This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Richland Cable
Communications Regulatory Code."
A.
The Township of Richland (the "municipality") finds that
the further development of cable communications may result in great benefits
for the people of the municipality. Because of the complex and rapidly changing
technology associated with cable communications, the municipality further
finds that the public convenience, safety and general welfare can best be
served by establishing certain regulatory procedures and powers that are vested
in the municipality or such persons or agencies as the municipality shall
designate. Any franchise issued pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed to
include this finding as an integral part thereof.
B.
Further, it is recognized that cable systems have the
capacity to provide not only entertainment and information services to the
municipality's residents, but can provide a variety of broadband, interactive
communications services to institutions and individuals. Many of these services
involve municipal agencies and other public institutions.
C.
For these purposes, the following goals, among others,
underlie the regulations contained herein:
(1)
Cable services should be provided to the maximum number
of municipal residents.
(2)
Cable systems should be capable of accommodating both
the present and reasonably foreseeable future cable-related needs of the municipality.
(3)
A cable system should be improved and upgraded expeditiously
during the term of a franchise so that new facilities necessary for the operation
of the system may be integrated to the maximum extent possible with existing
facilities, subject to public demand and economic and technical feasibility.
(4)
Cable systems authorized by this chapter shall be responsive
to the needs and interests of the local community and shall provide the widest
possible diversity of information sources and service to the public.
