For the purpose of this article, the following terms,
phrases and words and their derivations shall apply:
ADDITIONAL SERVICE
A subscriber service provided by the grantee for which a special
charge is made based on tier, program or service content or time of usage.
BASIC SERVICE
A subscriber service provided by the grantee that includes the delivery
of broadcast signals and programming originated over the cable system and
is covered by the regular monthly charge paid by all subscribers.
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
Any network of cables and other electrical and electronic equipment,
including cable television systems, used for the purpose of transmission of
electrical or optical impulses of television, radio and other intelligences,
either analog or digital, via cable for sale to or use by the inhabitants
of the town.
CABLE
Coaxial cables, wave guides, fiber optic cables or other conductors
and equipment for providing television service by cable or through its facilities
as herein contemplated, and including closed circuit special event programs
and educational television.
COMMENCE OPERATION
Operation shall be considered commenced when sufficient distribution
facilities have been placed in use to offer full network service to at least
25% of the inhabitants of the town.
COMMISSION
The Town Commission and any legally appointed or elected successor
or agency.
COMPLETED
Operation shall be considered completed when sufficient distribution
facilities have been placed in use to offer full network service to 100% of
the inhabitants in the franchise area.
DATA GRADE
Coded transmissions primarily digital in nature.
DB
The level in the network expressed in db's above or below a
power corresponding to a root mean square voltage of one millivolt across
75 ohms.
FORTY-PERCENT SATURATION
The grantee's number of subscribers within the franchise area
receiving at least basic service totals at least 40% of the number of homes
passed by the grantee's cable which is located within the corporate limits
of the town.
FRANCHISE FEE
Any charge imposed for a franchise, whether the object is regulation
or revenue.
GRANTEE
Any person, firm, company, corporation, association or governmental
entity to whom or to which a franchise is granted by the Town Commissioners
hereunder and the lawful successor or assignee of the same.
GROSS REVENUES
Any revenue derived directly or indirectly by a grantee, its affiliates,
subsidiaries, parents and any persons or entities in whom or in which a grantee
has a financial interest of 5% or more from or in connection with the operations
of a Ridgely cable system, including but not limited to basic or extended
basic subscriber service monthly fees, pay cable fees, installation and reconnection
fees, leased channel fees, converter rentals, enhanced telecommunication services,
studio rental, production equipment rental and advertising revenues. The term
does not include any taxes on services furnished by a grantee and imposed
directly upon any subscriber or used by the town, state or other governmental
unit and collected by a grantee on behalf of said governmental unit. The term
does include any revenues raised to offset the cost of any local franchise
fee.
HEAD END
The land, electronic processing equipment, antennas, tower, building
and other appurtenances normally associated with and located at the starting
point of a broadband telecommunications network.
OFFICE
The use of the title of any officer, employee or office shall mean
such officer, employee or office of the town unless otherwise specifically
designated.
PHYSICAL MILE OF PLANT
Messenger strand as measured from pole to pole without taking into
consideration sag or down guys, and, for buried plant, actual trench feet.
SALE
Any sale, exchange, barter or offer for sale.
STATE
The State of Maryland.
STREET
All streets, highways, avenues, lanes, alleys, courts, places, squares,
curbs, sidewalks or other public ways, to include rights-of-way and easements
other than specific purpose easements or agreements, in the town which have
been or may hereafter be dedicated and open to public use or such other public
property so designated in any law of the state.
SUBSCRIBER
Any person, firm, company, corporation or association receiving reception
service from the grantee.
TOWN
The Town of Ridgely, Maryland, including the area within the territorial
limits of the town.
VIDEO GRADE
Transmission primarily analog in nature, including the picture phase
of a television broadcast.
VOTE
Whenever the word refers to the members of the Commission, the vote
required shall be in relation to the total membership rather than to those
present at the meeting.