HomeMy WebLinkAbout2482-15 - ADMIN Ordinance - City Council - 2015/11/16ORDINANCE NO. 2482-15
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28 OF THE
ST. LOUIS PARK CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, ENACTING A COMPETITIVE CABLE TELEVISION
FRANCHISE ORDINANCE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK ORDAINS:
Section 1. Chapter 28 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances is amended by
adding ARTICLE I., Sections 28-1-1 to 28-1-30 to read as follows:
ARTICLE L QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES, INC., D/B/A CENTURYLINK CABLE
FRANCHISE
Sec. 28-1-1. Granting Ordinance; Purposes
The City has determined that it is desirable and advantageous to the citizens of St. Louis
Park to grant a competitive cable television franchise to Qwest Broadband Services, Inc. d/b/a
CenturyLink ("Company" as defined herein). hl accordance with state and federal law
requirements, the City has reviewed and found sufficient Company technical ability, financial
condition, and legal qualifications to operate in St. Louis Park and hereby determines that it is in
the public interest to grant to Company a full and complete, nonexclusive franchise for a period
of five (5) years for the operation and maintenance of a cable television in St. Louis Park;
provided, however, the franchise is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Franchise
Ordinance.
See. 28-1-2. Short Title
This Competitive Franchise Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the
"CenturyLink Competitive Cable Communications Franchise Ordinance," hereinafter "Franchise
Ordinance", and it, shall become a part of the ordinances and Legislative Code of the City of St.
Louis Park.
Sec. 28-1-3. Definitions
In this Franchise Ordinance the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations
have the meanings given. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present
tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words in
the singular number include the plural number. The words "shall' and "will' are always
mandatory and "may" is permissive. Words not defined shall be given their common and
ordinary meaning.
Basic Service means the lowest priced tier of Cable Service that includes the retransmission of
local broadcast television signals; any public, educational, and governmental access
programming required by this Franchise Ordinance to be provided to Subscribers; any regional
channel required by state law; and additional video programming signals or services added by
cable operator.
CATV System is synonymous with "Cable System" or "System" and means the Company's
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 Franchise Area. Unless
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -2-
otherwise specified, CATV System in this document means the Cable System or System utilized
by the Company in the City.
Cable Service means (1) the one-way transmission to Subscribers of (a) video programming, or
(b) other programming service, and (2) Subscriber interaction, if any, which is required for the
selection or use of such video programming or other programming service.
City means the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota as it exists now and as its borders may from
time to time be changed; including, without limitation, its officers, boards, commissions, elected
officials, agents, attorneys, representatives, servants and employees.
Company means Qwest Broadband Services, Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink, the grantee of rights and
obligations under this Franchise Ordinance, and all successors, transferees, assignees,
subcontractors, agents, employees and representatives of Company.
Company's place of business means Company offices with financial records and maps, which
shall be located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.
Effective Date means December 12, 2015.
FCC means the Federal Communications Commission and any legally appointed, designated or
elected agent or successor.
Franchise Area means the present boundaries of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and shall
include any additions thereto by annexation or other legal means.
Franchise Ordinance means the incorporated terms of this Competitive Cable Television
Franchise Ordinance, governing the operation of a CATV System within and throughout the City
of St. Louis Park.
Gross revenues means all revenues earned directly or indirectly by the Company, arising from or
in connection with the provision of Cable Service in the City and consistent with local, state and
federal law, including Subscriber revenues (including pay TV), amounts collected as franchise
fees, advertising income, home shopping programs and rentals of Subscriber equipment,
recorded as earned, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, in the area
under jurisdiction of the City. The Company is not required to include revenues recorded as
earned but which are deemed uncollectable, but it must include recoveries previously deemed
uncollectable. This definition of Gross revenues also does not include sales, excise or other
taxes (other than franchise fees) collected by the Company on behalf of federal, state, county,
City or other governmental unit, including FCC user fees. Funds collected by the Company to
recover amounts paid to support public, educational and governmental access programming are
also excluded from the definition of Gross revenues.
ISD 283 means Independent School District 283, located within the City of St. Louis Park.
Living Unit means a distinct address as tracked in the QC network inventory, used by
CenturyLink to identify existing or potential Subscribers. This includes, but is not limited to,
single family homes, multi -dwelling units (e.g., apartment buildings and condominiums) and
business locations.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -3-
Mosaic Channel means a channel which displays miniaturized media screens and related
information for a particular group of channels with common themes. The Mosaic Channel serves
as a navigation tool for Subscribers, which displays the group of access channels on a single
channel screen and also provides for easy navigation to a chosen access channel in the group."
Multichannel Video Programming Distributor means a Person such as, but not limited to, a cable
operator, a multichannel multipoint distribution service, a direct broadcast satellite service, open
video system operators, telephone companies, utility companies or a television receive -only
satellite program distributor, who makes available for purchase, by Subscribers or customers,
multiple channels Cable Service or substantially equivalent video programming.
PEG means the public, educational and governmental access channels, equipment, programs or
facilities, as the context dictates.
Person means any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, organization or
entity.
Public Property means any real property owned by the City other than a highway, sidewalk,
easement or dedication.
Public Way, Right of Way or ROW means the space on, over, above and below any public street,
highway, freeway, bridge, land path, alley, court, boulevard, sidewalk, parkway, way, lane,
public way, drive, circle, or other public Right of Way, including, but not limited to, public
utility easements, dedicated utility strips, or Rights of Way dedicated for compatible uses now or
hereafter held by the City in the Franchise Area which shall entitle the Company to the use
thereof for the purpose of installing, operating, repairing, and maintaining the CATV System.
QC means Qwest Corporation d/b/a CenturyLink ("QC"), an affiliate of Company.
Qualified Living Unit means a Living Unit which meets the minimum technical qualifications
defined by Company for the provision of Cable Service. A Living Unit receiving a minimum of
25Mbps downstream generally will be capable of receiving Cable Service subject to Company
performing certain network grooming and conditioning. For purposes of this definition of
Qualified Living Unit, "network grooming and conditioning" means evaluating existing QC
infrastructure and making improvements to allow greater data throughput.
State -of -the -Art means equipment or facilities that:
(1) Are readily available with reasonable delivery schedules from two or more
sources of supply;
(2) Have the capability to perform the intended functions demonstrated within
communities with similar characteristic (including, but not necessarily limited to,
population, density, Subscriber penetration, etc.) under actual operating conditions for
purposes other than tests or experimentation; and
(3) Are technically and economically feasible to implement. The term "State of the
Art" shall not include equipment or facilities associated with or dedicated to the general
public, educational or governmental access or telecommunication services.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -4-
Subscriber means any Person who lawfully receives Cable Service from the Company and does
not further distribute it.
Sec. 28-1-4. Application for a franchise
Applications for a franchise, other than a franchise renewal pursuant to 47 U.S.C. §546,
shall be filed with the City Clerk in accordance with instructions promulgated by the City and
shall contain the following information and provisions:
(1) The name and business address of the applicant(s), date of application and signature of
applicant(s) or appropriate corporate officer(s).
(2) A description of the legal, technical and financial qualifications of the applicant(s).
(3) Payment of the required filing fee.
(4) Any applicant (including, specifically, the Company) shall reimburse City at the time the
applicant accepts a franchise for all reasonable costs of the City in connection with the granting
or renewal of a franchise, including costs for legal services and publication.
(5) A general description of the applicant's proposed operation.
(6) A statement of the applicant's proposed schedule of charges.
(7) A statement detailing the corporate organization of the applicant, if any, including the
names and addresses of its officers and directors and the division of shares between shareholders.
(8) A statement describing all intra -company relationships of the applicant including parent,
subsidiary or affiliated companies.
Sec. 28-1-5. Grant of franchise
(1) Grant. The Company shall have the nonexclusive right and privilege, subject to the
provisions of this Franchise Ordinance to construct, erect, and maintain, in, upon, along, across,
above, over and under the Rights of Way in the Franchise Area a CATV System and shall have
the right and privilege to provide Cable Service. The System constructed and maintained by
Company or its agents shall not interfere with other uses of the Rights of Way. Company shall
make use of existing poles and other above and below facilities available to Company to the
extent it is technically and economically feasible to do so. Nothing contained in this Franchise,
shall be construed to give Company the authority to enter upon or work on private property in
areas not encumbered with public easements without the permission of the property owner.
Company promises and guarantees, as a condition of exercising the privileges granted by this
Franchise, that any affiliated entity of the Company involved in the offering of Cable Service in
the City, or directly involved in the ownership, management or operation of the CATV System in
the City, shall also comply with all obligations of this Franchise. However, the City and
Company acknowledge that QC will be primarily responsible for the construction and
installation of the facilities in the Rights -of -Way which will be utilized by Company to provide
Cable Services. So long as QC does not provide Cable Service to Subscribers in the City, QC
will not be subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Franchise. QC's installation and
maintenance of facilities in the Rights -of -Way is governed by applicable local, state and federal
law. To the extent Company constructs and installs facilities in the Rights -of -Way, such
installation will be subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Franchise Ordinance.
Company is responsible for all provisions in this Franchise Ordinance related to: 1) its offering
of Cable Services in the City; and 2) the operation of the CATV System regardless of what entity
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -5-
owns or constructs the facilities used to provide the Cable Service. The City and Company agree
£F that to the extent QC violates any applicable federal, state, or local laws, rules, and regulations,
the City shall first seek compliance directly from QC. In the event, the City cannot resolve these
violations or disputes with QC, then the City may look to Company to ensure such compliance.
Failure by Company to ensure QC's or any other Affiliate's compliance with applicable local,
state and federal laws, rules, and regulations shall be deemed a material breach of this Franchise
Ordinance by Company.
(2) Other Ordinances. The Company agrees to comply with the terms of any generally
applicable local ordinance. In the event of a conflict between any generally applicable ordinance
and this Franchise Ordinance, the terms of this Franchise Ordinance shall control.
(3) State and Federal Law. Notwithstanding anything in this Franchise Ordinance to the
contrary, the City and Company shall conform to state laws and rules regarding cable
communications and shall conform to federal laws and regulations regarding cable as they
become effective.
(4) Franchise Area. The Company is hereby authorized to provide Cable Services over a
CATV System within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City, including any areas annexed by
the City during the term of this Franchise. The parties acknowledge that Company is the not the
first entrant into the wireline video market in the City. The Company acknowledges that the City
desires wireline competition throughout the entire City so all residents may receive the benefits
of competitive Cable Services. Company aspires to provide Cable Service to all households
within the City by the end of the five (5) year term of this Franchise Ordinance. Company
agrees that its deployment of Cable Service in the City will be geographically dispersed
throughout the City, and shall be made available to diverse residential neighborhoods of the City
without discrimination. This Franchise Ordinance governs any Cable Services provided by
Company to residential and commercial Subscribers.
(5) Initial Build out. No later than the second anniversary of the Effective Date of this
Franchise Ordinance, Company shall be capable of serving a minimum of fifteen percent (15%)
of the City's households with Cable Service, provided, however, Company will make its best
efforts to complete such deployment within a shorter period of time. Company agrees that a
significant portion of its investment will be targeted to areas below the median income in the
City. This initial minimum build -out commitment shall include a significant number of
households below the median income in the City. City shall provide detailed maps of such areas.
Nothing in this Franchise Ordinance shall restrict Company from serving additional households
in the City with Cable Service.
(6) Quarterly Meetings. In order to permit the City to monitor and enforce the provisions of
this section and other provisions of this Franchise Ordinance, the Company shall, upon demand,
promptly make available to the City maps and other documentation showing exactly where
within the City the Company is currently providing Cable Service either through FTTN or
FTTH. Company shall meet with the City, not less than once quarterly, to demonstrate
Company's compliance with the provisions of this section concerning the deployment of Cable
Services in the City including, by way of example, the provision of this section in which
Company commits that a significant portion of its initial investment will be targeted to areas
below the median income within the City, and the provisions of this section that prohibit
discrimination in the deployment of Cable Services. In order to permit the City to monitor and
enforce the provisions of this section and other provisions of this Franchise Ordinance, the
Company shall, commencing January 1, 2016, and continuing throughout the term of this
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -6-
Franchise Ordinance, meet quarterly with the City and make available the City the following
information:
(a) The total number of Living Units throughout the City;
(b) The geographic area within the City where the Company is capable of delivering
Cable Service through either a FTTH or FTTN method of service delivery which shall include
sufficient detail to allow the City to determine the availability of Cable Service at Comrnercially-
Zoned Parcels;
(c) The actual number of Living Units capable of receiving Cable Service from
Company through FTTH; and
(d) A list of the public buildings and educational institutions capable of receiving
Cable Service from Company (see list attached hereto as Exhibit A).
(7) Additional Build -Out Based on Market Success. If, at any quarterly meeting, including
any quarterly meeting prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date of this Franchise as
referenced in Section 28-5-1 (5) herein, Company is actually serving twenty seven and one-half
percent (27.5%) of the households capable of receiving Cable Service, then Company agrees the
minimum build -out commitment shall increase to include all of the households then capable of
receiving Cable Service plus an additional fifteen (15%) of the total households in the City,
which Company agrees to serve within two (2) years from the quarterly meeting; provided,
however, the Company shall make its best efforts to complete such deployment within a shorter
period of time. For example, if, at a quarterly meeting with the City, Company shows that it is
capable of serving sixty percent (60%) of the households in the City with Cable Service and is
actually serving thirty percent (30%) of those households with Cable Service, then Company will
agree to serve an additional fifteen percent (15%) of the total households in the City no later than
two (2) years after that quarterly meeting (a total of 75% of the total households). This
additional build -out based on market success shall continue until every household in the City is
served.
(8) Nondiscrimination. Company shall provide Cable Service under non-discriminatory rates
and reasonable terms and conditions to all Subscribers who reside in Living Units in any location
where the Company is capable of providing Cable Service. Company shall not arbitrarily refuse
to provide Cable Services to any Person or in any location where the Company is capable of
proving Cable Service. Any Qualified Living Unit should also include Conmiereially-Zoned
Parcels. "Commercially -Zoned Parcels" mean any street address or municipally identified lot or
parcel of real estate with a building. Company shall not deny Cable Services to any group of
Subscribers or potential Residential Subscribers based upon the income level of residents of the
local area in which such group resides, nor shall Company base decisions about construction or
maintenance of its CATV System or facilities based upon the income level of residents of the
local area in which such group resides. Company shall provide such service at non-
discriminatory monthly rates for residential Subscribers, consistent with applicable law.
Company shall not discriminate between or among any individuals in the availability of Cable
Service based upon income in accordance and consistent with 47 U.S.C. Section 541(a)(3), or
based upon race or ethnicity.
(9) Standard Installation. Company shall provide standard installation of Cable Service
within seven (7) days of a request by any Person in a Qualified Living Unit. A request shall be
deemed made on the date of signing a service agreement, receipt of funds by Company or receipt
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -7-
by Company of a verified verbal or written request. Company shall promptly respond to all
requests for service, repair, installation and information from Subscribers. Company
acknowledges the City's interest in the prompt resolution of all cable complaints and shall work
in close cooperation with the City to resolve complaints.
(10) Multiple Dwelling Units. The Company shall offer the individual units of a multiple
dwelling unit all Cable Services offered to other Dwelling Units in the City. Company shall,
upon request, individually wire units of the property owner or renter who has been given written
authorization by the owner. Such offering is conditioned upon the Company having legal access
to said unit and any payment (for Company's reasonable costs of internal wiring) as applicable.
The City acknowledges that the Company cannot control the dissemination of particular Cable
Services beyond the point of demarcation at a multiple dwelling unit.
Sec. 28-1-6. Franchise required
After the Effective Date of this Franchise Ordinance, to the extent required by Applicable
Law, no Person shall establish, operate or carry on the business of distributing to any Person in
the City any television signals, or radio signals or other intelligences, either analog or digital, by
means of the Public Ways unless a franchise has first been obtained pursuant to the provisions of
applicable City codes, this Franchise Ordinance, and unless such franchise is in full force and
effect. No Person shall construct, install or maintain within any public street in the City, or
within any other Public Property of the City, or within any privately owned area within the City
which has not yet become a public street on any tentative subdivision map approved by the City;
any equipment or facilities for distributing any television signals or radio signals or other
intelligences either analog or digital unless a franchise authorizing the use of the streets or
properties or areas has first been obtained pursuant to the provisions of any applicable City codes
and this Franchise Ordinance, and unless such franchise is in full force and effect.
Sec. 28-1-7. Privileges and obligations under the franchise
(1) Privileges Subordinate. Any privilege claimed under a franchise in any street or other
Public Property shall be subordinate to any lawful occupancy of the street or other Public
Property by the City for City purposes_or to any present or future improvements to the streets by
the City, including without limitation sidewalks and roadway widening.
(2) Consent to Transfer.
(a) The sale or transfer of the CATV System franchised under this Franchise
Ordinance requires the prior written approval of the City. The parties to the sale or transfer shall
make a written request to the City for its approval of the sale or transfer, and the request shall be
processed by the City as required by federal and state law.
(b) A transfer of the Franchise Ordinance shall not include a transfer of ownership or
other interest in Company to the parent of Company or to another Affiliate of Company; transfer
of an interest in the Franchise Ordinance or the rights held by Company under the Franchise
Ordinance to the parent of Company or to another affiliate of Company; or any action which is
the result of a merger of another affiliate of Company. Nothing in this Section 28-1-7(2) (b)
shall be read to serve as a waiver of Company's obligation to obtain the City's advance written
consent to any proposed transfer that constitutes a change in the "controlling interest" of the
Company as set forth in Minn. Stat. Section 238.083.
(3) Additional Franchises
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -8-
(a) The Company acknowledges and agrees that the City reserves the right to grant
one (1) or more additional franchises or other similar lawful authorization to provide Cable
Services or video programming services within the City; provided, however, that no such
franchise or similar authorization shall contain material terms or conditions which are
substantially more favorable or less burdensome to the competitive entity than the material terms
and conditions herein.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, if a non -wireless Multichannel
Video Programming Distributor legally authorized by state or federal law, makes available for
purchase by Subscribers or customers, Cable Services or other video programming services
within the Franchise Area without a franchise or other similar lawful authorization granted by the
City, then Company or City shall have the right, upon one hundred eighty (180) days advance
written notice to the other party, to terminate this Franchise Ordinance. Nothing herein shall in
any way limit or reduce Company's right to provide Cable Service in the City under applicable
state or federal law or the City's right to regulate Company's provision of Cable Services in the
City.
(4) Notices. All notices from Company to the City pursuant to this Franchise Ordinance
shall be filed with the City Clerk and with the City Manager. Company shall maintain with the
City, throughout the term of this Franchise Ordinance, an address for service of notices by mail.
Company shall also maintain with the City, a local office and telephone number for the conduct
of matters related to this Franchise Ordinance during normal business hours.
Sec. 28-1-8. Duration of franchise
This Franchise Ordinance shall be in effect for a term of five (5) years from the date of
acceptance by Company, unless terminated sooner as hereinafter provided. Six (6) months prior
to the expiration of the initial five (5) year term, if City determines that Company is in
compliance with all other material terms of this Franchise Ordinance including the build out
obligations set forth in this Franchise Ordinance as required by applicable law, the City shall
have the unilateral right to extend the Franchise Ordinance for an additional term of no less than
five (5) years and no more than ten (10) years.
Sec. 28-1-9. Franchise payment
(1) Payment to the City. The Company shall pay to the City an annual franchise fee in an
amount equal to five percent (5%) of the annual Gross revenues received by the Company for
Cable Services within the City. Payment will be made to the City with an itemization of the
Gross revenues. In no event shall Company be required to pay a higher franchise fee percentage
than any other franchised cable provider in the City.
(2) Method of Computation; Interest. Local sales taxes or other local taxes levied directly on
a per -Subscriber basis and collected by the Company shall be deducted from the local Gross
revenues before computation of sums due the City is made. Payments due the City under the
terms of this Franchise Ordinance shall be computed and paid within forty-five (45) days of the
end of each calendar quarter. The City shall be furnished a statement with each payment,
certified as correct by the Company, reflecting the total amounts of Gross revenues, and the
above charges, deductions and computations, for the three (3) months' payment period covered
by the payment.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -9-
(3) In the event that any franchise fee payment is not made on or before the applicable
date(s) specified, interest on the amount due (as determined from the gross operating receipts
computed by an independent certified public accountant), shall accrue from the required payment
date at the annual rate of twelve percent (12%).
(4) Rights of Recomputation. No acceptance of any payment shall be construed as a release
or as an accord and satisfaction of any claim the City may have for further or additional sums
payable as a franchise fee under this Franchise Ordinance or for the performance of any other
obligation. The period of limitation for recovery by the City of any franchise fee payable
hereunder shall be three (3) years from the date on which payment by the Company is due to the
City or for any period covered by an audit conducted pursuant to and in accordance with Section
28-1-19(4).
(5) Late Payments. The City's acceptance of a late payment by the Company shall not be
deemed a waiver of their right to enforce timely payments in the future.
(6) In addition to Cable Service, the Company (either by itself or through one (1) or more
affiliates) may provide information and telecommunications services. For purposes of
calculating the franchise fee when the Company packages or "bundles" Cable Services with
other services not subject to franchise fees, the Company shall allocate revenues and compute the
franchise fee due pursuant to this Franchise Ordinance in accordance with EITF 00-21 or such
subsequently issued generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") which amend or
supersede EITF 00-21, or as otherwise required by applicable law. In the event EITF is amended
or superseded, the Company will notify the City of such change in its required franchise fee
report.
Sec. 28-1-10. Security for performance
(1) Performance Bond.
(a) Terms of Bond. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date of this Franchise
Ordinance, the Company shall file with the City Clerk at its own expense, and at all times
thereafter maintain in full force and effect for the term of this Franchise Ordinance or any
renewal, running to the City, a faithful performance bond in the amount of Fifty Thousand
Dollars $50,000.00. The bond shall be retroactive to the Effective Date of this Franchise
Ordinance. The bond shall be issued by a responsible company licensed to do business in the
State of Minnesota, renewable annually and conditioned upon the faithful performance by the
Company of all the terms and conditions of this Franchise Ordinance. This performance bond
shall contain the further condition that in the event Company shall fail to comply with any law,
ordinance or regulation governing the Franchise Ordinance, any such failure be deemed material,
and the principal and surety of the bond shall be jointly and severally liable for any damages or
loss suffered by the City as a result, including the full amount of any compensation,
indemnification, or cost of removal or abandonment of any property of the Company up to the
full amount of the bond.
This condition shall be
a continuing obligation
for the duration of the
Franchise
Ordinance
and any renewal or
extension and until the
Company has liquidated
all of its
obligations
with the City that
may arise from the Company's acceptance of this
Franchise
Ordinance
or from Company's
exercise of any privilege
or right granted by this
Franchise
Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -10-
Notwithstanding the above provisions of this subsection, the Council may in its sole
discretion waive the bond or reduce the required amount after five (5) years of operation of a
CATV System under the Franchise Ordinance by the Company if the operation, in the sole
opinion of the City, has been satisfactory.
The bond(s) should be subject to the approval of the City and shall contain the following
endorsement:
It is hereby understood and agreed that this bond may not be cancelled until sixty (60)
days after receipt by the City (by filing with the City Cleric), by registered mail return receipt
requested, of a written notice of intent to cancel, intent not to renew, or material change in the
bond.
(b) Delays in Performance. The bond(s) required in this subsection shall provide that
with fifteen (15) days' prior written notice to the Company, the City may recover against the
surety the sums provided for failure to complete construction in accordance with Section 28-1-5
of this Franchise Ordinance.
(2) Letter of Credit.
(a) Within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date of this Franchise Ordinance,
Company shall deposit with the City an effective irrevocable letter of credit ftom a financial
institution acceptable to the City Attorney (and maintain at all times through the term of this
Franchise Ordinance), in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00). The form,
manner and content of the letter of credit shall be subject to the approval by the City Manager,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. The letter of credit shall be used to insure
the faithful performance by Company of all the provisions of this Franchise Ordinance and
compliance with all orders, permits and directions of City lawfully imposed on Company and the
payment by Company of any claims, liens and taxes due City which arise by reason of the
construction, rebuild, upgrade, operation or maintenance of the CATV System. City reserves the
right, in its sole discretion, to reduce the required amount of the letter of credit.
(b) If Company fails to pay to City any taxes due and unpaid or fails to repay to City,
any penalties, damages, costs or expenses for which the Company is required to indemnify the
City under this Franchise Ordinance or is deemed, pursuant to the procedures required under
Section 28-1-21 hereof, to comply with any provision of the Franchise Ordinance which City
reasonably determines can be remedied by an expenditure of the security, City may immediately
request and receive payment of the amount due and owing (with interest and any penalties) from
the financial institution holding the letter of credit. Upon request for such payment, City shall
notify the Company of the amount and date of the payment.
(e) Whenever the City shall receive payment of any amount against the letter of
credit, the Company shall pay to or deposit with the financial institution holding the letter of
credit an amount sufficient to replenish the letter of credit to its full value of Twenty Thousand
Dollars ($20,000.00) within ten (10) days after the Company has been notified of the City's
request for payment. The City Manager shall be furnished with written proof of replenishment
not later than twenty-four (24) hours after it is accomplished.
(d) The Letter of Credit shall contain the following endorsement:
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -I1-
(e) It is hereby understood and agreed that this Letter of Credit may not be cancelled
by the financial institution nor the intention not to renew be stated until thirty (30) days after
- receipt by the City, by registered mail, of a written notice of such intention to cancel or not to
renew.
(3) Rights Reserved to City. The rights reserved by the City with respect to the bond(s) and
letter of credit are in addition to all other rights and remedies the City may have under this
Franchise Ordinance or any other law.
Sec. 28-1-11. Liability insurance and indemnification
(1) Liability Insurance.
(a) At all times during the term of the Franchise Ordinance, Company shall maintain
and (by its acceptance of a franchise under this Franchise Ordinance) specifically agrees that it
will maintain in full force and effect, and at its own cost and expense comprehensive general
liability insurance insuring the City and the Company from claims which may arise from
Company's operations under this Franchise. The insurance must provide for at least Four
Million Dollars ($4,000,000) in coverage for personal injury or death from any occurrence. The
policy or policies shall afford the same limits of liability as set out above for liability assumed
under contract. The policy or policies shall name the City as an additional insured and provide
that no other insurance maintained by the City will be called upon to contribute to a loss covered
under that policy.
All insurance policies maintained pursuant to this Franchise Ordinance shall contain the
following endorsement:
It is understood and agreed that this insurance policy may not be cancelled nor the
intention not to renew be stated until sixty (60) days after receipt by the City, by registered mail,
of written notice of such intention to cancel or not to renew.
(2) Indemnification.
(a) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the City from any suit, claim or
demand whatsoever which may be asserted or recovered against it based upon or arising out of
Company's construction, maintenance, or operation of the System or any part thereof; provided,
that such suit, claim, or demand is not based upon the City's own intentional or negligent
conduct. The City agrees to immediately notify Company, in writing and within forty-eight (48)
hours (unless notification within forty-eight (48) hours would be unreasonable due to
extraordinary circumstances) of any claim or suit against the City for which Company may be
required to indemnify the City. In the event Company is required to defend the City in
connection with this section, the City agrees to tender control of its defense to Company and
Company shall have the right to select defense counsel. "the City agrees to cooperate in its own
defense.- This section does not apply to claims brought against the City pertaining to the granting
of this Franchise Ordinance.
(b) Reserved.
(c) City reserves the right, at its own expense, to participate in the defense of any
claim identified above either through intervention or otherwise.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -12-
(d) The City is in no manner or means waiving any governmental immunity or
limitation of liability it may enjoy or any immunity or limitation of liability for its agents,
officials, servants, attorneys, representatives and/or employees.
(e) The Company shall make no settlement in any matter identified above without the
City's written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Failure to inform the City of
settlement shall constitute a breach of this Franchise Ordinance and the City may seek any
redress available to it against the Company whether set forth in this Franchise Ordinance or
under any other municipal, state or federal laws.
(f) Company shall contemporaneously with this Franchise execute an Indemnity
Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney attached as Exhibit B, which shall
indemnify, defend and hold the City harmless for any claim for injury, damage, loss, liability,
cost or expense, including court and appeal costs and reasonable attorneys' fees or reasonable
expenses arising out of the actions of the City in granting this Franchise Ordinance. This
obligation includes any claims by another franchised cable operator against the City that the
terms and conditions of this Franchise Ordinance are less burdensome than another franchise
granted by the City or that this Franchise Ordinance does not satisfy the requirements of
applicable federal, state, or local law(s).
(g) The City's exercise of or failure to exercise any rights pursuant to any section of
this Franchise Ordinance shall not affect in any way the right of City subsequently to exercise
any such rights or any other right of City under this Franchise Ordinance or any other ordinance,
rule, regulation or law.
Sec. 28-1-12. System facilities; capabilities
(1) Business Office. During the term of the Franchise the Company shall comply with one
(1) of the following requirements:
(a) The Company shall maintain a full service office at a location convenient to the
public, it being understood and agreed that any location within ten (10) miles of the City shall be
deemed convenient to the public. At such time as Company ceases to maintain such an office in
the City, the Company shall provide for the convenience of its customers drop boxes for
payments and equipment at up to two (2) locations to be determined by mutual agreement of the
parties; provided, however, that the City agrees to provide locations on City -owned property at
which such drop boxes may be located. Equipment exchanges and other customer service needs
may also be addressed through Company's direct service offerings.
(b) Company shall maintain convenient local Subscriber service and bill payment
locations for the purpose of receiving Subscriber payments or equipment returns. Unless
otherwise requested by the Subscriber, Company shall deliver replacement equipment directly to
the Subscriber at no cost to the Subscriber. The Company shall maintain a business office or
offices for the purpose of receiving and resolving all complaints regarding the quality of service,
equipment malfunctions, billings disputes and similar matters. The office must be reachable by a
local, toll-free telephone call, and Company shall provide the City with the naive, address and
telephone number of an office that will act as the Company's agent to receive complaints,
regarding quality of service, equipment malfunctions, billings, and similar matters. At a
minimum Company shall also provide the following:
(1) Subscribers can remit payments at multiple third party commercial
locations within the City (such as grocery stores or the Western Union).
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -13-
(2) Company will provide a service technician to any Qualified Living Unit in
the City, free of charge to the Subscriber, where necessary to install, replace or
- - troubleshoot equipment issues.
(3) Subscribers shall be able to return and receive equipment, free of charge,
via national overnight courier service (such as Fed Ex or UPS) if a service technician is
not required to visit the Subscriber's Qualified Living Unit.
(4) In the event Company provides Cable Service to a minimum of thirty
percent (30%) of the total number of Cable Service Subscribers in the City served by
cable operators franchised by the City, the Company shall then be required to also
comply with the requirements of 28-1-13(1) (a) above.
(2) Emergency Capability and Use. The City and the Company shall conform to federal laws
and regulations as they become effective, including 47 CFR Parts 11, 21, 63 and 76 regarding
emergency alert system requirements.
Sec. 28-1-13. Construction and technical standards
(1) Compliance with Construction and Technical Standards. Company shall construct,
install, operate and maintain it's System in a manner consistent with all applicable laws,
ordinances, construction standards, governmental requirements and FCC technical standards.
(2) Performance Tests and Certification.
(a) The Company shall be responsible for insuring that the CATV System is
designed, installed and operated in a manner which fully complies with the technical standards of
this Franchise Ordinance.
(b) The Company shall conduct complete performance tests of the CATV System as
required by FCC regulations. The Company shall provide the City thirty (30) days advance
notice of any test and, upon request, with a written report of the results of such FCC technical
tests.
(c) Company shall bear all of the costs of technical standards testing required under
FCC rules.
Sec. 28-1-14. PEG programming and Leased Access channels
(1) Specially Designated Public, Educational, Governmental ("PEG") and leased access
channels.
(a) Within one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date of this Franchise,
Company shall make available for access programming at least five (5) downstream video
channels on the Subscriber network for public, educational and governmental access. Two (2) of
the channels shall be specially designated for noncommercial public access; one (1) channel shall
be dedicated to local non-commercial municipally -produced community programming; one (1)
channel shall be specially designated for noncommercial access by local educational authorities;
and one (1) channel shall be specially designated for noncommercial access for local government
use. For the first one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date of this Franchise, the
City may draft and provide to Company a written explanation regarding the PEG channels that
will soon be offered by the Company on the Company's Cable Service offering. The City shall
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -14-
email the content of this explanation, which shall not exceed two hundred fifty (250) words, to
Company and Company shall, at its sole cost and free of charge to the City, print flyers
containing this explanation ("PEG Flyer") that shall be distributed to Company's field
technicians serving the City. The field technicians shall be instructed to include the PEG Flyer
in all Subscriber installation packets for the City of St. Louis Park until such time as the PEG
channels are available in the City.
(1) Company shall use Channel 22 in its channel lineup as a means to provide
ease of access by Subscribers to the access channels placed on channel numbers
significantly higher than the access channels have historically been placed under other
Cable Services franchises in the City. This type of channel shall be referred to as a
"Mosaic Channel." The Mosaic Channel shall serve as a navigation tool for Subscribers,
which shall display the group of access channels on a single channel screen and also
provide for easy navigation to a chosen access channel in the group.
(2) Company shall use Channel 22 as a Mosaic Channel to display the access
channels required under this Franchise Ordinance. Company shall not include any other
programming or channels on the Mosaic Channel unless the City provides advance
written consent. City shall provide audio content for Mosaic Channel from their point of
origin (City Hall control room).
(3) The Mosaic Channel mechanism shall allow Subscribers to navigate
directly from Channel 22 to the requested access channel in a single operation without
any intermediate steps. When using the Mosaic Channel, Subscribers shall be directed to
the requested access channel in a high definition (HD) format if appropriate to the
Subscriber's level of service; otherwise, the Subscriber shall be directed to the standard
definition (SD) access channel. The Mosaic Channel mechanism shall allow Subscribers
to navigate directly from Channel 22 to the requested Access Channels which shall be
located on Channel numbers 8114, 8115, 8116, 8117, and 8118 for the five (5) assigned
PEG Channels.
(4) Company shall consult with the City to determine the access channels
information displayed on the Mosaic Channel. However, the information shall have
video and audio strength, signal quality, and functionality equivalent to the highest
quality broadcast and commercial cable/satellite channels carried by the Company on its
Cable System in Mosaic format.
(b) At no time during the term of this Franchise Ordinance, shall the Company be
required to provide a greater number of PEG channels than the incumbent provider. The parties
recognize that under Minnesota State Law, Company is also required to provide one (1) channel
for regional PEG access, but Company is only required to provide this charnel for so long as it is
required under State law, and the regional channel does not count against the channels described
above.
(c) To the extent required by state law, the VHF spectrum shall be used for a least
one (1) of the specially designated noncommercial public access channels required in this
section. Company shall provide reception on these channels to each of the Subscribers who
receive Basic Service. Company shall ensure that its delivery and transmission of PEG channels
and programming shall be without material alteration or degradation of picture or sound content
and will be of a quality consistent with FCC technical standards. In the event the Company
changes the access channel designations (numbers), the Company shall, to the extent possible,
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -15-
provide sixty (60) days prior written notice of such change(s) to the City. In addition, the
s
Company shall provide reasonable notice of such change(s) to Subscribers via, for example, bill
stuffers or a channel crawl.
(2) PEG Carriage Requirements.
(a) While the parries recognize that while the primary signals of local broadcast
stations are simulcast in standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) formats, the
Company's obligation with respect to carriage of PEG in HD and SD formats shall be as follows:
(1) Company agrees to carry all access channels in HD provided the entity
originating the signal provides the Company an HD signal. Further, Company will
downconvert any such signal to an SD format so that Subscribers who choose not to
subscribe to an HD package may receive said signal in an undegraded SD format.
(2) Company is not required to convert a signal delivered in a lower quality
format to a higher quality format. The City shall have no obligation to provide a signal to
the Company in a HD format. Company shall obtain City PEG access channels at point
of origin (City Hall control room). Company shall include pass-through, any captioning
or text signals which are inserted by City or passed -through by City on its PEG access
channels.
(3) All PEG access channels must be receivable by Subscribers without
special expense in addition to the expense paid to receive commercial services the
Subscriber receives. City acknowledges that HD programming may require the viewer to
have special viewer equipment (such as an HDTV and an HD -capable digital
device/receiver), but any Subscriber who can view an HD signal delivered via the CATV
System at a receiver shall also be able to view the HD PEG channels at that receiver,
without additional charges or equipment. By agreeing to make PEG available in HD
format, Company is not agreeing to provide free HD equipment to customers including
complimentary municipal and educational accounts, or to modify its equipment or pricing
policies in any manner. City acknowledges that not every customer may be able to view
fID PEG programming (for example, because they do not have an HDTV in their home
or have chosen not to take an HD -capable receiving device from Company or other
equipment provider) or on every television in the home.
(b) The Company, upon request of the City, will promptly provide technical
assistance or diagnostic services to determine whether or not any audio, video or channel
information problem with the PEG signals is the result of matters for which the Company is
responsible, and if so the Company will take prompt corrective actions.
(c) The Company will provide any PEG access channels on the Basic Service tier
throughout the life of the Franchise, or if there is no basic tier, shall provide the PEG access
channels to any Person who subscribes to any level of Cable Service, and otherwise in
accordance with federal and state law. To the extent technically feasible, Company shall, upon
request from the City, provide City with quarterly viewership numbers for each of the PEG
access channels carried on Company's CATV System.
(d) Company shall facilitate carriage of PEG access channels program listings on its
interactive programming guide, at no cost to the City, provided that the City shall hold Company
harmless should the City or PEG providers fail to provide correct or timely information to the
interactive guide programmers.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -16-
(e) If channels are selected through menu systems, the PEG access channels shall be
displayed in the same manner as other channels, and with equivalent information regarding the
programming on the channel. To the extent that any menu system is controlled by a third party,
Company shall ensure that the Company will provide PEG listings on that menu system, if it is
provided with the programming information by the City.
(3) Charges for Use of Public Access Channels. No charges shall be made for channel time
or playback of prerecorded programming on at least one (1) of the specially designated
noncommercial public access channels required by this section, provided, however, that
personnel, equipment, and production costs may be assessed for live studio presentations
exceeding five (5) minutes in length. Charges for such production costs and any fees or use of
other public access channels shall be consistent with the goal of affording the public a low cost
means of television access.
(4) Access Channel Rules. The governmental access channel, municipally operated channel,
and public access channels, shall be administered solely by the City. The local educational
channels shall be administered solely by ISD 283. The leased access channel(s) shall be
administered solely by the Company.
(5) Reduction of Channel Capacity. If available channel capacity is reduced in the future or
where demand for use does not warrant activation of all of the specially designated access
channels required in this section; public, educational, governmental and leased access channel
programming may be combined on one or more cable channels. To the extent consistent with
the City's mules and where time is available, access channels may also be used for other broadcast
and non -broadcast services, provided that such services are subject to immediate displacement
and may be replaced by access channels if City determines, in its sole discretion, that there is
demand to use the channel for its specially designated access purpose. To the extent required by
State law, Company shall, in any case, provide at least one (1) full channel on the VHF spectrum
for shared access programming. Available channel capacity shall be reduced or a determination
that demand for use does not warrant activation of all the specially designated access channels
required by this section shall be made only pursuant to the following procedure:
(a) Company will notify City of the proposed change;
(b) City shall make a determination following a process of review which takes into
account such rules as may be established by City for this purpose and which affords notice and
opportunity to be heard to all interested parties.
(6) Video on Demand. The Company shall provide HD/SD Video on Demand service
(VOD) for government and conummity programming. The VOD service to be provided herein
shall be limited to up to twenty (20) hours of HD or SD, as determined by the City, programming
per month and, in addition to City -provided content, may include ISD 283 programming. The
City will be solely responsible for determining programming priority and will be responsible for
providing Company with good quality roasters in a format determined through mutual
agreement. A presentation form (stating program information, the City's acceptance of
responsibility for content, "kill" dates, if applicable, and other matters) and content delivery
method will be determined through mutual agreement of the parties.
(7) PEG Fee.
(a) The PEG fee, payable quarterly to the City, shall be One and 12/100 Dollars
($1.12) per Subscriber, per month commencing on the Effective Date and continuing for the
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -17-
duration of this Franchise Ordinance ("PEG Fee"). Upon sixty (60) days' notice to Company,
City may elect to unilaterally increase the monthly per Subscriber PEG Fee. In no event shall the
-- PEG Fee be assessed in an amount or manner different from that imposed upon the incumbent
cable provider. In the event the incumbent cable provider agrees to or imposes a higher, or
lower, PEG Fee, Company will increase or decrease its PEG Fee upon sixty (60) days written
notice from the City. The PEG Fee may be used for operational or capital support of PEG
programming as determined in the City's discretion.
(b) If any laws, rules, regulations or government authorizations would allow a
provider of multi -channel video programming or equivalent in the City's Rights of Way to
provide multi -channel video programming or equivalent under less burdensome regulations or
regulatory structure than Company is operating under, the obligations of this section shall be
modified to reflect such changes.
(c) Company agrees that financial support for PEG arising from or relating to the
obligations set forth in this section shall in no way modify or otherwise affect Company's
obligations to pay franchise fees to the City. Company agrees that although the sum of franchise
fees plus the payments set forth in this section may total more than five percent (5%) of
Company's Gross revenues in any twelve (12) month period, the additional commitments shall
not be offset or otherwise credited in any way against any franchise fee payments under this
Franchise Ordinance.
See. 28-1-15. Interconnection/service to government and school buildings
(1) Programming Origination Sites. Company agrees to operate and maintain existing direct
connections and necessary equipment for the purposes of cablecasting programming on the
Subscriber network, as follows:
(a) from ISD 283 High School headend to City Hall control room racks.
(b) from ISD 283 football field grandstand to High School headend.
(c) from City Hall control room racks to Company headend.
(d) from Wolfe Park Veteran's Memorial Amphitheatre to City Hall control room
racks.
(e) from designated equipment area in nearby Rec Center to City Hall control room
racks.
Company shall not be liable or responsible for any costs or expenses resulting from any City or
High School loss of or damage to connections or equipment or any changes to the City or High
School's wiring implemented by a party other than Company.
(2) PEG Origination Connection. City agrees that Company shall be allowed to meet the
obligations of Section 28-1-15 (1) (a)—(d) by providing, free of charge and at no cost to the City,
a direct fiber connection and necessary equipment to transmit PEG programming from the City
Hall control room racks to the Company headend ("PEG Origination Connection"). In the event
Company is not able to obtain all of the PEG programming at the PEG Origination Connection,
the Company agrees to undertake construction of direct connections and necessary equipment to
each of the programming origination sites set forth in Section 28-1-15 (1) (a) -(e).
(3) Future Programming Origination Sites. At such time that the City determines the need
for additional programming origination sites (such as a school, City facility, other government
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -18-
facilities or other designated facilities), the City will give Grantee written notice detailing the
point of origination and the capability sought by the City (i.e. the need to have the PEG
programming feed back to the City Hall control room). Grantee agrees to install and maintain
such fiber connection to the designation origination site within a reasonable period of time taking
into consideration weather and related technical issues.
(4) Free Service to City Buildings and Public Schools
(a) As part of its support for PEG use of the System, the Company shall provide, at
no cost to the City and to the affected institution, a free drop to the Subscriber network and free
Basic Service and Expanded Basic Service to each public and private school, public library
branch, police and fire station, community center and public building that requests a drop in
writing, and to such other public institutions as the City may reasonably request from time to
time provided such location is a Qualified Living Unit and not currently receiving service from
another provider. The initial list of such public buildings is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
However, City may determine to disconnect the other cable provider and require Company to
meet the free service obligation, as determined in City's sole discretion. "Free" means no initial
charges, recurring charges or service charges.
(b) The Company is only required to provide a single free drop to the Subscriber
network, to a single outlet at a point within the location selected by that location. However, the
location may extend the drop to multiple outlets and receive free Basic Service and Expanded
Basic Service at each outlet so long as such extension does not result in any violations of leakage
standards which the Company is obligated to meet by the FCC. A location that wishes to install
multiple outlets may do so itself, or may contract with the Company to do so. Company shall
provide up to three (3) devices to each location free of charge so that the Services can be
received and individually tuned by each receiver connected to the drop at a location. If an
institution physically moves locations, such institution may move existing devices to the new
locations with a free drop, and the moved device will not count against the three additional
devices. Company will replace and maintain devices it provides or that it had provided as
necessary so that locations may continue to view the free services Company is required to
provide. Provided such location is a Qualified Living Unit and not currently receiving service
from another provider. However, City may determine to disconnect the other cable provider and
require Company to meet the free service obligation, as determined in City's sole discretion.
(c) City may arrange a standard monthly fee for a DVR device, provided by
Company, to enable recording of PEG access channels to monitor signal quality.
(d) Company shall maintain the City Hall and the City Emergency Operations Center
located at the Police Station, 3015 Raleigh Avenue (`BOC") and Fire Station 1 Emergency
Operations Center, 3750 Wooddale Avenue South as Qualified Living Units for the duration of
the Franchise. Company shall at all times provide and maintain, free of charge, a drop to the
Subscriber network, required set-top box and free Basic Cable and Expanded Basic Cable to the
City Hall and both EOC's to allow the PEG access master control room at City Hall and the
EOC's the ability to view (live) the Company's downstream PEG programming channels on
Company's Cable System so the City can monitor the PEG signals and make certain that PEG
programming is being properly received (picture and sound) by Subscribers.
(e) Company agrees that if any broadband service is required in order to receive the
free service obligation set forth in this section, Company will provide such broadband service
free of charge for the sole purpose of facilitating the provision free Cable Service required by
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -19-
this section. Company agrees that it will not offset, deduct or reduce its payment of past, present
or future franchise fees required as a result of its obligation to providing devices or connections
' or services to public facilities.
Sec. 28-1-16. System construction requirements
(1) Permit Application. Company shall be responsible for application costs and approval of
all necessary permits required under the City's generally applicable ordinances pertaining to its
work in Public Ways.
(2) Line Extension Policy. Company shall not have a line extension obligation until the first
date by which Company is providing Cable Service to more than fifty percent (50%) of all
Subscribers receiving facilities based Cable Service from both the Company and any other
provider(s) of Cable Service within the City. At that time, the City, in its reasonable discretion
and after meeting with Company, shall determine the timeframe to complete deployment to the
remaining households in the City, including a density requirement that is the same or similar to
the requirement of the incumbent franchised cable operator.
(3) City's Reservation of Rights. Neither the review of plans by the City nor the granting by
City of any licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, approvals, etc., shall be construed as a
guarantee or warranty by the City of Company's CATV System. The Company shall not assert
the fact that the City has performed any prior review of its plans or exercised any ministerial
function in granting licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, approvals, etc., as a defense
against its obligations to indemnify and hold the City harmless pursuant to Section 9-711(3).
Sec. 28-1-17. Fees, rates and charges
(1) To the extent authorized by law, the City reserves its rights to regulate rates and charges
imposed by the Company (City received FCC Certification of Franchising Authority to Regulate
Basic Cable rates on 10-26-93).
(2) Notice of Rate Change. Company shall notify the City and Subscribers of changes in
rates as and to the extent required by 47 C.F.R. §76.1603.
Sec. 28-1-18. Conditions of public property occupancy
(1) Approval of Proposed Construction. The Company shall first obtain the approval of the
Director of Engineering before any construction is commenced on streets, alleys, sidewalks,
driveways, Public Property or places of the City. Application for approval of construction shall
be in a form specified by the Director of Engineering. The Company shall give the City
reasonable written notice of proposed construction to allow coordination of all work between the
City and the Company.
(2) Excavation Permits. Company shall not open or disturb the surface of a Public Way for
any purpose without first having obtained a permit to do so in the manner provided by ordinance.
Company may apply for a single permit for all excavation. The amount charged by City to
Company for such permit shall be fair and reasonable.
(3) Changes Required by Public Improvements. Whenever the City undertakes any public
improvement which affects CATV System facilities, it shall direct the Company to remove or
relocate such equipment from the area of public improvement, at Company's expense.
Specifically, Company shall, at its expense, protect, support, temporarily disconnect, relocate in
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -20-
or remove from a street, alley, sidewalk, driveway, or Public Property or place any property of
the Company when required by the Director of Engineering by reason of traffic conditions,
public safety, street vacation, street construction, change or establishment of street grade,
installation or improvement of sewers, drains, water pipes, power lines, signal lines, tracks or
any other type of structure, improvement or alteration of Public Property. If this public
improvement also requires public utilities to remove or relocate their equipment and the City
reimburses the utilities for their expenses incurred in the removal or relocation, the City shall
reimburse the Company on the same terms and conditions it reimburses the utilities. If the
utilities are reimbursed by some source other than the City, then City shall not be required to
reimburse the Company for its expenses but will provide the Company with reasonable
assistance in obtaining such reimbursement.
(4) Interference With or Hazard to Persons and Improvements. The Company's CATV
System, including all wires, conduits, cables and other property and facilities, shall be located,
constructed, installed and maintained so as not to endanger or unnecessarily interfere with the
lives of Persons or with the usual and customary trade, traffic and travel upon the streets, alleys,
sidewalks, driveways or Public Property and places of the City. The Company shall keep and
maintain all of its property in good condition, order and repair and make it available for
inspection at any reasonable time and upon reasonable notice. The City shall have the right to
inspect and examine property located in the Public Way that is owned or used, in part or in
whole, by the Company. Company shall not place poles or other equipment where they will
interfere with the rights or reasonable convenience of adjoining property owners, or with any
gas, electric, or telephone fixtures or with any water hydrants or mains. All poles or other
fixtures placed in a street shall be placed in the Right of- Way between the roadway and private
property as specified by the Director of Engineering.
(5) Method of Installation. All wires, cables, amplifiers and other property shall be
constructed and installed in an orderly and workmanlike manner. All cables and wires shall be
installed parallel with existing telephone and electric wires whenever possible. Multiple cable
configurations shall be arranged in parallel and bundled, in compliance with engineering and
safety considerations and standards. Any portion of a CATV System that is installed by
Company in a park or publicly owned open space area shall be installed underground in a
manner approved by the City. All installations shall be underground in those areas of the City
where public utilities providing telephone, cable, or electric utility facilities are underground at
the time of installation. In areas where either telephone and electric utility facilities are above
ground at the time of installation, the Company may install its facilities above ground provided
that at such time as all those facilities are required to be placed underground, the Company shall
likewise place its facilities underground without additional cost to the residents of the City
except as provided under City ordinance.
(6) Protection of Facilities. Nothing contained in this Franchise Ordinance shall relieve any
Person, company or corporation from liability arising out of the failure to exercise reasonable
care to avoid injuring Company's facilities while performing any work connected with grading,
regrading, or changing the line of any street or public place or with the construction or
reconstruction of any utility facility, sewer or water system.
(7) Notice of City Improvements. The City shall give the Company reasonable notice of
plans for street improvements where paving or resurfacing of a permanent nature is involved.
The notice shall contain the nature and character of the improvements, the streets upon which the
improvements are to be made, the extent of the improvements and the date of commencement of
work. Notice shall be given a sufficient length of time in advance to permit Company to make
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -21-
any additions, alterations, or repairs to its facilities deemed necessary, considering seasonal
working conditions in advance of the actual commencement of work.
(8) Compliance with Codes. All construction, installation, maintenance and operation of
CATV Systems or facilities shall comply with the provisions of the National Electrical Safety
Code as prepared by the National Bureau of Standards, the National Electrical Code of the
National Board of Fire Underwriters, the Bell Telephone System Code of Pole Line construction,
standards issued by the FCC or other federal or state regulatory agencies, and local zoning
regulations. Every CATV System installed, constructed, maintained or operated in the City shall
be designed, constructed, installed, maintained and operated as not to endanger or interfere with
the safety of Persons or property in the City.
(9) Moving Wires. Upon request made at least five (5) days in advance by a holder of a
building moving permit for the purpose of moving buildings, the Company shall temporarily
raise, lower, or remove its wires. The holder of the building moving permit shall pay the
reasonable cost of the requested service and may be required to pay that amount in advance.
(10) Trimming Trees. All trimming shall be done under the supervision and direction of the
City and at the expense of the Company. The Company shall not remove any tree within any
public place without the prior consent of the City. The Company shall be allowed to trim trees
upon and overhanging streets, alleys, sidewalks, driveways and public grounds and places of the
City to prevent the branches of the trees from coming in contact with the wires and cables of
Company. Regardless of who performs the work, the Company shall be responsible and shall
defend and hold City harmless for any and all damages to any tree or surrounding land as a result
of the trimming or removal.
(11) Restoration to Prior Condition. In case of any disturbance of a Public Way, the Company
shall, at its own cost and expense and in a manner approved by the City, replace and restore all
paving, sidewalk, driveway, foundation or surface of any street or alley disturbed, in as good
condition as before the work was commenced and in accordance with standards for such work
set by the City. If, upon reasonable written notice, the Company fails promptly to restore any
street or public place in accordance with this provision, the City shall have the right to put such
street or public place back into good condition at the expense of the Company and the Company
shall, upon demand, pay to the City and the cost of such work done or performed by the City.
(12) Interference With Reception. Company shall not allow its cable or other operations to
interfere with the broadcast reception of Persons not served by Company.
(13) Record of Equipment and Facilities to be Maintained. The Company shall at all times
make and keep at its business office complete and accurate plans and records showing the exact
location of all CATV System equipment and facilities installed or in use in the City and make
available such maps and records for the City's inspection promptly upon the City's reasonable
request.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -22-
Sec. 28-1-19. Operation of the franchise/consumer service
(1) Consumer Service Policies. The Company shall comply with applicable customer service
standards set forth at 47 C.F.R. 76.309, or other applicable state or federal requirements.
Nothing in the foregoing shall be construed as a waiver by the City of any rights it may have to
adopt additional or modified consumer protection requirements to the extent authorized by
federal or state law.
(2) Consumer Complaints. The Company shall designate a local contact Person for City
representatives to contact in case complaints about the Company, its practices or services are
received by City staff. The Company is expected to normally resolve customer's complaints
without City involvement, but when customer complaints are received by City staff and
forwarded to the Company contact, the Company shall resolve the customer complaint and notify
City staff of the outcome.
The Company shall provide a copy of pertinent Company customer service policies to the
City upon request, for verification that Company policies have been followed in complaints
received by the City.
(3) Repairs and Maintenance.
(a) Maintenance of the Cable System. The Company shall install and maintain the
CATV System so as to avoid unreasonable or repetitive interruptions in service to Subscribers.
(b) Interruption of Service. Whenever it is necessary to interrupt service to make
tests, repairs, adjustments or installations, the Company shall do so during a period of minimum
Subscriber use. Unless an interruption is unforeseen and immediately necessary, the Company
shall give reasonable notice to the Subscribers affected. All costs incurred in effecting such
tests, repairs, adjustments or installations shall be borne by the Company unless otherwise
provided by law, ordinance or regulation, or it is the result of Subscriber negligence.
(4) Reports, Books and Records of Company.
(a) City's Right to Audit. Upon request, not more than once every three (3) years, the
City shall have reasonable access at mutually agreed-upon times to audit Company's accounting
and financial records at Company's place of business upon reasonable notice as reasonably
necessary to verify Company's compliance with its monetary obligations to the City under this
Franchise Ordinance. Company shall have the right to observe any such audit proceedings.
Such audit may not review records extending back further than three (3) years from the
commencement of such audit.
(b) Report on Operations. Upon request, the Company shall prepare and furnish to
the City at the time and in the form prescribed by the City Manager, such reports with respect to
its CATV System operations, affairs, transactions or property in the City, as may be determined
reasonably necessary to the City's regulation of the CATV System pursuant to this Franchise
Ordinance.
(5) Filing Communications with Regulatory Agencies. As required by applicable law and
otherwise upon request, Company shall provide to City a copy of any petition, application or
similar communication that is submitted by the Company to the FCC, or other federal or state
regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction in respect to any matter affecting CATV
System operations within the City.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -23-
(6) Reserved.
(7) Rules of the Company. The Company may promulgate such rules, regulations, terms and
conditions governing the conduct of its business as may be reasonably necessary to enable it to
exercise its rights and perform its obligations under the Franchise Ordinance and to assure an
uninterrupted service to any and all of its customers; except that such rules, regulations, terms
and conditions shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this Franchise Ordinance, other
ordinances of the City, or the laws of the State of Minnesota or the United States. Upon request,
a current copy of any such rules, regulations or terms and conditions shall be provided to the
City.
(8) Service Contract. If a written service contract is used by a Company in its dealings with
Subscribers, the Company shall provide a copy of such form contract to the City upon request.
(9) Reserved.
(10) Reserved.
(11) Preferential or Discriminatory Practices Prohibited.
(a) The Company shall establish and maintain an Equal Employment and Affirmative
Action Program providing that no individual shall be discriminated against with respect to
compensation, terms, conditions or other privileges or employment because of race, color, creed,
religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, physical condition, age, affectional preference or marital
status. The Company's Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Program shall, upon request,
be provided to the City Manager and shall be in compliance with current and future policies
established in the City's Affirmative Action Program, as well as with Section 635 of the Cable
Act of 1984. The Company shall strictly adhere to the Equal Employment and Affirmative
Action Program it files.
(b) The Company shall comply with or exceed all federal, state and local laws and
regulations relating to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination.
(12) Subscriber Privacy. At all times, Company shall abide by the Subscriber privacy
provisions in applicable federal and state laws including 47 U.S.C. §551.
(13) Surveys. Company shall provide the City with the results of any non -confidential, non -
privileged survey of Subscribers in the City regarding Cable Service or the operation of the
CATV System.
(14) Periodic Review. The City may request a State -of -the -Art review of not more than once
during the initial five (5) year term of this Franchise Ordinance. In conducting a State -of -the -Art
review, the City shall undertake the following process:
(a) The City and the Company shall undertake a review of the then existing CATV
System. This review shall, at a minimum, take into account the following:
(1) Characteristics of the existing System;
(2) The State -of -the -Art;
(3) Additional benefits provided to customers by the State -of -the -Art;
(4) The market place demand for the State -of -the -Art;
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -24-
(5) The use of a need for additional PEG access channels; and
(6) The financial feasibility of the State -of -the -Art taking into account
associated rate increases, and the premature retirement of assets.
(7) Other technologies present in the market place.
(b) The City shall hold a public hearing to enable the general public and Company to
comment and to present evidence.
(c) As a result of any review based on this section, the City and Company may enter
into good faith negotiations to amend this Franchise as necessary to provide system
improvements on a schedule that takes into account the impact on rates, recovery of costs,
benefit to Subscribers, and other factors agreed upon.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, City may not undertake a State of the
Art review at any time the Company is deemed subject to effective competition pursuant to then
applicable state or federal law.
See. 28-1-20. Rights reserved; resolution of disputes
(1) No Impairment of Eminent Domain. Nothing herein shall be construed to contract away,
modify or abridge, either for a term or in perpetuity, the City's rights to eminent domain,
including any right of the City to acquire the property of the Company through the exercise of
the right of eminent domain.
(2) Administration of Franchise Ordinance. Subject to the control and direction of the
Council, the City Manager of City, or City Manager's designee, shall be the designated
administrator responsible for the continuing administration of the Franchise Ordinance.
(3) Resolution of Disputes and Appeal Procedures. Prior to taking any enforcement action
authorized by Section 28-1-21, the City shall contact the Company's designated representative
and attempt to resolve the dispute.
(4) City's Transfer of Functions. Any right or power conferred, or duly imposed upon any
elected official, officer, employee, department, or board of the City shall be subject to transfer by
the City to any other elected official, officer, employee, department or board to the extent
permitted by applicable law.
Sec. 28-1-21. Enforcement
(1) Failure to Enforce Provisions. The Company shall not be excused from complying with
any of the terms and conditions of the Franchise Ordinance by any failure of the City upon one
or more occasions to insist upon or to seek compliance with any such terms or conditions.
(2) Penalties. In addition to any other remedies provided in this Franchise Ordinance,
penalties for violations of this Franchise Ordinance are set forth below. As a result of any acts or
omissions by Company pursuant to the Franchise Ordinance, City may charge to and collect
from the Company, by drawing on the Letter of Credit set forth in Section 28-1-10, or otherwise
the following penalties:
(a) For failure to provide, after ten (10) days' notice, data, documents, reports or
information or to cooperate with the City during a renewal process or CATV System evaluation
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -25-
or in the conduct of City's Franchise Ordinance enforcement and administration functions, the
penalty shall be Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per day.
(b) For failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Franchise Ordinance after
ten (10) days' notice, for which a penalty is not otherwise specifically provided, the penalty shall
be Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per day.
(c) For failure to test, analyze and report on the performance of the CATV System
following a request by the City as set forth in this Franchise Ordinance and after ten (10) days'
notice, the penalty shall be Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per day.
(d) For failure of Company to comply with the construction, operation or
maintenance standards thirty (30) days following notice from the City, the penalty shall be Two
Hundred Dollars ($200.00) per day.
(e) For failure to comply with all conditions of City permits to disturb streets, fix
streets, or other terms or conditions of City, the penalty shall be Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per day.
Nothing herein shall prevent the parties from mutually agreeing to extend the ten (10) day
periods referenced above.
(3) Notice of Violation. In the event that the City believes that the Company has not
complied with any material term of the Franchise Ordinance, the City shall informally discuss
the matter with Company. If these discussions do not lead to resolution of the problem, the City
shall notify the Company in writing of the exact nature of such alleged noncompliance.
(4) The Company's Right to Cure or Respond. The Company shall have thirty (30) days
from receipt of the notice described in subsection (2) to: (a) respond to the City, contesting the
assertion of such noncompliance, or (b) cure such default, or (c) in the event that, by the nature
of such default, it cannot be cured within the thirty (30) day period, initiate reasonable steps to
remedy such default and notify the City of the steps being taken and the projected date that they
will be completed.
(5) Public Hearing. In the event that the Company fails to respond to the notice described in
subsection (3) pursuant to the procedures set forth in subsection (4), or in the event that the
alleged default is not remedied within thirty (30) days or the date projected pursuant to (3)(c)
above, if it intends to continue its investigation into the default, then the City shall schedule a
public hearing. The City shall provide the Company at least ten (10) days prior written notice of
such hearing, which specifies the time, place and purpose of such hearing, and provide the
Company the opportunity to be heard. Within thirty (30) days of the end of such hearing, the
City shall issue a written decision regarding whether a material default of the Franchise
Ordinance has been established by clear and convincing evidence in the record.
(6) Enforcement. Subject to applicable federal and state law, in the event the City, after the
hearing set forth in subsection (5), determines that the Company is in material default of any
provision of the Franchise Ordinance, the City may:
(a) Impose the penalties specified above and if prompt payment of the penalties is not
made by the Company, the City may draw on the letter of credit.
(b) Commence an action at law for monetary damages or seek other equitable relief,
or
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -26-
(c) In the case of repeated or ongoing substantial non-compliance with a material
term or terms of the Franchise Ordinance, seek to revoke the grant of the Franchise Ordinance
pursuant to this Franchise Ordinance in accordance with subsection (7).
(7) Revocation. Should the City seek to revoke the grant of the Franchise Ordinance after
following the procedures set forth in subsections (3) through (6) above, the City shall give
written notice to the Company of its intent. The notice shall set forth the exact nature of the
repeated or ongoing substantial noncompliance with a material term or terms of the Franchise
Ordinance. The Company shall have ninety (90) days from such notice to object in writing and
to state its reasons for such objection. In the event the City has not received a satisfactory
response from the Company, it may then seek termination of the franchise Ordinance at a public
hearing before the City Council. The City shall cause to be served upon the Company, at least
thirty (30) days prior to such public hearing, a written notice specifying the time and place of
such hearing and stating its intent to revoke the Franchise Ordinance.
At the designated hearing, Company shall be provided a fair opportunity for full
participation, including the right to be represented by legal counsel, to introduce relevant
evidence, to require the production of evidence, to compel the relevant testimony of the officials,
agents, employees or consultants of the City, to compel the testimony of other Persons as
permitted by law, and to question witnesses. A complete verbatim record and transcript shall be
made of such hearing.
Following the hearing, the City Council shall determine whether or not the Franchise
Ordinance shall be revoked. If the City Council determines that the Franchise Ordinance shall be
revoked, the City Council shall promptly provide Company with its decision in writing. The
Company may appeal such determination of the City Council to an appropriate court which shall
have the power to review the decision of the City Council de novo. Company shall be entitled to
such relief as the court finds appropriate.
(8) Force Majeure. The Company shall not be held in default under, or in noncompliance
with, the provisions of the Franchise Ordinance, nor suffer any enforcement or penalty relating to
noncompliance or default, where such noncompliance or alleged defaults occurred or were
caused by circumstances reasonably beyond the ability of the Company to anticipate and control
including, acts of God, insurrection, war, riot, vandalism, strikes, sabotage, or any other event
beyond the reasonable control of Company. This provision includes work delays caused by
waiting for utility providers to service or monitor their utility poles to which the Company's
CATV System is attached, as well as unavailability of materials and/or qualified labor to perform
the work necessary.
Furthermore, the parties hereby agree that it is not the City's intention to subject the
Company to penalties, fines, forfeitures or revocation of the Franchise Ordinance for violations
of the Franchise Ordinance where the violation was a good faith error that resulted in no or
minimal negative impact on the Subscribers within the Franchise Area.
See. 28-1-22. Renewal
The process for renewing this Franchise Ordinance shall be as provided under 47 U.S.C.§
546 and other applicable federal and state law.
Sec. 28-1-23. Removal after termination or revocation
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -27-
(1) At the expiration of the term for which this Franchise Ordinance is granted, or upon its
revocation or termination, as provided for herein, and final determination of non -renewal, City
shall have the right to require Company to remove, at Company's expense, all or any portion of
the CATV System used exclusively for the provision of Cable Service from all streets and Public
Property within City. In so removing the CATV System, Company shall refill and compact at its
own expense any excavation that shall be made by it and shall leave all streets and Public
Property in as good a condition as that prevailing prior to Company's removal of the CATV
System, and without affecting, altering or disturbing in any way electric telephone or other utility
cable, wires or attachments. City shall have the right to inspect and approve the condition of
such streets and Public Property after removal. The letter of credit, bonds, insurance, indemnity
and penalty provisions of the Franchise Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect during the
entire term of removal.
(2) If Company has failed to commence removal of System as set forth in Section 28-1-
23(1), or such part thereof as was designated by City, within thirty (30) days after written notice
of City's demand for removal is given, or if Company has failed to complete such removal
within one year after written notice of City's demand for removal is given, City shall have the
right to exercise any of the following options:
(a) Declare all right, title and interest to the CATV System to be in City with all
rights of ownership including, but not limited to, the right to operate the CATV System or to
transfer the CATV System to another for operation.
(b) Declare the CATV System abandoned and cause the CATV System or such part
thereof, as City shall designate, to be removed at the expense of the Company. The cost of said
removal shall be recoverable from the letter of credit, bonds, insurance, indemnification and
penalties provided for in this Franchise Ordinance or from Company directly as liquidated
damages.
Sec. 28-1-24. Expiration or revocation of franchise
(1) Expiration; Extended Operation. Upon the expiration of a Franchise Ordinance, the City
may by resolution direct the Company to operate the Franchise Ordinance for an extended period
of not to exceed six (6) months after the date of expiration. The Company agrees to comply with
such a direction. All provisions of the Franchise Ordinance shall continue to apply to operations
during an extension period. The City shall serve written notice at the Company's business office
of intent to extend under this section at least thirty (30) days prior to expiration. Nothing in the
foregoing affects Company's rights to a franchise renewal under 47 U.SC. §546.
(2) Injunctive Relief. Pending final disposition of proceedings to revoke a Franchise
Ordinance or during a period of extension of a Franchise Ordinance after expiration, the City
may obtain injunctive relief to obtain compliance with the provisions of the Franchise Ordinance
and maintain the continuity of service to Subscribers. Such relief shall be in addition to and not
in lieu of other remedies available to the City. If the City prevails, the costs shall be borne by
Company including reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements.
(3) Right of City to Purchase; Disposition of Facilities. Upon expiration of the terms of the
Franchise Ordinance, or upon a revocation or termination of this Franchise Ordinance, or if
renewal of this Franchise Ordinance is denied, the City shall have the right to acquire the
facilities used exclusively for CATV System. Any such acquisition shall be at fair market value,
determined on the basis of the CATV System as a going concern but with no value allocated to
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -28-
the Franchise Ordinance itself. If the Franchise Ordinance held by Company is revoked or
terminated for cause and the City determines to acquire ownership of the CATV System or
effects a transfer of ownership of the CATV System to another Person, any such acquisition or
transfer shall be at an equitable price.
(4) Restoration of Property Upon Removal. In removing its plants, structures and
equipment, the Company shall refill at its own expense, any excavation that shall be made by it
and shall leave all public ways and places in as good condition as that prevailing prior to the
Company's removal of its equipment and appliances, without affecting the electric or telephone
cables, wires or attachments. The Director of Engineering shall inspect and approve the
condition of the public ways and public places and cables, wires, attachments and poles after
removal. Liability insurance, indemnification and the security for performance required by this
Franchise Ordinance shall continue in full force and effect during the period of removal.
The City shall have a right to all available remedies, including drawing on Company's
letter of credit required by Section 28-1-10 of this Franchise Ordinance, in order to enforce the
requirements of this section.
Sec. 28-1-25. Abandonment
Company shall not abandon the CATV System or any portion thereof without having first
given three (3) months' written notice to City. Abandonment shall not occur unless first
approved by the City after reasonable opportunity to review. Upon showing by Company of
need for abandonment and an opportunity for the City to determine other areas for the continuity
of service, the City shall evaluate any damage, claim or loss that may be applicable as a
consequence of such abandonment. In order to accomplish this, the City shall conduct a public
hearing after providing reasonable notice to all affected Persons as to the date, time and place of
the hearing. Thereafter, before abandonment occurs, the City shall notify the Company of its
determination and any Person, including City, entitled to damages and the amount and basis
therefore. Company shall not abandon the CATV System or any portion thereof without
compensating City for damages resulting to it from the abandonment.
Sec. 28-1-26. Unauthorized connections
It shall be unlawful for any Person to make an unauthorized connection, whether
physically, electrically, acoustically, inductively or otherwise, with any part of the franchised
CATV System within the City for the purpose of taking or receiving television signals, radio
signals, pictures, programs, sound, or any other service provided by the Company.
Sec. 28-1-27. Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, paragraph, term, or provision of this Franchise
Ordinance is determined to be illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional, by any court of competent
jurisdiction or by any state or federal regulatory authority having jurisdiction thereof, such
determination shall have no effect on the validity of any other section, subsection, sentence,
paragraph, term or provision hereof, all of which will remain in full force and effect for the term
of this Franchise Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -29-
Sec. 28-1-28. Work performed by others
(1) Upon request, Company shall promptly give notice to City specifying the names and
addresses of any other entity, other than Company, which performs services pursuant to this
Franchise Ordinance, provided, however, that all provisions of this Franchise Ordinance remain
the responsibility of Company.
(2) All provisions of this Franchise Ordinance shall apply to any subcontractor or others
performing any work or services pursuant to the provisions of this Franchise Ordinance.
Sec. 28-1-29. Administration and advisory body
(1) Administrator. The City Manager or the City Manager's designee shall be responsible
for the continuing administration of this Franchise Ordinance. The administrator may be
changed by City from time to time by written notice given to Company.
(2) Advisory Body. City may appoint an advisory body to monitor the performance of
Company in executing the provisions of this Franchise Ordinance. The advisory body shall
perform all functions required of it by the Council and applicable laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations.
(3) Delegation of Authority by City.
(a) City reserves the right to delegate and re -delegate from time to time any of its
rights or obligations under this Franchise Ordinance to anybody or organization.
(b) Any delegation by City shall be effective upon written notice by City or Company
of such delegation.
(c) Upon receipt of notice by Company of City's delegation, Company shall be
bound by all terms and conditions of the delegation not in conflict with this Franchise Ordinance.
(d) Any such delegation, revocation or re -delegation, no matter how often made, shall
not be deemed an amendment to this Franchise Ordinance or require any consent of Company.
Sec. 28-1-30. Time of acceptance; exhibits
(1) Company shall have thirty (30) days from the last date of adoption of this Franchise
Ordinance to accept this Franchise Ordinance in form and substance acceptable to City, unless
the time for acceptance is extended by City. If this Franchise Ordinance is not accepted by
Company in accordance with the terms of this section, this Franchise Ordinance shall be null and
void and without effect. The City's "Notice of Intent to Consider an Application for a
Franchise" ("Notice") provided, consistent with Minn. Stat. 238.081 subd. 8, that applicants
would be required to reimburse the City for all necessary costs of processing a cable
communications franchise. Company submitted an application fee with its application to the
City. The Notice further provided that any unused portion of the application fee would be
returned and any additional fees required to process the application and franchise, beyond the
application fee, would be assessed to the successful applicant. The Company shall therefore
submit to the City at the time of acceptance of this Franchise, a check made payable to the City
of St. Louis Park, Minnesota for all additional fees and costs incurred by the City. Within thirty
(30) days of City Council approval, the City shall provide Company with a letter specifying such
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -30-
additional costs. The City shall provide Company with a letter specifying such additional costs
following approval of this Franchise by the City Council.
(2) Upon acceptance of this Franchise Ordinance, Company and City shall be bound by all
the terms and conditions contained herein. This Franchise Ordinance constitutes the entire
agreement between the Company and the City and supersedes all other prior understandings and
agreements oral or written. Any amendments to this Franchise Ordinance shall be mutually
agreed to in writing by the parties.
(3) All of the attached exhibits are a part of this Franchise Ordinance and each is specifically
incorporated herein by reference. The exhibits are as follows:
Exhibit A: List of City and school district buildings at which Company is capable of
providing free service as set forth in Section 28-1-15(2)(a).
Exhibit B: Indemnity Agreement.
Section 2. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective fifteen (15) days after its
passage and publication and after acceptance by the Company pursuant to Section 28-1-30.
Revie ed
City M
Attest:
City Clerk
this 16th day of November, 2015, by the City Council of the City of St. Louis
Adopted by the City Council November 16, 2015
Mayor
Approved as to Form and Execution:
City Attorney
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -29-
Sec. 28-1-28. Work performed by others
(1) Upon request, Company shall promptly give notice to City specifying the names and
addresses of any other entity, other than Company, which performs services pursuant to this
Franchise Ordinance, provided, however, that all provisions of this Franchise Ordinance remain
the responsibility of Company.
(2) All provisions of this Franchise Ordinance shall apply to any subcontractor or others
performing any work or services pursuant to the provisions of this Franchise Ordinance.
Sec. 28-1-29. Administration and advisory body
(1) Administrator. The City Manager or the City Manager's designee shall be responsible
for the continuing administration of this Franchise Ordinance. The administrator may be
changed by City from time to time by written notice given to Company.
(2) Advisory Body. City may appoint an advisory body to monitor the performance of
Company in executing the provisions of this Franchise Ordinance. The advisory body shall
perform all functions required of it by the Council and applicable laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations.
(3) Delegation of Authority by City.
(a) City reserves the right to delegate and re -delegate from time to time any of its
rights or obligations under this Franchise Ordinance to anybody or organization.
(b) Any delegation by City shall be effective upon written notice by City or Company
of such delegation.
(c) Upon receipt of notice by Company of City's delegation, Company shall be
bound by all terms and conditions of the delegation not in conflict with this Franchise Ordinance.
(d) Any such delegation, revocation or re -delegation, no matter how often made, shall
not be deemed an amendment to this Franchise Ordinance or require any consent of Company.
Sec. 28-1-30. Time of acceptance; exhibits
(1) Company shall have thirty (30) days from the last date of adoption of this Franchise
Ordinance to accept this Franchise Ordinance in form and substance acceptable to City, unless
the time for acceptance is extended by City. If this Franchise Ordinance is not accepted by
Company in accordance with the terms of this section, this Franchise Ordinance shall be null and
void and without effect. The City's "Notice of Intent to Consider an Application for a
Franchise" ("Notice") provided, consistent with Minn. Stat. 238.081 subd. 8, that applicants
would be required to reimburse the City for all necessary costs of processing a cable
communications franchise. Company submitted an application fee with its application to the
City. The Notice further provided that any unused portion of the application fee would be
returned and any additional fees required to process the application and franchise, beyond the
application fee, would be assessed to the successful applicant. The Company shall therefore
submit to the City at the time of acceptance of this Franchise, a check made payable to the City
of St. Louis Park, Minnesota for all additional fees and costs incurred by the City. Within thirty
(30) days of City Council approval, the City shall provide Company with a letter specifying such
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -30-
additional costs. The City shall provide Company with a letter specifying such additional costs
following approval of this Franchise by the City Council.
(2) Upon acceptance of this Franchise Ordinance, Company and City shall be bound by all
the terms and conditions contained herein. This Franchise Ordinance constitutes the entire
agreement between the Company and the City and supersedes all other prior understandings and
agreements oral or written. Any amendments to this Franchise Ordinance shall be mutually
agreed to in writing by the parties.
(3) All of the attached exhibits are a part of this Franchise Ordinance and each is specifically
incorporated herein by reference. The exhibits are as follows:
Exhibit A: List of City and school district buildings at which Company is capable of
providing free service as set forth in Section 28-1-15(2)(a).
Exhibit B: Indemnity Agreement.
Section 2. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective fifteen (15) days after its
paAage and publication and after acceptance by the Company pursuant to Section 28-1-30,
this 16th day of November, 2015, by the City Council of the City of St. Louis
Park.
City
Adoth Cit
71,
y Council November 16, 2015
Mayo
Approved as to Form and Execution:
City Attorney
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -31-
Exhibit A
Free Cable Service to Schools and Public Buildings
City of St. Louis Park:
City Hall
5005 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
St. Louis Park Recreation Center and Wolfe Park Pavilion
3700 Monterey Drive
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Municipal Service Center
7305 Oxford Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Fire Station One
3750 Wooddale Avenue
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Fire Station Two
2262 Louisiana Avenue
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
West End Community Police Station
1623 West End Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Westwood Fills Nature Center
8300 West Franklin Avenue
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Police Station
3015 Raleigh Avenue
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Meadowbrook Community Police Station
4072 Meadowbrook Lane
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Excelsior/Grand Community Police Station
4717 Park Commons Drive
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Texatonka Community
Police Station
8038 Minnetonka Blvd
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -32-
ISD 283:
Lenox Community Center
6715 Minnetonka Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Central Community Center
6300 Walker Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Park Spanish Immersion School
6300 Walker Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Aquila Elementary School
8500 West 31st Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Peter Hobart Elementary School
6500 West 26th Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Susan Lindgren Elementary School
4801 West 41st Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Cedar Manor Intermediate Center
9400 Cedar Lake Road
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
St. Louis Park Middle School
2025 Texas Avenue South
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
St. Louis Park High School
6425 West 33rd Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
District Maintenance Shop
6400 Walker Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Cable TV connection to Non -Public Schools is by arrangement between the system operator and
each school.
Certain school buildings are currently being provided service through school -owned transmission
facilities. The City agrees that free service to such schools shall be contingent upon continued
availability of such school -owned transmission facilities, technical feasibility or some other
mutually acceptable arrangement.
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -33-
EXHIBIT B
Indemnity Agreement
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT made this day of 2015,
by and between Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, party of the first part,
hereinafter called "CenturyLink," and the City of St. Louis Park, a Minnesota Municipal
Corporation, party of the second part, hereinafter called "City."
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park has awarded to Qwest Broadband Services, Inc. a
franchise for the operation of a cable communications system in the City of St. Louis Park; and
WHEREAS, the City has required, as a condition of its award of a cable communications
fianchise, that it be indemnified with respect to all claims and actions arising from the award of
said franchise,
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing promises and the mutual
promises contained in this agreement and in consideration of entering into a cable television
franchise agreement and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, CenturyLink hereby agrees, at its sole cost and expense, to fully indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the City, its officers, boards, commissions, employees and agents
against any and all claims, suits, actions, liabilities and judgments for damages, cost or expense
(including, but not limited to, court and appeal costs and reasonable attorneys' fees and
disbursements assumed or incurred by the City in connection therewith) arising out of the actions
of the City in granting a franchise to CenturyLink. This includes any claims by another
fianchised cable operator against the City that the terms and conditions of the CenturyLink
franchise are less burdensome than another franchise granted by the City or that the CenturyLink
Franchise does not satisfy the requirements of applicable federal, state, or local law(s). The
indemnification provided for herein shall not extend or apply to any acts of the City constituting
a violation or breach by the City of the contractual provisions of the franchise ordinance, unless
such acts are the result of a change in applicable law, the order of a court or administrative
agency, or are caused by the acts of CenturyLink.
The City shall give CenturyLink reasonable notice of the making of any claim or the
commencement of any action, suit or other proceeding covered by this agreement. The City shall
cooperate with CenturyLirilc in the defense of any such action, suit or other proceeding at the
request of CenturyLink. The City may participate in the defense of a claim, but if Centuryl-ink
provides a defense at Centuryl-ink's expense then CenturyLink shall not be liable for any
attorneys' fees, expenses or other costs that City may incur if it chooses to participate in the
defense of a claim, unless and until separate representation is required. If separate representation
to fully protect the interests of both parties is or becomes necessary, such as a conflict of interest,
in accordance with the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct, between the City and the
counsel selected by CenturyLink to represent the City, CenturyLink shall pay, from the date such
separate representation is required forward, all reasonable expenses incurred by the City in
defending itself with regard to any action, suit or proceeding indemnified by CenturyLink.
Provided, however, that in the event that such separate representation is or becomes necessary,
and City desires to hire counsel or any other outside experts or consultants and desires
CenturyLink to pay those expenses, then City shall be required to obtain CenturyLink's consent
to the engagement of such counsel, experts or consultants, such consent not to be unreasonably
Ordinance No. 2482-15 -34-
withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that the City may utilize at any time,
at its own cost and expense, its own City Attorney or outside counsel with respect to any claim
brought by another franchised cable operator as described in this agreement.
The provisions of this agreement shall not be construed to constitute an amendment of the
cable communications franchise ordinance or any portion thereof, but shall be in addition to and
independent of any other similar provisions contained in the cable communications franchise
ordinance or any other agreement of the parties hereto. The provisions of this agreement shall not
be dependent or conditioned upon the validity of the cable communications franchise ordinance
or the validity of any of the procedures or agreements involved in the award or acceptance of the
franchise, but shall be and remain a binding obligation of the parties hereto even if the cable
communications franchise ordinance or the grant of the franchise is declared null and void in a
legal or administrative proceeding.
It is the purpose of this agreement to provide maximum indemnification to City under the
terms set out herein and, in the event of a dispute as to the meaning of this Indemnity Agreement,
it shall be construed, to the greatest extent permitted by law, to provide for the indemnification of
the City by CenturyLink. This agreement shall be a binding obligation of and shall inure to the
benefit of, the parties hereto and their successor's and assigns, if any.
QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES, INC.
Dated: 2015 By:
Its:
STATE OF LOUISIANA )
) SS
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of 2015, by
, the of Qwest Broadband Services, Inc.,
a Delaware Corporation, on behalf of the corporation.
Notary Public
Commission Expires
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
STATE OF MINNESOTA ) as
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
i _'harlene Vold being duly sworn on an oath,
states or affirms that he/she is the Publisher's
Designated Agent of the newspaper(s) known
as:
SS St Louis Park
with the known office of issue being located
in the county of:
HENNEPIN
with additional circulation in the counties of:
HENNEPIN
and has full knowledge of the facts stated
below:
(A) The newspaper has complied with all of
the requirements constituting qualifica-
tion as a qualified newspaper as provided
by Minn. Stat. §331A.02.
(B) This Public Notice was printed and pub-
lished in said newspaper(s) once each
week, for 1 successive week(s); the first
insertion being on 11/26/2015 and the last
insertion being on 11/26/2015.
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICES
Pursuant to Minnesota Stat. §580.033
relating to the publication of mortgage
foreclosure notices: The newspaper complies
with the conditions described in §580.033,
-,bd. 1, clause (1) or (2). If the newspaper's
.own office of issue is located in a county
adjoining the county where the mortgaged
premises or some part of the mortgaged
premises described in thenotice are located,
a substantial portion of the newspaper's
circulation is in the latter county.
By: `t�CG9� V C7
Designated Agent
Subscribed and sworn to or affirmed before
me on 11/26/2015 by Charlene Vold..
Notary Public
19.0mlim wvwvww. MACPHERSON� Minnesotapkee Jen 31, 2018
e Information:
./ Lowest classified rate paid by commercial users
for comparable space:
$68.50 per column inch
Ad ID 478498
City of St. Louis Park
(Official Publication)
SUMMARY FOR PUBLICATION
ORDINANCE NO. 2482-15
ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 28
OF THE ST. LOUIS PARK
CODE OF ORDINANCES
RELATING TO
TELECOMMUNICATIONS,
ENACTING A COMPETITIVE
CABLE TELEVISION
FRANCHISE ORDINANCE
This ordinance states that Chap-
ter 28 of the Ordinance Code relat-
ing to Telecommunications shall
be amended relative to enacting a
Competitive Cable Communications
Franchise Ordinance by adding Ar-
ticle I. Qwest Broadband Services,
Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink Franchise,
Sections 28-1-1 to 28-1-30.
The ordinance grants a franchise
to CenturyLink for five (5) years. The
terns and conditions of the Fran-
chise Ordinance Include financial
payments by CenturyLink to the
City to help provide public, educa-
tional and government program-
ming. Other provisions include an
office in the area, equipment drop-
off and payment boxes within the
City, and insurance and security
requirements. A staff report provid-
Ing a mon; detailed description of
the business terms of the Franchise
Ordinance is available at City Hall or
upon request to City staff (952-924-
2517).
The ordinance shall take effect
fifteen (15) days after publication.
Adopted by the City Council No-
vember 16, 2015
Jeffrey W. Jacobs /s/
Mayor
A copy of the full text of this or-
dinance is available for inspection
with the City Clerk.
Published in the St. Louis Park
Sun Sailor. November 26, 2015
11/26/15, 3SS3,
Ordinance No. 2482-15, 478498