisory costs, including customary and reasonable overhead (the "labor payment"). The City Council may, from time to time by resolution, establish the amount of said permit fees. To the extent not inconsistent with applicable law, the permit fees shall be sufficient to reimburse the Grantor for its costs, including the costs of staff, independent consultants, and related overhead, to review the proposed project, processing permits, plan check, inspecting the project including the costs of an outside inspector and, where applicable, the costs of an outside soils engineer or compaction testing expert, and the costs of any required testing to ensure that the construction adheres to standards of this ordinance, any franchise, any permit, and any other requirement of the Grantor.
3.
Both grantee and Grantor may hire contractors, at grantee's sole expense, to carry out any work under this agreement. Grantee shall make payment within 10 days of billing from the Grantor. Grantee shall be responsible for any damage caused by the construction including, but not limited to, damage to the public right-of-way, private property, streets, existing utilities, curbs, gutters and sidewalks. Grantee shall pay the Grantor any costs incurred as a result of such damages including repairs made by the Grantor except for costs incurred as a result of the Grantor's sole negligence or its employees' and agents' sole negligence. Grantee shall complete restoration of or repairs to any damage caused by the construction within 10 days from the date of written notice from the Grantor.
4.
In lieu of the inspection portion of the labor payment or permit fees described above, at the Grantor's sole option, the Grantor may require grantee at grantee's sole expense, to hire a consultant, who is acceptable to and under the supervision of the Grantor ("consultant"), to inspect the installation of the facilities on behalf of the Grantor, or provide other services as mutually agreed to by the parties.
V.
Progress of the Construction. Grantee, with the Grantor's assistance, shall develop a construction schedule and submit it to the Grantor at least 90 days prior to the start of work. Prior to the underground construction of any of the facilities or the installation of any of the nodes or power supplies, unless otherwise agreed to, grantee shall furnish detailed plans of the proposed construction and changes thereto to the Grantor. The proposed node sites must be approved by the Grantor prior to construction of the underground plant. Depending on health and safety issues, and input from residents, the Grantor, at its sole discretion, may require proposed node sites to be relocated by grantee. In the installation of the facilities, nodes or power supplies, grantee shall comply with the Grantor's standard construction requirements relating to telephone facilities and other comparable utility installations.
W.
Construction Notification.
1.
Construction Plan. Unless otherwise governed by Grantor's construction regulations and ordinances, at least 180 days prior to any construction, and from time to time thereafter, grantee shall file with the City Manager or other designated employees of the City, a general construction plan describing in detail the facilities construction plans, areas to be served, and an estimated time schedule for such construction ("construction plan"). Grantee reserves the right to modify or change its construction plans at any time in its sole discretion, provided grantee provides written notice to the Grantor. Any modifications to construction plans must be reviewed and approved by the Grantor before modifications can be implemented by grantee.
2.
Notice to the Grantor. The Grantor shall have 30 days following receipt of the Construction Plan, or changes thereto, to approve or disapprove the Construction Plan.
3.
Notice to Other Providers. Grantee shall provide the Grantor with general engineering base maps identifying existing underground and aerial utility routes, streets, parcels, poles, and construction needs including points of connections for existing residences, potential trench routes, and potential locations for nodes, amplifiers, and taps at least four months in advance of any underground construction, unless otherwise agreed to, which may be reviewed in advance by any interested party for the purpose of reducing the impact on the Grantor's infrastructure and for the public's convenience and shall be approved or disapproved by the Grantor within 60 days of receipt.
4.
Traffic Control Plans. Grantee shall furnish detailed traffic control plans, which shall include site-specific hours of construction, to the City Engineer no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of any construction activities which may affect or impact traffic (the "Traffic Control Plan"). The City Engineer shall provide (if any) comments to grantee within 10 business days of receipt. No construction related activities may be conducted in the public right-of-way without an approved Traffic Control Plan.
5.
Telephone Contact. During construction, grantee shall provide the Grantor a telephone contact number, and staff it during regular business hours, to enable the Grantor to report any concerns regarding construction of the facilities. After business hours such calls will be routed to an on-call supervisor. In the event that the Grantor reports any concerns to grantee, grantee shall respond in a timely manner. Grantee shall correct within two business days any adverse impact to the Grantor's use or operations or the use or operations of a third party caused by grantee's construction activities in the public right-of-way at no cost to the Grantor.
6.
Daily Notice. Every working day during construction, grantee shall notify the designated Grantor staff member of the location of that next day's construction activities. The number of concurrent construction locations may be limited by the Grantor.
7.
Project Overview. No later than 150 days prior to commencement of construction, grantee shall file with the City Manager or other designated employee of the Grantor a project overview which shall contain an assessment of the operation of the nodes and power supplies, including without limitation, a noise study prepared by a licensed engineer approved by the Grantor documenting noise generated from the nodes.
Once the project has been satisfactorily defined by grantee as determined by the Grantor, the Grantor will conduct an initial study to determine the appropriate level of environmental review. Grantee will submit the final engineering plans to the Grantor for review and approval prior to the issuance of any permits.
8.
Public Communication Plans.
a.
Grantee agrees to develop a public communication plan ("Communication Plan") and submit it to the Grantor for the Grantor's review at least 120 days prior to commencement of construction. The Grantor shall approve or disapprove the Communication Plan within 30 business days of its receipt. The Communication Plan shall include the following:
i.
A written notification of property owners adjacent to nodes, power supplies, amplifiers and taps not less than 60 days prior to the installation indicating the proposed location, a photograph of all above-ground or below-ground pedestals and other visible equipment from which their size must be apparent, and a detailed description of the equipment included within the node including: the electronic components, natural gas generator, electrical fans, and the anticipated noise levels during winter and summer months and emergency backup operations. Grantee will provide its non-toll telephone number and a telephone number of the Grantor which may be called if the property owner is concerned about the installation.
ii.
A mailing to all residents in a construction area 30 days in advance of construction activity.
iii.
The hanging of door hangers on all residences in the construction area seven days prior to immediate construction activity.
iv.
A second written notice to the adjacent property owner(s) not less than 15 days prior to installation of such node, amplifiers and taps which shall have the same information as set forth in subparagraph 8(i) above as well as the actual date of the installation of such node, amplifiers, power supplies and taps.
b.
Grantee shall furnish the Grantor with the specific locations of the nodes, amplifiers and power supplies at least 60 days in advance of the installation of the nodes. The Grantor will provide notice to property owners at grantee's expense. Grantee agrees to participate in any public hearings or meetings scheduled by the Grantor and will be prepared to answer questions concerning grantee's proposed construction of the facilities. Grantee shall have available at such meetings visual aids as appropriate such as slides, maps and diagrams. The proposed node locations in the City must be approved by the Grantor prior to construction of the under-ground cable plant. Depending upon health and safety issues, and input from residents, the Grantor, at its sole discretion, may require proposed node, amplifiers and power supply sites be relocated by grantee.
9.
Maps and Plans. Grantee shall maintain accurate maps and improvement plans of the facilities, in a manner consistent with telecommunications industry standards and which can be integrated into the Grantor's Geographic Information System ("GIS"). Grantee shall furnish to the Grantor two complete sets of as-built construction drawings and a copy of the drawings in AUTOCAD usable format within 60 days of completion of the construction of the facilities. Maps and improvement drawings shall be furnished to the Grantor and other parties interested in performing work within the public right-of-way, upon request, at no cost to the Grantor. Grantee shall pothole its facilities, at its expense, within 15 days of receipt of a written request from the Grantor unless grantee can certify, with an associated indemnity approved by the City Attorney, the exact location and depth of the facilities at the location where potholing is requested.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007; Ord. 247 § 34, 2013)
A.
Customer Service.
1.
A grantee shall maintain an office in the franchise service area, or at such other location as is approved by the Grantor in writing, or as described in the franchise. That office must be open during all usual business hours, but in no case less than 48 hours per week, including during at least one weekend day per week. Grantor shall have a publicly listed, non-long-distance-charge telephone number that is in operation to receive subscriber complaints and requests on a 24 hour basis. Current information shall be maintained of all complaints and their disposition, and a summary thereof shall be submitted to Grantor.
2.
The grantee shall respond to requests as follows: (i) within eight hours after receipt of a request for repairs relating to a service interruption affecting at least 10% of the subscribers of the system; (ii) within 24 hours after receipt of requests for service related to all other service interruptions; (iii) and within 48 hours for all other complaints and requests for repair. All cable system related problems shall be resolved within five business days unless technically infeasible. No charge shall be made to a subscriber for such service or repairs, except that grantee may charge for service calls not related to its cable system, or that are caused by the subscriber or members of its household, or the subscriber's agents or guests.
3.
The grantee shall provide a telephone service system to receive all construction and service complaints. A sufficient number of customer service representatives shall be provided so that callers are not required to wait more than 30 seconds before being connected to a customer service representative 90% of the time, measured quarterly, or to receive busy signals more than 3% of the time, measured quarterly. The telephone number of the local office shall be listed in the telephone directory serving the City of Lake Forest. The telephone service system shall accept complaints 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The telephone service system shall be capable of generating reports relating to answer times, response times, hold times, and abandoned calls.
4.
Customer service personnel shall identify themselves by first names immediately.
5.
Customers shall have the right to speak with a supervisor, and if none is available, a supervisor shall return the customer's call within one working day.
6.
All officers, agents, or employees of the grantee, including its contractors or subcontractors, who come into contact with members of the public shall wear on their outer clothing a photo-identification card in a form reasonably acceptable to Grantor. Grantee shall account for all identification cards at all times. Every vehicle of grantee, or its major subcontractors, shall be clearly identifiable as working for grantee.
7.
Grantee shall provide subscribers with the option of scheduling a four hour period, either in the morning or afternoon, in which a service call will be made.
8.
If a grantee representative is running late for an appointment with a customer, or will not be able to keep the appointment as scheduled, the customer will be contacted and the appointment will be rescheduled, as necessary, at a time which is convenient for the customer. The customer has the option of rescheduling the appointment within a specified two hour period.
B.
Remedies for Inadequate Performance. Except for rebuild or planned service interruptions for which grantee receives prior approval from the Grantor, in the event that 1/3 or more of its service to any subscriber is interrupted for six consecutive hours, or for a total of 12 nonconsecutive hours within any 30 day period, and subscriber notifies grantee of said service interruption within 24 hours of subscriber discovery thereof, grantee shall provide a 10% rebate of the monthly fees to affected subscribers for each such consecutive six hour or nonconsecutive 12 hour service interruption period. Grantor shall provide a 50% rebate of the monthly fees to all affected subscribers for each failure to make a service call within the specified four hour period. In no case shall such rebate exceed the monthly fee charged to the subscriber.
C.
Biennial Audit of Performance.
1.
Grantor may require, at its option, that performance audits of the system be conducted every two years by an independent technical consultant selected and employed by Grantor to verify that the system complies with all technical standards and other specifications of the franchise.
2.
Upon completion of a performance audit, the Grantor and grantee shall meet to review the performance of the cable system. The reports required by this ordinance regarding subscriber complaints, the records of performance audits and tests, and the opinion survey report shall be utilized as the basis for review. In addition, any subscriber may submit complaints prior to or during the review meetings, either orally or in writing, and these shall also be considered.
3.
Within 30 days after the conclusion of the system performance review meetings, Grantor shall issue findings with respect to the adequacy of system performance and quality of service. If areas of non-compliance are found, Grantor may direct grantee to correct the non-compliance within such period of time as Grantor determines is reasonable.
4.
Participation by the Grantor and the grantee in this process shall not waive any rights they may possess under applicable Federal or State law.
5.
In addition to the biennial audit described above, Grantor may conduct an annual audit of the same or lesser magnitude, at its sole expense, when and if determined necessary or appropriate by Grantor.
D.
System Technical Data. Grantee shall provide Grantor with a computer disk or other data storage device requested by Grantor, in format approved by Grantor, which details and documents all of grantee's equipment and facilities and their geographic location in the City. Such computer disk or other device shall be in a format specified by the City and data shall be updated annually and whenever there have been significant changes in the location of grantee's equipment and facilities. In addition, grantee shall maintain in its local office, a complete and up-to-date set of as-built system maps upon completion of construction or reconstruction, equipment specification and maintenance publications, and signal level diagrams for each active piece of electronic equipment in the system. As-built drawings shall show all lines and installed equipment, and tap values and spigots. The scale of maps and drawings shall be sufficient to show the required details in easily readable form and size. Technical data at the local office shall also include approved pole applications, details and documentation of satellite and microwave equipment, mobile radio units, heavy construction vehicles and equipment, and video and audio equipment normally used in the operation of the system. If Grantor requires use of technical data in its own offices, it may make copies of any items at Grantor's expense.
E.
Availability of Technical Data. All technical data reasonably necessary to demonstrate a grantee's compliance with FCC regulations and the franchise shall be available for Grantor's inspection during normal business hours upon two business days notice. In the event of system failure or other operating emergency, the technical data will be made available at any time, so long as the provision of said data does not unreasonably interfere with grantee's operations.
F.
Emergency Repair Capability. It shall be grantee's responsibility to assure that its personnel, qualified to make repairs, are available at all reasonable times and that they are supplied with keys, equipment location instructions, and technical information necessary to begin repairs upon notification of the need to maintain or restore continuous service to the system.
G.
Customer Service Standards and Procedures.
1.
Information to Customers. The grantee shall, at the time service is initiated, provide each new subscriber with written information covering:
a.
The time allowed to pay outstanding bills.
b.
Grounds for termination of service.
c.
The steps the grantee must take before terminating service.
d.
How the customer can resolve billing disputes.
e.
The steps necessary to have service reconnected after involuntary termination.
f.
The fact that customer service personnel must identify themselves by first names immediately.
g.
The fact that subscribers have the right to speak with a supervisor, and if none is available, a supervisor shall return the subscriber's call within one working day.
h.
The appropriate regulatory authority with which to register a complaint and how to contact that authority.
In addition, at least once each calendar year, grantee shall notify each subscriber that information is available upon request concerning items a through h above. |
2.
Written Notices. Written notice of all terms of the customer agreement, the name, address and telephone number of the cable operator, all equipment and fee options, the availability of A/B switches, the availability of parental control devices, any reduced rates for seniors or other subscribers, company billing and credit practices, company practices with respect to privacy of subscribers, the telephone numbers for customer complaints, the telephone number of the Grantor, and other relevant information, shall be made by grantee to subscribers before service is commenced, at least once each calendar year, at any time upon the request of the subscriber, and whenever changes to such policies are made.
3.
Advance Notice of Changes. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, advance notice of increases in fees or charges, and changes in channel lineup of stations or services, shall be sent to Grantor and to subscribers at least 30 days before the changes are made, except for changes not known sufficiently in advance by grantee and not under grantee's control, or where Grantor's waiver is obtained. Notices must be clearly identified and in print large enough to be easily readable.
4.
Billing.
a.
Billing Frequency and Format. Bills for service shall be rendered monthly unless service is rendered for a period less than one month. All bills shall contain a telephone number and a mailing address for billing inquiries or disputes and shall clearly delineate all changes and the basis for those changes.
b.
Disputed Bills.
i.
In the event of a dispute between a subscriber and the grantee regarding the bill, the grantee shall promptly make such investigation as is required by the particular case and report the results to the subscriber. If the dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of both parties, the grantee shall inform the subscriber of the grantee's complaint procedures. If the subscriber wishes to obtain the benefits of subparagraph ii of this subparagraph b, notification of the disputed bill must be given by the subscriber to the grantee in writing within 30 days after the bill date.
ii.
The subscriber shall not be required to pay the disputed portion of the bill until the earlier of the following:
5.
Suspension of Collection Efforts. Pending resolution of the billing dispute, grantee shall ensure that no termination notices are issued for the disputed portions of the bill, and that no other collection procedures are initiated for the disputed amount. Any such activity may be interpreted as an attempt to avoid the provisions of these rules and may constitute a violation of these rules.
6.
Referral of Accounts to Collection Agencies.
a.
Uncollected accounts may be referred to private collection agencies for appropriate action if the bill has not been paid by the earlier of (a) 30 days following date of involuntary termination; or (b) the sixty-first (61st) day following the billing date of the original uncollected amount, provided that no notification of a billing dispute has been made.
b.
If the account was voluntarily terminated by subscriber, for any reason, the account may not be referred to a private collection agency until at least 30 days following submission of the final bill. If notification of a billing dispute is made, all collection procedures shall be delayed as required in subsection 4(b) entitled "Disputed Bills." Referral to a collection agent shall then occur no sooner than the ninety-first (91st) day following the billing date of the original uncollected amount.
7.
Termination for Nonpayment. Bills shall not be delinquent earlier than 22 days from the date of the bill, which must be mailed to subscribers within five working days prior to the stated due date. Subscribers must be notified in writing of a proposed disconnection for non-payment at least 15 days prior to disconnection.
H.
Refund. When a subscriber voluntarily discontinues service, grantee shall refund, within 20 days of the discontinuance of service, the unused portion of any advance payments after deducting any charges currently due through the date of such discontinuance. Unused payment portions shall be the percentage of time for which subscriber has paid for service and will not receive it because of the subscriber's discontinuation of service.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A.
Use of Public Streets. From and after the effective date of this ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to construct, install, or maintain in any public place within Grantor's territory, or upon any easement owned or controlled by a public utility, or within any other public property of Grantor, or within any privately-owned area within Grantor's jurisdiction which is not yet, but is designated as, a proposed public place on a tentative subdivision map approved by Grantor, any equipment, facilities, or system for distributing signals or services through a cable television system, unless a franchise has first been obtained hereunder, and is in full force and effect.
B.
Unauthorized Connections. It shall be unlawful for any person to make or use any unauthorized connection to, or to monitor, tap, receive or send any signal or service via a franchised system, or to enable any person to receive or use any service, television or radio signal, picture, program, or sound, or any other signal without payment to the owner of said system.
C.
Tampering with Facilities. It shall be unlawful, without the consent of the owner, to willfully attach to, tamper with, modify, remove or injure any physical part of or signals on a franchised cable television system.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A.
Revocation. Consistent with applicable law, and in addition to any rights set out elsewhere in this ordinance, the Grantor reserves the right to revoke a franchise, subject to the procedural guidelines set forth in Section 5.31.140 of this ordinance, in the event that:
B.
Forfeiture. Upon failure of a grantee to comply with any material term of this ordinance or its franchise, the Grantor may, subject to the procedural guidelines set forth in Section 5.31.140 of this chapter, declare a forfeiture. A grantee may be required to remove its structures or property from the Grantor's streets and to restore those streets to their prior condition within a reasonable period of time. Upon failure to do so, the Grantor may perform the work and collect all costs, including direct and indirect costs, from a grantee. At Grantor's discretion, the cost thereof may be placed as a lien upon all plant, property, or other assets of a grantee.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
Applicants for a franchise shall submit to the Grantor, or to its designated representative, written application in a format provided by the Grantor, at the time and place specified by the Grantor for accepting applications, and accompanied by the designated application fee. A nonrefundable application fee, established by resolution of the Grantor, shall accompany the application to cover all costs associated with processing the application, including without limitation, costs of administrative review, financial, legal and technical evaluation of the applicant, the costs of consultants (including technical and legal experts), notice and publication requirements, and document preparation expenses. In the event such costs exceed the application fee, the applicant shall pay the difference to Grantor within 20 days following receipt of an itemized statement of such costs. This provision is procedural and shall not constitute the grant of any right to a grantee.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A.
Grantee to Provide Records. All reports and records required under this section shall be furnished at the sole expense of grantee.
B.
Records. Grantor must maintain in its local offices, and make available for inspection during normal business hours, a separate and complete set of business records for the franchise. The grantee shall provide that information in such form as may be required by the Grantor, as well as copies of any records of grantee upon Grantor's request, so long as said information is directly or indirectly related to the scope of Grantor's rights under this ordinance, the franchise, or Grantor's regulatory functions.
C.
Maintenance and Inspection of Records. Grantee shall keep true and accurate books and records in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, located in the franchise area that reasonably demonstrate a grantee's compliance with the obligations set forth in its franchise. Grantor shall, upon two business days notice, have the right to inspect said records and receive copies thereof to the extent said information is reasonably related to the scope of the Grantor's rights under this chapter, the franchise, or the Grantor's regulatory functions. Any grantee records kept at another place shall, within 10 days of Grantor's request, be made available at grantee's local premises within the County of Orange.
D.
Reports of Financial and Operating Activity.
1.
No later than 90 days after the close of grantee's fiscal year, grantee shall submit an audited written report to the Grantor which shall include:
a.
A financial report, audited and certified by a financial officer of grantee, for all cable system activity during the previous fiscal year, including gross receipts from all sources and gross subscriber revenues from each service. The report must set out separately all gross receipts from all sources in the City and gross subscriber revenues from each service in the City, and all payments, deductions, and computations of franchise fees.
b.
A summary of the previous year's activities, including, but not limited to, subscriber totals and new services offered and system construction activity.
c.
A current list of grantee's officers, directors, and other principals if there has been any change in the previous year.
d.
A list of stockholders or other equity investors holding 5% or more of the voting interests in grantee if there has been any change in the previous year.
e.
A summary of complaints received and remedial actions taken.
2.
Performance Tests and Compliance Reports. No later than April 15th of each year, the grantee shall provide a written report of any FCC or other performance tests required or conducted. In addition, the grantee shall provide reports of the test and compliance procedures required by its franchise, or by this chapter, no later than 30 days after the completion of those tests and compliance procedures.
3.
Additional Reports. The grantee shall prepare and furnish to the Grantor in writing, at the times and in the form prescribed by Grantor, such additional reports or information as Grantor may reasonably require to confirm and verify grantee's compliance with the provisions of its franchise and this chapter.
E.
Examination of Facilities. Upon two business days notice, and during normal business hours, grantee shall permit examination, by any duly authorized representative of Grantor, of all franchise property and facilities, together with any appurtenant property and facilities of grantee situated within the public rights-of-way which are directly or indirectly related to the cable system.
F.
Right to Audit.
1.
In addition to any other inspection rights under this ordinance or the franchise, upon 30 days prior written notice, Grantor shall have the right to inspect, examine, or audit, during normal business hours, all documents pertaining to a grantee or any affiliated person which are reasonably necessary to ascertain a grantee's compliance with its franchise or this ordinance. Grantor may not exercise said right more frequently than once in any 12 month period. All such documents shall be made available at the local office of a grantee. All such documents pertaining to financial matters which may be the subject of an audit by the Grantor as set forth herein shall be retained by a grantee for a minimum of five years during the term of and following the termination of a franchise. Access by the Grantor to any of the documents covered by this subsection F shall not be denied by the grantee on grounds that such documents are alleged by the grantee to contain proprietary information.
2.
Grantor may require written certification by a grantee's directors, officers, or other employees with respect to all documents referred to in this subsection F.
3.
Any audit conducted by the Grantor pursuant to this subsection F shall be conducted at the sole expense of the Grantor, and the Grantor shall prepare a written report containing its findings, a copy of which shall be mailed to a grantee; provided, however, that a grantee shall reimburse the Grantor for the expense of any such audit if, as the result of said audit, it is determined that there is a shortfall of more than 2% in the amount of franchise fees or other payments which have been made or will be made by a grantee to the Grantor pursuant to the terms of the franchise.
G.
Retention of Experts. In the exercise of its rights under this chapter, the Grantor shall have the further right to retain technical experts and other consultants on a periodic basis for the purpose of monitoring, testing, and inspecting any construction, operation, maintenance or reconstruction of the system, and all parts thereof, or to ensure compliance with and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and the franchise. The Grantor shall bear the cost of retaining such experts, provided that the grantee shall reimburse the Grantor for all expenses related to the retention of said experts where this chapter or the franchise so provide, or under either of the following circumstances:
1.
The grantee has initiated proceedings which would normally require the Grantor to retain such experts, such as the filing of a request for approval of a transfer or change in control, renewal to the extent allowed by law, expansion of the franchise service area, or the modification or amendment of the franchise; or
2.
The reports of such experts submitted to the Grantor reveal that the grantee has failed to substantially comply with the terms and conditions of this chapter or of the franchise.
If grantee is required to reimburse Grantor pursuant to this subsection G, Grantor shall send grantee an itemized description of such charges, and grantee shall pay such amount within 20 days after the receipt of such description. |
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007; Ord. 247 § 35, 2013)
A.
Notice and Hearing for Franchise Default.
1.
Unless otherwise provided in this ordinance or in the franchise, prior to formal consideration by Grantor of termination, revocation, or forfeiture of grantee's franchise, or any other penalty or administrative remedy available to the Grantor, including liquidated damages, attributable to grantee's failure, willful, negligent, or otherwise, to adhere to the terms and conditions of the franchise or this chapter, Grantor shall make written demand on grantee to correct the alleged default. Such written demand shall identify with specificity the alleged default, including the provision of the franchise, ordinance, or regulation that is being violated, and the necessary action to cure the default. Grantor and grantee shall expeditiously meet to discuss the alleged default, at which time grantee shall indicate, in writing, the amount of time necessary to resolve the alleged problem. Giving due consideration to grantee's request, Grantor shall, in writing, state the amount of time Grantor will allow grantee to resolve the problem. During this time period, but in no event less than 10 days before the final date for correction, grantee may request additional time to correct the problem, and Grantor shall grant said request if Grantor determines, in the exercise of its discretion, that such time is necessary due to delays beyond grantee's control. If the default continues for a period of 10 days following the deadline for corrections, plus any extension thereof, a hearing before the legislative body of the Grantor shall be scheduled by Grantor on such franchise termination, revocation, forfeiture, or any other penalty or administrative remedy.
2.
The Grantor shall provide written notice of such hearing, to a grantee no less than 10 days before the hearing on the matter. Within five days after the receipt of said notice, grantee shall file any written objections to said notice. Any objections not raised within said five day periods shall be deemed waived. At the hearing, Grantor shall hear grantee, and any person interested in the matter, and shall determine, at that or subsequent public meetings, an appropriate course of action for enforcement or termination of grantee's franchise.
B.
Delegation of Enforcement Mechanisms. Such liquidated damages as Grantor may assess against grantee pursuant to a grantee's franchise which do not include loss of the franchise may, at Grantor's option, be determined by an officer or agency of the Grantor to which it may delegate such administrative decisions, subject to due process and the criteria contained in this ordinance and the franchise, and subject to appeal to the City Council.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
A.
Captions. The section, subsection, paragraph, and subparagraph numbers and letters, and the captions throughout this ordinance, are intended to facilitate reading and reference. Such numbers, letters, and captions shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any part of this ordinance.
B.
Franchise References. A franchise which cites, refers to, or otherwise incorporates this ordinance, or portions thereof, shall be deemed to be a franchise issued under and subject to this ordinance.
C.
Filing. When not otherwise specified in this ordinance, all documents required to be filed with Grantor shall be filed with the Grantor's representative as designated by Grantor.
D.
Non-enforcement by the Grantor. A grantee shall not be relieved of its obligation to comply with all provisions of this ordinance, and of its franchise, and all laws and regulations, by reason of any failure of the Grantor to demand prompt compliance.
E.
Continuity of Service. It is the right of all subscribers to receive cable services so long as their financial and other obligations to a grantee are honored. In the event that a grantee elects to rebuild, modify, or sell the system, a grantee shall use due diligence and reasonable care to ensure that all subscribers receive continuous, uninterrupted service. In the event of a transfer of the system by grantee, the current grantee shall cooperate with the Grantor or new grantee to operate the system for a temporary period, in order to maintain continuity of service to all subscribers. In the event that grantee, through its own fault, discontinues system-wide service for 72 continuous hours, and grantee is in material default of its franchise, or if the franchise is revoked by Grantor (but not if Grantor fails to renew the franchise), Grantor may, by resolution, when it deems reasonable cause to exist, assume operation of the system for the purpose of maintaining continuity of service. Grantor's operation of the system may continue until the circumstances which, in the judgment of the Grantor, threaten the continuity of service are resolved to Grantor's satisfaction. Grantor shall be entitled to the revenues for any period during which it operates the system.
F.
Operation By Grantor. During any period when the system is being operated by Grantor pursuant to paragraph E above, Grantor shall, as it may deem necessary, make any changes in any aspect of operations that, in Grantor's sole judgment, are required for the preservation of quality of service and its continuity.
G.
Management By Grantor. Grantor may, upon assuming operation of a system franchised hereunder, appoint a manager to act for it in conducting the system's affairs. Such manager shall have such authority as may be delegated by Grantor and shall be solely responsible to Grantor for management of the system. Grantee shall reimburse Grantor for all its reasonable costs, in excess of system revenues, incurred during Grantor's operation if the franchise is in full force and effect during the period of Grantor's operation.
H.
Notices. All notices and other communications to grantee shall be addressed to it at the local address at which grantee conducts its business or as otherwise set forth in the franchise. All notices and other communications to Grantor shall be addressed to Lake Forest City Hall, or such other address as may be designated by Grantor.
I.
Force Majeure; Grantee's Inability to Perform. In the event grantee's performance of any of the terms, conditions, obligations, or requirements of this ordinance, or any franchise granted hereunder, is prevented or impaired due to any cause beyond its reasonable control and not reasonably foreseeable, such inability to perform shall be deemed to be excused, and no penalties or sanctions shall be imposed as a result thereof. Such causes beyond grantee's reasonable control and not reasonably foreseeable shall include, but not be limited to, any acts of God, civil emergencies, labor unrest, strikes, utility interruptions, inability to obtain access to an individual's property on reasonable terms, and any inability of a grantee to secure all required authorizations or permits to utilize necessary poles or conduits, so long as grantee uses due diligence to timely obtain said authorization or permits.
J.
Application. All of the provisions of this ordinance shall be applicable to all cable operators and cable systems to the greatest extent permissible under applicable law.
K.
Severability. If any provision of this ordinance is determined to be void or invalid by any administrative or judicial tribunal, said provision shall be deemed severable and such invalidation shall not invalidate the entirety of this ordinance or any other provision thereof.
(Ord. 167 § 4, 2007)
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require any person or entity to obtain a franchise issued by the City, to the extent that such person or entity is authorized to provide cable services under a cable services franchise issued by another government entity under applicable law, including, but not limited to, Section 5800 et seq. of the California Public Utilities Code. The requirements and provisions of this chapter shall not apply or be enforced to the extent that they actually conflict with applicable state or federal law.
(Ord. 223 § 2, 2-1-2011)
Sections 5.31.170 through 5.31.220 of this chapter are intended to regulate cable services providers holding state cable services franchises and operating within the City. As of January 1, 2007, the State of California has the sole authority to grant state cable services franchises pursuant to the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 ("Act"). Pursuant to the Act, the City of Lake Forest shall receive a franchise fee from all state cable services franchise holders operating within the City. Additionally, the City has the responsibility to establish and enforce penalties, consistent with state law, against all state cable services franchise holders operating within the City for violations of customer service standards, but the Act grants all authority to adopt customer service standards to the state. The Act leaves unchanged the City's authority to enforce any City-issued cable services franchise existing as of the effective date of the Act, until such time as the cable franchisee no longer holds a City franchise or is no longer operating under a current or expired City franchise.
(Ord. 223 § 3, 2-1-2011)
For any state cable services franchise holder operating within the boundaries of the City of Lake Forest, there shall be a fee paid to the City equal to 5% of the gross revenue of that state cable services franchise holder. Gross revenue, for the purposes of this section, shall have the definition set forth in California Public Utilities Code 5860.
(Ord. 223 § 4, 2-1-2011)
Not more than once annually, the Administrative Officer may examine and perform an audit of the business records of all holders of a state cable services franchise operating within the boundaries of the City of Lake Forest to ensure compliance with Section 5.31.710 of this Code.
(Ord. 223 § 5, 2-1-2011)
A.
Any holder of a state cable services franchise operating within the boundaries of the City of Lake Forest shall comply with all applicable State and Federal customer service and protection standards pertaining to the provision of cable services. The Administrative Officer shall provide any required notice in advance of enforcing such standards, including, but not limited to, the 90 day notice required by 47 CFR 76.309(a), 76.1602(a), 76.1603(a), and 76.1619(c).
B.
The Administrative Officer shall monitor the compliance of holders of a state cable services franchise operating within the boundaries of the City of Lake Forest with respect to State and Federal customer service and protection standards. The City Manager, or designee, shall provide the state video franchise holder written notice of any material breaches of applicable customer service standards, and shall allow the state video franchise holder 30 days from the receipt of the notice to remedy the specified material breach. Material breaches not remedied within the 30 day time period will be subject to the following penalties to be imposed by the City:
1.
For the first occurrence of a violation, a fine of $500 shall be imposed for each day the violation remains in effect, not to exceed $1,500 for each violation.
2.
For a second violation of the same nature within 12 months, a fine of $1,000 shall be imposed for each day the violation remains in effect, not to exceed $3,000 for each violation.
3.
For a third or further violation of the same nature within 12 months, a fine of $2,500 shall be imposed for each day the violation remains in effect, not to exceed $7,500 for each violation.
C.
A holder of a state cable services franchise operating within the boundaries of the City of Lake Forest may appeal a penalty assessed by the Administrative Officer to the City Council within 60 days of the initial assessment. The City Council shall hear all evidence and relevant testimony and may uphold, modify or vacate the penalty. The City Council's decision on the imposition of a penalty shall be final.
(Ord. 223 § 6, 2011)
A.
Applicants for State cable services franchises, or amendments to existing franchises, that will authorize the applicant to operate within the boundaries of the City of Lake Forest must concurrently provide complete copies to the City of any application or amendments to applications filed with the Public Utilities Commission. At a minimum, one complete copy must be provided to the City Manager.
B.
Within 30 days of receipt of notice of an application for a State cable services franchise that will authorize the applicant to operate within Lake Forest, the City Manager shall provide any appropriate comments to the Public Utilities Commission regarding an application or an amendment to an application for a state video franchise.
(Ord. 223 § 7, 2011)
A.
Any holder of a State cable services franchise, or City-issued cable services franchise, operating within the boundaries of the City of Lake Forest, that proposes to install above-ground facilities in the public right-of-way shall, no less than 20 days prior to installing such facilities, provide written notice to the owner of the private or public property (excluding the public right-of-way) nearest to the proposed facility. For purposes of this subsection, "above-ground facilities" shall include only those facilities that are located on the ground or on a base or pedestal that is on the ground, and shall exclude aerial or pole-mounted facilities.
B.
Any franchisee to which this section applies shall provide the City with a copy of the proposed form of notice to be used in compliance with subsection (a), no less than 10 days prior to mailing or delivering the notice. The City may require the franchisee to amend the form of the notice. Once the City has approved the form of notice, the franchisee shall not be required to obtain additional approvals of notice from the City, so long as the franchisee does not materially deviate from the form of notice approved by the City.
(Ord. 223 § 8, 2011)