HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988 Fully Executed Franchise Agreement 00or\
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this day
of , 1988, by and between the City of Ithaca, New
York, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as "City, "
and American Community Cablevision, a division of American
Television and Communications Corporation (hereinafter referred
to as "ACC" ) with its principal place of business at 519 West
State Street, Ithaca, New York 14850 .
WHEREAS, the City is authorized to grant one or more
nonexclusive, revocable, franchises to operate and maintain a
Cable Communications System with the City;
WHEREAS, the City received an application from ACC for
renewal of its existing franchise; and
WHEREAS, the City, after due evaluation, has determined that
it is in the best interest of the City and its residents to renew
the Franchise of ACC for a term as herein provided,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and
covenants contained herein, the parties do mutually agree as
follows:
I
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Franchise the following terms,
phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meaning given
herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in
the present tense include the future, words in the plural number
include the singular number . The word "shall" is mandatory and
"may" is permissive. Words not defined shall be given their
common and ordinary meaning.
1.1 ACCESS CHANNELS means channels ( 6MHz each) set aside
for public use, educational use or governmental uses with no
charge for usage by ACC. Access channels designed for public use
shall be available on a nondiscriminatory basis.
1. 2 AFFILIATE means each person who falls into one or more
of the following categories: (a) each person having, directly or
indirectly, control or a controlling interest in ACC; (b) each
person in which ACC has, directly or indirectly, control or a
controlling interest; (c) each officer, director, general
partner , joint venturer or joint venturee partner, of ACC; and
(d) each person, directly or indirectly, controlling, controlled
by, or otherwise related to ACC by common ownership, common
management, or common control; provided AFFILIATE shall in no
event mean:
A. The City;
B. Any duly authorized PEG Access Organization;
C. Any educational institution acting on its capacity
as such, for public, educational, or charitable purposes; or
D. Any creditor of ACC solely by virtue of its status
as a creditor and which is not otherwise an Affiliated person
by reason of owning controlling interest in, being owned by,
or being under common control with, ACC.
E. Time Inc. or any subsidiary of Time Inc. other than
American Television and Communications Corporation.
1. 3 BASIC RATE means the rate charged for the lowest priced
tier of service which at a minimum shall offer twelve channels
including the delivery of broadcast channels, one access channel
and FM service.
1. 4 CABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, also referred to as
"system, " means a facility, consisting of a set of closed
transmission paths and associated signal generation, reception
and control equipment that is designed to provide cable service
which includes video programming and other services which may
include two-way services on the subscriber network and which is
provided to multiple subscribers within a community, but such
term does not include (a) a facility that serves only to
retransmit the television signals of one or more television
broadcast stations; (b) a facility that serves only subscribers
in one or more multiple unit dwellings under common ownership,
control, or management, unless such facility or facilities uses
any public-rights-of-way; (c) a facility of a common carrier
which is subject, in whole or in part, to the provision of Title
II of the Cable Act , except that such facility shall be
considered a cable system to the extent such facility is used in
the transmission of video programming directly to subscribers; or
(d) any facilities of any electric utility used solely for
operating its electric utility systems. Cable Communications
System also includes any institutional network.
1 . 5 CITY means the City of Ithaca, New York .
1 .6 CHANNEL means a six Megahertz (MHz) frequency band,
which is capable of carrying either one standard video signal, a
number of audio, digital or other nonvideo signals or some
combination of such signals.
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1.7 COMMON COUNCIL means the mayor and aldermen of the City
of Ithaca.
1. 8 COMMUNICATIONS POLICY ACT or CABLE ACT means the Cable
Communications Policy Act of 1984 as it may be amended or
succeeded.
1. 9 COMPLAINT means that a subscriber or user informs ACC
or the City, that a problem has been brought to the attention of
ACC, but is unresolved to the satisfaction of the subscriber .
1.10 CONVERTER means an electronic device which converts
signals to a frequency not susceptible to interference within the
television receiver of a subscriber , and any channel selector
which permits a subscriber to view all signals delivered at
designated converter dial locations at the set or by remote
control .
1 .11 DROP shall mean a connection from feeder cable to the
subscriber/user television set, radio or other terminal .
1.12 EDUCATIONAL ACCESS CHANNEL means any channel where
educational programs are the only designated use. The
educational access channel( s) shall only be used for non-
commercial purposes.
1.13 FAIR MARKET VALUE means the price that a willing buyer
would pay to a willing seller for a going concern based on the
system valuation prevailing .in the industry at the time.
1.14 FCC means the Federal Communications Commission and any
legally appointed or elected successor .
1. 15 FRANCHISE means this Franchise contract and any
mutually agreed to additions or deletions therefrom.
1.16 FRANCHISE AREA means the entire City.
1 .17 FRANCHISE FEE means the percentage, as specified in
this Franchise agreement, of ACC' s gross annual revenues earned
from all sources within the City payable in exchange for the
rights granted pursuant to the Franchise.
1.18 GROSS CITY REVENUES means all revenue derived directly
or indirectly by the Grantee and by Grantee ' s affiliates from
services provided within the City via the Cable Communications
System.
1.19 INSTALLATION shall mean the connection of the system
from feeder cable to subscribers ' terminals.
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1.20 INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK means a separate cable within the
cable communications system which can be used to transmit video,
audio and data signals in two directions.
1 . 21 INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE means such video, audio, data and
other services provided to institutional users. These may
include, but are not limited to, one-way video, two-way video,
audio or digital signals.
1. 22 LOCAL ORIGINATION means programming produced or
purchased by ACC (e.g. , advertisements, news, programming with
advertising) which is under the control of ACC. Local
origination is specifically not to be construed as public,
governmental or educational access.
1. 23 LOCAL ORIGINATION CHANNEL means any channel designated
for local origination. This channel may be used for commercial
purposes.
1. 24 MONITORING means observing a communications signal, or
the absence of a signal, where the observer is not a party to the
communication, whether the signal is observed by visual or
electronic means, for any purpose whatsoever .
1.25 PERSON means an individual, partnership, association,
organization, corporation or any lawful successor Transferee of
said individual, partnership, association or corporation.
1. 26 STREETS AND PUBLIC GROUNDS means the surface, the air
space above the surface and the area below the surface of any
public street, highway, lane, path, alley, sidewalk, boulevard,
drive, bridge, tunnel, park, parkways, waterways, utility
easements or other public rights-of-way or hereafter held by the
City which shall entitle the City and ACC to the use thereof for
the purpose of installing and maintaining the Cable
Communications System. No reference herein, or in any Franchise,
to the "Streets and Public Grounds" shall be deemed to be a
representation or guarantee by the City that its title to any
property is sufficient to permit its use for such purpose, and
ACC shall, by its use of such terms, be deemed to gain only such
rights to use property in the City as the City may have the
undisputed right and power to give.
1.27 REASONABLE NOTICE shall be written notice addressed by
either party at its principal office within the City or such
other office as ACC has designated to the City as the address to
which notice shall be transmitted to it , which notice shall be
certified and postmarked not less than ten ( 10 ) business days
prior to that day in which the party giving such notice shall
commence any action which requires the giving of notice.
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1. 28 RESIDENT means any person residing in the City as
otherwise defined by applicable law.
1 . 29 RESIDENTIAL SUBSCRIBER means a subscriber who receives
a service in an individual dwelling unit where the service is not
to be utilized in connection with a business, trade or
profession.
1.30 SALE shall include any sale, exchange or barter .
1. 31 SCHOOL means any public or nonprofit educational
institution including primary and secondary schools, colleges and
universities, both public and private.
1. 32 SERVICE AREA means the entire geographic area within
the Franchise Area.
1 . 33 SERVICE REQUEST means a request from the subscriber for
a technical service, such as installation, adjustment for poor
picture quality and converter repair .
1. 34 STATE means the state of New York .
1. 35 SUBSCRIBER means any person, firm, corporation or other
entity who or which elects to subscribe to, for any purpose, a
service provided by ACC by means of or in connection with a Cable
Communications System.
1.36 TRANSFER means the disposal by ACC, directly or
indirectly, by gift, assignment , voluntary sale, merger,
consolidation or otherwise, of five percent ( 5% ) or more at one
time of the ownership or controlling interest in the Cable
Communications System, or twenty percent ( 20% ) cumulatively over
the term of the Franchise of such interests to a corporation,
partnership, limited partnership, trust or association or person
or groups of persons acting in concert.
1. 37 USER means a person or organization utilizing channel
or equipment and facilities for purpose of producing and/or
transmission of material, as contrasted with receipt thereof in a
subscriber capacity.
II
GRANT OF FRANCHISE
2. 1 ACC is hereby granted for itself and its successors and
assignees, subject to the terms and conditions of this Franchise,
the right, privilege, and authority to operate and maintain a
Cable Communications System within the streets, alleys, and
public ways of the City. ACC shall provide a modern, state-of-
the-art Cable Communications System to the residents and
institutions of the City in accordance with this Franchise.
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2. 2 For the purpose of operating and maintaining a Cable
Communications System in the City, ACC may erect , install ,
extend, repair, replace, and retain in, on, over , under ; or upon,
across and along the public streets, alleys, and ways within the
City such wires, cables, conductors, ducts, conduits,, vaults,
manholes, amplifiers, appliances, pedestals, attachmOnts, and
other property and equipment as are necessary and appurtenant to
the operation of the Cable Communications System in conformance
with the City' s specifications. Prior to any extension,
relocation, or alteration, however , ACC shall file plan$ with the
appropriate City agencies and utility companies and receive
written approval before proceeding.
2. 3 Nothing in this Franchise shall be deemed to ' waive the
requirements of the various codes and Ordinances of the City
regarding permits, fees to be paid, or manner of construction.
III
RIGHT OF CITY TO ISSUE FRANCHISE
3 . 1 ACC acknowledges and accepts the legal right of the
City to issue and maintain a Franchise.
3 . 2 No Cable Communications System shall be allowed to
occupy or use the streets of the City or be allowed to operate
without a Franchise.
IV
FRANCHISE NONEXCLUSIVE
4.1 This Franchise shall not be construed as any limitation
upon the right of the City to grant to other persons rights,
privileges, or authorities similar to the rights, privileges, and
authorities herein set forth, in the same or other' streets,
alleys, or other public ways or public places. The City
specifically reserves the right to grant at any time during the
term of this agreement or renewal thereof, if any, such
additional franchises for a Cable Communications System as it
deems appropriate. If any franchise is granted on terms more
favorable to grantee thereof than those contained herein then ACC
shall have the right to comply with all the terms of such other
franchise, to the extent applicable, in lieu of compliance
herewith.
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V
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FRANCHISE;
EFFECT UPON EXISTING FRANCHISE
5 . 1 The effective date of the Franchise shall be January
20, 1988, and, immediately upon the taking effect of this
Franchise, the prior Franchise granted to ACC,
on , by the passage of Ordinance No.
shall be superseded and of no further force and effect; provided,
however , that vested rights relating to billings and the City' s
rights to accrued Franchise fees shall not be affected thereby;
and provided, further, that any criminal proceedings, commenced
under or pursuant to said Franchise shall in no manner be
affected.
VI
TERM
6 .1 The City will request, along with ACC, that the New
York State Commission on Cable Television waive its rules and
permit the City to grant ACC a franchise for 15 years. If such
request is not granted, the term will be ten years and the other
terms of this Franchise will not be affected. Such term shall be
subject to sooner termination as provided in this Franchise at
which time this Franchise shall expire and be of no further force
and effect. The term of the Franchise shall be for a period of
15 years, or such shorter term as approved by the State
Commission on Cable Television, from the date of issuance of a
Certificate of Confirmation of this Franchise by the New York
State Commission on Cable Television, unless sooner terminated as
provided herein at which time it shall expire and be of no
further force and effect.
VII
FRANCHISE RENEWAL
7 .1 Upon completion of the term of this Franchise the City
may grant or deny renewal of this Franchise of ACC in accordance
with the provisions of the Cable Act and any other applicable
federal, state and local laws.
VIII
SERVICE AREA
8.1 ACC shall offer full cable communications service to
all residents in the Franchise Area, which shall be the corporate
limits of the City of Ithaca, including all territory thereafter
annexed to the City.
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8. 2 ACC shall make cable service available to all dwelling
units and commercial establishments within thirty ( 30) days of a
request for such service and the receipt of any applicable City,
state, federal and utility company permits and of permission from
any landlord or other person controlling access to such premises .
IX
USE OF STREETS AND PUBLIC GROUNDS
9 . 1 In exercising rights pursuant hereto, ACC shall not
endanger or interfere with the lives of persons, interfere with
any installations of the City, any public utility serving the
City or any other person permitted to use the Streets and Public
Grounds nor unnecessarily hinder or obstruct the free use of the
Streets and Public Grounds. The grant of this Franchise does not
establish priority for use over the other present or future
permit or Franchise holders or the City ' s own use of the Streets
and Public Grounds. The Common Council of the City shall at all
times control the distribution of space in, over, under or across
all Streets or Public Grounds and occupied by the Cable
Communications System. All rights granted for the construction
and operation of the Cable Communications System shall be subject
to the continuing right of the Common Council to require such
reconstruction, relocation, change of discontinuance of the
appliances used by the Cable Communications System in the
streets, alleys, avenue, and highways of the City, as shall in
the opinion of the Common Council be necessary in the public
interest.
9 . 2 Nothing in the Franchise shall be in hindrance to the
right of the City or any governmental authority to perform or
carry on, directly. or indirectly, any public works or public
improvements of any description. Should the Cable Communications
System in any way interfere with the construction, maintenance or
repair of such public works or public improvements, ACC shall, at
its own cost and expense, protect or relocate its Cable
Communications System, or part thereof, as reasonably directed by
the City officials or any governmental authority.
9 . 3 If at any time, in case of fire or disaster in the
City, it shall become necessary in the reasonable judgment of the
City to cut or move any of the wires, cables, amplifiers,
appliances or appurtenances of the Cable Communications System,
the City shall have the right to do so at the sole cost and
expense of ACC.
9. 4 The City shall have the power at any time to order and
require ACC to remove or relocate any pole, wire, cable, or other
structure that is unnecessarily dangerous to life or property.
Restoration shall be made in as good a condition or better . In
the event that ACC, after notice, fails or refuses to act within
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a reasonable time, the City shall have power to remove or
relocate the same at the sole cost and expense of ACC.
9 . 5 Upon termination of the Franchise by passage of time or
otherwise, and unless ACC transfers the Cable Communications
System to a subsequent franchise approved by the Common Council,
ACC shall remove its supporting structures, poles, transmission
and distribution systems, and all other appurtenances from the
Streets and Public Grounds and shall restore those areas to as
good a condition or better . Such removal shall be made so as not
to conflict with public health, safety or convenience. Removal
shall be completed within twelve ( 12) months after such
termination. At that time the City may deem any property not
removed as having been abandoned. Such property may then by
removed at the option of the City at ACC' s expense less any
recoverable salvage value.
X
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROVISIONS
10 . 1 ACC shall construct , install, operate and maintain all
elements of the Cable Communications System within the City in
accordance with the maps and other documents submitted in
connection with this Franchise. Poles, towers and other
obstructions shall be erected so as not to interfere with
vehicular or pedestrian traffic over public ways and- places. The
erection and location of all poles, towers and other obstructions
shall be fixed with the prior written approval and under the
supervision of the City pursuant to local regulation, provided,
however, ACC shall not have a vested interest in such location;
and such construction shall be removed by ACC at its sole cost
and expense whenever , in the judgment of the City, the same
restricts or obstructs the operation or location or any future
operation or location of public ways and places, or whenever the
City closes or abandons any public way or place.
10. 2 ACC shall, at its sole cost and expense, protect,
support, temporarily disconnect, relocate in the same street or
other streets and public grounds, or remove from any street or
any other public ways and places and of its property as requested
for reason of traffic conditions, public safety, street
construction, change or establishment of street grade, or the
construction of any public improvement or structure by any City
Department.
10. 3 ACC shall be subject to all laws, ordinances or
regulations regarding private property in the course of
constructing, installing, operating or maintaining the Cable
Communications System in the City of Ithaca. ACC shall promptly
repair or replace all private property, both real and personal,
damaged or destroyed as a result of the construction,
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installation, operation or maintenance of the Cable
Communications Systems at is sole cost and expense.
10 . 4 ACC shall restore any street it has disturbed and
shall, at its own cost and expense, restore and replace any other
property disturbed, damaged or in any way injured by or on
account of its activities to as good as the condition such
property was in immediately prior to the disturbance, damage or
injury. Restoration must be in accordance with the rules and
regulations established by the City.
10 . 5 ACC may trim trees or other vegetation owned by the
City to prevent branches, leaves or roots from touching or
otherwise interfering with its wires, cables or other structures
as approved by the City.
10 . 6 In all areas of the City where cables, wires and other
like facilities of the telephone and electric utilities are
already underground, ACC must also place its facilities
underground to the extent practicable. At such time as these
facilities are placed underground by the telephone and electric
utility companies or are required as are telephone and/or
electric to be placed underground by the City, ACC shall likewise
place its facilities underground at its sole cost and expense.
Underground cable lines shall be placed beneath the pavement
subgrade (minimum 22 inches to top of cable) .
10.7 Where any damages or alterations occur to the City' s
water, sewage or drainage lines or to any other municipal
structures in the streets during the construction due to the
presence, negligence, operation or maintenance of the Cable
Communications System, the sole cost of such repairs including
all services and materials will be billed to ACC and these
charges shall be paid within sixty ( 60) days of receipt of
notice, or the City may foreclose on performance bonds or invoke
other appropriate sanctions provided for in this Franchise.
10 .8 ACC shall temporarily raise or lower its wires or other
equipment upon the reasonable request of any person, including
without limitation a person holding a building moving permit
issued by the City. The expense of such raising or lowering
shall be paid by the person requesting the same and ACC shall
have the authority to require such payment in advance. ACC shall
be given reasonable notice necessary to maintain continuity of
service. This provision shall not apply to requests by the City
for City purposes for which movement there shall not be a charge
by ACC.
10.9 The City does not guarantee the accuracy of any maps
showing the horizontal or vertical location of existing
structures. In public-rights-of-ways, where necessary, the
location shall be verified by excavation.
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10 . 10 ACC shall give appropriate notice to the City and
residents within a reasonable period of time of proposed
construction, excavation, laying or stringing of cable under
streets or on poles, but in no event shall such notice be given
less than seven (7) days before such commencement.
10.11 The construction, installation, operation, maintenance
and/or removal of the Cable Communication System shall meet all
of the following safety, construction and technical
specifications and codes and standards:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations
(OSHA)
National Electrical Code
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)
National Cable Television Standard Code
AT&T Manual of Construction Procedures (Blue Book )
Bell Telephone- Systems Code of Pole Line Construction
All Federal, State and Municipal Construction Requirements,
including FCC Rules and Regulations
Utility Construction Requirements
All Building and Zoning Codes, and all Land Use Restrictions
as the Same Exist or may be Amended Hereafter .
10 . 12 All contractors or subcontractors of ACC must be
properly licensed under all applicable federal, state and local
laws and regulation. ACC shall be responsible for all acts or
omissions of any such contractor or subcontractor in the
construction, installation, maintenance or operation of ACC' s
Cable Communications System.
10 .13 CONSTRUCTION PLAN APPROVAL.
A. Prior to the erection or installation by ACC of any
towers, poles, underground conduits or fixtures for use in
connection with initial construction, rebuild, upgrade or
line extension of the Cable Communications System under this
Franchise, ACC shall make available for City approval a
concise description of the facilities proposed to be erected
or installed, including strand maps, if required, together
with a map and plans indicating the proposed location of all
such facilities. Approval by the City shall not be
unreasonably withheld and shall be completed in a timely
manner .
B. For the rebuild ACC shall allow a City selected
engineer to inspect such information, maps and plans for five
business days in ACC' s office. Prior to the five days, ACC
shall give the City thirty ( 30) days prior notice that such
information will be available. ACC shall accommodate
reasonable scheduling modifications. If ACC makes a material
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change in any part of the system design, the City shall be
notified prior to construction and shall have a reasonable
period of time to have an engineer review the changes in
ACC' s office.
C. No erection or installation of any tower , pole,
underground conduit or fixture for use in the Cable
Communications System shall be commenced by any person until
approval therefor has been received from the City pursuant to
local regulation provided that such approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
D. ACC will develop a plan for cutover of the rebuild
system which will include the activation of the new system
prior to cutover and a minimal disruption to customer
service.
10 . 14 ERECTION, REMOVAL AND COMMON USE OF POLES.
A. No poles shall be erected by ACC without prior
approval of the City with regard to location, height, types
and any other pertinent aspect . However , no location of any
pole or wire-holding structure of ACC shall give rise to a
vested interest and such poles or structures shall be removed
or modified by ACC at its own expense whenever the City
determines that the public convenience would be enhanced
thereby. ACC shall utilize existing poles and conduits where
possible.
B. Where poles already exist for use in serving the
City and are available for use by ACC, but it does not make
arrangement for such use, the City may require ACC 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 ACC are just and reasonable.
C. Where a public utility serving the City desires to
make use of the poles or other wire-holding structures of
ACC, but agreement thereof with ACC cannot be reached, the
City may require ACC to permit such use for such
consideration and upon payment of the prevailing public
utility rates for make ready and pole attachment rental, if
the City determines that the use would enhance the public
convenience and would not unduly interfere with ACC' s
operation.
10 . 15 The City or its designee shall have the right to
inspect at any time all construction or installation work
performed subject to the provisions of this Franchise and to make
such tests as it shall deem necessary to ensure compliance with
the terms of this Franchise and all other applicable law. ACC
shall cooperate fully with the City during all inspections and
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tests and shall provide access to all equipment records, and
other materials and information necessary for such inspections
and tests .
10 . 16 CONSTRUCTION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
A. Within thirty ( 30) days of the granting of this
Franchise, ACC shall have applied for any necessary
agreements, licenses or certifications and shall provide the
City with a written progress report .
B. Written progress reports shall be submitted to the
City on a monthly basis throughout the entire construction
process.
10.17 All work involved in construction, installation,
maintenance, and repair of the Cable Communications System shall
be performed in a safe and reliable manner . Any construction,
extension or installation performed pursuant to this Franchise
shall be in conformance with all applicable federal , state and
local laws, codes and regulations. ACC shall at all times comply
with the standards set forth in the "American Television and
Communications Corporation Construction Specifications and
Practices" (attached hereto as Appendix [A] and incorporated by
reference) , in addition to the National Electrical Safety Code,
the National Electrical Code, the Bell System Code of Pole Line
Construction, and the National Cable Television Association Code
of Construction Practice. ACC shall file requests for all
necessary operating authorizations and permits with the New York
Commission on Cable Television, utilities, and the Federal
Communications Commission no later than sixty ( 60) days from the
date the franchise is awarded. The Cable Communications System
shall be completed by March 1, 1989 .
10 . 18 Initial proof of performance testing shall occur within
sixty ( 60) days prior to the commencement of the Cable
Communications System service to each section of the City as set
forth in this Franchise. Should performance prove defective, the
defect shall be appropriately remedied. The costs of such test
shall be borne solely by ACC.
XI
MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
11 . 1 ACC shall maintain wires, cables and all other real and
personal property and facilities constituting the Cable
Communications System in good condition, order and repair at all
times during the term of this Franchise.
11. 2 Except where there exists an emergency situation
necessitating a more expeditious procedure, ACC may interrupt
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service for the purpose of repairing the Cable Communications
System only during periods of minimum use.
11 . 3 Radiation monitoring shall be conducted on an ongoing
basis. The results of said monitoring shall be made available to
the City upon request.
11. 4 ACC shall perform all system tests and maintenance
procedures as required by the Cable Ordinance and in accordance
with tests and procedures as specified by the FCC, New York State
Commission on Cable Television, and the National Cable Television
Association' s (NCTA) testing procedures. The NCTA testing manual
is attached hereto as Appendix [B] and incorporated by reference.
XII
SYSTEM DESIGN AND CAPACITY
12.1 ACC shall operate and maintain in the City of Ithaca a
Cable Communications System spaced to permit a minimum of 450 MHz
operation, capable of using state-of-the-art converters . In
constructing, operating and maintaining the system, ACC shall at
all times comply with applicable laws, construction standards,
safety codes, government requirements and FCC technical
standards.
12. 2 Equipment used for the distribution system, headend and
reception facilities shall be of good and durable quality and be
serviced and repaired on a regular basis. Any substitution or
changes in hardware components must be of good and durable
quality (e.g. , amplifiers, cable, antennas) .
XIII
SYSTEM SERVICES
13.1 The basic cable service shall have a minimum of 12
( 6Mhz) channels. If the Basic has only 12 channels, one channel
shall be designated for public access. If the basic service has
more than 12 channels, all access channels will be provided on
basic.
13. 2 ACC shall maintain, at a minimum, the mix, quality, and
level of programming set forth in Appendix [C] , attached hereto
and incorporated by reference.
13 .3 ACC will provide the stereo signal for the premium
service channels and broadcast stations which broadcast in
stereo. Additionally, a customer may elect to receive premium
and other selected channels via FM stereo service.
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13 . 4 ACC shall provide free cable drops to locations already
provided with free drops, and at any City designated locations in
any new or renovated public, educational or public service
offices or buildings designated by the City at the time of the
rebuild up to a maximum of 50. After the rebuild, ACC shall
provide additional drops as specified by the City at the time of
building construction or renovation of existing or new public,
educational or public service offices or buildings designated by
the City. The City shall provide ACC with reasonable notice of
such construction and renovation. The first tier of service,
closed circuit channels, institutional, and applicable two-way
channels shall be provided free of charge to all of these
locations.
13. 5 All closed-captioned programming retransmitted by the
system shall include the closed-caption signal.
13. 6 ACC will make VCR connections available to customers
and will provide training in the proper use of VCRs in connection
with the cable system and equipment .
XIV
ACCESS CHANNELS AND SERVICES
14 . 1 In order to develop and promote public, educational and
governmental access programming for the system' s access channels
and institutional services, ACC hereby agrees to provide the
following:
A. (1) Nine downstream channels shall be designated
for public, governmental , and educational access. The access
channels shall be available for use by New York State, local
governments, educational institutions, or members of the
general public for education and public service programming,
municipal services and local expression.
( 2) The public, governmental, and educational
access channels shall be available on a first-come, first-
served basis at no charge to any individual, association, or
organization desiring to utilize them.
( 3) Any PEG access channels unused by the City
three years after the rebuild is complete shall revert to
ACC, provided that if community needs subsequently require
the use of any such channel, ACC will return said channel to
the City six (6) months after receiving written notice if ACC
has a use for the channel and immediately if there is no use
for the channel.
B. Upon the request of the City, ACC shall
interconnect the access channels of the Cable Communications
System with neighboring cable systems in Tompkins County.
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C. EQUIPMENT
( 1) Local Programming Equipment. In instances, as
set forth in Appendix [D] , where the use of local
origination equipment is shared with access, this
equipment shall be made available to access users
free of charge at such times as the facilities are
open and where the equipment is not being utilized
for local origination productions. All local
programming equipment shall remain the property of
ACC but shall be made available for access use by
the City of Ithaca, local institutions and
residents and surrounding ACC System residents.
( 2 ) Public, Governmental and Educational Access
Equipment. New public, governmental and educational
access equipment ( PEG) with a purchase value of
$165, 000 shall be purchased by ACC for additions to
existing access equipment inventory listed in
Appendix [E] . ACC shall prepare an equipment
purchase list for City approval within sixty ( 60)
days of the receipt of the Franchise. All
equipment purchased shall be new and shall be
purchased and installed by March 1, 1989.
( 3 ) Access Equipment Ownership and Availability.
All access equipment shall remain the property of
ACC but shall be made available for access use by
the City of Ithaca, local institutions and
residents and surrounding ACC system residents. On
an average annual basis ACC has agreed to provide
2% of Gross City Revenues for capital PEG access
equipment replacement and expansion. Any future
access equipment replacement and expansion
commitments that are made by ACC to municipalities
served by the same headend as the City of Ithaca,
will be deducted to a floor of one percent of gross
City revenues . All access equipment shall be
available to access users on a first priority basis
before local origination users.
( 4) Equipment Maintenance. PEG, municipal access
and local origination equipment will be maintained
and/or replaced by ACC in a manner consistent with
good operating practice. Maintenance of that
equipment will be done on site, or at any ACC
facility, or at a manufacturer ' s repair facility in
a reasonable timely manner .
D. ACC shall maintain in its local programming studios
in the City of Ithaca the equipment specified in (B) above.
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ACC shall adopt business hours which shall provide for the
use of the studio at a minimum of sixty ( 60) hours a week
between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. , including some
evening hours and some hours on Saturdays. ACC shall offer
additional weekday or weekend hours as community needs
dictate.
14. 2 ACC shall establish rules to insure that the studio( s )
and portable equipment are available equitably to the
governmental, educational and public sectors. Rules for public
access should assure the availability of the studio( s) and
portable equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. Any
changes to current access rules shall be established by ACC
within three months of the Franchise award, and ACC shall file
those rules with the New York State Commission on Cable
Television. Any further changes thereafter shall also be filed
with the New York State Commission on Cable Television. Such
rules shall at all times include the following provisions.
A. Procedures for scheduling the use of television
production equipment and for scheduling the cablecasting of
programming on the channel (s) designated for the purposes
enumerated in paragraph A above;
B. Procedures for registering and resolving complaints
regarding channel availability, priorities and usage.
14. 3 ADDITIONAL ACCESS REQUIREMENTS. The following
requirements shall also apply to access use:
A. Channel time shall be available on a first come,
first serve nondiscriminatory basis, except as provided in
the rules of the New York State Commission on Cable
Television;
B. No charges shall be paid for the use of production
equipment facilities and personnel;
C. Records shall be maintained of the use of the
designated television channels, including the names and
addresses of persons and organizations providing programming
for such channels; such record shall be available locally for
public inspection and retained for a minimum of two years;
D. Designated channels shall not be used for the
promotion or sale of commercial products or services,
including advertising by or on behalf of candidates for
public office.
14. 4 ACC shall provide adequate programming and technical
staffing for the maintenance and operation of the access
channels, facilities, studio and equipment, and the provision of
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access services as required in the franchise and as contained in
the franchise proposal. ACC shall provide, at a minimum, two
full-time access staff people at the time of the Franchise award,
and an additional full-time access staff person at the completion
of the rebuild (no later than March 1, 1989 ) , and a fourth full-
time access staff person at the beginning of year five of the
Franchise, and a fifth full-time staff person at the beginning of
year ten of the Franchise. ACC shall have the right to petition
the Cable Commission in 1991 and 1996 to have the requirement to
employ the fourth and/or fifth access staff person waived, which
waiver shall not be granted in any event if community needs
support the position.
14 . 5 ACC shall provide adequate training for access users
free of charge. At a minimum, ACC shall provide monthly access
production and editing training classes, provided that community
interest of five or more residents in any given month exists. At
no time will a resident be requested to wait over two months for
training. The two training classes will each be approximately
nine hours in duration.
14. 6 ACC, at a minimum, shall provide each sub,;criber
information on the ' availability of the access channels,
production equipment, training and ACC' s address and telephone
number on a regular basis. Access programs shall be announced in
the cable guide based on reasonable rules for timely
submissions. ACC will also advertise programs and access
services in newspapers of local circulation. ACC shall conduct
facility tours and maintain a speaker ' s bureau to provide
informational presentations to local organizations and
institutions. Additional outreach activities will be conducted
as described in ACC' s proposal . ACC shall ensure the development
and propagation of public, governmental and educational access as
a vital community resource.
14.7 ACC will cablecast the monthly Common Council meetings
and not less than two ( 2) of the five ( 5) Standing Committees of
Council meetings on a rotating monthly basis.
14 .8 ACC shall provide access users with the following
access damage waiver policy for negligent damage to equipment .
Negligent damage shall not include ordinary wear and tear , and
mechanical breakdown through causes not the fault of the
operator.
A. An annual payment of $15 will reduce the
volunteer ' s total liability for equipment damage and repair
to $250 for each individual use of the equipment . Such
annual payment may be increased by ACC consistent with
increases in the Consumer Price Index.
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B. An annual payment of $25 will reduce the
volunteer ' s total liability for equipment damage and repair
to $125 for each individual use. Such annual payment may be
increased by ACC consistent with increases in the Consumer
Price Index.
C. ACC may require access users who do not elect the
damage waiver policy to be fully liable for damage to
equipment.
14.9 ACC shall support the creation and maintenance of an
Access Advisory Board, to consist of nine ( 9) members: three ( 3)
City residents ( two to be appointed by the City, one to be
appointed by ACC) , two ( 2) non-City residents (one to be
appointed by the City, one to be appointed by ACC) , two ( 2 )
representatives of institutional access users (both to be
appointed by the City) , and one (1) ACC representative and one
( 1) City representative. The ACC representative and City
representative will be non-voting members. The City Cable
Commission shall designate one of the members of the Advisory
Board to serve as Chair . The Board shall schedule regular
meetings as it deems appropriate. Four ( 4) members shall
constitute a quorum. The Advisory Board shall report regularly
to the City Cable Commission. If at any time the City Cable
Comimission determines that the Advisory Board is no longer
effective or necessary, the Cable Commission may dissolve the
Board and its duties and responsibilities shall revert to the
City Cable Commission. The Adivosry Board shall review and
monitor all access policies and procedures but will remain
advisory in nature. ACC shall consult with the Advisory Board on
the purchase of equipment, the studio hours available for access
users, and access rules. ACC shall provide quarterly reports to
the Board on the purchase and maintenance of equipment, the
schedules of access staff, and the use of studio time.
XV
INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK
15.1 ACC will construct and maintain a midsplit 300
megahertz institutional network that will connect the following
buildings: City Hall , Cornell University, Ithaca College,
Tompkins County Library, Ithaca High School, Boynton Junior High
School, The Alternative School, Ithaca Youth Bureau, GIAC, Police
Headquarters, Central Fire and the Bus Garage. The I-net shall
be capable of being interconnected at the headend to the
subscriber network. ACC will provide the City with eight
upstream and eight downstream channels, free drops and necessary
video converters to all aforementioned locations at no charge for
the duration of the Franchise. For purposes of this section, an
upstream channel shall be a channel which can transmit from
institutional and other locations on the I-net to the headend and
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other points on the I-net. Any channels unused by the City three
years after the institutional network is activated will revert to
ACC provided that if the City subsequently has a use for any such
channel ACC will return said channel(s) to the City six ( 6)
months after receiving written notice if ACC has a use for the
channel and immediately if there is no use of the channel . ACC
will have the same liability for I-net users that the telephone
company has for telephone users. ACC will respond to repair
calls for the I-net within two ( 2) hours. For requests received
during non-business hours the City or other I-net users will pay
ACC $40 per hour for such service. Such hourly fee may be raised
by ACC annually consistent with increases in the Consumer Price
Index. For requests received during business hours there will be
no charge.
ACC shall provide scrambling services to I-net users as
reasonably requested.
15 . 2 ACC shall maintain existing dedicated cables to sites
for originating local programming (City Hall, Ithaca College and
Tompkins County Library) . During the rebuild, ACC shall install
and thereafter maintain dedicated cable or cables to the
following additional locations for originating local
programming: Ithaca High School, Boynton Junior High School, The
Alternative School, Ithaca Youth Bureau, GIAC and Cornell
University. The origination site at Cornell University shall be
selected by Cornell.
15 . 3 Existing agreements with the City for use of the Cable
Communications System, such as the City ' s fire alarm system,
shall be continued by ACC for the term of this Franchise.
15. 4 ACC shall provide an all channel audio emergency alert
system to the City. The initiation site for emergency messages
shall be the Central Fire Station. ACC shall provide a telephone
line activation system for the emergency alert system.
15 . 5 Upon activation of the upstream capacity on the Cable
Communications System, one upstream channel shall be designated
for City and public sector uses. The City shall designate
appropriate uses and users for the upstream channel designated
for the City. For purposes of this section, an upstream channel
shall be a channel which can transmit upstream from subscriber
homes or other locations on the cable system to the headend and
other points on the system.
XVI
SUBSCRIBER AND USER RIGHTS
16 . 1 At the time an installation or service agreement is to
be signed, ACC shall furnish to each subscriber a simple but
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thorough written explanation of all services offered; the fees,
charges, terms and conditions of such services; information
regarding billing and service calls; complaints; information
regarding the availability of parental control devices; and a
complete statement of the subscriber ' s right to privacy in
conformance with 47 U.S.C. Section 631. Thereafter , ACC shall
provide subscribers with privacy information at least once a year
and other service related information at any time upon request.
16. 2 ACC shall provide to all subscribers annually and all
prospective subscribers or users complete written information
concerning all services and rates available to such subscriber
upon solicitation of service and prior to the consummation of any
agreement for installation of service. Such sales material shall
clearly and conspicuously disclose the price and other
information concerning ACC' s least costly service. Such
information shall be written in plain English and shall include
but shall not be limited to the following: all services, tiers
and rates, deposits if applicable, installation costs, additional
television set charges, service upgrade or downgrade charges,
lockout devices and information concerning the utilization of
video cassette records (VCRs) with cable service(s) and the cost
for hooking up such VCRs.
16. 3 ACC shall inform all subscribers annually and all
prospective subscribers or users of complete information
respecting billing and collection procedures, procedures for
ordering changes in or termination of services and refund
policies upon solicitation of service and prior to the
consummation of any agreement for installation of service. Such
information shall be written in plain English.
16. 4 All rates for subscriber services and leasing of
channels shall be published. A written schedule of all rates
shall be available upon request during business hours at ACC ' s
business office and all other facilities. Nothing in this
Franchise shall be construed to prohibit the reduction or waiver
of charges for attracting subscribers, or the establishment of
charges and rate schedules that may vary with volume or nature of
usage or programs.
16. 5 In the event that ACC's service to any subscriber is
interrupted for twenty-four ( 24) or more consecutive hours, ACC
shall expeditiously grant such subscriber a pro-rata credit.
16 .6 Each representative or employee of ACC entering upon
private property shall be required to wear an employee
identification card issued by ACC and bearing a picture of said
representative.
16.7 ACC shall provide a standard identification document to
all employees, , including employees of subcontractors, who will be
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in contact with the public. Such documents shall include a
telephone number that can be used to verify identification. In
addition, ACC shall use its best efforts to clearly identify all
personnel, vehicles, and other major equipment that are operating
under the authority of ACC.
16. 8 ACC shall have the right to disconnect service to a
subscriber for non-payment after sixty (60 ) days. ACC will
discontinue billing customers for service on the date requested
by the customer. ACC may bill customers for any unreturned
equipment until the equipment is returned to ACC by the
customer. ACC shall refund on a pro-rata basis any prepayments
made by the customer .
16. 9 CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS.
A. Requests for repair service shall be responded to
by ACC no later than the end of the next regular business
day.
B. Response to outages shall be immediately.
C. ACC shall maintain a person-operated 24-hour
answering service for repair service.
D. ACC shall complete all requests for installation
within one week after receipt of such requests . Reasonable
allowances for peak periods associated with the return of the
student population in August and September will be made by
the City.
E. ACC shall maintain the system to meet all technical
requirements of the FCC, the New York State Commission on
Cable Television and, to the extent allowable under
applicable law, the technical standards included in the
Franchise.
F. ACC shall maintain a business office within the
City of Ithaca and shall inform customers of its hours . ACC
agrees to extend business hours if necessary to meet the
needs of its customers.
G. ACC shall maintain staffing levels and support
equipment to assure that telephone inquiries are handled
promptly in order to minimize busy signals and hold time.
Reasonable allowances for peak periods associated with the
arrival of the student population in August and September
will be made by the City.
H. ACC shall respond to all written billing inquiries
within one week .
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I . ACC will issue a billing credit to any customer
affected by a service outage that lasts for more than 24
hours equal to a pro rata share of the customer ' s monthly
bill, but in no case less than 1/30 of the monthly bill.
If the City at any time feels that these standards are not
being met, the City shall notify ACC in writing and ACC shall
have 30 days to respond to the City ' s notice. This response will
include a reasonable plan to cure the problem, if applicable.
Such plan to cure the problem shall be made satisfactory to the
City.
16.10 ACC shall inform all persons in advance of the date and
approximate time its employee or agents shall enter onto such
person' s property for the purpose of installing cable
communications service.
16 . 11 COMPLAINT PROCEDURE.
A. ACC shall maintain and operate within the City of
Ithaca a business office for the purpose of receiving and
resolving all complaints, including without limitation those
regarding service, equipment malfunctions or billing and
collection disputes. The business office shall have a
publicly listed local telephone number and shall be open for
both telephone and walk-in business. ACC shall provide all
subscribers or users with at least thirty ( 30) days prior
written notice of a change in business office hours.
B. ACC shall periodically, and at various times of the
day, present its business office address and publicly listed
local telephone number by means of alpha-numeric display on a
local origination channel.
C. ACC shall respond to requests for repair service no
later than the next business day. System outages, whole or
partial, shall be acted upon as soon as practicable. ACC
shall keep a record of all such complaints in compliance with
state law and provide the record to the City as requested.
D. Should a subscriber or user have a complaint which
is unresolved after fourteen ( 14) days after notifying ACC
thereof, the subscriber or user shall be entitled to file his
complaint with the City, which shall have primary
responsibility for the continuing administration of this
Franchise and the implementation of complaint procedures. A
representative of ACC shall be available thereafter to meet
jointly with the City and the affected subscriber or user ,
within thirty ( 30) days after said subscriber or user has
filed the complaint, to fully discuss and resolve the
matter . If the matter cannot be resolved, the City may use
judicial proceedings to resolve the matter ; if the City
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prevails, all judgments and costs for attorney ' s fees will be
paid by ACC.
16 . 12 Whenever notice of any public meeting relating to the
Cable Communications System is required by law or regulation, the
City shall publish or cause to be published a notice of same
sufficient to identify its time, place and purpose in an Ithaca
newspaper of general circulation once in each of two ( 2)
successive weeks, the first publication being not less than
fourteen ( 14) days before the day of any such hearing, and ACC by
periodic announcement on the programming guide channel, or if
such channel is not available on a local origination channel
between the hours of seven (7) p.m. and nine ( 9) p.m. , for four
( 4) consecutive days during each such week.
16 .13 ACC shall at all times protect the privacy of
subscribers as provided in this Franchise and other applicable
Federal, State and Local laws.
16. 14 No people meter shall be used without the express
written consent of the subscriber .
16.15 ACC shall use state-of-the-art converters . ACC shall
make converters available to subscribers for rent or purchase.
ACC shall allow subscribers to purchase or rent converters from
other vendors. ACC shall provide detailed information written in
plain English to consumers and upon request to any sellers of
converters on the items necessary for converter compatibility
with ACC' s Cable Communications System. Subscribers shall not be
required to replace damaged converters rented from ACC if the
damage resulted from fire, flood, earthquake or other natural
disaster or act of God.
16 . 16 ACC shall install and/or maintain internal wiring for
subscribers. As of March 1 , 1989, ACC may own the internal
wiring or , at the subscriber ' s discretion, the subscriber may own
the wiring. ACC shall allow subscribers or other vendors to
install, own and/or maintain internal wiring. Any subscriber who
duly notifies ACC within the time period reasonably established
and advertised by ACC, may acquire ownership of the internal
wiring at his/her premises without charge. In the event of
signal leakage ACC may terminate service consistent with Federal
law.
16 . 17 ACC shall make remote control units available to
subscribers to purchase or rent . ACC shall allow subscribers to
purchase or rent remote control units from other vendors. ACC
may provide remote control units to subscribers at no charge as a
part of its package of services. ACC shall provide detailed
information written in plain English to consumers and upon
request to any sellers of remote controls on the items necessary
for compatibility with ACC' s Cable Communications System.
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Subscribers shall not be required to replace damaged remote
control units rented from ACC if the damage resulted from fire,
flood•, earthquake or other natural disaster or act of God.
16.18 ACC employees will not enter a customer ' s home except
when requested to by the customer .
XVII
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
17 . 1 ACC agrees that it shall not discriminate against any
employee or applicant for employment because of race, color,
religion, sex, disability, national origin, age, marital status,
or sexual orientation or affectional preference. In the
employment of persons, ACC shall fully comply with applicable
local, state and federal law, and shall take affirmative action
to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are
treated during employment without regard to their race, color ,
religion, sex, disability, national origin, age, marital status
or sexual orientation or affectional preference.
17 . 2 ACC shall be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer adhering to all Federal, State or municipal laws and
regulations. Pursuant to 47 CFR 76 . 311 and other applicable
regulations of the FCC, ACC shall file an Equal Employment
Opportunity Affirmative Action Program with the FCC and otherwise
comply with all FCC regulations with respect to Equal
Employment/Affirmative Action Opportunities.
17 . 3 ACC shall act affirmatively to increase the number of
women and members of various minority groups to their approximate
proportion in the total population of the Franchise area at all
levels of employment and to enhance the opportunities for women
and various minority groups to advance and win promotions in all
categories of employment. As part of its obligation under
Section 17 .1 above, ACC shall take affirmative action to employ,
during the construction, operation and maintenance of the Cable
Communications System minorities and females. ACC shall submit
to the City annual EEO reports required by the Federal
Communications Commission.
XVIII
REGULATION OF FRANCHISE
18.1 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION.
A. The City and ACC shall , at the discretion of the
City, hold annual performance evaluation sessions. All such
evaluation sessions shall be open to the public.
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B. Topics which may be discussed at any scheduled or
special evaluation session may include, but not be limited
to, system performance, compliance with this Franchise and
applicable law, customer service and complaint response,
subscriber privacy, services provided, programming offered,
service rate structures, Franchise fees, penalties, free or
discounted services, applications of new technologies and
judicial and FCC filings.
C. ACC shall notify its subscribers of all evaluation
sessions by announcement on at least one channel of its Cable
Communications System between the hours of seven (7) p.m. and
nine ( 9) p.m. , for five ( 5) consecutive days preceding each
session.
D. During review and evaluation ACC and the City shall
fully cooperate with each other and shall provide such
information and documents as each may reasonably need to
perform its review.
18. 2 In accordance with the terms of the Franchise, the City
may, at any time, make reasonable inquiries concerned with the
management and affairs of the Cable Communications System. ACC
shall respond to such inquiries in a timely fashion.
18 . 3 Where the City has questions about the reliability or
technical quality of cable service, the City shall have the right
and authority to require ACC to test, analyze and report on the
performance of the Cable Communications System. ACC shall fully
cooperate with the City in performing such testing and shall
prepare the results and a report, if requested, within thirty
( 30) days after notice. Such report shall include the following
information:
A. the nature of the complaint or problem which
precipitated the special tests;
B. the system component or area tested;
C. the equipment used and procedures employed in
testing;
D. the method, if any, in which such complaint or
problem was resolved; and
E. any other information pertinent to said tests and
analysis which may be required.
The City may require that tests be supervised or conducted by
a City staff member or a professional engineer who is not an
employee or agent of ACC. ACC shall reimburse the City for the
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costs of such engineer if the tests performed show that the
quality of service is below the standards set forth in this
Franchise.
18 . 4 BOOKS AND RECORDS AVAILABLE TO CITY.
A. The City reserves the right to inspect all
pertinent books, records, maps, plans, financial statements
and other like material, of ACC, upon reasonable notice and
during normal business hours.
B. If any of such maps or records are not kept in the
City, or upon notice ACC is unable to provide the records in
the City, and if the City shall determine that an examination
of such maps or records is necessary or appropriate to the
performance of any of their duties, then all travel and
maintenance expenses necessarily incurred in making such
examination shall be paid by ACC.
18 . 5 REPORTS REQUIRED. ACC shall file with the City:
A. Upon request all reports required by or voluntarily
submitted to the New York State Commission on Cable
Television and the Federal Communications Commission ( FCC)
related to the City of Ithaca shall be provided to the City.
B. An annual report setting forth the physical miles
of plant construction and plant in operation during the
fiscal year shall be submitted to the City. Such report
shall also contain any revisions to the system "as built"
maps filed with the City, and copies of all materials
required by this Franchise to be given to subscribers.
C. The following financial reports shall be submitted
annually to the City.
( 1) An ownership report, indicating all persons,
who at any time during the preceding year did control
or benefit from an interest in this Franchise of five
percent ( 5%) or more.
( 2) A copy of franchisee' s annual report .
( 3) A report on the placement of any limited
partnership offering, if any, including the amount
subscribed and the amount paid in.
( 4 ) An annual City-only, certified income
statement.
( 5) An annual list of officers and members of the
Board of ACC' s and of any parent corporation.
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D. The following system and operational reports shall
be submitted annually to the City:
( 1) ACC shall provide the City with a copy of its
annual performance testing results as submitted to the
FCC.
( 2) An annual summary of the previous year ' s
activities including, but not limited to, subscriber
totals for each category of service offered including
number of pay units sold, new services offered, and the
character and extent of the service rendered to other
users of the system, subject to ACC' s need to protect
proprietary information.
( 3 ) An annual summary of service requests and
complaints received and handled.
( 4) An annual summary of the number of outages.
( 5) An annual summary of all reports required by
or voluntarily submitted to the New York State
Commission on Cable Television and the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) related to the City of
Ithaca.
E. ACC shall furnish to the City such additional
information and records with respect to its operation,
affairs, transactions or property, as may be reasonably
necessary and appropriate to the performance of any of the
rights, functions or duties of the City in connection with
this Franchise.
18.6 MANDATORY RECORDS. ACC shall at all times maintain:
A. A record of all complaints received and
interruptions or degradation of service experienced for the
preceding period prior to a performance review, consistent
with state law and regulation.
B. An annual log showing the date, approximate time
and duration, type and probable cause of all Cable
Communications System outages, whole or partial, due to
causes other than routine testing or maintenance. The
entries in such log shall be retained by ACC for one ( 1 )
additional year and shall be subject to inspection and
copying by the City or its designee during ACC' s regular
business hours upon reasonable request .
C. A full and complete set of plants, records and "as
built" maps showing the exact location of all cable installed
or in use in the City, exclusive of subscriber service drops.
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18 .7 RIGHT OF INSPECTION
A. The City shall have the right to inspect all books ,
records, reports, maps, plans, financial statements and other
like materials of ACC as provided in this Franchise, at any
time during normal business hours.
B. The City shall have the right to inspect all
construction or installation work performed subject to the
provisions of this Franchise and to make such tests as it
shall find necessary to ensure compliance with the terms of
this Franchise and other pertinent provisions of law.
C. At all reasonable times and for the purpose of
enforcement of this Franchise, ACC shall permit examination
by any duly authorized representative of the City, of all
Cable Communication System and facilities, together with any
appurtenant property of ACC situated within the City and
outside of the City if it is utilized in the operation of the
City' s Cable Communications System.
XIX
RATE REGULATION
19 . 1 City having established its right to rate regulation
under applicable law, ACC will not raise basic rates higher than
the following for a five year period. On February 1, 1988 the
maximum rate will be $9.00. On March 1, 1989 the maximum rate
will be $11.00 . On March 1, 1990, the maximum rate will be
$12. 10. On March 1, 1991, the maximum rate will be $13 . 31 . On
March 1, 1992, the maximum rate will be $14. 64. Starting on
March 1, 1993, and for each and every year thereafter for the
term of this Franchise the maximum rate will be the previous
year ' s maximum allowed rate plus 5 percent or that percentage
equal to the rise in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is
higher . Additionally, ACC will give a need-based senior citizen
discount of 10 percent to those who qualify for real property tax
exemption and others who qualify using mutually agreeable
criteria. Effective March 1, 1989, ACC will not charge custoemrs
for additional outlets or FM service.
19 . 2 ACC covenants that it will not bring or fund any
lawsuit or other proceeding seeking deregulation of the
aforementioned rates prior to March 1 , 1991 and further agrees to
pay the attorney ' s fees and other costs of the City incurred in
defending any such lawsuit or other proceeding should ACC bring
them or fund them prior to March 1, 1991.
19 . 3 Effective March 1, 1991 ACC may seek deregulation of
basic cable service rates. If at any time any additional cable
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franchises granted by the City, or any additional cable
television is authorized to operate within the City, there will
be no further regulation of ACC ' s rates from the date of said
grant of any additional franchise or the beginning of
construction of such additional system, whichever comes sooner ,
until the termination of such additional franchise or of the
operation of such additional system, whichever is later .
19 . 4 ACC shall file with the City schedules which shall
describe all services offered by ACC, all rates and charges of
any kind and all terms or conditions relating thereto.
Thereafter, ACC shall file with the City all changes in services,
all rates and charges of any kind and all terms and conditions
relating thereto thirty ( 30) days prior to all such changes. No
rates or charges shall be effective except as they appear on a
schedule so filed.
XX
FRANCHISE FEE
20.1 The City of Ithaca shall be entitled to receive from
ACC a Franchise fee of five percent ( 5%) of ACC' s Gross City
Revenue.
20 . 2 The Franchise fee established in 20. 1 above shall be
tendered as follows:
A. Five percent ( 5%) of ACC ' s Gross City Revenue for
successive three ( 3) month calendar periods tendered within
forty-five ( 45) days after each such period.
20. 3 To the extent necessary to prevent ACC from diverting
revenues from the operation of the Cable Communications System
from ACC to Affiliates to the detriment of the City, Affiliates
(excluding any affiliate which provides a national or regional
programming service) shall be permitted to utilize the Cable
Communications System only if a Franchise fee on City revenues
derived therefrom is paid.
20. 4 In the event that the fees herein required are not
tendered on or before the dates fixed in this Franchise, interest
due on such fee shall accrue from the date due at an annual rate
of three percent ( 3%) above the prime rate or rates of interest ,
at the City' s primary depository bank.
20. 5 Tender or acceptance of any payment shall not be
construed as an accord that the amount paid is correct, nor shall
such acceptance of payment be construed as a release of any claim
the City of Ithaca may have for additional sums including
interest payable under this Franchise. All amounts paid shall be
subject to audit and recomputation, by an independent auditor
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chosen by the City, which shall be based on a fiscal year and
shall occur in no event later than one ( 1) year after the fees
are tendered with respect to such fiscal year . If , after audit
and recomputation, an unpaid fee is owed to the City, such fee
shall be paid within thirty ( 30 ) days after audit and
recomputation and ACC shall pay the costs of the audit. The
interest on such unpaid fee shall be charged from the due date at
an annual rate of three percent ( 3%) above the prime rate or
rates of interest at the city ' s primary depository bank during
the period that such unpaid amount is owed.
XXI
BONDS, INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
21. 1 PERFORMANCE BOND.
A. ACC shall provide a performance bond in the amount
of $500,000 ( five hundred thousand dollars) until
construction is completed and shall maintain a performance
bond in the amount of $25, 000 ( twenty-five thousand dollars)
for the remaining term of the Franchise. The performance
bond shall be provided and regulated in accordance with this
Franchise. The performance bond shall be provided within
thirty days of the receipt of final operating authority.
B. The performance bond shall provide the following
conditions:
( 1) There shall be recoverable by the City jointly
and severally from the principal and surety, any and
all fines and penalties due to the City and any and all
damages, losses, costs and expenses suffered or
incurred by the City resulting from the failure of ACC
to: faithfully comply with the provisions of this
Franchise; comply with all lawful orders, permits and
directives of any City agency or body having
jurisdiction over its acts or defaults; pay fees due to
the City; pay any claims due the City as resulting from
judicial action; pay any claims, liens or taxes due the
City which arise by reason of the construction,
operation, maintenance or repair of the Cable
Communications System. Such losses, costs and expenses
shall include but not be limited to attorney ' s fees and
other associated expenses.
( 2) The total amount of the bond shall be
forfeited in favor of the City in the event:
(a) ACC abandons the Cable Communications
System at any time during the term of this
Franchise or any extension thereto;
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(b) ACC assigns this Franchise without the
express written consent of the City.
C. Upon written application by ACC, the City may, at
its sole option, permit the amount of the bond to be reduced
or waive the requirements for a performance bond subject to
the conditions set forth below. Reductions granted or denied
upon application by ACC shall be without prejudice to ACC' s
subsequent applications or to the City' s right to require the
full bond at any time thereafter . However , no application
shall be made by ACC within one ( 1 ) year of any prior
applications.
D. Prior to drawing upon the performance bond for the
purposes described in this Section, the City shall notify ACC
in writing that payment is due and ACC shall have thirty ( 30)
days from the receipt of such written notice to make a full
and complete payment . If ACC does not make the payment
within thirty ( 30) days, the City may, upon determination of
a breach of this Franchise pursuant to Section 3 .6, withdraw
the amount thereof, with interest and penalties, from the
performance bond.
E. Within three ( 3) days of a withdrawal from the
performance bond, the City shall send to ACC, by certified
mail, return receipt requested, written notification of the
amount, date and purpose of such withdrawal .
F. No later than thirty ( 30 ) days after mailing to ACC
by certified mail notification of a withdrawal pursuant to
paragraph D above, ACC shall replenish the performance bond
in an amount equal to the amount so withdrawn. Failure to
make timely replenishment of such amount to the performance
bond shall constitute a substantial violation of the
Ordinance and this Franchise.
G. The performance bond required herein shall be in a
form satisfactory to the City and shall require thirty ( 30)
days written notice to the City of any non-renewal,
alteration or cancellation to both the City and ACC. ACC
shall, in the event of any such cancellation notice, obtain,
pay all premiums for and file replacement bond or policies
within thirty ( 30) days following receipt by the City or ACC
of any notice of cancellation.
H. To offset the effects of inflation, the amounts of
the bond provided for herein are subject to reasonable
increases at the end of every three ( 3) year period of this
Franchise, applicable to the next three year period, upon the
reasonable determination of the City. Inflation compensation
shall be computed in accordance with the regional Consumer
Price Index.
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I . The City shall not seek recovery from the
Performance Bond until it has provided ACC with thirty ( 30)
days to cure any default.
21. 2 LIABILITY AND INSURANCE.
A. Prior to commencement of construction, but in no
event later then sixty ( 60 ) days after the effective date of
this Franchise and thereafter continuously throughout the
duration of this Franchise and any extensions or renewals
thereof, ACC shall furnish to the City certificates of
insurance, approved by the City, for all types of insurance
required under this Section. Failure to furnish said
certificates of insurance in a timely manner shall constitute
a violation of this Franchise.
B. Neither the provisions of this Section or any
damages recovered by the City hereunder , shall be construed
to or limit the liability of ACC under this Franchise for
damages.
C. ACC shall provide the City with written notice of
its intention to cancel or not renew any of the insurance
policies maintained pursuant to this Franchise.
D. The Company agrees to indemnify, save harmless and
defend the City, its agents, servants and employees and each
of them against and hold it and them harmless from any and
all lawsuits, claims, demands, liabilities, losses and
expenses, including court costs and reasonable attorney ' s
fees for or on account of any injury to any person, or any
death at any time resulting from such injury, or any damage
to any property, which may arise or which may be alleged to
have risen out of or in connection with the work covered by
this Franchise. The foregoing indemnity shall apply except
to the extent such injury, death or damage is caused by the
negligence or other fault of the City, its agents, servants,
or employees or any other person indemnified hereunder .
E. All insurance policies obtained under the
provisions of the Ordinance or this Franchise shall be
written by companies authorized to do business in the State,
and approved by the State.
21. 3 ACC shall maintain, and by its acceptance of this
Franchise granted hereunder specifically agrees that it will
maintain throughout the term of this Franchise, general liability
insurance insuring ACC in the minimum of:
A. $500,000 for property damage per occurrence;
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B. $1,000, 000 for property damage aggregate;
C. $1, 000,000 for personal bodily injury to any one
person; and
D. $2,000,000 bodily injury aggregate per single
accident or occurrence.
Such general liability insurance must include coverage for
all of the following: comprehensive, premises-operations,
explosion and collapse hazard, underground hazard,
products/completed operations hazard, contractual insurance,
broad form property damage, and personal injury.
21. 4 ACC shall maintain, and by its acceptance of this
Franchise granted hereunder specifically agrees that it will
maintain, throughout the term of this Franchise automobile
liability insurance for owned, non-owned or rented vehicles in
the minimum amount of:
A. $1,000 ,000 for bodily injury and consequent death
per occurrence;
B. $1,000,000 for bodily injury and consequent death
to any one person; and
C. $500,000 for property damage per occurrence.
21. 5 ACC shall maintain and by its acceptance of this
Franchise granted hereunder specifically agrees that it will
maintain throughout the term of this Franchise, Worker ' s
Compensation and employer ' s liability, valid in the State, in the
minimum amount of:
A. Statutory limit for Worker ' s Compensation.
B. $100 ,000 for employer ' s liability.
21.6 INDEMNIFICATION
A. ACC shall, at its sole cost and expense, fully
indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, its officers,
boards and commissions and City employees against any and all
claims, suits, actions, liability and judgments for damages
( including but not limited to expenses for reasonable legal
fees and disbursements and liabilities assumed by the City in
connection therewith) :
( 1) To persons or property, arising out of or
though the acts or omissions of ACC, its servants,
agents or employees .
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( 2) Arising out of any claim for invasion by ACC,
its servants, agents or employees of the right of
privacy, or for defamation, of any person, firm or
corporation, or the violation or infringement of any
copyright , trademark , trade name, service mark or
patent, or of any other right of any person, firm or
corporation.
( 3 ) Arising out of ACC' s failure to comply with
the provisions of any federal, state, or local statute,
ordinance, or regulation applicable to ACC in its
business hereunder .
B. The foregoing indemnity is conditioned upon the
following:
The City shall give ACC prompt notice of the making of any
claim or the commencement of any action, suit or other proceeding
covered by the provisions of this Section. Nothing herein shall
be deemed to prevent the City from cooperating with ACC and
participating in the defense of any litigation by its own counsel
at its sole cost and expense.
XXII
BREACH
22.1 In the event that the City has reason to believe that
ACC has defaulted in the performance of any provision of this
Franchise except as excused by force majeure, the City shall
notify ACC in writing of the provision or provisions which the
City believes may be in default . ACC shall have thirty ( 30) days
from the receipt of such notice to:
A. Respond to the City in writing, contesting the
City' s assertion of default and providing such information or
documentation as may be necessary or;
B. To cure any such default or, in the event that, by
nature of the default, such default cannot be cured within
such thirty ( 30 ) day period, to take reasonable steps to cure
the default and diligently continue such efforts until said
default is cured. ACC shall report to the City in writing,
at thirty ( 30) day intervals as to ACC' s efforts, indicating
the steps taken by ACC to cure the default and reporting
ACC' s progress until such default is cured.
In the event ACC fails to cure the default within the stated
period the City shall convene a public hearing on reasonable
notice at which hearing ACC may be heard and after which the City
shall specify the complaint against ACC; thereafter the City
shall appoint an impartial person to act as factfinder who shall
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fix a date for a hearing at which evidence shall be received and
a record kept of evidence of the complaint. The factfinder shall
report in writing to both parties with his or her findings of
fact. The Common Council shall make a finding of violation or no
violation based on those findings. In the event that the City
after such hearing determines that ACC is in default of any such
provision of this Franchise, the City may also determine to
pursue any or all of the following remedies:
A. Foreclose on all or any part of the security
provided pursuant to this Franchise, including without
limitation the performance bond and/or the letter of credit ,
provided, however, the foreclosure shall be in such amount as
the City reasonably determines is necessary to remedy the
default and shall include payment of all City expenses
incurred in connection with the factfinding hearing.
B. Commence an action at law for monetary damages,
including the expenses of the factfinding hearing.
C. Declare this Franchise to be revoked and order ACC
to commence the removal of the Cable Communications System
immediately or to cooperate with the City, or any such agency
or person authorized or directed by the City to operate the
Cable Communications System for a one year period, in
maintaining the continuity of service; and
D. Seek specific performance of any provision, which
reasonably lends itself to such remedy, as an alternative to
damages.
ACC may seek recourse as available by law or federal or state
regulation.
22. 2 For the violation of any of the following provisions of
this Franchise, the City shall notify ACC in writing of the
violation and ACC shall be allowed not less than thirty ( 30)
days, or such greater amount of time as the City may specify, to
correct such violation. In the event ACC fails to correct the
violation, the City will be entitled to collect liquidated
damages according to the schedule listed below. Such liquidated
damages, if not paid by ACC, shall be chargeable, to the extent
available, to the bond tendered by ACC within the aforesaid
period of time. These liquidated damages shall be in addition
to and not a limitation upon the other penal provision of this
Franchise and applicable law, including penalties or revocation,
or other statutorily or judicially imposed penalties or remedies .
A. For failure to complete construction and
installation in accordance with this Franchise, $100 .00 per
day.
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B. For failure to submit reports or supply data in
accordance with this Franchise, $10 .00 per day for each day
that such noncompliance continues.
C. For failure to test, analyze and report on the
performance of the Cable Communications System in accordance
with this Franchise, $25.00 per day for each day, or part
thereof, that such noncompliance continues.
D. For failure to provide the capital equipment, and
facilities, and. services for public, educational and
governmental access, as specified in this Franchise, $75 . 00
per day, or part thereof, that such noncompliance continues.
The City retains the right, at its sole option, to reduce or
waive any of the above-listed penalties where extenuating
circumstances or conditions beyond the control of ACC are deemed
to exist. The Common Council or its designee shall determine the
City' s willingness to reduce or waive any of the above-listed
penalties.
22 . 3 No decision by the City to invoke any any remedy under
this Franchise or under any statute, law or Ordinance shall
preclude the availability of any other such remedy.
22.4 Exclusive jurisdiction and venue over any dispute,
action or suit arising therefrom shall be in any court of
appropriate subject matter jurisdiction located in the State of
New York and the parties by this instrument subject themselves to
the personal jurisdiction of said court for the entry of any
judgment and for the resolution of any dispute, action, or suit
arising in connection with the entry of such judgment.
XXIII
TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL.
23 .1 This Franchise cannot in any event be sold,
transferred, leased, assigned or disposed of, including but not
limited to by force or voluntary sale, merger, consolidation,
receivership or other means without the prior consent of the
City.
23. 2 ACC shall promptly notify the City of any actual or
proposed change in control of ACC. The word "control" as used
herein is not limited to major stockholders but includes actual
working control in whatever manner exercised. The current
ownership of ACC is as listed in Appendix [G] .
23.3 Prior City authorization is required for every change,
transfer or acquisition of control of ACC. City consent will not
be unreasonably withheld. For the purpose of determining whether
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it shall consent to such change, transfer or acquisition of
control, the City may inquire into the legal, financial,
character, technical and other public interest qualifications of
the prospective controlling party, and ACC shall assist the City
in any such inquiry. Failure to provide all transfer related
information reasonably requested by the City as part of said
inquiry shall be grounds for denial of the proposed change,
transfer or acquisition of control.
23. 4 The City agrees that any financial institution having a
pledge of the Franchise or its assets for the advancement of
money for the construction and/or operation of the Franchise
shall have the right to notify the City that it or its designees
satisfactory to the City will take control and operate the Cable
Communications System. Further, said financial institution shall
also submit a plan for such operation that will insure continued
service and compliance with all Franchise obligations during the
term the financial institution exercises control over the
system. The financial institution shall not exercise control
over the system for a period exceeding one year , unless extended
by the City at its discretion and during said period of time it
shall have the right to petition for transfer of the Franchise to
another grantee. If the City finds that such transfer , after
considering the legal, financial, character , technical and other
public interest qualifications of the applicant, is satisfactory,
the City will transfer and assign the rights and obligations of
such Franchise as in the public interest . The consent of the
City to such transfer shall not be unreasonably withheld.
23. 5 The consent or approval of the City to any transfer of
ACC shall not constitute a waiver or release of the rights of the
City in and to the streets, and any transfer shall, by its terms,
be expressly subordinate to the terms and conditions of the
Franchise.
23. 6 Any approval by the City of transfer of ownership or
control shall be contingent upon the prospective controlling
party becoming a signatory to the Franchise.
23.7 The City shall act on a request for any consent or
approval required by this section within 120 days of a
presentation to the Common Council requesting such consent or
approval. The City' s approval of any transfer or assignment
shall not be deemed an approval of the purchase price.
23.8 In the absence of extraordinary circumstances, the City
will not approve any transfer or assignment of the Franchise
prior to completion of construction of the proposed system.
_38_
XXIV
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
24 .1 ACC shall comply with all statutes, rules, and
regulations of the New York State Commission on Cable
Television. The terms of this Franchise are subject to the
approval of the New York State Commission on Cable Television.
24.2 In accepting this Franchise, ACC acknowledges that its
rights hereunder are subject to the police powers of the City to
adopt and enforce general Ordinances necessary to the safety and
welfare of the public, and it agrees to comply with all
applicable general laws and Ordinances enacted by the City
pursuant to such power . This Franchise is subject to applicable
federal and state law, including the Cable Communications Policy
Act of 1984 . Nothing contained in this Franchise shall be
construed so as to require the commission of any act contrary to
such applicable federal and state law. In the event of any
conflict between this Franchise and applicable federal and state
law the latter shall apply. ACC' s acceptance of this Franchise
shall not constitute a waiver or relinquishment of any right it
may have, now or hereafter, to seek judicial or other review of
the validity, constitutionality or enforceability of any of its
provisions.
24. 3 ACC recognizes but does not adopt the City ' s position
that the City' s Cable Communications Ordinance [number, date] , is
valid and enforceable against ACC. The City recognizes but does
not adopt ACC' s position that said ordinance is invalid and
unenforceable against ACC.
24.4 Nothing contained in this Franchise shall be construed
to deprive ACC or the City of any "grandfather" rights in any
future amendments to any statute or regulation. This Franchise,
however, shall be subject to such regulations as the City finds
necessary to adopt in the exercise of its police power , provided
that such regulations are reasonable and do not materially
conflict with the privileges granted in this Franchise.
24. 5 If any section, sentence, paragraph, term or provision
of this Franchise is determined to be illegal, invalid or
unconstitutional, or otherwise unenforceable by any court of
competent jurisdiction upon final adjudication or by any state or
federal regulatory agency having jurisdiction thereof, such
determination shall have no effect on the validity of any other
section, sentence, paragraph, term or provision hereof, all of
which will remain in full force and effect. In the event of such
determination ACC and the City shall negotiate in good faith and
agree upon a provision which will achieve the same purpose as
closely as possible.
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24.6 The parties recognize that it is within their mutual
best interests for the Cable Communications System to be operated
as efficiently as possible in accordance with the requirements
set forth in this Agreement. To achieve this, the parties agree
to cooperate with each other in accordance with the terms and
provisions of this Agreement . Should either party believe that
the other is not acting timely or reasonably within the confines
of applicable regulations and procedures in responding to a
request for action, that party shall notify the agents designated
for that purpose by the other . The agent will use its best
effort to facilitate the particular action requested.
24.7 During the term of this Agreement, ACC shall be liable
for the acts or omissions of its affiliates while such affiliates
are involved directly or indirectly in the construction,
installation, maintenance or operation of the cable television
system as if the acts or omissions of such affiliates were the
acts or omissions of ACC.
24 . 8 If by reason of force majeure either party is unable in
whole or in part to carry out its obligations hereunder, said
party shall not be deemed in violation or default during the
continuance of such inability. The term "force majeure" as used
herein shall mean the following: acts of God; acts of public
enemies; orders of any kind of the government of the United
States of America or of the State of New York or any of their
departments, agencies, political subdivision, or officials, or
any civil or military authority; insurrections; riots; epidemics;
landslides; lightening; earthquakes; fires; hurricanes; volcanic
activity; storms; floods; washouts; droughts; civil disturbances;
and explosions.
24.9 The Mayor or the Cable Commission shall be responsible
for the continuing administration of this Franchise. Such
designation cannot be changed without prior written notification
to ACC.
24.10 Nothing herein shall be deemed to create a joint
venture or principal-agent relationship between the parties, and
neither party is authorized to, nor shall either party act toward
third persons or the public in any manner which would indicate
any such relationship with the other .
24.11 Every notice to be served upon the City shall be sent
by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the City. Every notice to
be served upon ACC shall be sent by certified mail, postage
prepaid, to ACC at its Ithaca office.
24.12 The captions to sections throughout this Franchise are
intended solely to facilitate reading and reference to the
sections and provisions of this Franchise. Such captions shall
not affect the meaning or interpretation of the Ordinance.
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24.13 This Agreement and all attachments hereto, represent
the entire understanding and agreement between the parties hereto
with respect to the subject matter hereof , supersede all prior
oral negotiations between the parties, and can be amended,
supplemented, modified, or changed only as provided herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above
written.
ATTEST: CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK,
a municipal corporation
OA
City Clerk U JOAyoi
AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION,
a Division of American Television
and Communicati s Cor oration
Wit esS j - Vice-President
SEAL
-41-
STATE OF NEW YORK )
ss:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS )
On this day of 00 1988 before me
personally came John C. Gutenberger, to me personally known, who
being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he resides at 110
Eastwood Terrace, Ithaca, New York and that he is the Mayor of
the City of Ithaca, the municipal corporation described in and
which executed the above Instrument; and that he signed his name
thereto by direction of the Common Council of the City of Ithaca.
T� �� �.m- ..
Notary P blic
-, ". i W. NASH
otar,Public.State of New York
:io,02 NA 4669490,Reg.in Tompwins County
my Commissigit Expfts MWCtr *.—k90'•
STATE OF COLORADO . ) 'Wr,3/1
ss:
COUNTY GF ARAPAHOE )
On this "717 day of NOV BS , 1988 before me
personally came 45 k'. R CkEk y, to me personally known, who
being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he resides at ilL /NVEfA16�6
ORIVE E )-tA161-EW0dD CDI.OICA-80 , New--York and that he is the
ViCE ES16EAU7To the corporation described in and which
executed the above Instrument; and that he signed his/her name
thereto by direction of the Board of Directors of said
corporation.
NotadJ Public
MY CWMWWE*W J*24, I=
i
THE sr'lf
u
NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION ON CABLE TELEVISION
J �
William B. Finneran
Chairman
CABLE TE S ON
f..........
RAICHISE>.. .
... ::..... RENE'PVAIS...
N..
i
i
Tower Building Empire State Plaza • Albany, NY 12223
(518) 474-1035
T H[ f r�rf
W „ NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION ON CABLE TELEVISION
•n c•
CABLE TELEVISION RENEWALS
The Federal Communications Policy Act of 1984 establishes a new procedure for franchise
renewals. The procedure is complex and may require specific action as early as three years
prior to the franchise expiration date.
The renewal process provides an important opportunity to review your franchise and make
any changes which the parties deem necessary or desirable. Extension of service to
additional areas, municipal franchise fees, community programming and additional services
are examples of provisions that may require update or modification. Your franchise should
also be reviewed for compliance with the current State and federal regulations.
The Commission staff is available to you free of charge for assistance and consultation
during the franchise renewal process.
Tower Building Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12223
5
UT THE d
b O
NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION ON CABLE TELEVISION
may. y+o.
CABLE TELEVISION RENEWALS
Discussed below are the federal and state requirements for franchise renewals and
issues related thereto that the Town should consider.
Renewal-Federal Procedures:
As you know, the Federal Communications Policy Act of 1984 provides significant
protections for the franchisee during the renewal process--protections of which your cable
company is aware and will invoke if it feels it is necessary. These protections are set out
in Section 626 of the Act.
Either the cable operator or municipality may request the commencement of public
proceedings during the six month period which begins with the 36th month prior to the
franchise expiration. The purpose of these proceedings are to:
• identify the future cable related community needs
and interests; and
• review the performance of the cable operator
under the current franchise term
Upon completion of these tasks, the Town should adopt a request for proposals. It
should define clearly all the matters of concern to the Town, including its desire for an
upgrade of the system. A final date for submission of the requested proposal may be set
by the Town.
Upon submission of a proposal by your cable company to the Town, the Town must
provide prompt public notice of the receipt of the proposal. Within four months of the
completion of the community needs-review and for the review of the systems performance,
the Town must renew the franchise or issue a preliminary assessment that the franchise
should not be renewed.
Tower Building - Empire State Plaza **Albany, NY 12223
Page 2
Should the franchise not be renewed by the Town, an administrative proceeding
conducted by the Town, with due public notice shall be held to consider whether:
• the cable operator has substantially complied
with the material terms of the existing franchise
and with applicable law;
• the quality of the operator's service, including
signal quality, response to consumer complaints
and billing practices, but without regard to the
mix, quality, or level of cable services or other
services provided over the system, has been
reasonable in the light of community needs;
• the operator has the financial, legal and
technical ability to provide the services,
facilities, and equipment as set forth in the
operator's proposal; and
• the operator's proposal is reasonable to meet
the future cable-related community needs and
interests, taking into account the cost of meeting
such needs and interests.
Any denial of a franchise renewal by a municipality may be appealed to the courts.
I would suggest that the Town carefully review Section 626 of the Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984. There is a presumption of renewal embodied in the Act, for the
incumbent cable operator and the unsuccessful party in a lawsuit is required to pay the legal
fees for both parties.
Renewal-State Procedure:
There are a few additional filing requirements as noted in Section 591.2 of the
Commission's rules and regulations, the State renewal procedure. Our rules are somewhat
more specific in requiring review of the past performance of the cable operator and
identifying the future cable-related needs of the community. The municipality must exercise
due diligence in:
• solicitation of comments from residents of the
municipality concerning the performance of the
applicant's system.
Page 3
0 consideration of the trouble call records maintained
by the applicant pursuant to Section 596.8 of the
Commission's rules and regulations and of the
subscriber complaints files by residents of the
municipality with the commission pursuant to
Section 590.5 of the state regulations and of the
applicant's responsiveness thereto.
• consideration of the results of all technical
performance tests performed by the commission
on the system.
• consideration of appropriate financial information
concerning the applicant. (related either to
rebuild or "new" build).
You may wish to form a CATV committee to perform the "due diligence" review and
make recommendations to Town Board. After this review the Town must conduct a public
hearing to give all persons a full opportunity to participate. Following the public hearing,
at a public session, the Town Board shall adopt a resolution granting or denying the
renewal. If a renewal is denied, the procedures outlined by the federal law must be
followed in addition to a report by the municipality stating how it plans to proceed and an
explanation as to the basis of its decision.
All renewals adopted at the local level also require a Certificate of Confirmation
from this Commission for cable operation in the community. Thirty (30) days after
municipal renewal of a franchise, an application is filed by the cable operator with the
following documents:
• duly certified copy of the municipal resolution
(or other writing) granting the renewal;
• fully executed copy of the new franchise agreement;
• transmittal letter requesting Commission approval
pursuant to section 822 of the Executive Law;
• and a complete and accurate copy of the latest
annual test data pursuant to Part 596.5 of the
Commission's rules and regulations.
All of the above is contained in Part 591 of the Commission's rules and regulations.
The Commission anticipates thoughtful and deliberate considerations during the renewal
process. Should the expiration date draw near and the negotiations are not finalized, the
Commission upon request, can grant temporary operating authority until the municipal
process is completed and an application can be filed with the Commission.
Page 4
There are several issues as discussed below which the Town should give consideration
in its renewal deliberations. Those issues include the term of the renewal extensions of
service, franchise fees, channel capacity, customer service and public access.
Term:
State regulation allows for a maximum of a ten year renewal (possible eleven years
under certain conditions). The state rule is the maximum, there is nothing to preclude a
renewal term of three, five or seven years. The Commission is now granting eighteen month
Certificates of Confirmation where a system has not proposed and committed to an increase
in its channel capacity or has not met the determined future needs of the community.
Extension of Service:
The Commission has a minimum standard of 35 homes per mile for extending cable
service in above ground construction areas without a subscriber contribution for aid-in-
construction costs. The 35-home minimum does not preclude negotiations by the Town
for a lower threshold. A number of companies are using a 20-home-per-mile threshold
before a line extension provision is applied. It is recommended that you negotiate for
construction of any unserved portions of the Town without a line extension surcharge.
Franchise Fees/Real Property Taxes:
Municipalities granting a cable television franchise normally have two available
sources of revenue: 1) the franchise fee, and 2) real property taxes applied to the cable plant
and other company property situated within the public rights of way in the municipality.
However, the actual amount payable to the municipality by the company, under these two
methods, is subject to reduction. Section 626 of the Real Property Tax Law permits the
company to offset the property tax due by the amount of the franchise fee it pays.
The Federal act allows a maximum of five percent (5%) of gross revenue for the
franchise fee. This fee includes the State Commission's assessment against the company
which is currently about 4/10 of one percent. The percentage level (i.e., 1%, 2%, 3%, etc.)
can vary, but the Commission requires that the percentage level be tied to gross receipts
since the federal act continues to change and gross receipts basis leaves less room for
discrepancies during the term of the renewal.
Channel Capacity:
We have seen a significant increase in channel capacity both in urban and suburban
cable systems. These systems have been rebuilt to 54, 62 or 77 channels. Systems in less
densely populated areas are being constructed with capacities of 52 to 62 channels. Channel
capacity is a critical issue for the Town. It must help fulfill the communications needs of
subscribers for the next decade.
Page 5
Customer Service Needs:
It is essential that municipalities exercise their rights related to customer service as
consumer awareness has heightened due primarily to the deregulation of rates in 1987. The
Commission's rules require cable operators to keep all billing complaints on file for six
months and all trouble calls on record for two years. Your franchise agreement and
Commission rules permit inspection of company records on such matters. Such inspection
can be useful in fulfilling your "due diligence" requirement as part of the assessment of the
operator's past performance.
Generally, the consumer issues that a municipality faces are rate regulation, adequate
phone service, reception and programming availability. With the exception of a few remote
areas in New York State, cable television rates and services are deregulated pursuant to
federal law. However discussion or implementation of senior citizen rates, programming
surveys of consumer preferences are not precluded.
Inadequate telephone coverage or accessibility by the public to a cable operators's
business office can be troublesome to a municipality. Should that be a problem,in your
area, the municipality should require quarterly reports by the cable operator on issues such
as average number of calls per month, number installations, requests for service, billing
disputes, reception problems, etc. so that the company's performance can be monitored.
In terms of your renewal, better customer service, such as extended business office
hours, increased personnel, modernized telephone systems and service repairs within 24
hours should be discussed, and if necessary, appropriate remedies and or penalties for
failure to comply with such franchise provisions. Overall attentiveness to customer service
issues by a municipality usually results in better customer service by a cable operator.
Public, Educational and Governmental Access:
A municipality may require in its renewal proposal and as part of the franchise, that
channel capacity be designated for public, educational and governmental use, and may
require rules and procedures for the use of such channels pursuant to Section 611 of the
Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984. Additionally, the State Commission has
regulations in this matter (see attached).
It is suggested that consideration be given to allocating a portion of the franchise fee
towards funding for access programming. Even where there is great interest in access, it
generally doesn't succeed without some operational funding. Some municipalities seek
funding, in addition to the franchise fee, for access operating funds and access related
equipment from the cable operator. Commission assistance is also available pertaining to
funding levels, equipment requests, operating rules, entity by-laws and the like regarding
access operations.
Page 6
Conclusion:
This is intended as a summary of issues for the Town to consider in its renewal
deliberation. Commission staff is available to discuss and review with the Town Board or
the renewal advisory committee any issues or company proposals for the renewal franchise
for your municipality.
r
:1 NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION ON CABLE TELEVISION
CABLE FRANCHISE CONTRACT OUTLINE
Topics for Review
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
• System capacity
• System design
• Construction and maintenance standards
• Addressability
• System reliability
• Iwo-way capability
• Fiber
• Institutional networking
• Ancillary services (security and fire alarm, banking, polling, etc)
• Parential control devices
• Stereo television
• Converters/descramblers
CONSUMER PROTECTION
• Service standards
• Response practices and standards
• Notification to subscribers
• Billing practices
• Complaint procedures
SERVICE AREA
• Universal
• Primary/extension areas
• New subdivisions
• Easements
TERM
0 1 to 10 years fixed
• Variable
Tower Building • Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12223
SERVICE
• Activated channels
• FM stereo
• Broad categories of services
• Maintenance of mix, quality, and level of programming
• Lifeline basic service
• Free service to public and educational buildings
• Customers use of VCRs
• Notification of changes
• Antitrust/Leased access
ACCESS
• Public and educational/governmental access
• NYSCCT rules
• On basic
• Equipment/studio
• Origination points
ACCOUNTABILITY
• Reporting requirements
• Recordkeeping
• Penalty clauses/fines/forfeitures
• Revocation for fraud
• Performance bonds
RATES
• Annual filing/notification of changes
• Re-regulation
• Rates vs. charges
FRANCHISE FEE
• 5% of gross
• Audits
• Offsets
TRANSFERS
• Term limitations
0 Prior approval of municipality
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
NYSCCT LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
MISCELLANEOUS
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EXHIBIT A
AMERICAN TELEVISION AND COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
I 5/83
1
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CONTENTS
1. System Specifications........................
2. Electronic and Passive Equipment..............
3. Coaxial Cable.................................
4. Splicing Specifications.......................
(Section 4 - Revised 1/87)
S. Construction Support Hardware.................
6. Underground Ties..............................
7. Underground Construction.....................
B. Operating Maps, Manuals and Records..........
9. Contractor Decorum...........................
10. Acceptance of Plant and Warranty Period.......
2 5/83
SECTION 1
SYSTEM SPECIE CATIONS
A. General Description
1. The system will be, unless oth rwise stated, a
trunk, feeder sub-split configur tion with
2. Frequency spectrum and channel capacity throughout the system ,
unless otherwise stated will be z operational and MHz
upgradable.
3. All coaxial cable and passive evices will be capable of passing
the frequency spectrum of 5 MHz through MHz.
4. For bidding purposes, it may b assumed that all plant will
consist of overhead construction utilizing elephone and power company poles,
or underground construction using direct bu ial techniques by trenching or
plowing or the use of steel or PVC conduit n trench or bores. In some
instances it will be necessary to provide a d set poles and do underground
ties.
B. Trunk System
1. Automatic gain and slope contr 1 will be utilized at _ev�erX trunk
and trunk bridging location. Frequencies ut lized will be in accor a e with
manufacturer's specifications and must be co rdinated with ATC's Engineering
Department in Denver.
2. Maximum cascade of trunk amplif ers will be as designed by ATC
Engineering.
3. All cable shall have a minimum eturn loss before installation,
using narrow band sweep, of 30dB or better.
4. The reverse trunk amplifiers must utiliz some method of open loop level
compensation at every location.
C. Feeder System
1. The maximum number of line exten ers in cascade without derating
will be one. Use two only if both are derate by 3dB.
2. Some method of open loop level c mpensation will be used in all
line extenders.
3. All feeder cable will have a min mum return loss before
installation, using narrow band sweep, of 30d .
4. Minimum tap spigot levels will b dbmv at the highest
design frequency and dbmv at 55MHz. _T?-the system is to utilize
converters to 100% of t e su scribers, the to spigot levels will be decreased
by 2dB.
5. Bridger and line extender outputs will have a continuous slope
and/or block tilt across the forward frequency spectrum. This is to optimize
amplifier output distortion characteristics an meet ATC minimum system
distortion parameters.
6. All tap off devices will be direc ional couplers utilizing 2, 4,
6 and 8 way hybrid splitters for distribution f signals.
3
5/83
� s
SECTION 2
ELECTRONIC AND PASSIVE EQUIPMENT
A. Amplifiers
1. Each trunk amplifier, bridger, intermediate bridger, and line
extender shall be tested prior to being installed in the system.
2. AGC and ASC control shall be checked before being installed.
L Current carrying capacity of all trunk line actives shall be 10
amperes or better.
B. Power Supplies
1. ATC will be responsible for designating locations of power
supplies on the power poles, and supplying drawings of a typical power supply
location. These will be submitted to the contractor.
2. Contractor shall be responsible for installing power supplies
unless otherwise designated by ATC.
3. ATC shall be responsible for inspection and power turn-on at all
power supply locations.
4. All power supplies shall have a vertical ground. Support
messenger shall be bonded to this same vertical ground. If there is no
existing vertical ground, contractor shall install one.
5. The same size and type of cable used for feeder lines shall be
used to interconnect power supplies with power inserters and amplifiers. It
is preferable to use the amplifier power insertion point, but in no case shall
more than 200 feet of cable be used between the power supply and the power
insertion point without written approval of ATC.
6. Power inserters (except power inserters built into the amplifier)
shall have 10 amp slo-blo fuses in each power leg.
7. All terminal connections shall be treated with an oxide inhibitor
at all power supply locations.
8. All power supplies shall be regulated, 60 volt RMS, 14 amperes
minimum; with RF filtering and resettable circuit breakers inside the housing
and surge protection details as follows:
(a) RFI rejection greater than 60 dB, 5 MHz through Mhz.
(b) A switch box with automatic 15 ampere resetting circuit
breakers where legal, shall be mounted between the meter base and power
supply.
(e) A pilot light shall be wired so that the light is on when
power is being supplied to the coaxial cable system.
(f) The power supply shall be equipped with a 10-second output
time delay relay.
(g) The output waveform applied to the cable system shall
approximate a square wave; i.e., RMS value shall not be less than 75% of the
peak value.
(h) The power supply shall contain a current limiting device on
the 60 volt output.
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C. Passive Devices
1. Stainless steel screws are to be used in all passive devices for
base-plated and center-seize screws. The threaded end of the screw shall not
be concave.
2. Unless otherwise specified, directional tap plates may be changed
to different values without disconnecting feeder cables.
3. A sample test of incoming passives shall be accomplished to
insure that specifications are met on through loss, tap loss and isolation.
SECTION 3
COAXIAL CABLE
A. Specifications and Testing
1. All (100%) of the coaxial cable received shall be physically
inspected to determine that the center conductor is securely bonded to the
dielectric, that the aluminum is tightly extruded to the dielectric, and that
all other mechanical specifications are met.
2. Physical and electrical specifications of all coaxial cable shall
meet the manufacturer's specified tolerances.
3. All coaxial cable shall have a minimum structural return loss
before installation, using narrow band sweep techniques, of 30 dB from 5 MHz
through MHz.
4. Cable structural return loss shall not degrade by more than 4 dB
after installation - 5 MHz through MHz.
S. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, ATC will test and
accept every reel of cable before issuance to the contractor for the
following:
(a) Structural return loss
(b) Attenuation
(c) Characteristic impedance.
6. If the contract specifies that the contractor will perform the
above tests, then complete records of each test will be maintained and will be
given to ATC at the completion of each phase, or upon request by ATC.
7. Structural return loss measurements on cable shall be made with a
suitable bridge and sweep generator. The terminating impedance shall be
adjusted for optimum return loss. Type N connectors or better shall be used
to minimize connector reflections. Peaks of return loss "spikes" should be
measured. No weighting factors are to be used.
8. Characteristic impedance is measured by sweep methods, calibrated
by substitution of an accurate resistive impedance.
9. Cable attenuation is measured by sweep frequency methods with a
signal comparator by switching the oscilloscope from test to reference and
using a variable attenuator to determine by comparison the cable attenuation
at the design frequencies.
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B. Handling Coaxial Cables
1. Maximum pulling tensions as specified by the cable manufacturer
shall not be exceeded when pulling in coaxial cables. The following tensions
will be observed when pulling cable presently in use by ATC:
a. Comm Scope PIII+
(1) .500 200 lbs.
(2) .750 420 lbs.
(3) 1.00 490 lbs.
b. Scientific-Atlanta GID-3
(1) .500 200 lbs
(2) .625 300 lbs
(3) .750 420 lbs
(4) .875 480 lbs
(5) 1.00 490 lbs
2 Coaxial cables shall not be pulled with a vehicle unless
accompanied by an ATC approved automatic tension release to prevent damage to
the cable. A diagram of an ATC approved device is included in Appendix A.
3. Cable rollers shall be used in the following locations to protect
cable and property.
(a) Not more than 60 foot spacing between rollers.
(b) Not more than 25 foot spacing over all roadways to ensure
clearances.
(c) Over all telephone drops to prevent chaffing of drop.
(d) Over all driveways and in areas where persons could be
hurt.
4. Corner cable rollers, especially designed for this purpose, shall
be used for pulling coaxial cables around corners greater than 30 degrees.
5. When pulling multiple cables, appropriate cable rollers shall be
utilized to properly support and separate the cables so that when lashed, the
cables will maintain their approximate same position in the cable bundle
throughout the entire length of the cable run.
6. The lashing machine shall not be pulled with a vehicle at any
time.
7. All trunk shall be double lashed and any cable bundle 1112 inches
or greater shall be double lashed. When lashing coaxial cable to the support
messenger, there shall not be less than one wrap in 14 inches.
8. Coaxial cables shall be smoothly installed. Loose lashing,
twisting, weaving or air looping of cable shall be cause for rejection. The
existence of any physical ripple, kink or flatness around the outside diameter
of the cable shall be cause for rejection.
9. Lashing wire shall be .045 inch, alloy 430 stainless steel ,
unless otherwise specified in writing.
6
10. Lashing cable support straps shall be zinc or stainless steel.
See drawing in Section 4.
11. The lashing wire shall be wrapped twice around the messenger
before terminating in the lashing wire clamp. The lashing wire clamp must be
securely fastened to the strand to ensure that the clamp does not slide or
twist.
12. When securing lashing wire to the cable lashing wire clamp, care
should be taken in securing lashing wire so that the clamp does not cut the
wire, 'thereby releasing it. The lashing wire shall go between the two washers
and be wrapped no more than one-half turn. When double lashing, the two wires
should be separated by the interior washer. The nut on the washer side should
be tightened to secure the wire. See the drawing in Section 4.
13. When lashing wire is securely fastened, the end of the lashing
wire shall not be exposed. It shall be tucked inside of the cable lashing
clamp. No loop or end of wire shall protrude from the clamp.
14. Cable support straps and plastic cable spacers shall be placed
two inches from the lashing wire clamp on the pole side of the clamp. Kinsel
type spacers shall be used on multiple cable bundles.
15. When any two or more cables of the same diameter are installed
on the same strand, one or more cables will be identified with a waterproof
tag/tracer every four feet and so indicated on the as-built map. Cables shall
be identified as follows:
(a) With dual trunk and dual feeder, the A cable will be plain
and will be on the left side of the strand in the direction of the forward
flow signal.
(b) The B cable will be Blue or Green tracer and will be on the
right side of the strand in the the direction of the forward flow signal.
(c) The institutional cable, if there is one, will be Red
tracer.
16. Cable Reel Set-Up When the pay-out trailer is set-up, the center
of the reel should be sighted so that the cable pulls from the center of the
reel, directly into the set-up block, and along the line-of-sight of the
strand. If the pay-out reel cannot be leveled, the contractor will ensure
that an individual is stationed at the reel to enable the cable to unwind
without making contact with the flanges of the reel. All cables must be
pulled from the top of the reel.
11. The contractor shall use 45 degree multi-cable roller or
equivalent at the first pole of the proposed run to insure minimum stress and
maximum protection to the cable as it comes off the reel. Cable shoes are not
permitted.
18. The cable trailer shall never be placed any nearer to the pole
than the height of the strand attachment to that pole. It is preferred that
cable trailers be placed twice the strand height attachment from the base of
the pole in order to prevent distortion of the cable.
19. No drive-off of cable is permitted.
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20. When transporting reels from the warehouse to the construction
site, cable ends will be securely fastened and capped or sealed to avoid
damage. If ends are cut at the warehouse, the bouncing on the reel trailer
pay-off shaft can cause the cable to loosen on the reel, resulting in cross-
wraps, kinks and/or wavy conditions.
C. Forming Coaxial Cables
1. All expansion loops will be of the flat bottom type with the
"flat" portion being no less than 15 cable diameters long. These loops shall
be formed using the Jackson Communications Corp. Unibend (3/4) X11084, or
equivalent as approved by ATG.
2. Feeder cable shall have a full expansion loop at every pole, on
the input or output side of the pole as specified, at every passive device,
amplifier and splice. Trunk cable shall have full loops at the input and
output of all devices. Trunk splices and all corners greater than 45 degrees
shall have a full loop on the output side. A two-inch space shall be left
between cable support and the start of the expansion loop.
3. One expansion loop shall be placed in the feeder cable at the
output side of every pole at all tap locations.
4. The bending radius shall not be less than manufacturer's
recommended minimum bending radius and shall conform to all ATC
specifications.
5. ATC approved standoff brackets shall be used to secure all feeder
distribution passive devices to support messenger in all locations where
feeder cable parallels trunk line cables.
6. In the event a cable terminator is installed at the end of a
feeder where no tap exists, a cable spacer and strap shall be installed within
two inches of the terminator to avoid possibility of kinked cable. The end of
the terminator shall be tilted up slightly.
7. Any active or passive device at the end of a line will be
terminated with a 5/8 inch entry terminator if the device is not already
internally terminated.
8. If cable tails are left, they are to be supported by a section of
lashing wire, cable support strap or nylon tie no less than 6 inches from the
end of the cable. All exposed cables shall be capped or sealed to prevent
moisture ingress prior to splicing. Tape is not an acceptable method of
sealing cable ends.
SECTION 4
SPLICING COAXIAL CABLE
1. An ATC approved cable preparation device or splicing tool (such
as SST-*** series or equivalent) shall be used in all splicing.
2. The appropriate coring tool (such as CTS-***, T-xxx series or
equivalent) shall be used in all splicing.
3. All connectors shall have integral mandrel steel sleeves.
4. An ATC approved splice block may be used on trunk cable splices
in plant operating up to 400 MHz. The splice blocks should be used at the
discretion of the project manager or system engineer.
8
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5. Right angle, 1800 connector, or housing to housing adaptors
shall be used as necessary for proper clearance. No reverse loops will be
allowed.
6. All passive devices shall be strand mounted or supported by a
special standoff bracket when the housing mount cannot be used, or when
interconnected to another device by an entry to entry connector. The approved
stand-off brackets are CATV supply part $1020-A and 1020-B or their
equivalent. All equivalent substitutions shall be approved by ATC. Support
brackets shall not extend below the equipment being supported.
7. No active device shall be mounted on a slack span without prior
approval of ATC engineer.
8. No active or passive devices with the exception of taps shall be
mounted on the dead-end or false dead-end preform.
9. Splicers shall use 75 ohm resistor/jumpers and an ohm meter in
the following manner to insure no opens or shorts in the line.
a. A 75 ohm resistor will be attached to one end of the cable
section to be spliced by connecting one side to the center
conductor and the other to the shield.
b. Where the plant is dual cable, i.e. multiple trunk and
multiple feeder, the following procedure will be used:
1. A 75 ohm resistor shall be attached to the A cable.
2. A 150 ohm resistor shall be attached to the B cable.
3. A 250 ohm resistor shall be attached to the in-
stitutional cable.
C. Zero the ohm meter and measure the resistor being used and
mark that reading on the meter face with a grease pencil or
triangular piece of tape. The splicer can now continue to
the next device, prepare the cable using the appropriate
coring tool, clean the .center conductor and measure the
center conductor to ground. The reading should be
approximately the same as the reference measurement. The
device is then installed and the output measurement taken
and should read the same. If the device installed is a
line extender or trunk amplifier, a continuity jumper (no
resistor) should be placed from center conductor to center
conductor (inside the device).
A special 75 ohm (150 or 250 ohm) jumper can be placed
in a bridger amplifier to allow the splicer to work from
the amplifier to the terminating tap. This jumper
should have an alligator clip and lead soldered to one side of
four 75 (150, 250) ohm resistors.
The clip is connected to ground, and an individual lead
and clip soldered to the other end of each 75 (150, 250)
ohm resistor. These clips are for connection to the
bridger port center conductors.
10. One trunk splice per 180 degrees of angle pulled is the maximum
allowed. 180 degrees of pull shall mean two continuous 90
degree turns with a straight section of cable of under-
determined length connecting the output of one 90 degree
turn to the input of the second 90 degree turn. All other
trunk splices must be approved by the ATC field representa-
tive.
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11. No splice will be allowed where it is not accessible from the
pole by a man on climbers or by ladder.
12. All active and passive equipment shall be situated in a manner
that is accessible for service by a service person on climbers
from the pole.
13. There shall be an expansion loop at both the input and output
side of all actives, passives devices and splices in the trunk
cable.
14. There shall be an expansion loop only in the output side of all
active, passive device (except taps) and splices in the feeder
cable.
15. If the expansion loop is installed by the splicer, he shall use
a forming tool (such as Jackson Uni-Bend) approved by ATC.
16. The splicer shall reform any expansion loop he has distorted
in the process of installing a passive or active device, to
the specifications required. This can be accomplished by
using the forming tool approved for the project. If the
cable cracks, while reforming, new cable shall be installed.
17. The splicer shall re-install the lashing wire clamp and re-wrap
the lashing wire according to ATC Construction specifications
to prevent future damage to lashing wire and cable.
18. The center conductor shall be clean of any remnants of
dielectric or foreign materials prior to installing cables
in the device. Wipe center conductor clean with a cloth using a
circular motion. If the center conductor has any remaining
residue, use a suitable burnishing means (such as a fine
emery cloth, scotch pad, etc.) to remove any remaining
residue for good electrical contact. Do not use a knife
to remove any remaining residue as it may remove the copper
cladding.
19. Connectors to amplifiers, multitaps and all other devices in
both the trunk and feeder system shall be protected against
moisture in a manner specifically approved by ATC. Approval
of the method shall not relieve the contractor of full
responsibility for proper application and workmanship of
the materials in the manner specifically approved by
ATC. All connector threads shall be treated with an ATC
approved silicone lubricant.
a. All entry to entry connectors shall be covered with
an ATC approved sealant.
b. All 90 and 180 degree connectors and splice blocks
shall be covered with an aqua seal , electro seal or
equivalent if a shrink boot cannot be applied. The
center conductor seizing screw port cap accessibility
shall not be hampered by either shrink boot, aqua
seal, electro seal or other materials.
C. Shrink tube shall extend over any housing lip
designed to facilitate moisture proofing of a
connector and at least three inches past the back
edge of the connector. If a jacketed cable is
used, the shrink tube shall overlap the jacket by
at least three inches. Heat should be applied
evenly on the shrink tube to ensure proper sealing.
10
20. Proper sizes of shrink tube shall be used to prevent splitting
or improper fit of shrink tube.
21. A water gasket shall be installed in all amplifier, directional
tap, directional coupler, splitter and power inserter lids and
covers. Additionally, all amplifiers, directional taps,
directional couplers, splitters and power inserters shall have
an RFI-EMI conductive gasket, whether as part of the water
gasket or as a spearate gasket.
22. Metal terminators with the ground end of a 75 ohm resister
soldered to an F connector shall be installed on all tap
ports. Port threads will be lubricated with DC-11 or
equivalent prior to installing terminators. Security
shields may be required as specified by the ATC representative.
23. If connector or splice pull-outs occur at an average rate
greater than one-half per cable-bearing strand mile of system
built during the first 12 months following acceptance, the
contractor shall take remedial steps and shall continue to
be similarly responsible.
24. Torque and tightening sequences as specified by manufacturers
and approved by the ATC engineer shall be used in tightening
down amplifier lids, passive device covers and connectors.
The use of a torque wrench may be required.
25. ATC shall present the contractor with a letter from each
manufacturer and/or local ATC specification, specifying the
torque to be used on their respective equipment.
26. The splicer should ensure that all active and other designated
locations as directed by the ATC engineer are properly grounded.
27. All splicing shall be in accordance with the ATC splicing
drawings attached to these specifications.
U�nderorou�nd
Splicilg of coaxial Cables
1. An ATC approved cable preparation device or splicing tool
(such as SST-*** series or equivalent) shall be used in all
splicing.
2. The appropriate coring tool (such as CTS-***, T-xxx series
or equivalent) shall be used in all splicing.
3. All connectors shall have integral mandrel steel sleeves.
4. An ATC approved splice block may be used on trunk cable splices
in plant operating up to 400 MHz. The splice blocks shall be
used at the discretion of the project manager or system
engineer.
5. Right angle, 180 degree connector, or housing to housing
adaptors shall be used only where necessary for proper
clearance. No reverse loops will be allowed.
6. All passive devices shall be mounted or supported by a
bracket when interconnected to another device by an entry
to entry connector. The approved stand-off brackets are
CATV supply part #1020-A and 1020-8 or their equivalent.
All equivalent substitutions shall be approved by ATC.
Taps should be mounted at least 12" above the ground level
and secured to the stake of the pedestal.
7. Splicers shall use 75 ohm resistor/jumpers and an ohm meter
in the following manner to insure no opens or shorts in the
line:
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a. A 75 ohm resistor will be attached to one end of the
cable section to be spliced by connecting one side to
the center conductor and the other to the shield.
b. Where the plant is dual cable, i.e. multiple trunk and
multiple feeder, the following procedure shall be used:
1. A 75 ohm resistor shall be attached to the A cable.
2. A 150 ohm resistor shall be attached to the B cable.
3. A 250 ohm resistor shall be attached to the in-
stitutional cable.
C. Zero the ohm meter and measure the resistor being used
and mark that reading on the meter face with a grease
pencil or triangular piece of tape. The splicer can now
continue to the next device, prepare the cable using the
appropriate coring tool, clean the center conductor and
measure the center conductor to ground. The reading
should be approximately the same as the reference
measurement. The device is then installed and the
output measurement taken and should read the same.
If the device installed is a line extender or trunk
amplifier, a continuity jumper (no resistor) should
be placed from center conductor to center conductor
(inside the device). A special 75 ohm (150 or 250
ohm) jumper can be placed in a bridger amplifier to allow
the splicer to work from the amplifier to the terminating
tap. This jumper should have an alligator clip and lead
soldered to one side of four 75 (150, 250) ohm resistors.
The clip is connected to ground, and an individual lead
and clip soldered to the other end of each 75 (150, 250)
ohm resistor. These clips are for connection to the
bridger port center conductors.
8. One trunk splice per 180 degree of angle pulled is the maximum
allowed. 180 degrees pull shall mean two continuous 90 degree
turns with a straight section of cable of undetermined length
connecting the output of one 90 degree turn to the input of the
second 90 degree turn. All other trunk splices must be approved
by the ATC field representative.
9. All active and passive equipment will be situated in a manner
that is accessible for service by a service person working
in a pedestal without requiring disassembly of the pedestal.
10. The center conductor and shield shall be clean of any remnants
of dielectric or foreign materials, or flooding compound, prior
to installing cables in the device. If the center conductor has
any remaining residue, use any suitable burnishing means (such
as a fine emery cloth, scotch pad, etc.) to remove any re-
maining residue for good electrical contact. Do not use a
knife to remove any remaining residue as it may remove the
copper cladding. The flooding compound shall be removed by
an approved solvent.
11. Connectors to amplifiers, multitaps and all other devices in
both the trunk and feeder system shall be protected against
moisture in a manner specifically approved by ATC. Approval
of the method shall not relieve the contractor of full
responsibility for proper application and workmanship of the
materials in the manner specifically approved by ATC. All
connector threads shall be treated with an ATC approved silicone
lubricant.
12
i L
a. All entry to entry connectors shall be covered with an
ATC approved sealant.
b. All 90 and 180 degree connectors and splice blocks shall be
covered with aqua seal, electro seal or equivalent if a
shrink boot cannot be applied. The center conductor
seizing screw port cap accessibility shall not be
hampered by either shrink boot, aqua seal, electro seal
or other materials.
C. Shrink tube shall extend over any housing lip designed to
facilitate moisture proofing of a connector and at least
three inches past the back edge of the connector. If a
Jacketed cable is used, the shrink tube shall overlap the
jacket by at least three inches. Heat should be applied
evenly on the shrink tube to ensure proper sealing.
12. Proper sizes of shrink tube shall be used to prevent splitting
or improper fit of shrink tube.
13. A water gasket shall be installed in all amplifiers, directional
taps, directional couplers, splitters and power inserter lids
and covers. Additionally, all amplifiers, directional taps,
directional couplers, splitters and power inserters shall
have an RFI-EMI conductive gasket, whether as part of the
water gasket or as a separate gasket.
14. Metal terminators with the ground end of a 75 ohm resistor
soldered to an F connector shall be installed on all tap ports.
Port threads will be lubricated with DC-11 or equivalent prior
to installing terminators. Security shields may be required as
specified by the ATC representative.
15. Torque and tightening sequence as specified by manufacturers and
approved by the ATC engineer shall be used in tightening down
amplifier lids, passive device covers and connectors. The use
of a torque wrench may be required.
16. ATC shall present the contractor with a letter from each
manufacturer and/or local ATC specifications, specifying
torque to be used on their respective equipment.
17. All splicing shall be in accordance with the ATC splicing
drawings attached to these specifications.
18. The contractor shall be responsible for the installation of all
risers in the proper quadrant on the pole, and their associate
splice to the aerial plant unless otherwise stated.
19. The same type of cable used for underground construction shall
be used for risers. The cable shall be run from the bottom of
the riser pole to the level of aerial attachment. A minimum of
five feet of cable "tail" shall be left for splicing into aerial
plant. Cable tails shall be capped or sealed.
20. "U" guard molding, either steel or rigid PVC, shall be used on
at least the first eight feet of cable on all riser poles.
21. Where more than one cable is buried, proper and adequate marking
shall be on the cables for proper functional identity.
22. The splicer should ensure that all active and other designated
locations as directed by the ATC engineer are properly grounded.
13
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SECTION 5
CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT HARDWARE
A. Types of Materials
1. All forged steel and iron hardware used shall be hot dipped
galvanized, meeting specification ASTM-A153.
2. All steel support messenger used shall meet specifications ASTM-
A475-69T forl/4 inch extra high strength, Class A Galvanized.
3. All copper clad hardware used shall not have less than 15 mils
thickness of copper coating, and shall not have extensive electroplating pits.
4. All wood products used shall be pressure treated to not less than
10 pounds of preservative per cubic foot of wood. Approved preservatives are
Creosote or Pentachloraphenol.
5. All other hardware materials not specified above shall be
corrosive protected to the environment. These materials will be of the
highest quality with a long life expectancy of 20 years.
6. In the event dissimilar metals are joined, there will be a
potential source for galvanic corrosion; one of the following must be adhered
to:
a. Bi-metal connectors shall be used for that particular
application, or
b. An oxide inhibiting compound shall be used, first
application being good for two years.
B. Anchors
1. All installation of anchors shall be coordinated with the
Department of Public Works and all utility companies to insure that no damage
will be incurred by their underground services.
2. The contractor shall be held responsible for any damage to any
underground facilities resulting from its attempt to place equipment or
materials while constructing the system.
3. Anchors and guy wires shall be installed and tensioned prior to
sagging any support messenger.
4. Temporary guys shall be installed at the end of any messenger run
that is proposed for extension by the owner before sagging in messenger, with
permission of the utilities.
5. Auxiliary eye attachments to utility anchors will be allowed only
when written permission is granted by the utility companies involved.
6. ATC approved screw anchors shall be installed in all locations .
shall be 6-inch screw type unless otherwise specified.
7. All anchors shall be placed into the ground making certain that
at all times the anchor rod is in line with the proposed guy attachment. No
bends will be allowed in the anchor.
8. The eye of the anchor rod shall not extend more than 6 inches
above ground level.
14
9. Any anchor rods which are found to be distorted, i.e. bent,
twisted, the eye damaged, will be replaced upon request of ATC at contractor's
expense.
C. Guy Wires
1. All guy wires shall be installed and tensioned prior to sagging
any support messenger.
2. Contractor shall be responsible for damage to any utility poles
or peripheral equipment caused by raking of poles.
3. All guy wires shall maintain proper clearances to insure safe
passage of vehicles and persons.
4. Guy guards shall be installed whenever the guy wire presents a
hazard to persons, vehicles, or animals who are likely to come in contact with
guy wires accidentally. Any guy more than three feet from other guy guards
shall have a new guy guard installed.
5. All guy guards shall be yellow plastic unless otherwise
specified.
6. One-quarter inch extra-high strength messenger shall be used in
all locations unless otherwise specified by the the utilities, other codes or
ATC.
7. Five-sixteenths inch high strength strand shall be used for all
railroad and highway crossings over 400 feet or when specified by Railroad or
Highway Departments.
8. Sidewalk guys shall be used in all locations where a clearance of
8 feet is not available over sidewalks or lateral room is not available using
normal guy wire installation techniques, if allowable by local utilities.
9. Span guys shall be used in locations where it is not feasible to
install an anchor, if allowable by local utilities.
10. Preformed dead ends shall be used on all guys at the anchor rod
to allow for proper tension and maintenance.
11. Strand shall be continuous to the anchor where possible. Where
continuous strand is required to the anchor rod, a continuity bond shall be
used to tie the guy wire to the support strand.
D. Poles - Wooden and Concrete
1. ATC shall acquire all road permits and easements required for
setting poles.
2. Class 5 poles shall be used for all anchor and slack span
attachments.
3. Class 6 poles shall be used for all inline poles.
4. Not less than one foot or more than two feet of pole shall extend
above support hardware where only CATV is attached, unless otherwise
specified.
5. Stainless steel, or galvanized fastening hardware (meeting ASTM-
A153 specifications), shall be used on all concrete and metal poles.
6. All concrete pole attachments of anchor or main trunk line
locations shall be drilled by by authorized personnel using standard CATV
construction practice.
15
8. Inline concrete and metal pole attachments on feeder lines shall
be bracketed or drilled as dictated by the local utilities. If bracketing
should be required, use stainless steel 3/4 inch banding or special brackets.
9. When drilling concrete poles, the following procedures shall be
followed unless otherwise specified by ATC:
a. Drill a pilot hole through pole using carboloid drill bit,
then,
b. Using an impact drill and 11/16 inch carboloid bit, bore
hole from outside to center on each side of pole.
E. Bolts - Pole Attachments
1. All through bolts and eye bolts shall be of 5/8 inch
construction.
2. At no time shall there be more than 9/2inches, or less than two
full threads of bolt extending beyond the outside of the square nut after the
strand clamp has been securely fastened. If it is necessary to saw off a
section of bolt, the sawed end shall be treated with an ATC approved corrosion
inhibitor.
F. Suspension and Cross-Over Clamps
1. All suspension clamps shall be of the three bolt, flat back
variety.
2. The lip of the suspension clamps shall always be below the
through bolt, and facing the pole.
3. Cross-over clamps, especially made forl/4 inch messenger shall be
used. Use of bushings or shims are not permitted to make a secure connection
on standard cross-over clamps.
4. Curved suspension clamps shall be used for tangential pulls up
through 35 degree angles as follows:
a. Straight run up to 10 degrees, use a straight suspension
clamp.
b. Any tangential pull from 10 degrees to 35 degrees, use a
curved suspension clamp.
5. All tangential pulls greater than 35 degrees shall use dead end
construction techniques.
6. Curved suspension clamps shall always be placed on the threaded
end of a through bolt. Dead end construction attachments may be attached to
opposite end of through bolts.
7. Introducing tangential pulls at strand cross-overs shall not be
done using normal cross-over clamps. Where change of direction is necessary
at a cross-over to make lateral clearances, you shall use one three-bolt guy
clamp and one three-bolt suspension clamp connected together by a 5/8" x 4"
bolt and three nuts.
G. Cross-Arms, Extension Arms and Guard Arms
1. Wooden, hot dipped galvanized or epoxy arms shall be used when
necessary to make lateral clearances around trees and obstructions. The type
of arm will be specified by ATC.
2. No wooden cross arms shall be installed on concrete poles; it
will be necessary to use steel or epoxy arms.
16
S
3. Where it is necessary to install an arm on a pole that has a
tangential pull , a steel or epoxy arm shall be installed.
H. Steel Support Messenger (Strand)
1. All guy wires shall be tensioned prior to sagging in any support
messenger.
2. One-quarter inch extra-high strength messenger shall be used in
all locations unless otherwise specitied by the utilities or other codes.
3. Messenger shall be under tension at all times when being pulled
in.
4. All precautions shall be taken while pulling messenger in order
to:
a. Prevent damage to other utility equipment and wires,
b. Maintain clearances across roads and driveways and not jerk
or flop messenger up into power.
5. No messenger shall be pulled with a vehicle unless accompanied by
a tension release approved by ATC.
6. Initial strand placement must always be slightly tighter than the
final plant to allow for the installed cable weight to stretch t$e final plant
into proper sag. The recommended sag is 1.5% finished sag at 70 F; 1.5% sag
is generally followed by the telephone company. The CAN sag will parallel
that of the utilities.
7. False dead end messenger attachments shall be used in all
locations accompanied with guying where great differences in pulling tensions
are required to maintain proper clearances and prevent raking of unguyed poles
or placement of a dead anchor is not possible on the final pole.
8. Where slight differences of pulling tension are required between
pole spans, suspension clamps shall be tightened after messenger is sagged in.
9. All suspension clamps shall be tightened upon completion of
installation of cable. All suspension clamps on either side of all road
crossings must be tightened before strand crews leave a run.
10. Use ATC approved strand brake (pole mount) at all road
crossings.
11. All strand splices shall be of the two or three piece preformed
variety and shall be placed no more than 18 inches from the edge of the three-
bolt suspension clamp. No other device or material shall be used for splicing
suspension unless authorized by the ATC construction supervisor in writing.
12. The "B" roller is the approved method of grounding and shall be
used at all times when pulling strand.
I. Moulding and Guarding
1. Wood or plastic moulding shall be installed over the bottom 8
feet of a vertical ground in all locations where accessible to the public.
2. Eight feet of steel, rigid PVC or "U" guard moulding shall be
installed over all underground cables making a vertical rise to overhead
plant.
17
i
3. Plastic tree guards shall be placed in all locations where
coaxial cables will be incontact with a foreign body which will apply
pressure, shock or rubbing action to damage coaxial cables over a period of
time. Tree guards shall be secured to prevent movement after installation.
The method of installation must be approved in writing prior to
implementation.
4. Wood or metal moulding shall be banded around any messenger that
is in tight contact with tree limbs or trunk. This will prevent the tree from
growing around the messenger.
J. Bonding and Grounding
1. Support messenger shall be bonded to a vertical ground at the
first, last, and every tenth pole, except in areas of frequent and high
intensity electrical storms, where every first, last and fifth pole shall be
bonded (plus or minus one pole). If a vertical ground is not present, one
shall be installed.
2. Power supplies shall be bonded to a vertical ground.
3. All guy and span guy messengers should be bonded to the support
messenger.
4. All CATV support messengers and guy wires attached to the same
pole shall be bonded together. Tails from bonding wires must point toward the
pole.
5. Support messengers shall be bonded to existing vertical grounds
when possible.
6. The CATV messenger shall be bonded to the telephone company, when
required, in a manner suitable to the telephone company (not to exceed
approximately every fifth pole (unless required by other codes).
7. Materials to be used for bonding and grounding are:
a. Number 6 AWG solid soft drawn bare copper wire.
b. Copper or copper clad staples.
c. Plastic or wood moulding used at the bottom 8 feet of the
pole.
d. Ground rods 5/8 inch by 8 foot copper clad steel.
e. Ground rod clamps - bronze, using a non-galvanic locking
bolt.
f. All bonding clamps shall be of nongalvanic materials, or
have special bi-metal spacers used in connectors to prevent corrosion when
bonding two dissimilar metals.
9. The top of the ground rod shall be not less than 4 inches below
the surface of the earth.
10. The Ground rod clamps shall be treated with an oxide inhibiting
compound before being buried.
11. All bonding clamps and equipment bonding shall be treated with
an oxide inhibiting compound.
K. Protection from Moisture, Corrosion, and Galvanic Action
1. Moisture, galvanic action and corrosion are sometimes serious
problems and must be considered. The materials and method of application must
be approved by ATC, if not specifically outlined by ATC. Any use of
nonapproved materials shall be cause to replace, at the discretion of the on-
site ATC supervisor, any materials he questions as being suitable for the
specific applications.
18
2. Areas of concern for these preventative measures are:
a. Moisture in cable connectors, passive devices, and
electronic equipment.
b. Corrosion of all bonding points, center conductor of coaxial
cables, cable connectors, passive devices, and electronic equipment.
c. Galvanic action on all bnding and grounding locations,
Joining of dissimilar metals, connector threads, cable lashing clamps, etc.
d. All cable ends shall be waterproofed and capped from time of
receipt of cable up through splicing. All cable ends of cable reels shall be
waterproofed and capped at all times when not being used.
3. The contractor will repair/replace any equipment, cable,
connector, device or material damaged through improper moisture protection at
the request of the ATC supervisor and take immediate steps to prevent a
further occurrence of such problems.
SECTION 6
UNDERGROUND TIES
There will be times when it will be necessary to make underground ties
between pole lines. It will be the contractor's responsibility to install
these ties.
1. ATC will acquire all street opening permits and easements.
2. All underground construction shall not be less than 18 inches
deep or as locally required.
3. All road crossings shall meet National Electrical Safety Code
minimum depth requirements as well as those specified by city or county
offices.
4. All conduit used for road crossings shall be galvanized steel
pipe or rigid PVC conduit, as required.
5. No water or air Jetting is permissible, unless otherwise
specified. All conduit shall be ,jacked or bored.
6. Conduit shall extend three feet out from each edge of pavement
unless otherwise specified.
7. Galvanized steel conduit or rigid PVC (as required) shall be used
under all public driveways (minimum 1-1/2 inch diameter).
8. Plastic conduit shall be used under all private driveways.
9. All pedestals shall be of the lockable type and meet ATC
specifications. Owner will furnish padlocks.
10. Jacketed coaxial cable with flooding compound shall be used for
all underground.
11. Jacketed coaxial cable shall be run from the bottom of the riser
pole to the level of aerial attachment. A minimum of 5 feet of cable tail
will be left for splicing into aerial plant.
IQ
12. Steel cable guard, rigid PVC or "U" guard moulding, shall be
used on the first 8 feet of cable on each riser pole.
13. No direct buried splices are permitted underground.
14. All sod, shrubs, and flowers shall be put back in same condition
or better as existed prior to digging.
15. All cables shall be tagged as to their identity.
SECTION 7
UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION
A. General
1. ATC will acquire all street opening and easement permits prior to
contractors work in these areas.
2. All underground construction shall meet National Electrical
safety code minimum depth requirements, as well as those specified by city or
county codes.
3. All sod, shrubs, and flowers disturbed by underground
construction shall be restored to a satisfactory condition for ATC, land owner
or any other party responsible for the condition of the property.
4. Presurvey and advance planning generally are necessary before
starting construction. All subsurface structures along the designed route
should be carefully located, marked and or indicated on work plans. The cable
route should be selected for the best trenching conditions and a minimum of
obstructions.
B. Buried Cable Locations
1. Easements are generally provided in subdivisions for use by
public utilities in establishing their facilities for service. Easements are
generally located in the back lots, streets or in alleys.
2. The preferable location is the utilities easement, if
available. In burying the cable, care must be exercised to maintain a minimum
of twelve (12) inches vertical and horizontal separation from power cables, or
as specified by ATC.
3. The depth of placing buried cables shall generally be twenty-four
(24) inches for trunk cables, and eighteen (18) inches for feeder cables.
Where trunk lines and feeder cables are installed in the same trench, (18) to
(24) inches of cover should be provided, depending on terrain and the amount
of future activity expected in the area.
4. Figure (a) shows typical placement of buried cables in easements
and street trenches and their relative positions in the trenches.
C. Direct Buried Cable
1. All cable that is directly buried shall be jacketed
(polyethylene) using a flooding compound between the jacket and shield. It
must be handled with care and placed in a trench without damaging the
jacket. In rock terrain, a four (4) inch layer of sand around the cable will
protect the cable from damage by rocks or other sharp objects in the soil.
2. No cable splices of direct buried cable, between pedestals, will
be permitted.
3. Plowing of feeder cable only, will be permitted. At no time will
plowing of trunk cable be permitted.
20
• 4
D. Conduit
1. The use of steel pipe or rigid PVC as a protective cover for
buried cable has several favorable features:
a. It protects the cable from damage during construction.
b. It eliminates the need for a sand cushion in hard or rocky
soil.
c. It makes posssible replacement of damaged cable in the
original conduit.
d. It prevents compaction and flattening of the cable under
areas where traffic occurs.
2. Conduit shall be used for all road crossings, railroad crossings,
private and public driveway crossings. Rigid PVC should be used on all
driveway crossings.
3. Once the conduit is laid and covered, the cable can be inserted
or pulled through the conduit with a pull wire. The technique of getting a
pull wire through a conduit requires the use of special equipment or
compressed air.
4. Conduit sweeps, 900, shall be installed at all riser and pedestal
locations. Sweeps shall have a radius of not less than the minimum bending
radius recommended by the cable manufacturer. All sweeps shall have their
vertical end exposed and properly sealed until cable is pulled, then resealed
to prevent water or debris from getting into conduit.
E. Splicing of Coaxial Cables
1. The appropriate coring tool will be used in all splicing.
2. All connectors must use integral mandrel steel sleeves.
3. An ATC approved splice block shall be used for all cable to cable
splices. These splice blocks must have the feature allowing for AC and RF
testing without desruption of service.
5. Housing to housing adaptors and right angle fittings shall be
used in all locations where possible. No reverse loops will be allowed.
6. All passive devices shall be mounted or supported by a bracket
when interconnected to another device by an entry to entry connector. The
brackets are manufacturer supplied. All equivalent substitutions must be
approved by ATC in writing.
7. Splicers will use 75 ohm resistor/jumpers and an ohm meter in the
following manner to insure no opens or shorts in the line:
A 75 ohm resistor will be attached to one end of the cable
section to be spliced by connecting one side to the center
conductor and the other to the shield. Zero the ohm meter and
measure the resistor being used and mark that reading on the
meter face with a grease pencil or triangular piece of tape.
The splicer can now continue to the next device and prepare the
cable using the DST/SST, appropriate coring tool and clean the
center conductor, then measure the center conductor to ground.
The reading should be approximately the same as the reference
measurement. The device is then installed and the output
measurement taken and should read same. If the device installed
is a line extender or trunk amplifier, a continuity jumper (no
resistor) should be placed from center conductor to center
conductor. A special 75 ohm jumper can be placed in a bridger
amplifier to allow the splicer to work from the amplifier to the
terminating tap. This jumper should have an alligator clip and
lead soldered to one side of four 75 ohm resistors. The clip is
connected to ground, and an individual lead and clip soldered to
the other end of each 75 ohm resistor. These clips are for
connection to the bridger port center conductors.
J
8. One trunk splice per 180 degree of angle p8lled is the maximum
allowed. 180-Tegrees pull shall mean two continuous 90 turns with a straight
section of cable of undetermined length connecting the output of one 90 degree
turn to the input of the second 90 degree turn. All other trunk splices must
be approved by the ATC field representative in writing prior to installation.
9. No cable to cable splice will be allowed closer than 300 feet to
any active or passive device or other splice.
10. All active and passive equipment will be situated in a manner
that is accessible for service by a man working in a pedestal.
11. The center conductor and shield shall be clean of any remnants
of dielectric foreign materials, or flooding compound, prior to installing
cables in the device. This is accomplished by using a center conductor
preparation tool such as the Cablematic CC-457 or lightly apply a torch flame
for approximately three seconds until remaining dielectric left on center
conductor starts to melt and liquify, taking care not to overheat center
conductor. Wipe center conductor clean with a cloth, using a circular
motion. The flooding compound shall be removed by an approved solvent.
If the center conductor has any remaining residue, use a "Chore Girl" scouring
pad or any suitable burnishing means (such as fine emery cloth, fine steel
wool, etc.) to remove any remaining residue for good electrical contact. Do
not remove copper cladding.
12. Connectors to amplifiers, multitaps and all other devices in
both the trunk and feeder system shall be protected against moisture in a
manner specifically approved by ATC. Approval of the method shall not relieve
the contractor of full responsibility for proper application and workmanship
of the materials in the manner specifically approved by ATC.
a. All entry to entry connectors shall be covered with an ATC
approved sealant.
b. All 90 and 180 degree connectors shall be covered with aqua
seal, electro seal or equivalent if a shrink boot cannot be applied. The
center conductor seizing screw port cap accessibility shall not be hampered by
either shrink boots, aqua seal, electro seal or other materials.
c. Shrink tube shall extend over any housing lip designed to
facilitate moisture proofing of a connector and at least three inches past the
back edge of the connector and one inch overlapping the jacket of the cable.
13. A water gasket shall be installed in all amplifier, directional
tap, power splitter, and power inserter lids and covers. Additionally, all
amplifiers shall have an RFI-EMI conductive gasket, whether as part of the
water gasket or as a separate gasket.
14. Metal terminators with the ground end of a 75 ohm resistor
soldered to an F connector shall be installed on all tap ports. Port threads
will br lubricated with OC-11 or equivalent prior to installing terminators.
15. All torques as specified by manufacturers shall be used in
tightening down all amplifier lids, passive device covers, and connectors.
The use of a torque wrench is required.
16. ATC shall present the contractor with a letter from each
manufacturer specifying torque to be used on their respective equipment.
17. Repeated failure to comply with any part of these specifications
shall be cause for immediate termination of the employee or employees
responsible and continued disregard shall be cause to "shut down" the entire
project until the problem(s) are corrected. The ATC field supervisor shall be
responsible for this decision.
22
18. The contractor shall be responsible for the installation of all
risers and their associate splice to the aerial plant unless otherwise stated.
19. The same type of cable used for underground construction shall
be used for risers. The cable shall be run from the bottom of the riser pole
to the level of aerial attachment. A minimum of five feet of cable "tail"
shall be left for splicing into aerial plant. Cable tails shall be capped or
sealed.
20. "U" guard molding, either steel or rigid PVC, shall be used on
at least the first eight feet of cable on all riser poles.
21. Where more than one cable is buried, proper and adequate marking
shall be on cables for proper identity.
F. Pedestals
1. Only ATC approved pedestals shall be used.
2. All pedestals shall use a twenty-four (24) inch stake, minimum.
3. The lower lip of the pedestal shall be buried by two (2) inches.
4. The proper size of pedestal shall be used according to the
device(s) it will enclose.
5. All pedestals shall be installed in a vertical position.
6. Pedestals will not be located where they inhibit access to any
other utilities pedestal.
7. Vaults shall be mounted flush with adjacent area.
8. All amplifier and power supply locations will be grounded as well
as every fifth pedestal thereafter using 5/8" x 8' ground rod and #6 copper.
It shall be connected to a clean unpainted surface of the device; not the
pedestal!
SECTION 8
OPERATING MAPS, MANUALS, AND RECORDS
A. System Maps
A complete set of system maps, as-built and accepted, shall be provided as
part of completion of each area. Maps shall show:
1. Any changes that have been made which were not specified on the
original strand or electical prints. (Any changes made must be approved in
writing by ATC Engineering prior to construction).
2. Locations of all splices.
3. Locations of all ATC vertical grounds.
4. All locations where ATC has an anchor or down guy.
5. Detailed as-builts of underground ties, showing exact route and
depth of cable.
r
B. System Activation Records
A compl.ete set of system measurements and equipment serial numbers shall be
provided as part of completion of the each area. Records shall include the
following:
1. Date, time of day, approximate temperature and type and serial
number of test equipment used.
2. Input and output signal levels at all amplifiers, bridgers and
line extender locations as read at the highest channel of design, gain control
pilot, slope control pilot and channel 2 (55.25 MHz).
3. Signal level readings at all distribution line terminations,
taken off last directional tap port, made at the highest channel of design and
channel 2 (55.25 MHz).
4. RMS voltage measurement at all power supplies, amplifiers,
bridgers and line extenders.
5. DC measurements of unregulated test point at all amplifier
locations.
6. Serial numbers of all equipment and modules by locations.
7. Radiation measurements at locations selected by owner (three per
phase). Note: These measurements will be used in the 60-day and 11-month
tests for comparison.
8. RFI ingress measurements by location as per the test method
agreed upon. One measurement for each trunk line between amplifiers, and one
for each bridger distribution output. Note: These measurements will be used
in the 60-day and 11-month tests for comparison.
9. Total accumulative measurement of RFI in each area. Note: These
measurements or checks will be used in the 60-day and 11-month tests for
comparison.
10. Total reflection and echo delay measurements at end of each area
turned on. Visual checks of TV pictures will determine whether or not a
measurement is warranted. Note: These measurements or checks will be used in
the 60-day and 11-month tests for comparison.
11. Proof measurements for each phase turned on in both the forward
and reverse direction consisting of:
(a) Cross modulation level.
(b) Carrier to noise ratio.
(c) Second order distortion.
(d) Worst case harmonic distortions.
(e) Hum modulation.
(f) Sweep response across the forward frequency spectrum.
24
12. System proof of performance measurements shall be turned over to
ATC upon acceptance of each phase.
13. Any deviations from ATC amplifier analysis shall be brought to
the attention of the ATC construction supervisor. This includes pads or
equalizers.
10 Ft. Easement
TV Buried Service
Cables
Telephone Co. Buried
Service Wires
Buried Power Secondary
Cables
TV Buried Cable Telephone Co. Buried Power
Buried CablePrimary Cables
4 Inch Layer of Sand. May
Be Omitted When Cable in
Plastic Conduit.
NOTE: TV Cables and
Telephone Co. Cables at
Same Depth. Provide 2" To
4" Vertical Seperation at
Crossings.
Figure (a)
25
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25
SECTION 9
CONTRACTOR DECORUM
1. No loud or abusive language shall be used in the field which can
be heard by the public.
2. Linemen shall not climb fences where there is any possibility of
damage to any homeowner's property.
3. Linemen shall not climb trees using climbing gaffs.
4. If a homeowner is available, permission shall be obtained before
entering back yard easements. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure
that homeowners receive prior notification of the contractor's presence in the
area.
5. Permission shall be obtained from an owner any time a cable or
strand trailer is to be placed on his or her property.
6. All personnel shall immediately report all damages to the
homeowner's property to the Cablevision office.
7. All scrap materials shall be picked up daily prior to leaving a
job site. Items such as cable ends, lashing wire, limbs, empty cable reels,
soft drink bottles, etc., will be properly disposed of. This is an OSHA
requirement.
8. The construction supervisor or one of his personnel shall be
available on a 24-hour a day basis in case of emergency.
9. ATC will provide ID cards to all of contractor's employees.
These cards must be displayed at all times when performing any cable
television work. The Contractor will be responsible for the cost of replacing
these cards if lost or not returned.
SECTION 10
ACCEPTANCE OF PLANT AND WARRANTY PERIOD
A. Initial Acceptance of Plant
Each area of construction that is completed by contractor and ready for ATC
acceptance shall meet the following criteria under final testing:
1. The plant must meet all physical specifications as indicated in
Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6.
2. All operating maps, manuals, and records must be turned over to
ATC as specified in Section 7.
3. Input signal levels of amplifiers given to ATC will be compared
to the theoretical design of system prints. Should any significant
discrepancies exist they shall be checked out to determine proper remedy.
4. Output signal levels of termination tap readings given to ATC
will be compared to the theoretical design of system prints. Should any
significat discrepancies exist they shall be checked out to determine proper
remedy.
5. RMS and OC voltage measurements given to owner will be compared
to the theoretical design of system. Should any significant discrepancies
exist they shall be checked out to determine proper remedy.
6. Ghost or echo tests will be conducted to insure all equipment
return losses are good and cable is not defective.
7. EMI-RFI and Radiation tests will be conducted to insure a secure
electrical system.
B. Sixty-Day Tests
1. After 60 days from acceptance of a given area, RFI-EMI,
radiation, moisture, corrosion and galvanic action inspections will be make.
2. The initial acceptance records shall be used as a reference in
this inspection.
3. EMI-RFI and radiation tests will be conducted to insure a secure
electrical system.
4. The RFI-EMI levels shall not be more than 2 dB greater in
amplitude than the initial acceptance records.
5. If any of the sampled locations fail to meet requirements,
contractor shall check out entire span of trunk or feeder cable to determine
cause and correct at not cost to owner.
6. This process of inspection and correction will continue until a
sample of one location per mile of trunk and/or feeder can be accepted as
representative of the entire system.
7. All trunk lines or feeder lines that did not meet specifications
and had to be reworked shall have new warranty periods as per General
Warranties and Obligations Section.
8. Sixty-day test will be made by ATC.
C. Eleven-Month Inspection
1. After 11 months from initial acceptance of a given area, another
inspection will be made to insure that correct materials and moisture
corrosion and galvanic preventative methods used agree with the specifications
set forth in this entire set of ocntstruction guidelines.
2. EMI-RFI and Radiations tests will be conducted to insure a secure
electrical system.
3. If any of the sampled locations fail to meet requirements,
contractor shall check out entire span of trunk or feeder cable to determine
cause and correct at no expense to the owner.
4. This process of inspection and correction will continue unitl a
sample of one location per mile of trunk and/or feeder cable can be accepted
as representative of the entire system.
5. A new warranty period, as per General Warranties and Obligations
Section, will commence on all trunk and feeder lines that did not meet the
above requirements.
6. Eleven-month inspections will be made by ATC.
27
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EXHIBIT B
TESTING PROCEDURES
A. Contractor agrees fully to activate and rough balance
outside plant according to the following description:
1. Insertion of all active amplifier modules into the
previously placed housings.
2. Activation of all 60-volt power supplies to include
placement of batteries.
3. Measurements of AC and DC voltages at each amplifier
location and setting of power taps to achieve regulated
DC voltages within the prescribed limits set by the
amplifier manufacturer.
6. Rough balancing of all amplifiers to within plus or
minus 2db of the system design specifications utilising
a suitably calibrated field strength meter and checking
high and low pilot carriers. This includes set up of
all AGC's.
S. Reading of all feeder terminations to insure signal
levels within -2db/+4do of extrapolated design values.
6. Repair of any defects in material or worxmanship to
allow the previously mentioned tolerances to be not.
7. Provide maps showing actual termination readings.
Provide sheets showing actual amplifier imput Rp levels
and AC levels at each amplifier location. provide
documentation to show any deviations from amplifier
level analysis sheets.
1. In accordance with the contractor requirements, Owner
agrees fully to accomplish the following toward achieving
those goals.
1. Test and approve, or reject, all -cable before it is
buried.
2. Test and align all amplifier modules and tag said
modules for placement in specific existing housings.
3. Calibrate as necessary contractor's field strength
meter to assure it meets required accuracy.
4. Insure that Go-volt power supplies are connected to
120-VAC power before activation begins.
S. Assure that one member of contractor's crew is trained
In the proper operation of the amplifiers, field
strength ■eters and volt-ohm asters.
6. Supply contractor with sufficient spare amplifier
modules to insure that contractor can accomplish his
wort in a timely manner.
7. ?eat the system for radiation in a timely manner after
completion of activation and report to contractor any
areas where the system does not meet PCC regulation
76.605 and 76.610, in order that the contractor me
repair said defects before the installation of aroos TO
subscriber's hoses.
Page 1
r s
EXEISIT B
Testing Procedures
6. At owner's discretion, assist the contractor in the
repair of any difficult and/or unusual problems which
would be deemed to be outside of the contractor 's
technical ability to solve.
9. Be available to test the system in a timely manner at
the contractor 's request to accept or reject
contractor 's compliance with previously mentioned
requirements.
10. Provide the contractor with acceptance letter upon
completion of all requirements (per phase).
11. Provide the contractor with amplifier level analysis
sheets for use in aligning amplifiers and determining
if problems exist.
Page 2
EYH?E:T C
tTC shall provide the following materiels :
ATC shall furnish all rr.aterials , ercert restora:ior
traterials, i .e. , see'_, sod, fill , etc . . unless other-ise
indicated on t�ls extitit.
?. Contractor stall provide the following materials:
All restoration materials and materials required in unique,
per-case situations.
v s
EXHIBIT 0
Tr.E 1%:rL tc Cor.-Ence upor receipt of "Notice to Proceed."
Tt.e Bork to Consist of:
1. ) labor and material to provide Concrete Pads.
i. ) Installation of power supply pedestal .
3. ) If required. installation of pedestal , pad. under-
ground wiring and call for inspection. Pad to be
provided by VC.
4 . ) Provide trench and backfill for power wiring to underground
power supplies located more than ten feet from power
source.
EXHIBIT E
(Tt.is fora may be varied as required, or the information may be
incorporated it a letter or other format. )
Date :
To.
RE: Cable Television Construction Agreement
Dated : for (system name)
(the 'Contract")
1. This Notice to Proceed applies to Phase f as defined
by Exhibit attached to the Contract �e as
Mork").
2. ATC has substantially performed such effort as 1t has deemed
reasonably necessary to allow contractor to proceed with the
Authorized Mork, without undue interference occasioned by the
continued operations of ATC.
3. A pre construction meeting relating to the Authorized work as
required by the Contract has been:
Check One:
Held as on (date)
Scheduled at on (date)
Mavied (Initials required)
4. Contractor shall proceed with construction of the Authorized
Mork in accordance with the Contract and the exhibits
thereto, starting not tater than
(date).
S. This notice shall be effective on the date of receipt, and
any objection thereto shall be deemed waived if not made in
writing on or before the date set forth herein for the start
of construction.
American Television and Communications Corporation
(Title)
coh-rm.-ThR:
PROJECT:
DATE:
EXHIBIT T
Underground
Price Schedule
1. Priee w:il include trencring. plo►in:,
or hand trenching in soil at a depth specified
by ATC (18" to 30"), bacKfill, compaction and
restoration to..property owner's satisfaction. /ft.
2. Trenching in rock large sass of stone at a
depth specified by ATC (18" to 301),
Daekfill, and restoration to
property owner's satisfaction. /ft.
Rock work most be approved by ATC in
writing.
3. Supply and placement of (1) - 4"
conduit with sweeps and associated hardware,
in trench as per specifications. /ft.
4. Supply and placement of each conduit
in excess of 3 in trench. /ft.
5. pulling of 1 to 5 cables thru
conduit. /ft.
6. Pulling of each cable in excess of 5. /ft.
7. Placement of pedestals with stakes. /ea.
a. placement of users with sweeps and tiger /ea.
guard, as specified.
9. grounding every amplifier and/or every 1,500
feet, with S/8" x 8' tod. /as.
10. splicing (with shrink coots and hose clamps)
trunk amplifiers, splitters, couplers, power
inserters, taps, and straight splices.
All connectors shall ee as per
specifications. /Trench ft.
11. splicing of taps. /ea.
Page 1
r �
12. Boring or pushing up to 40' including
eupply and placement of condzit up to
4", type and nurr.oer as specified ay /Trench ft.
A7C.
13. BO-2n; or pisnin; ove: 43' including
supply and placement of conduit up to
4' , type and numoer as specified by /Trench. ft.
A...
14. B=an; or p.rshin; over 401 includin;
supply and placement of galvanized steel, /ft.
up to 4".
15. Cutting and replacement of sod. /ft.
16. Cutting of asphalt shall be a minimus.
depth established by local City, State,
or County specifications; minimum width
of 4 1/20, removal of all trench aggregate
materials, supply and placement of
approved backfill, compaction, and supply
and placement of recap. /ft.
17. Cutting of concrete shall include all
of the requirements in Item 115 above,
except the cutting and restoration
shall be concrete instead of asphalt. /ft.
18. Core drill - must be accompanied by /ft.
a signed Work Order, and includes
all material as specified.
19. Case more includes labor and 6• /ft.
easing material as specified. 10' /ft.
12• /ft.
20. Set expanding anchors. /ea.
21. Set screw anchors. /ea.
22. suet rock anchors.
23. Install riser guard, as per /ea.
specifications.
Page 2
a .
24. Attach cat,le to existing structures,
with necessary hardware, conduit, or
moulding on bridges, buildings. /Linear ft.
2°. A^trvate ar.3 roug:. balance forward
and reverse, as per specifications. /Trench ft.
26. Activate and rough balance both
forward and reverse through final
balance and sweep, if rego%red, for
subscriber, as per specifications. /Trench ft.
27. Activate and rough balance both forward
and reverse through final balance and
sweep, as per specifications for
institutional. /Trench ft.
28. Installation of power supplies. /each
PRT CE SCMEDULE
Personnel sourly (tate
General Foreman
Foreman
Laborer
splicer
Technician
equipment Operator
Oust plus work is to be done only upon autborisation of the Project Manager
and must be accompanied by a signed wore order.
Page 3
Fr c,Dec t:
Contra:for:
EXHIBIT F
Price schedule
AERIAL - SINGLE CABLE
i. Labor to install 1/4" or 5/16' EIiS strand, aE required
ir. specs, pole line hardware and copper bonds (up to
/axle). /ft.
2. Labor to lash, 1/2" and or 3/4" single cables, and
institutional if applicable, (up to cables) to
strand. /ft
3. Labor to lash single 1/2" feeder to strand. /ft
1. Labor to lash each additional cable in addition to
item /2. /ft.
S. a. Laoor to overlash cables. /ft.
b. Labor to double lash cables /ft.
6. a. Labor to splice single cables, using integral mandrel
pin connectors on all trunk and active devices. All
connectors shall have shrink tubing. /ft.
D. Labor to splice institutional truck cable, if
applicable. /ft.
7. a. Labor to install one directional tap per po=e, using
integral mandrel feed through connectors with shrink
tubing, or approved sealant. /ea.
D. Same Item 16a except for two directional taps per
pole. /ea.
8. a. Labor to activate dual cable system and rough balance
all amplifiers at low and high pilots; also record all
end-of-line levels for both pilots. /ft.
b. Labor to activate institutional trunk cable. /ft.
9. Labor to install pole-mounted A/C power supply. /ea.
10. Labor to install downguy to:
a. txisting anchor eye, or auxiliary eye. _fca.
D. Auxiliary eye attachment. _lea.
c. 19a with insulator. /ea.
d. f9D with Insulator. @a.
11. Labor to install overhead guy. /ft.
12. Labor to install sidewalk guy. _/ea.
13. Labor to install guy guard. /ea.
14. Labor to install copper bond. _lea.
IS. Labor to install complete verticle ground. _mea.
16. Labor to install extension arms: Mood _/ea.
Metal /ea.
Tioerglass /ea.
17. Labor to install tree guard. _/ca.
Page 1
Mrtir:
Project:
Contractor:
18. Labor to trim trees (per span).
19. Labor to frame poles of: Concrete
Metal �,ea.
20. Labor to install anchors: 6'x5'6'x3/4' screw anchor _ fee.•
99x5'69xl' screw anchor /aa,•
6'x6'x5/8• expd. anchor �_�ee.•
8'x61x5/8' expel. anchor ��ea.•
21. Labor to install anchor requiring breaking, blasting
and/or replacement driveways. Aa.
• Includes downguy, restoration and locating
underground utilities.
22. Labor to install pole steps, per pole,
as requested. /ea. pole
23. Activate and rough balance to plus or minus ado,
forward and reserve, through final balance and sweep.
24. Labor to wreckout �,ft.
Mreckout material to approved disposal site. electronics to be returned
to ATC warehouse.
I. List personnel on project by title, hourly rate and
Overtime rate:
II. List equipment which may be rented by ATC at an hourly rate:
page 2
a 4
EYFIEIT G
Weekly Production Report
(This torris to be use: only ween ATC has agreee to prov.i.de
progress payr.er.ts for satisfactory Construction work in
progress . )
This Report documents work performed between
19and . 19inclusive. pursuant to the
terms of a ab e e evision Const_ruction Agreement dated
for construction of a system located at
(the 'Agreement").
Execution of this report by the authorized representative
of ATC constitutes an acknowledgment of the accuracy of the
figures contained herein. It does not constitute an acceptance
of work performed. and ATC specifically reserves all rights set
forth in the agreement, including. without limitation, its rights
to require compliance with all applicable technical
specifications and performance requirements prior to acceptance
of, and final payment for, work performed .by Contractor.
American Television and Contractor:
Communications Corporation
By: By:
Title: Title:
Date: Date:
WEEKLY PRODUCTION REPORT FORM
AERIAL ITEMS WEEKLY TOTAL PREV. TOTAL'UNDERGROUND ITEMS IWEEKLY TOTAL PREV. TOTAL
Strand HandTrench
Strand 3/8" Machine Trench
nch 6' Screw ow
nc crew Bore
nnquy Install St.Cut Asphalt
xist Eye 5t.Cut Concrete
Tu-x-. Eye Abn. Soil
xist Eye Install Addtl. Conduit
Guy Guard Addtl. Ground
Pole-Pole Guy Ad t . Ta
Overhead Guy Addt . Sp ice
Sidewalk Guy Taps - 2Way
Copper Bond laps - 4 way
Vert.GndRod/Wire 1 DC-8
Other Bond OC-12
Tree Guard I 6C-16 !
ross Am I Splitter 2 Way
Tx—t—.—Arm Wood I i Splitter 3 Way
Ext. Arm Fbrqls I Pwr. Combiners
Ext. Arm Metal I Trunk Am
iTrunk Bridger
Tree Trim San Line Extender
Tree TrimStrdFt Riser
Addtl. Act
Sql.
Feeder t . Ped
Dual Feeder Tower upplies
S 1. Other Fdr. i
Dual Other Fdr.
SQ1.
500 run i
Dual run
S 1. 750 Trunk
Dual run i I
=I"' runk I
Dual 1" Trunk j
oub a ash I
veMa s
Splice Trunk I
Splice Feeder
Taps 2 Way
Taps 4Way
Taps 8Way
DC-8
I
Splitter - 2Wa
Splitter - 3Wa
Power Combiners
Tr-u—nF Amp
runk Bridger
Inter Bridger
Line Extender
Install Pwr. Sup.
,I
2-12-87
L
EY .IfI? Y.
W;`TiCE OF CO!9LFnm AN:) A=CEFTJ.IIE
SYS"'".
NA=: VEK»R:
R TONAL U.G. K:....A:.E
REGV; CO::FTR7CTION: CD`9LEaD CO1:_?RJ_TI0N:
CDYVLETED ON SCHEDULE: YES NO
IF NOT CD.—.:-!=D ON SCHED:^L-S, EXPLAIN WHY:
A=PROM ATC
CLEAN-VP CO`SPLE:EZ: APPROVED ATC
WCrW.ICkL ACCEPTANCE:
DATE: APPROVED:
ATC CONSTRUCTION COGRDINAT:rn
PROOF DATE:
ELECTRONIC AC CEPT;J.:Z:
SYSTEPI/AEGIONAL LN.:INEER
TINAL ACCEPTANCE APPROVAL:
DATE:
t S'
=XHID'?I
AMERICAN TELEVISION AND COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
(OWNER)
C II A N G E O R D E R
TO: Cable Television Construction Agreement between OWNER and
(CONTRACTOR)
LOCATION:
DATE OF AGREEMENT:
DATE OF CHANGE ORDER:
ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TIIE AGREEMENT $BALL REMAIN ONCRANGED,
NXCEPT AS NOTED NIREINSELOW:
IN WITUSS NNERLOP, the parties save executed multiple copies of
We CZANGE ORDER this day of . 1!
AMERICAN TELEVISION i COKMDNICATIONN CORPORATION
(OWNER)
by
(NAME) (TITLE)
by
(NAME) (TITLE)
�I P:T V
Mr.
Dear Ya.
In accordance with paragraph (s) and of the
contract between and American
Television and Communications Corporation (ATC) dated ,
for the construction of miles of ,
cable television plant. You are hereby notified that the contract is
terminated as of midnight, , 198_ The contract is
being terminated for The specific reasons and
documenation are listed in Lxhibit A along with ettaetments.
AW has retained the sus of i , pursuant to paragraph
(a) and of the contract. ATC will withhold all or a portion of
this amount to cover any expenses incurred by ATC to finish or redo
unsatisfactory work, which expenses are over and above the contract price.
Upon completion of the project, ATC will release any excess funds to the
contractor upon the receipt of lien waivers from contractor's suppliers or
subcontractors.
ATC has determined that there are contractor invoices outstanding in the
sum of = , due to the contractor. This amount say be paid to the
contractor upon acceptance by ATC of the work invoiced or upon satisfactory
completion of the project at the contract price. In the event that ATC is
required to pay more than the contract price to complete the project, ATC will
retain an amount sufficient to cover ATC's damages. If there are sums still
available after ATC's damages have been satisfied, ATC will remit that amount
to the contractor.
If you have any questions, please call me.
Sincerely,
American Television & Communications
Corporation
EXHIBIT K
American Television and Coesinicatiors Cor;.
(Owner)
STOP WORY. ORDER
TO:
LOCATION
WE Of CORTRA'.T:
DATE OF STOP WORK.OROER:
Yo:, are hereby ordered tc perform no further work pursuant to the above
references Cable Television Construction Agreement until further notice.
This Stop Fork Order is being issued for the following reasons:
American Television and Coemunications
Corporation
(Owner)
by:
Project hanaper
� • R
EXHIBIT L
Contractor will be responsible for the waste of all cable
hardware and electronics.
Cable waste will be computed as follows:
Example
As-built total 100,000 ft.
St Allowance for waste 5,000 ft.
Total 105,000 ft.
Total cable issued 120,000 ft.
Cable returned for credit (8,000 ft.)
(All partials will be returned
for credit) Total 112.000 ft.
112,000
( 105,000)
7,000 ft. of cable not returned to ATC.
- Contractor will be responsible for paying ATC's cost per
foot for cable waste.
- 51 waste factor includes all tails and cable sag.
- All electronics and hardware issued and not appearing
on the as-builts will be returned to ATC. All electronics
and hardware issued and not returned to ATC will be assessed
full sarket value and deducted fro■ retainage.
- Contractor will be issued a written credit for all returned
reels. Credit will be deducted from total cable issued.
� ww II
NCTA RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR MEASUREMENTS ON
CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
First Edition
Michael Jeffers Wendell H. Bailey
Editor Contributing Editor,
Publisher
Katherine Rutkowski William W. Riker
Consulting Editor, Contributing Editor
Art Coordinator
ISBN 0-940272-09-1
Copyright C 1983 by NCTA,
Science&Technology Dept.
1724 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
202/775-3550
All rights reserved