HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 07-1988 .' , !{ ,
ORDIIIANCL N0 . �_gg
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO MARCUS COMMUNICATIONS,
INC. , A SUBSIDIARY OF WE5TERN TELECOMA4UNICATIONS, INC. , ITS
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, TO ERECT, OWN, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A
COMMUNITY ANTENNA TELEVISION SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF BROOKINGS,
SOUTH DAKOTA; SETTING FORTH CONDITIONS ACCOMPANYING THE GRANT OF
FRANCHISE ; AND PROVIDING FOR CITY REGULATION AND USE OF THE
COMMUNITY ANTENNA TELEVISION SYSTEM.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA:
I .
SHORT TITLE
This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as a
"Brookings Cable Television Franchise Ordinance. " Within this
document it may also be referred to as the "Ordinance" or the
"Franchise."
II .
DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of t}iis ordinance, the following terms ,
phrases , words , and their derivations shall liave the meaning
given herein. When not inconsistent with the context , words
used in present tense include the future , words in tlie plural
number inlcude the singular number, and words in the singular
number include the plural number . The word "shall" is always
mandatory and not merely directory.
1 . "Basic Cable Service" �means any service tier
which includes the retransmission of local
broadcast signals .
�2 . "City" sllall mean the City of Brookings , Soutll
Dakota . - �
3 . "Commission" shall mean the Mayor and the Com-
missioners of Brookings , South Dakota .
4 . "Cable Television System" , "Cable System" or
"CATV" shall mean a facility consisting of a
set of closed transmission paths and associated
sional generation, reception and control equip-
ment tliat is designed to provide cable television
service which includes video programming and
, '
which is provided to muttiple subscribers within
the City, but s��ch term does not incl�ide (A) a
facility of a common carrier which is subject , in
whole or in part , to the provisions of title II of
the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, except
that such facility shall be considered a System
to the extent siich facility is used in the trans-
mission of video programming directly to subscrib-
ers; or (B) any facilities of any electric utility
• used solely for operating its electric utility
systems .
S . "Cable Television Reception Service" means the de-
livery by the Grantee tc� television receivers (or
any other suitable type of electronic terminal or
receiver of the electronic signals and other com-
munications services carried over said system. )
6 . "FCC" shall mean Federal Communications Commission.
7 . "Gross Revenues" shall mean the �anniial gross rev-
enues of Grantee from all sources of operations of
the System witllin the City including, but not lim-
ited to , Basic Service monthly fees and pay tele-
vision fees . This term does not include any sales ,
excise or other taxes collected by Grantee on be-
half of the state , city, or other governmental unit .
8 . "Pay Television" shall mean the delivery over the
System of per-channel or per-program audio-visual
signals to subscribers Lor a fee or charge, in ad-
dition to the charge for Basic Service.
9 . "Person" shall mean any person, firm, partnership,
association, corporation or organization of any
kind and any otlier legally recognized entity.
10 . "Grantee" shall mean Marcus Communications, Inc. , a
Subsidiary of Western Telecommunications , Inc. , or its
� successor in accordance witli the provisions of this
Franchise.
11 . "Subscribers" are those persons contracting to re-
ceive cable television reception services furnished
under tliis Frai�chise by Grantee .
III .
GRANT OF NON-LXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY
There is hereby granted by the City to the Grantee a non-.
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exclusive franchise, right and Privilege to construc•t , erect ,
operate, modify and maintain, in, upon, along, across, above and
over and under the present and future bridges , highways ,
streets, alleys , sidewalks , puhlic ways and public places now
laid out or dedicated and all extensions thereof, and additions
thereto , in the City, towers, poles , wires , cables, underground
conduits , manholes and other television conductors and fixtures
necessary for the maintenance and operation in the City of a
Cable Television System for the purpose of distributing televi-
sion and radio signals, audio and visual signals, and other
electronic impulses in order to furnish television and radio
programs , and various communications and other electronic ser-
vices to the public. The right so granted includes the right to
use and occupy said streets , alleys, public ways and public pla-
ces and all matter of easements for the purposes herein set
. forth, and all City owned poles after receiving permission from
the appropriate City officials to insure public safety and con-
sistent with the City utility plan.
IV.
DURATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF FRAN CHISE
The Franchise granted the Grantee herein shall terminate 15
years from the date of the acceptance of this Franchise by the
Grantee in accordance with Article XLII hereof.
V.
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS,
ORDINANCES AND COD�S
The Grantee shall , during the term hereof, except in those
areas which have been preempted by the Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 or which are regulated by the FCC, be subject
to the police powers of the City to adopt and enforce ordinances
necessary to the health, safety and welfare of the public.
VI .
TERRITORIAL AREA INVOLVED
This Franchise relates to the present territorial limits of I'!
the City and to any area henceforth added thereto during the '
term of this Franchise . Effective twenty-four (24) months after
the acceptance of this Franchise, Grantee shall provide cable
television reception service to any resident of the City so
requesting service, provided that the additional service line
required to Ue built by Grantee to provide service to such resi -
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,
dent shall have a density of not less. than 25 homes per lineal
. mile.
� VII .
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Grantee shall at all times lceep in effect the following
types of insurance coverage :
(a) Worker ' s Compensation upon its employees engaged
' in any manner in the installation or servicing of
its plant and equipment within the City.
' (b) Property Damage Liability insurance to the extent
of Fifty Thousand Dollars ( $50 , 000. 00) as to any
one accident , and bodily injury liability insur-
ance to the extent of Five Hundred Thousand Dol-
lars ($500 , 000 . 00) per any occurrence. Excess
bodily injury and property damage of One Million
Dollars ($1 , 000, 000 . 00) each occurrence and One
Million Dollars ( $1 , 000 , 000 . 00) aggregate . Automo-
bile bodily injury and property damage liability
combined One Million Dollars ( $1 , 000, 000. 00) each
occurrence.
Grantee shall indemnify, protect , and save harmless the �
City £rom and against losses and physical damage to property and
bodily injury or death to persons , including payments made under
any Worker ' s Compensation law which may be caused by the erec-
tion, maintenance, use or removal of any of their attachments,
poles , or other undertakings , wit}iin the City, or by any action
of Grantee , its agents or employees . Grantee shall carry
insurance in the above described amounts to protect the parties
hereto from and against all claims , demands , actions, suits ,
judgments , costs , expenses and liabilities which may arise or
result, directly or indirectly, from or by reason of such loss ,
injury or damage . Gra�ttee shall also carry such insurance as it
deems necessary to protect it from all claims �inder the Worker ' s
Compensation laws in effect that may be applicable to Grantee .
The City shall give the Grantee prompt written notice of any
sucli claims , demands , actions , suits , judgments , costs , expenses
or liabilities . All ins�irance required shall be and remain in
full force and effect Eor the entire life of the rights granted
hereunder , Said policy or policies of insurance, or a certified
copy thereof, shall be approved by the City Finance Officer, and
then deposited wi�ll and kept on file by the City.
These damages or penalties shall include, but shall not be
limited to , damages arising .out of copyright infringements ,
operation, or maintenance of the CATV System authorized herein,
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, ,whetlier or not any act or omission complained of is authorized ,
allowed or prohihited by tliis Ordinance.
VIII .
GENERAL SYSTEM SPECI FI CATIONS
The facilities used by tlie Grantee shall consist of a mini -
mum of 25 active channels with 60-channel capacity (450 MHz) .
The facilities shall also be capable of distributing color tele-
vision signals, and when the signals the Grantee distributes are
received in color , they shall be �distributed in color where
technically feasible. �
�
iX.
SERVICES TO BE PROVIllED
Programming services to be distributed by Grantee under
this Franchise shall incl�.�de channels primarily focused in the
following areas : one sports channel, one weather channel , one
news cliannel, one cultt.�ral and arts channel , one music channel ,
one children ' s channel , three independent television broadcast
stations , and two movie channels . Grantee shall be entitled to
determine which of the above programming it nuts in its Basic
Service . The signal oC the South Dakota Public Broadcasting
System shall be carried as a part of basic cable service. To
the extent an channels carried b Grantee u on its cable -
Y y p tele
vision system broadcast Full time in stereo, such signals shall
he carried on the cable television system in stereo. In the
event that programming in any one or more of the above areas is
no longer reasonably available, Grantee may select substitute
programming of its choice .
Grantee further agrees to make available a band width for
public access and/or local origination and to make available a
band width to the City of Brookings Department of Utilities for
load management and otlier utility services .
x.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Grantee shall provide to each subscriber a clear, con-
sistant visual picture and audio signal Eree from unreasonable
interference. Grantee shall maintain signal quality better tlian
FCC minimum technical standards . The signal to noise ratio on
trunk and feeder lines s1ia11 be 42db or better at the most
distant lines in the system as measured from the head end . The
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trunk and feeder line design for cross mo�ulation shall be at
least -57dbmv or better and shall include a standard for third
order triple beats of -57dbmv or •better.
XI .
SPECIAL TESTING
A. At any time after commencement of service to sub-
scribers, the City may require additional tests, full
or partial repeat tests, .diff erent test procedures, or
tests involving a speci��ic subscriber ' s drop. Requests
for such additional tests will be made on the basis of
complaints received or other evidence indicating an
, � unresolved controversy or significant noncompliance,
and such tests will be limited to the particular mat-
ter in controversy. Prior to a formal request for
tests under this Article XI , the City sliall give
Grantee five (5) days written notice oE its intention
to request a formal test . Grantee sliall seek to cor-
rect the condition giving rise to the proposed test
within such Eive (S) day period in order to avoid any
need for a formal test .
B . The City shall endeavor to so arrange its requests
for such special tests so as to minimize hardship or
inconvenience to Grantee or to the subscriber.
C. If such special testing establishes that the System
meets all required technical standards set forth at
Article X, the City s1ia11 bear the expense for such
special testing .
D. If such special testing establishes that the System
does not meet all required technical standards set
forth at Article X, Grantee shall bear the expense
for such special testing.
XIII .
OPERATION AND A�l1INTENANCE OF SYSTEM
1 . The Grantee shall ren�ler safe and efficient service,
make repairs promptly, and interrupt service only for
good cause and for the shortest possible time. Such
interruptions , insof.ar as possil�le, shall be preceded
by notice anci s�iall occur duri,ng periods of minimum
use of the system.
2 . All service requests and complaints sliall be responded
to witliin 24 hours of receipt .
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3 . The Grantee s!iall maintain an office in the City, which
shall be open during all iisual business liours , liave a
listed telephone, and be so operated that complaints
and requests for repairs or adjustments may be received
twenty- four ( 24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.
4 . Service calls for maintenance or repair shall be per-
formed at no charge to the subscriber; provided,
however , if such maintenance or repair is required as a
result of damage caused by the subscriber or subscrib-
er-owned equipment , the Grantee may then charge accord-
ing to its actual cost £or time and material .
� 5 . If the Grantee fails to �correct a service problem with-
in twenty-four (24 ) hours after receiving a request for
service, the Grantee shall credit to the subscriber 1/30th
of the pro rata monthly charge for Basic Service and
for any pay services for each twenty-four (24) hours or
fraction thereoF during which a subscriber is totally
witho�it such basic or pay services . .
XIII .
SERVICE TO SCHOOLS Al'�D CI"fY
The Grantee shall furnish to each school in the City and to
the City Hall and four other public buildings , to be designated
by the City Commission, N�ithout charge , one junction terminal at
each school and at each such City building, and shall also fur-
nish to each school and public building, witlio�it charge , basic
cable service to all sets connected within such buildings to the
junction terminal, suc}i installations to be made when requested
by the Mayor of the City or tlie Superintendent of Schools.
XIV.
EMERGENCY USE OF FACILITIES
In the case of any emergency or disaster, the Grantee
shall , upon request of the Commission or an appropriate civil
defense authority, make available its facilities to the City or
civil defense authorities for emergency use during the emergency
or disaster .
XV.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
The Grantee shal� at all times employ orciinary care and
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shall install and maintain in use commonly accepted methods and
devices for preventing failures and accidents which are likely
to cause damages , injuries , or nuisances to the public. �
XVI .
� NEW DEVELOPMENTS .
The field of cable communications is a relatively new and
rapidly changing one which may see many regulatory, technical ,
financial , marketing and legal changes during the term of this
Franchise . Therefore , in order to provide for a maximum degree
of flexihility in this Franchise, and to help achieve a con-
tinued advanced and modern System, the City and Grantee agree to
evaluations of Grantee ' s performance from time to time at the
City' s request .
As a result of an evaluation session, the City or Grantee
may determine that a change in the terms of the Franchise is
desirable, that the System or Franchise requirements should be
updated , changed or that additional services should be provided .
If the change is consistent with the terms of this Franchise,
the needs of the city and existing state-of-the-art (or due to
regulatory, technical , Einancial , marketing, inflation or legal
requirements) and the cost of providing cable television ser-
vice , Grantee and the City will , in good faith, negotiate the
terms of the change and any requi red amendment to this
Franchise . Upon adoption of sucli a francllise amendment, if one
is required, the change will become eff:ective and Grantee shall
accept the same. Fail�ire to negotiate in good faith by City or
Grantee shall be a violation of this Franchise.
XVII .
LIMITATIUNS OF RIGHTS GRANTED
1.. All transmission and distribution struct�ires , lines ,
and equipment erected by the Grantee within the City
shall be so located as to cause minimum interference
with the proper use of streets , alleys and other pub-
lic ways and places , and to cause minimum interfer-
ence with the rights of the said streets, alleys , or
other public ways and places , and said poles or towers
shall be removed by Grantee whenever, in the opinion of
the City Engeineer, the same restrict or obstruct the
operation or location of any future streets or public
places in the City. ,
2 . Construction and maintenance of the transmission dis-
tribution system shall he in accordance with the pro-
visions of the Natio�ial Electrical Safety Code, pre-
, _g _ .
pared by the National Bureau of Standards, the National
Electrical Code of the National Board of Fire Under-
writers, and such applicable Ordinances and regulations
of the City affecting electrical installation, which
may be presently in effect , or changed by future Or-
dinances .
3 . In case of disturbance of any street , sidewalk, alley,
public way, or paved area, the Grantee shall , at its
own cost and expense and in manner approved by the City
Superintendent or Engineer, replace and restore such
street , sidewalk, alley, public way, or paved areas in
as good a condition as :before the work involving such
disturba
nce was done .
4 . If at any time during tlie period of this Ordinance the
City shall lawfully elect to alter or change the grade
of an
y street , sidewalk alle or
, y, other public way,
the Grantee, upon reasonable notice by the city, shall
remove , relay and relocate its poles, ,�aires , cables, '
underground conduits manhole
, s and other fixtures a
t
, its ow� expense.
5 . The Grantee shall , on the request of any person holding
a building moving permit issued by the City or any per-
son who wishes to remove trees or structures from their
property, temporarily raise or lower its wires to per-
mit the moving of buildings or tree removal . The ex-
pense of such temporary removal or raising or lowering
of wires shall be paid by the person requesting the
same, and the Grantee shall have the authority to re-
quire such payment in advance. The Grantee shall be
given not less tlian forty-eight (48) hours advance no-
tice to arrange for such temporary wire changes .
6 . The Grantee shall have the authority to trim trees ,
in accordance with generally accepted arboricultural
practices , upon the overhanging streets , alleys,
sidewalks and public ways and places of the City so as '
to prevent tlie hranches of such trees from coming in
contact with tlie wires anci cables of the Grantee,
except that at the option of the City, such trimming
may be done hy it or under its supervision and dir-
ection at the expense of the Grantee .
7 . Grantee shall , at its expense, protect , support, tem-
porarily disconnect , relocate on the same street , alley
or public place, or remove from the street, a11ey or
public place, any property of Grantee when required by
the City by reason of traffic conditions, public safe-
ty, street vacation, freeway and street construction,
change or estahlishments oE street grade, installation
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of sewers , drains , waterpipes , power lines , signal
lines , and tracks or any other types of structures or
improvements by governmental agencies when acting in a
governmental or proprietary capacity, or other
structure of public improvement ; provided, however,
that Grantee shall in all cases have the privileges
� and be subject to the obligations to abandon any prop-
erty of Grantee in place as hereinafter provided.
8 . In all sections of the City where the City designates
an area where all presently above ground services are
to be placed underground , the Grantee shall place its
� wires underground on the same time schedule and on the
same conditions that ,are applicable to the providing
o£ other above ground services in the designated areas .
9 . In the event that the use of any part of the system is
disconnected for any reason for a continuous period of
twelve (12) months , or in the event such systems or
property has been installe� in any street or public
place without complying with the requirements of this
Ordinance, or tlie rights granted hereunder have been
terminated , cancelled or have expired , Grantee shall ,
promptly remove from the streets, or public places all
such property and poles oF such system other than any
which the City may permit to be abandoned in place .
in tl�c cvent �f s�ich rem�v:il � Crrint���� sh��ll rr�m�rly
restorc thc slr�;ct or c�llicr r► r�;t frc�in wl�t�h sti�l� ��rul�-
erty has heen removed to a condition satisfactory to
the City.
10 . Any property of Grantee to be abandoned in place
nner a the Cit ma
shall be abandoned in stich a ma s y y
prescribe. Upon permanent abandonment of the prop-
erty of Grantee in place, it shall submit to the
City, transferring to the City the ownership of such
property.
XVIII . ,
OWN�RSHIP AND REMOVAL OF FACILITIES UPON REQUEST
All cable and passive equipment for caUle television recep-
tion service installed by Grantee at a subscri'oer' s location
shall remain tlie property of Grantee , and Grantee shall have the
right to remove said cable and equipment . Upon termination of
service to any subscriber , the Grantee shall promptly remove all
its above ground fac �lities and equipment from the premises of
such subscriber upon his request .
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XIX.
TRANSFER OF FRANCHISE
1 . All or substantially all of t}iis Franchise or System
shall not be sold, assioned or transferred, leased or
sublet in any manner, nor shall title thereto, either
legal or equitable, or any right , interest or proper-
ty therein,� pass to or vest in any person without
. full compliance with the procedure set forth in this
Section. �
2 . The provisions of this Section shall apply to the sale
or transfer of all or .a �majority of Grantee' s assets ,
merger ( including any parent and its subsidiary cor-
poration) , or transfer of ownership interests in
Grantee so as to create a new controlling interest in
the System. The term "controlling interest" as used
herein is not limited to majority stock ownership, but
includes actual working control in whatever manner ex-
ercised . A corporate or partnership reorganization of
any kind which does not result in a change of control-
ling interest shall not be deemed a sale or transfer
of the Franchise under tlie terms of tliis Section.
a . The parties to the sale or transfer shall make
a written request to the City for its approval
of a sale or transfer .
b . The City s}iall reply in writing within thirty (30)
days of the request and shall indicate approval
of the request or . its determination that a public
hearing is necessary due to potential adverse
effect on Grantee ' s subscribers.
� c . If a ublic hearing is deemed necessary pursuant
to (B� above , sucli' hearing shall be conducted
within thirty ( 30 ) days of suc}i determination and
notice of any suc}i liearing shall be given fourteen
� ( 14) days prior to the hearing by publishing notice
thereof. The notice shall contain the date , time
and place of the hearing and shall briefly state
the substance oE t)ie action to be considered by
the City.
d. Within tliirty (30) days after tile public hearing ,
the City shall approve or deny in writing the
sale or transfer request .
e . Grantee, upon transfer, shall within sixty (60)
days thereafter file with the City a copy of the
deed, agreement , mortgage , lease or other writ-
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ten instrument evidencing s«cli sale, transfer of
ownership or control or lease, certified and
sworn to as correct by the Grantee.
� 3 . In reviewing a request Eor sale or transfer pursuant to
�aragraph ( 1) above, the City may inquire into the technical ,
legal and financial qualificati�ons of the prospective
, controlling party, and Grantee shall assist the City in so
inquiring. The City may condition said transfer upon such terms
and conditions as it deems reasonably appropriate . In no event
shall a transfer or assi�nment of ownership or control be
approved without the transferee becoming a signator to this
Franchise.
XX. .
' PAYMENT TO THE CITY
During t}ie term of tlie francliise grante�l iiereunder and so
long as Grantee or its successors or assigns operate the Cable
Television System, commencing from t}ie date of institution of
service to subscriber, Grantee shall pay to the City annually an
amount equal to three percent ( 30) of its annual gross revenues ,
for the use of the streets and other facilities of the City in
the operation of the CATV System. This payment shall be in
addition to any other tax or payment owed to the City by tlie
Grantee. The payment shall be on a quarterly basis with each
quarter ending on Marc}i �31 , June 30 , September 30 and December
31 of each year . The quarterly payments shall be estimated
based upon Grantee' s unaudited records and eac}i payment shall be
due and payable within tliirty (30) days following the end of
each quarterly period . On an annual basis , the Grantee shall
provide to the City Finance Officer a certified statement by its
auditors of Grantee ' s ann�ial revenues subject to the franchise
fee payment . A reconciliation between the quarterly estimated
� payments and the audited financial records will be made and any
adjustments between the parties will be settled and paid within
thirty (30) days following the receipt of the certified
stateinent .
XYI .
SECURITY FUND
1 . At the time this Franchise is accepted, Grantee
shall deposit into a bank account , established by the City, and
maintain on deposit tiiroiigli the term of this Franchise, the sum
of Ten Thousand Dollars ( $10 , 000 . 00) as a common security fund
.for tile faithful performance by it of all the provisions
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of this Franchise and compliance witli all oraers, permits and
by the City and the payment by Grantee of any claim, liens and
taxes due the City which arise by reason of tlle construction, op-
eration or maintenance of the System. Interest accrued on this
deposit shall be paid to Grantee on an annual basis provided
that all . requirements of this Franchise have been complied with
by Grantee .
2 . Provision shall be made to permit the City to with-
draw funds from the se�urity fu�id . Grantee shall not use the
security fund for other purpos�es and shall not assign, pledge
or otherwise use this security fund as security for any purpose.
The City reserves the right , in its sole discretion, to reduce
the required amount of the security fund .
3 . Within three (3) days after notice to it that any
amount has been withdrawn by the City from the security fund
pursuant to (1) of this section, Grantee shall deposit a sum of
money sufficient to restore sucli security fund to the required
amount .
4 . If Grantee fails to pay to the City any taxes due
and unpaid; or, fails to repay to the City, any damages , costs
or expenses which the City s}iall be compelled to pay by reason
of any act or default of the Grantee in connection with this
Franchise; or fails, after ten (10) days notice of such failure
Uy the City to comply with any provision of the Franchise which
the City reasonably determines can he remedied by an expenditure
of the security, tlie City may then seek to witlidraw sucli funds
from the securit� fund .
S , In the event Grantee fails to keep in effect in-
surance coverage as set Forth in Article VII , the City may
charge to and collect from the security fund a penalty in the
amount of $Z00 . 00 per day . This penalty shall be in addition to
any other remedy provideci in this Ordinance . Failure by Grantee
to provide the �required insurance coverage for a period '
exceeding sixty ( 60) days shall constitute a substantial viola-
tion of this Franchise . '
XX I I .
PROCEDURE FOR IMPOS I'TION OF P�NALTIES
1 . Whenever the City finds that Grantee has violated one
or more terms , conditions or provisions of this Franchise , a
written notice shall be given to Grantee informing it of such
violation or liability. The written notice shall describe in
reasonable detail the specific violation so as to afford Grantee
an opportunity to remedy tlie violation. Grantee shall have ten
( 10 ) days subsequent to r�eceipt oE the notice in which to
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correct the violation before the City may resort to the security
fund . Grantee may, within five ( 5) days of receipt of notice,
notify the City that there is a dispute as to whether a viola-
tion or failure has , in fact , occurred . Sucli notice by Grantee
to the City shall specify with particularity t}ie matters
disputed by Grantee and shall stay the running of the above-
described time.
a. The City shall hear Grantee ' s dispute at its
next regularly or specially scheduled meeting.
The City shall supplement the decision with
written findings of �fact .
b. if after hearing� the dispute, the claim is u -
held by tjie City, Gra ntee shall have ten (10�
aays from such a determination to remedy the
violation or failure . At any time after that
ten (10) day perio3 , the City may draw against
the security fund all penalties due it .
2 . The security fund deposited pursuant to this Section
s}iall become t}ie property of the City in the event t)lat the
Franchise is cancelled by reason of the default of Grantee or
revoked for cause. Grantee , however, shall be entitled to the
return of suc}i security fund , �r portion thereof, as remains on
deposit at the expiration of the term of the Franchise.
3 . The rights reserved to the City with respect to the
security fund are in addition to all other rights of the City
whether reserved by tliis Franchise or authorized by law, and no
action, proceeding or exercise of a right with respect to such
, security fund shall "affect any other right the City may have .
4 . The City shall stay or waive the imposition of any
penalties set forth above upon a finding that such failures or
delays are a result of acts of God or circumstances beyond the
reasonable control of Grantee.
XXIII .
DURATION AND RENEWAL OF ORDINANCE
The rights granted to Grantee herein sliall terminate fif-
teen (15) years from the acceptance date of this Ordinance and
shall be subject to renewal pursuant to applicable federal and
state law.
XXIV .
CITY' S RIGHT TO R�VOK� ,
In addition to all other rights which the City has pursuant ���
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to law or equity, the City reserves the right to revoke, ter-
minate or cancel this Fraiichise, and all rights and privileges
pertaining thereto , in tlie event that :
1 . Grantee . substantially violates any provision of this
Franchise; or
2 . Grantee attempts to evade any of tlie provisions of the
Franchise; or �
. 3 . Grantee practices any fraud or deceit upon the City or
subscriber ; or � �
4 . Grantee becomes insol�ient , unahle or unwilling to pay
its debts, or is adjudged a bankrupt ; or
5 . Grantee misrepresents a material fact in the applica-
tion for or negotiation of, or renegotiation of, or renewal of,
the Franchise.
XXV.
PROCEDURES FOR REVOCATION
A. The City shall provide Gra ntee with a written notice of
the cause for revocation and the intent to revoke and shall
allow Grantee thirty (30) days s«bsequent to receipt of the
notice in which to correct the violation or to provide adequate
assurance of performance in compliance with the Franchise. The
City sliall provide Grantee with written findings of fact which are
the basis of the revocation.
B . Grantee shall be provided the right to a public hearing
affording due process before the City prior to revocation.
C. After the public hearing and upon determination by the
City to revoke the Fraiichise , Grantee shall have a period of
thirty (30) days, from t)ie date of the City' s determination,
within which to File an appeal with an appropriate state or
federal court or agency.
D .. During t}ie appeal periocl , the Fraiichise shall remain in
full force and effect .
XXV I .
ERECTION , REMOVAL AND COMMON USE OF POLES
A. No poles or otlier wire-holding structures shall be
erected by the Grantee without prior approval of the City
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�ngineer with regard to locations , height , type or any other
pertinent aspect . However, locations of any pole or interest
and such poles or struct»res shall be removed or modified by the
Grantee at its own expense whenever the Commission determines
that the public convenience would be enhanced thereby.
• B . Where poles or other wire holding structures already
existing in use in serving the City are available for use by
Grantee, but it does not make arrangements for such use, the
City Commission may require the Grantee to use such poles and
structures if it determines that the public convenience would be
enhanced thereby and the terms of �the use available to the
Grantee are just and reasonable. �
� .
C. Where a public utility serving the City desires to make
use of poles or 'other wire-holding structures of the Grantee but
agreement therefor witli the Grantee cannot be reached, the
Commission may require the Grantee to permit such use for such
consideration and upon such terms as the commission determines
the use would enhance the public convenience and would not
unduly interfere witli the Grantee ' s operations .
XXVII .
RATES
A. Grantee shall at all times maintain on file wit}i the
City Finance Officer a schedule setting forth all rates and
charges to be made to subscribers for basic CATV service,
including installation cliarges .
B . The Grantee shall not discriminate in rates between
customers of the same category except to the extent permitted by
the federal or state law. �
C. The City reserves the right to regulate rates for Basic
Service , to the extent allowable under federal or state law,
tlirough approval or disapproval of a rate revision request after
affording Grantee due process .
D. Prior to implement.ing any rate increase for Basic
Service not requiring tlie City approval , Grantee shall give the
following notice :
1 . At least tliirty ( 30) days advance written notice
to the City; and
2 . At least thirty ( 30) days advance written notice
to subscribers oF Basic Service.
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. XXVIII .
CHARGES FOR DISCUNNECTION OR DOWNGRADING OF SERVICE
� A. Grantee may impose a charge reasonably related to the
cost incurred for a downgrade oE service , , except that no such
charge may be imposed when:
� : 1 . A suhscriber requests total disconnection
. from the System; or
. 2 . A s�bscriber requests the downgrade within a
thirty (30) day period following any rate in-
crease relative �to the service in question.
B . � If a subscriher requests disconnection from service
prior to the effective date of an increase in rates, the
subscriber shall not be charged the increased rate if Grantee
fails to disconnect service prior to the effective date. Any
subscriber who has paid in advance for the next Uilling period
and who req��est
s disconnection from service shall receive a
prorated refund of any amounts paid in advance.
XXIX.
SUBSCRIBER INFURMATIUN
Grantee shall provide on an annual basis compreliensive
written subscriUer information to all subscribers . The
subscriber information shall include, hut not be limited to, the
following:
A. The procedure for investigation and resolution of
subscribers service complaints ;
B . Programming services and rates ;
•C. Billing practices ;
D. Service termination procedures ;
E . Change in service procedures ;
F . Converter/s�ibscril�er terminal equipment policy;
G . Termination oF agreement procedures ;
H . Refunci pol icy;
Grantee sllall provide a copy of tlie proposed subscriber
information packet to the City For review and comment.
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XXX.
OPEN BOOKS ANn R�CORDS
The City s}iall have t'ne right to inspect , upon twenty-four
( 24 ) hours written notice, at aiiy time during normal business
hours � all books and records relatin to ross revenue infor-
g 8
mation ma s lans service com laint �lo s erformance test
� P � P � P g � P
results, record of requests for service, and other like
materials of Grantee which are reasonably necessary to monitor
compliance with the terms o£ this Franchise.
• XXXI .
ANNUAL REPORTS
On or before April 1, including tlie year in which the
Franchise becomes effective, Grantee shall file with the City a
copy of the following information regarding the System relative
' to the preceding calendar year .
A. A detailed statement of gross revenues including all
gross revenues by category prepared in accordance wit)i generally
accepted accounting principles and certified by a financial
officer of Grantee.
B . A description of the Basic Service then being offered
at the end of the calendar year . together with a description of
any changes made in the Basic Service during t}le reported year.
C. A current copy of the subscriber service information.
D. A current list of names and addresses of each share-
holder as well as eac}i person having directly or indirectly, a
beneficial interest in t}le Grantee of ten percent (10� ) or more .
E . A compilation summarizing the complaints received
during the reported year , by category, and a discussion of any
unresolved complaints . .
XXYII .
ADDITIONAL REPORTS
Grantee shall prepare and furnish to the City, at the times
and in t}ie form prescribed, sucli additional reports witli respect
to its operation, affairs , transactions or property, which are
reasonably necessary for tlie administration and enforcement of
this Franchise .
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XXXIII .
' MISCELLANEOIIS
A. Grantee ' s legal , financial , technical and other quali -
fications , and the adequacy and feasihility of its construction
arrangements, if any, have been approved by t}ie Commission after
consideration in a full public proceeciing affording due process
to all interested persons .
B . Complaints regarding the quaTity of service, equipment
malfunctions and similar matters sliall first be directed to
, Grantee ' s office . Should GrantPe fail to satisfy a complaint ,
it may then be directed to th� Finance Officer for investiga-
. tion. The complaining party and Grantee shall be afforded a
rea n state►nents of their
sonable o ortunit to �resent writte
PP Y I
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position. The Finance Officer s �all attempt to reso
complaints and , if this cannot be aciiieved, he shall submit a
recommendation to the City Commission, which shall either (1)
dismiss the complaint , or (2) specify corrective steps to be
taken by Grantee . Appeal Erom the Commission' s action may be
. made to the appropriate judicial or administrative forum.
t XXXIV.
UNAUTHORIZED .CABLE USE
A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or cor-
poration to make any una«thorized connection, whether pliysi-
cally, electri�cally, acoustically, inductively or otherwise, to
any part of a franchised CATV system witliin the City of
Brookings , South Dakota , for the purpose of taking or receiving
television signals, radio signals, pictures, programs , or sound .
B . It sliall be unlawful for any person, firm or cor-
poration to make any unauthorized connection, whether pliysi-
cally, electrically, acoustically, inductively, or otherwise, to
any part of a francliised CATV system witliin the City of
Brookings , for the purpuse of enabling himself or others to
receive any television si�nal , radio signal , nicture , program or
sound , without payment to the owner of said system.
C. It shall be unl:�wful for any person, without the con-
sent of the owner, to willf�illy tamper witli, remove or injure
any cables , wires or equipment used for distribution of
television si�nals, radio signals, pictures, programs , or sound .
D. It s}iall be unla�aful Eor any person, firm or cor-
poration to willfully obtain, receive or take television
signals , radio signals, pictures , programs , or sound furnished
by a franchiseci CATV system within the City of Brookings , Soutlt
Dakota, through deception, tinauthorized connection or other
means to avoid payment Eor the said services .
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i �
XXAV .
SEVERABILITY
A`. If any federal or state law or regulation shall require
or permit Grantee to perform any service or act or shall prohi -
bit Grantee from performing any service or act which may be in
� conflict wit}i the terms of tliis Franchise, then as soon as
possible following knowledge thereof, Grantee shall notify the
City of the point of conflict believed to exist hetween sucli law
or regulation. -
B . If any term, condition .or provision of this Franchise
or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall ,
to any extent , be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the
remainder hereof and the application of such term, condition or
provision to persons or circumstances other t}ian those as to
whom it shall be held invalid or unenforceable shall not be
affected thereby, and this Franchise and all the terms , provi-
, sions and conditions hereof shall , in all other respects, con-
tinue to be effective and to be complied witli. In the event
that such law, rule or regulation is subsequently repealed,
rescinded , amended or otherwise changed so that tlze provision
which had been held invalid or modified is no longer in conflict
with the laws , rules and regulations then in effect , said provi-
sion shall thereupon return to full force and effect and shall
thereafter be binding on Grantee and the city.
XXXVI .
NON-ENFORCEMENT BY CITY
Grantee shall not be relieved of its obligation to comply
with any of the provisions of this Franchise by reason of any
failure or delay of the City to enforce prompt compliance.
� XXXVII .
FOR�CLOSUR�
Upon the foreclosure or other judicial sale of tlie System,
Grantee shall notify tlie City of such fact and sucli notification
shall be treated as a notification that a change in control of
Gra�ntee has taken place, and the provisions of this Franchise
governing the consent to transfer or change in ownership shall
apply without regard to how sucli transfer or change in ownersliip
occurred .
YXXVIII
RECE IVERSHIP
The City s1ia11 have tlie right to cancel this Franchise st�b-
_�� _
,
ject to any applicable provisions of South Dalcota law, including
the Bankruptcy Act , one hundred twenty (120) days after the
appointment of a receiver or trustee to take over and conduct
. the business of Grantee , whether in receivership, reorganiza-
tion, bankruptcy or other action or proceeding, unless such
receivership or trusteeship shall have been vacated prior to
'the expiration of said one hundred twenty (120) days, or unless :
A. Within one hundred twenty ( 120). days after his election
or appointment , such receiver or trustee shall have fully
complied with all the provisions of this Franchise and remedied
all defaults thereunder ; and �
B . Such reciever or trustee; within said one hundred
twenty (120 ) days, shall have executed an agreement, duly
approved by tlie court having jurisdiction in the premises,
whereby such receiver or trustee assumes and agrees to be bound
by each and ever'y provis ion of this Franchise.
- XXXIX.
QRDINANCES REPEALED
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the
provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed . Ordinance No.
20 -37 whic}i also grants a CATV franchise shall not be deemed to
be in conflict with tlle provisions oE this Ordinance.
XL .
TERMINATION FOR FAII.URE TO CONSTRUCT REBUILD OF SYSTEM
Grantee shall replace substantially all of the equipment,
including substantiatly all head end equipment , currently used
by KOTA CABLE, INC. , except recently placed underground and
- above ground line, and new, state-of-the-art equipment, with new
state-of-the-art equipment and line. In the event Grantee does
not commence substantial replacement o£ the cable television
system within six ( 6) months from the effective date hereof, or
if Grantee does not substantially complete the re lacement of
all equipment as aforesaid within twenty-four (24� months from
the effective date hereof, the franchise granted in this
Ordinance shall be subject to termination by tlie City.
Grantee shall be permitted to continue to use the equip-
ment , including liead end equipment which is currently used by
KOTA CABLE, INC. , during the twenty- four ( 24) month replacement
period, however service provided during the replacement period
must be consistent with the, standards set forth in Articles VIII
and X.
Grantee shall provide the City with monthly progress
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reports of tlie system rebuild until completion thereof. Grantee
shall also provide the City with a let�er of credit in the
amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100, 000) during the
system rebuild. Tn the event the system rebuild as described
aforesaid is not completed within twenty-four (24) months of the
effective date hereof, the city sliall have the right to withdraw
from the letter of credit the sum of Five Hundred Dollars
( $500 . 00) per day for each day that said rebuild is not
com leted unl
P , ess the delay is caused by circumstances not
withi� the control of Grantee. In addition, the Franchise
granted in this Ordinance shall be subject to termination by the
City. .
Upon Completion of the �ystem rebuild, the letter of credit
set forth above shall be returned to the Grantee.
� XLI .
WRITTEN NOTICE
All notes , reports or demands required to be given in
writing under this Franchise shall be deemed to be given when
delivered personally to the person designated below, or when
five (5) days liave elapsed after it is deposited in the United
States mail in a sealed envelope, with registered or certified
mail postage prepaid thereon, addressed to the party to which �
notice is being �iven, as follows :
IF to City City of Brookings
P .O , Box 270
Brookings , SD 57006
Attention: City Finance Officer
If to Grantee: Marcus Communications , Inc.
P.O . T3ox 1188
St . Cloud, MN 56302
Attention: Robert J. Michels
�Such addresses may be changed by either party upon notice
to the other party given as provided in this Section.
XLII .
TIME OF ACCEPTAN CE
A. Grantee shall have thirty ( 30) days from the date of
adoption of t}iis Franchise to accept this Franchise in form and
substance acceptable to the City. Such acceptance by Grantee
shall be deemeci the grant of this Franchise for all purposes .
In the event acceptance does not take place within thirty ( 30)
days or such otller time �1s the City might allow, this Franchise
shall he null and void.
�L 2 �
,
B . Upon acceptance of- this Franc}iise, Grantee shall be
bo'und by all the terms and conditions contained herein. Grantee
shall provide all services and offerings specifically set forth
herein to provide cable television services within the City.
C. � With its acceptance, Grantee also shall deliver to the
City a certified resolution of Grantee evidencing its power and
authority to accept the Franchise. Such documents shall also
describe officers authorized to accept on behalf of Grantee.
D. It is the intent of the City and Grantee that City be
� reimbursed for its costs and expenses in connection with the
�ranting and the renewal oE this �Franchise not to exceed
5 , 000 , 00 in connection with the� granting of this Franchise and
$5 , 000 . 00 in connection with •any extension or renewal of this
Franchise . The City s}iall provide an itemized statement of such
expenses to Grantee. Costs and expenses of the City not ite-
mized at that time shall thereafter b�e promptly paid by Grantee
upon receipt of an additional statement from the City subject to
the total dollar reimbursement limitations set forth above.
E . With its acceptance, Grantee shall also deliver any
security deposit and insurance certificates required herein.
XLIII .
TERMINATION OF ORDINANCE N0 . b47
The Franchise granted the Grantee herein shall terminate
any rights of KOTA CABLE TV INC. , or North�ern Communications
Associates , Inc. , under Ordinance No. 647 , as amended upon the
� effective date of this ordinance until such time, the Franchise
granted in Ordinance No. 647 is hereby transferred from Northern
Communications Associates , Inc. , to Marcus Communications, Inc . ,
a subsidiary of Western Telecommunications, Inc .
XLIV.
PAYMENT OF CREDITORS AND VENDORS
►Vithin forty- five ( 45) days of the e£fective date of this
Ordinance, Grantee shall pay any and all valid claims of South
Dakota vendors and creditors oF K�TA CABLE, INC. , or Northern
Communications Associates , Inc. , which resulted from the opera-
tion and maintenance of a CATV S}�stem under City of Brookings
Ordinance No. 647 . As aciditional security for the prompt
payment of creditors ' anc� vendors ' claims existing as of the
effective date of this Ordinance, Grantee shall provide the City
with a letter of credit in the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars
( $50 , 000 . 00) for a periocl of not less than three ( 3) months . In
the event that all valid claims of South Dakota creditors and
vendors of KOTA CABLE INC. , or Northern Communications
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. �
� Associates , Inc . , arising out of ..the operation of the CATV
System in Brookings , South Dakota are not paid within three (3)
months of the effective date of this Ordinance, the City shall
have the right to withdraw from the letter oL- credit sufficient
sums to pay any valid unpaid claims . Failure of the Grantee to
fully pay all such valid clai.ms oE South Dakota creditors and
vendors witliin three (3) mo "ths of the effective date of this
ordinance shall constitute ,� material breach`�f- this ordinance.
Upon the expiration of_ the �three (3) month period afo'resaid, and
the filing with the City F.inance C�fi,cer of an Affidavit stating
all such claims have been :�paid, the l�et�ter� of credit set forth
above shall be returned to�Grantee . ��
,.�: � ��3
X�.V: �a
_ '- / 1
PRIOR ACTS LIABILITY COVERAGE
Grantee--agrees to obtain and provide the City with a
Certificate of Insurance evidencing comprehensive and general
liability insurance coverage obtained by Grantee for the endor-
sement reporting period of three (3) years subsequent to the
effective date of this Ordinance.
XLVI .
FURTHER LIMITATIONS ON GRANTEE
Grantee is further prohibited from the transmission on its
facilities of any type of telecommunications service provided by
t}ie City of Brookings Municipal Utilities and subject to the
regulatory authority of the Brookings Municipal Utility Board
provided such telecommunications services are not otherwise
authorized by the laws of the State of South Dakota . Grantee
shall further be prohihited from leasing its facilities to
others for the provision of such types of telecommunications
services .
FIRST READING:
SECOND READING:
PASSE D AND APPROVE D:
Mayor
ATTEST :
City Finance Officer
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