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(b) Process; seizure without process if incident to lawful arrest or search
property subject to forfeiture to the United States under this section may be
seized by the Attorney General of the United States upon process issued pursuant to
the supplemental rules for certain admiralty and maritime claims by any district
court of the United States having jurisdiction over the property, except that seizure
without such process may be made if the seizure is incident to a lawful arrest or
search.
(c) Sale of forfeited property
All provisions of law relating to—
(1) the seizure, summary and judicial forfeiture, and condemnation of proper-
ty for violation of the customs laws;
(2) the disposition of such property ,r the proceeds from the sale thereof;
(3) the remission or mitigation of such forfeitures; and
(4.) the compromise of claims with respect to such forfeitures:
shall apply to seizures and forfeiture: incurred. or alleged to have been incurred,
under the provisions of this section, insofar ;:s appiicahle and not inconsistent with
the provisions of this section, except that such seizures ;till forfeitures shall he
limited to the communications device. devices. or romponcnts thereof.
(d) i)isposition of forfeited property
Whenever property; is forfeited antler this ::idiom, the .1Ltornev (;rner:tl of the
United States may fursv:u-tl it to do r',ui,niisraen or <vll .u:v forf(pitud t;roperty which
is not harmful to the public. The prix:erds fn,rn ;any SIICII sale shall be deposited in
the general fund of the'Freasury r,f the ('cit,•,i States.
(June 19, 193.), c. erg. Title \-, § 510, :is, ;aided s. ;a.. , 19,x2. I'nl,. I.. 117-259, Title 1, § 1225, 96
Stat. 1098.)
Historical and Statutory Notes
Prior 1'rovisioii. A former section 510 of ;his
title, Act )one 19, 1934, c. 052. Cafe V, y 510. as
added May II, 1962. Pub. I.. 87-448, § 1. 76
Slat. 65, setting forth provisions relating to forfei-
tures for violations of rules and regulations be
radio stations operating in common carrier. safety
and special radio fields, was repealed by Pub. 1..
95-234, § 4, Feb. 21, 1975, 92 Stat. 35.
Legislative history. For legislative history
and purpose of I'ub. L. 97-259. see 1982 U.S.
Code Cong. and Adm. News. p. 2237.
Code of Federal Regulations
Amateur radio services, see 47 CFR 97.1 et seq.
Asratinn services, see 47 CFR 57.1 et seq.
Disaster communications services. sec 47 CFR
99.1 et seq.
Stations on Lasad in the maritime services :sett!
Alaska—public fixed stations. see 47 CFR 81.1 et
seq.
Stations on shipboard in the manunie services,
ce 47 CFR 83.1 et seq.
Library References
Forfeitures ' l0.
Telecommunications 0445.
C.J.S. Forfeitures §§ 8, 9.
C.J.S. Telegraphs. Telephones. Radio. and Tele-
vision § 104 et seq.
''..R `r-A—C Alil.E COMMUNICATIONS
7
The purposes of this subchapter are to—
(1) establish a national policy concerning cable communications;
(2) establish franchise procedures and standards which encourage the growth
and development of cable systems and which assure that cable systems are
responsive to the needs and interests of the local community;
(3) establish guidelines for the exercise of 'tierai State, and local authnri v
with respect to the regulation of cable systems;
PAirr 1
y Review Commentaries
C• c television: Local goserntncntai regulation
erspective.Jnhn�L=nes•, 7 Pace L.Res. el
1986).
es
l'::;is•Istt'Ns' •
Frescoed communications: 1':camblc to break-
up ;F local cable franchising? Sol Schildliause. 7
Pace L. Res. 1 tI156).
11,
Note 1
(4) assure that cable communications provide and are encouraged to provide
the widest possible diversity of information sources and services to the public;
(5) establish an orderly process for franchise renewal which protects cable
operators against unfair denials of renewal where the operator's past perform-
ance and proposal for future performance meet the standards established by
this subchapter; and
(6) promote cotnpetition in cable communications and minimize unnecessary
regulation that would impose an undue economic burden on cable systems.
(June 19, 1934, c. 652, Title VI, § 601, as added Oct. 30, 1934, Pub.L. 98-549, § 2, 98 Stat. 2780.)
Historical and Statutory Notes
Effective Date. Semon 9(a) of Pub.L. 93-549
provided that: "Except where otherwise expressly
provided, the prosisio:s of this Aft [enacting this
subchapter and.section 611 of this title, amending
sections 152, 224, 309 and 605 of this title, section
2511 of Title 13, Cranes and Criminal Procedure
and section 1305 of Title 50, W:tr and National
Defense, and enacting provisions set out as notes
under this section: and seenon, 543. 605 and 1,09,
of this title] and rite amendments made thereby
shall take edge( 60 slays after the date of enact-
ment of this Act [CM. 30, 19S41.''
Effect of Cable Communications Policy Act
1984 un Jurisdiction of Federal Communication
Commission Respecting %Vire or Radio Communi-
cations Through Cable Systems. Section 3(b) of
Pub.L. 98-549 provided that: "The provisions of
this Act (enacting this subchapter and section 611
of this title, amending sections 152, 2224, 309 and
605 of this title. section 2511 of Title 18, Crimes
and Criminal Procedure and section 1805 of Title
50, War and National Defense, and enacting pro•
visions set out as notes under this section and
sections 543, 605 and 609 of this title) and amend-
ments made by this Act shall not be construed to
affect any jurisdiction the Federal Comrnuntca•
lions Commission may have under the Communi-
cations Act of 1934 [this chapter) with respect to
any communication by wire or radio (other than
cable service, as defined in section 002(5) of such
Act (section 522(5) of this title)) which is provided
through a cable system. or persons or facilities
engaged in such communications. -
Legislative History. For legislative history and
purpose of Pub.L. 98-549, see 1984 U.S. Code
Cong. and Adm. News, p: 4655.
Cable television: A new challenge for the "old"
First Amendment. 60 St. John's L.Rev. 114
(1985).
Cable television franchise fees for general reve-
nue: The 1984 Cable Act. Wisconsin law, and the
First Amendment. \Vis.L.Rev. 1273 (19S5).
able television franchise renewa un e
law: A powerful alternative for some municipal
otlicutis. Neil J. Lehlo, Detroit CUIl.L.Rev. 37
(1958):
Contextual regulation of indecency: A Kapp
medium for cable television. 21 VaI.U.L.Rev. 193
(1986).
Expanding that scarcity rationale: The consti-
tutionality of n i sic access requirements in cable
franchise agreements. 20 U.N1ich.J.L.i.cf. 503
s 6).
Regulating cable television in the 1990s. Nor-
man M. Sinel and Paul S. Ryerson, 17 Stetson
L.Rev. (Fla.) 607 (1988). .
iglus of consumer under the Cable Communi-
cations Policy Act of 1984. Patrick B. McCauley
and Laurie Orlando, 65 Mich.13.J. 1112 (1986).
'fhr Cable Culhntunicaunns Policy Act of 1934
and content regulation of cable television. Note,
20 NOV England 1..Rcv. 779 (1984-1935).
fhe changing regulatory terrain of cable tele-
vision. R. Clark \Vadlow and Linda 51. Well -
stein. 35 Clth.U.L.Itev. 705 (1986).
test • nten mcnt and Cablevuwn: Pre-
ferred Communications, Inc. v. City of Los Ange-
les. 22 Tulsa L.J. 229 (1986).
to stead ca Ic imus, 1'art 11—Interference
from the uidcecncy cases' Laurence I1. Winer,
V Fordham L.Rev. 459 (March 1987).
Library e erences
Telecommunications 0449.
C.J.S. Telegraphs, Telephones, Radio, and Tele-
vision 9§ 316.1, 316.2.
Notes of Decisions
Purpose of subchapter 2
State regulation or control 1
1. State regulation or control
The Federal Communications Commission did
not exceed its statutory authority by adopting
regulations that establish technical standards to
govern the quality of cable ,television signals and
that forbid local authorities from imposing more
stringent technical standards. City of New York
v. F.C.C.. Dist.CoI.1988: 108 S.Ct. 1637.
l
r
si
District court lacked subject matter jurisdiction
over Cable company's action, seeking declaration
t
tat Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984
rcempted municipal regulation of cable television
r
ales; preemption argument operated only as pos-
ble defense in city's suit in courts of Common-
wealth seeking injunctive and other relief from
rate increase. Cablevision of Boston Ltd. Partner-
ship
ip s•. Flynn, D.Mass.1989, 710 F.Supp. 23.
•
Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984,
hich established a comprehensive regulatory
scheme for the cable Industry, preempted Utah
Cable Television Programming Decency Act,
which gave certain •state officials authority to ,
,ring nuisance actions against anyone who contin-
uously and knowingly distributed indecent materi-
al within the state over any cable television system
or pay -for -viewing television programming. Com-
munity Television of Utah, Inc. v. Wilkinson,
D.C.Utah 1985, 611 F.Supp. 1099.
- 7. J ' ' 1-/— 2,
Viil'ai/i
tizu
Note '7 ; •
• ' bnildirigs 'had been` damaged," -and' since
owner could not unreasonably:interfere
with installation of cable television facili-
ties in its buildings in the future, owner
was not entitled tor coats. of removing
system. UA -Columbia -Cablevision .of
Westchester, Inc. - v. • -Fraken Builders,
,Inc., 1985, 114 A.D.2d 448, 494 N.Y.S.2d
8. .Posting of bond
Television cable company was not re-
quired, , under letter__ agreement , with
§ ,829. Censorshipprohibited,... `,J,
• Library'R
• Constitutional Law x90.1(9). •
• Telecommunications x449.
C.J.S. Constitutional Law § 213(19).
EXECUTIVE LAW
manager of apartment building provid-
ing for furnishing of cable television`ser-
vices,' to post a $50,000 bond as just
compensation for.cost of removing cablee
*facilities; agreenient could notform ba-
�s�s''of. bond 'commitment as it :was a
"access; agreement" which. was void nn= .
' der ,terns 'of statute ' regulating • cable
television. Orwell .Management v. New
York. State 'Com'n on Cable Television;
1990, _ A:D.2d =, 553 1'.Y.S.2d 362.
eferences
C.J.S. Telegraphs, Telephones, Radio,
and Television §§ 316.1, 316.2.
•
§ 829-a. Subscriber limitation on television reception
1. To the extent technologically feasible, every cable television company
shall offer te each of its subscribers a locking program control device
which enables the subscriber to limit the reception in the subscriber's
residence, of any channel which displays public access programs or for
which a specific, optional •
2. Such programimposed.
.
control devices need only be installed in cases where
they are requested by the subscriber. Any subscriber requesting such a
device may be charged by the cable television company, on a one-time or
recurring basis, no more than fifteen per cent above the actual cost to the
company for the manufacture, purchase and installation of such device.
3. Every cable television company shall notify each of its subscribers, in
writing,- of the availability of the device described in subdivision one of this
section. Such notice shall be printed in prominent type face and shall
include information concerning the cost to the subscribers. Such notice
may be included with other materials distributed by the company. Notice
shall be given to all new subscribers at the time of initial subscription, to
each subscriber who requests a change in service, and to all subscribers
annually thereafter.
(Added L.1983, c. 480, § 1,)
• Historical and Statutory Notes
Effective Date. Section effective Jan.
1, 1984, pursuant to L.1983, C. 480, § 2. .
' Library References
Telecommunications X449. •
C.J.S. Telegraphs, Telephones, Radio,.
and Television §§ 316.1, 316.2. ,.
a r
§ 830.. Liabiht� for obacenit ' - •'""`�
y, defamaho l.an jn
n anrY "of �
:, ,, ..,?� .: •.�l invasion privacy:
-.. , , Library References
Libel and Slander X74. . .. ,;
• . �'sObscenity
P premium charge is im d
EXEC
Telec
C.J.S
C.J.S
§ 831.
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J
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 singularnumber. 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.
-2-
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.
-3-
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.q., 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 visualor
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.
-4-
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.
-5-
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, attachments, 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 plans 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 hereinset 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.
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 tirne 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 approvaland 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 suh,;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,-anrupstream 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
telephonenumber 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. Inthe 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 thespecial 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
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 gooks,
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
dare .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, upondetermination 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 determinationof 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 theprovisions 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
-35-
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.
-36-
B. For failure to submit reports or supply data in
accordance with this Franchise, $10.00 per day for eachday
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
-37-
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.
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.
-39-
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 Ifby 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.
-40-
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
,.J
Witness
0
AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION,
a Division of American Television
and Communicati• s Cor oration
SEAL
Vice -President
STATE OF NEW YORK )
ss:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS )
On this 3 % Sf day of QGid � , 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.
STATE OF COLORADO. )
ss:
COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE
-.Stir W. NACH
'ota•; Public, State of New York
Nc. 02 NA 4669490, Reg. in Tompkins County
h's Commission Expires Meretr3'07" 9-'-
1,19 43
On this 777/- day of HOVE-/ /3ER , 1988 before me
personally came 711*Y45 A. fiWCREkgY, to me personally known, who
being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he resides at I1t /NVC E`
NNE Es AJ LEI.00dD C0w�Qi430 , New—York and that he is the
VICE . 1PPESIDEAVT of 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.
' 1LC¢—
Nota Public
Iffy Commission Expires July 24, 1
APPENDIX C
P ROv 1U 11M t t�ta
When cableservice is offered to subscriatrsaonm� ienurebuilt
system, the franchisee shall provide,
, the
following categories of programming:
Full-time Cultural Programming - (e.g. Arts and Entertainment.
Network, etc.)
• Full-time Movies (e.g. American Movie Classics; etc.)
Full-time Religious Programming - (e.g. CUN, Eternal Word
Network, Inspiration Network, National Jewish Television,
Trinity -Broadcasting, Affiliated Christian Television Service,
etc.)
Full-time Shopping Service - (e.g. Home shopping Network,
Quality Value Cable, Cable Value Network, etc.)
Full-time Minority Programming - (e.g.
Black Entertainment
Television, Spanish Information Network, Silent Network, etc.)
•
Full-time Family and Children's Programming - (e.g.
Nickelodeon, Lifetime, etc.)
Full-time Sports Programming - (e.g. ESPN, SCORE, etc.)
Full-time Non -Local Government Programming (e.g. C -SPAN I,
C -SPAN II, etc.)
Full-time Music Programming - (e.g. MTV, Nashville Network,
VH -1, etc.)
Full-time News Programming - (e.g. CNN, deadline News, .
Financial News Network, etc.)
•
Full-time Information and Non -Fiction Programming -(e.g. The
Weathar Channel, Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, etc.)
General Entertainment Programming - (e.g. USA
Full-time etc.)
Network, Nostalgia Channel, superstations,
c
t.
Public, Educational and Government Access Channels (at least
one on 12 -channel basic and the rest of next tier of service)
b'!•1 radio service, in stereo where available, iii various formats
(e.g.,. Classicals, Easy Listening, Adult Rock, Yount' hock,
Proyressive Rock, Jazz, Folk, Country, etc.)
APPENDIX D
EXISTING FOCAL ORIGINATION EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
CABLE NEWSCENTER 7
Studio
2 Sony Studio M3A Video Cameras
1 Sony ENG/Studio M3A Video Camera
3 Sony Al2x9BRM0-88 Lenses
3 Sony I,0-1011 Rear Lens controls
3 Sony CCQ-10AR Camera Cables
4 Sony DR -100 headsets
3 Tiffen 72mm Clear Filters
3 ITE II -6 Ilydr ocam Bead
3 ITE T10 Tripod
3 ITE Wedge Plate
3 ITE Mitchell Adapter
3 ITE D-7 1)oly
3 Tiffen Clear Filters
1 Q -TV Prompting System (2 Cameras)
1 Buhl 573-200 Mobil Multiplexer
2 Buhl 620-400 Model E-3 Projectors
1 20'x20'. Studio Lighting Package
TOTAL
Control Room
4 Sons'
4
om_-
4 Son
2 Sony
2 Sony
2 Sony
2 Sony
2 Nova
2 Sony
1 Sony
1 Sony
2 Sony
1 Sony
1 Sony
1 Sony
1 Electrohome RAK-9A Rack Mount
1 JVC Switcher
1 CDT, 860 Downstream Keyer
1 Winsted E4902 C.G. console
1 Laird 1500 Character Generator
1 Laird 1030 Color Encoder
1 Videotek RS -10A Routing Switcher
1 Videotek VIS -1200 Video Switcher
1 Videotek VDA-16 Video Dist. Amp.
1 Vi.dcotek DAT -1 Rack Mount Kit
2 Videotek DAT -2 Blank Panels
1 Videotek TSM -60 Waveform Monitor
5€300 3/4" VTR's
z iii -501 Rack Mount Kits
RM -580 Remote Controls
RM -V5 VTR Input Selectors
RM -555 Multi -Unit Control
VCS -500 Video/Audio Switchers
500 Time Base Correctors
RMM-505 Rack Mount Kits
CVM -1271 Preview Monitor
PVM-1220 Program Monitor
EVM-920 Tape Monitors
PVM-122 C.G. Preview Monitor
CVM -1271 C.G. Program Monitor
MB -502 Rack Mount Kit
$22,797.60
7,976.80
3,451.50
1,982.40
371.70
311.52
34.30
6,566.70
2,465.61
359.31
284.97.
2,713.41
42.48
6,500.00
1,197.70
486.75
8,823.19
56b
$58,766.74
$14,1-,,m0.54
660.80
1,073.80
379.96
3,122.28
2,065.00
8,236.40
49.56
675.43
1,775.90
717.44
398.25
675.43
90.86
44.84
8,177.40
2,587.15
822.70
6,808.60
1,056.10
1,060.82
339.84
268.45
64.90
47.20
1,826.64
1 Videotek TSM-60 Vectorscope
1 Videotek DRC-1 Racic Mount Kit
1 NEC CM-2551A 25" Video Monitor
1 Davis and Sanford RWM-3 Wall Mount
1 Sony RMM-502 Rack Mount Kit
2 Sony RMM-503 Rack Mount Kits
1 Lento 300-312T Test Set
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
Winsted.G8538*Production Console
Fostex A-2 Reel to Reel Recorder
JVC KD -V601 Audio Cassette Recorder
JVC QL-G901J Turntable
JVC MI -2000 Audio Mixer
Fostex T-20 headphones
Fostex 6301 Monitor Speakers
TOTAL
Editing
4 Sony VO -5850 Editing Recorders
2 Sony RM -440 Editing Controller
4 Sony HCC -5F Control Cables
•2 Sony VDC-5 Dub Cables
4 JVC TMR-9i1 Color Monitors
2 Fostex 6301 Audio Monitors (1 Pair
4 JVC RK -9U Rack Mount Kits
2 Winsted II -8350 Editing Console
2 For -A400 Full Frame Time Base
Correctors
2 Videotek PDA -16 Pulse Dist. Amp.
2 Videotek DAT -1 Rack Mount Kit
4 Videotek DAT -2 Blank Panels
2 Videotek TSM -60 Waveform Monitor
2 Videotek DRC -1 Rack Mount Kit
2 JVD ADP -9U Rack Mount Adapter
TOTAL
Portable
3 Sony DXC-1820KA Video Cameras
1 Sony BC -1000 Battery Charger
4 Sony BP -60 Batteries
3 Sony VO -6800 Recorders
2 Sony CMA -8 AC. Adapters
2 Sony BC1-WA Battery Charger
6 Sony NP -1 Ni -Cad Batteries
2 Sony Porta -Brace C-6800 Case
2 Tiffen 72mm Clear Filters
2 ITE T-40 Tripods
2 ITi II -40 Fluid heads
2 Wl ec trovoi ce 635A Microphones
4 Shure SM-83CN Lavalier Microphones
2 Lowel 01-93 Lighting Kits
TOTAL
56c
2,092.14
177.00
578.20
112.10
33.04
57.82
9,233.15•
2,639.07
702.10
389.40
401.20
1,008.90
56.64
228.92
$75,665.96
24,430.72
2,924.04
363.44
82.60
2,407.20
457.84
396.48
2,835.66
9,888.40
536.90
129.80
94.90
3,653.28
354.00
155.76
$48,710.52
7,320.00
346.50
190.40
7,980.00
546.00
460.00
270.00
201.60
19.38
288.00
354.00
141.30
560.00
1.561.00
$20,238.18
PRODUCTION UNIT
Studio
1 Cyclorama (Studio Gray)
1 Cyclorama (Black)
Carriers for above
Photographic Backgrounds
Editing
1 Sony 5850PAC
2 JVC TMR-91J Video Monitors
2 Fostex Speakers
1 For -A FA -400 TBD
1 Leader Waveform monitor
Cables and Connectors
1 JVC Audio Mixer
1 Urie Equalizer
746.35
531.30
300.00
586.22
12,376.00
1,318.60
249.90
5,307.40
2,042.50
94.90
1,034.55
729.45
Portable
2 Sharp XC-A1PP Color Video Camera 12,744.90
2 Sharp XC-A14VC 14 -Pin VTR Cable 190.40
2 Sharp XC-A1BR Battery Bracket 133.28
4 Sharp XC-80BAT 14.4V 4AH Battery 825.86
2 Sharp XC-70SC Battery Charger 114.24
2 Fujinon A16X9. 5A 16:1 Servo Zoom 3,198.72
2 ITE 1140 Fluid Head 637.50
2 ITE T44 Tripod with Pedestal 585.00
2 Sony VO -6800 3/4" Portable Recorders 6,962.00
2 Sony CMA -8 AC Adapters 767.00
2 Sony J3C1-WA Battery Chargers 660.80
1 Sony PVM-8020 8" color Video Monior 562.86
1 Sony VO -5850 3/4" Editing Recorder 6,903.00
2 Porta -Brace C-6800HB-20 Record Case 290.50
260.75
234.50
178.50
984.37
121.20
546.87
723.32
Mic 104.16
700.00
315.00
59.00
2,190.00
1,115.00
12.0001.010
1 Porta -Brace PC -2 Production Case
1 Porta -Brace PC -1 Production Case
2 Porta -Brace MO -8020 Monitor Case
1 Lowel D2-93 3 Light DP Kit
3 Lowel D2-25 DP Umbrella
1 Lowel S2-92 Softlight Kit
4 Shure SM-83CN Lavalier Microphone
1 Electrovoice 635A Omnidirectional
1 Cine 60 8328FC Battery Belt
1 Cine 60 9400 Fast Charger
1 Cine 60 6475 Cable
1 Tracking dolly
1 Lowel Omni Kit
1 Chevy Astro Van
TOTAL
56d
$79,425.90
CONTROL ROOM*
VCRs:
3 Sony VP -5000 3/4" Recorders $ 6,000.00
1 Sony VO -5800 3/4" Recorders 5,000.00
1 Sony 2800 3/4" Recorders 1,000.00
1 JVC DR -3100V 1/2" VHS Recorder 550.00
1 JVC 1/2" Beta Recorder 500.00
Monitors:
1 Videotek KV -1217 13" Monitor 650.00
1 NEC CT1305A 13" Monitor 450.00
1 Sony CVM 1271 13" Monitor 650.00
1 RCA 13" Monitor 200.00
1 Panasonic 9" Monitor 200.00
2 Panasonic CCTV 9" Monitor 300.00
2 RCA TC1910 9" Monitor 400.00
3 Setchell Carlson 5" Monitor 600.00
6 Panasonic WV -5203 5" Monitor 1200.00
1 Sony CVM 2370 with case 950.00
Test equipment: '
1 Leader LVS-585013 STSC Vector Scope 2000.00
1 Tektronix 528A Waveform Monitor 2000.00
1 Panasonic WV -5361U Pulse Cross Monitor 750.00
Audio:
1 Realistic MPA -20 Amp 110.00
1 Orban 422A De -Esser 583.00
1 Shure 12 -channel Audio Mixer 1600.00
2 Sentry 100A Studio (Audio) Monitor 438.00
1 Harmon/Kardon CD201 Audio Tape Decic 385.00
1 AR77XB Turntable 150.00
Video:
1 JVC KM -2000 Seg 0 4012.00
1 Videotek RS10A Switcher • 1061.00'
2 Panasonic WJ-22SR Switcher 500.00
1 Harris 550 Time Base Corrector 6000.00
1 Lenco PCD 473 NTSC Decoder 3000.00
1 Shintron Character Generator 3500.00
TOTAL $52,939.00
CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE FOR 1987*
2 Sony VO -5800 Decks $10,200.00
1 Lang Video video/audio switcher • 3,000.00
1 Videotek audio monitor 500.00
1 Shure M267 mixer 470.00
2 Electrovoice EVM-920 B/W Monitors 750.00
1 Electrochrome rack mount 50.00
1 Shure racic mount for mixer 35.00
1 Nova 620 time base corrector 5,000.00
1 Winsted Rack with Tilt 900.00
Miscellaneous cable & connectors 150.00
TOTAL $21,055.00.
* Shared with access users. Access users have priority use.
56e
EDITING SUITE*
1 Sony VO -5800 3/4" Recorder $
1 Sony VO -5850
1 Sony RM -440 Control Unit
1 Connecting Cables
2 JVC 9" Color Monitors
1 Panasonic 9" B/W WV -5370 Monitor
2 Fostex 6301B Personal Audio Monitors
1 Realistic Mixing Console
1 Realistic Parametric Equalizer
1 Knox K1008 Chromafont CG
1 Dual Turntable
1 Nakamichi BX100 Audiocassette
1 Realistic LV10.Headphones
1 Panasonic WJ225R Video Switcher
1 For -A FA -400 Time Base Corrector
TOTAL
5,000.00
8,350.00
1,400.00
90.00
1,191.00
150.00
280.00
89.00
40.00
3,450.00
450.00
500.00
35.00
250.00
6,000.00
$27,275.00
* Shared with access users. Access users have priority.
56f
STUDIO***
3 Sony 1820 Cameras with Tripods,
. Dollies, Studio and Portable
Monitors - Cases, Cables,
CCUs, CCU Rack Mount Unit
1 Sony DXC-1610 color video cameras
w/ Quickset 7301 Sampson
tripods, 7201 head and 7601
Dollies
$21,000.00
$ 5,000.00
1 Sony AVC 3450 B/W portable camera $ 674.00
Audio:
Mics: 3 Shure Lavaliers
6 Shure Spi91 Mics
6 Electrovoice 635A.
2 Calrad Mics
Stands:6 Desk Mic Stands
6 GooseNecks
4 Baby Booms
1 Boom with Wheels
5 Electrovoice Shock Mount
Clamps 313A
5 Electrovoice Shock Mount
Clamps 312
Speakers
300.00
300.00
450.00
180.00
180.00
72.00
200.00
.,100.00
50.00
40.00
300.00
Lights:
2 Photogenic Machine co CP -15
Floodlight Scoops
2 Kliegel Scoops
4 Kliegel 111 Fresnels
2 Mole -Richardson 751 Baby Combo Fresnels
4 Kobold Porta Lites with Stands, Handles & Mounts
4 Kobold Porta Lites with STands, Handles & Mounts
1 20' x 40' Lighting Grid
Total replacement value of
Lighting System $10,000.00
Miscellaneous:
Sawyer 500 B Slide Projector with
40 slide tray
Comp. Video CVC - 2500 videocassette
eraser
125.00
345.00
$39,316.00
***Shared with access users. LO will have priority on this
used equipment.
56g
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT***
2 Sony 1800 Color Cameras 7,000.00
(with viewfinders, cases,
cables)
2 Sony 4800 3/4" VCRs with AC adapter 9,000.00
2 Sony 4800 Porta -braces •N• 280.00
2 Davis/Sanford Tripods 300.00
1 VC 100 Battery Charger 300.00
5 BP -60 Portable Batteries 300.00
1 Audio Tec Lavalier Mic 55.00
1 Sony 3800 3/4" Portable VCR 2,400.00
1 Sony 3800 3/4" Porta -Brace 100.00
2 Sony 25' Camera Extension Cable 132.00
TOTAL $22,367.00
**•*Shared with access users. L.O. will have priority on
this used equipment.
56h
APPENDIX E
EXISTING ACCESS EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
Current Equipment:
CONTROL ROOM*
VCRs:
3 Sony VP -5000 3/4" Recorders
1 S; -y VO -50g0 3/4" recorders
1 Sony 2800..3/4" Recorders
1 JVC AR -3100V 1/2" VHS Recorder
1 JVC 1/2" Beta Recorder
Monitors:
1 Videotek KV -1217 13" Monitor
1 NEC CT1305A 13" Monitor
1 Sony CVM 1271 13" Monitor
1 RCA 13" Monitor
1 Panasonic 9" Monitor
2 Panasonic CCTV 9" Monitor
2 RCA TC1910 9" Monitor
3 Setchell Carlson 5" Monitor
6 Panasonic WV -5203 5" Monitor
1 Sony CVM 2370 with case
Test equipment:
1 Leader LVS-5850B STSC Vector Scope 2000.00
1 Tektronix 528A Waveform Monitor 2000.00
1 Panasonic WV -5361U Pulse Cross Monitor 750.00
Video:
1 JVC KM -2000 Seg
1 Videotek RS10A Switcher
2 Panasonic WJ-22SR Switcher
1 Harris 550.TBC
1 Lenco PCD 473 NTSC Decoder
1 Shintron Character Generator
Audio:
1 Realistic MPA -20 Amp
1 Orban 422 A De -Esser
1 Shure 12 -Channel Audio Mixer
2 Sentry 100A Studio (Audio) Monitor
1 Marmon/Kardon CD201 Audio Tape Deck
1 AR77XB Turntable
$ 6,000.00
5,000,.00
1,000.00
550.00
500.00
650.00
450.00
650.00
200.00
200.00
300.00
400.00
600.00
1200.00
950.00
TOTAL
CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE FOR
2 Sony VO -5800 Decks
1 Lang Video video/audio switcher
1 Videotek audio monitor
1 Shure M267 mixer
2 Electrovoice EVM-920 B/W Monitors
1 Electrochrome rack mount
1 Shure rack mount for mixer
1 Nova 620 time base corrector
1 Winsted Rack with Tilt
Miscellaneous cable & connectors
TOTAL
4012.00
1061.00
500.00
6000.00
3000.00
3500.00
110.00
583.00
1600.00
438.00
385.00
150.00
$41,473.00
1987*
$10,200.00
3,000.00
500.00
470.00
750.00
50.00
35.00
5,000.00
900.00
150.00
$21,055.00
* Shared with L.O. Access users have priority use.
51d
EDITING SUITEN
1 Sony V0-5800 3/4" Recorder $
1 Sony VO -5850
1 Sony RM -440 Control Unit
1 Connecting Cables
2 JVC 9" Color Monitors
1 Panasonic 9" B/W WV -5370 Monitor'
2 Fostex 6301B Personal Audio Monitors
1 Realistic Mixing Console
1 Realistic Parametric Equalizer
1 Knox K1008 Chromafont CG
1 Dual Turntable
1 Nakamichi BX100 Audiocassette
1 Realistic LV10. Headphones
1 Panasonic WJ225R Video Switcher
1 For -A FA -400 Time Base Corrector
5,000.00
8,350.00
1,400.00
90.00
1,191.00
150.00
280.00
89.00
40.00
3,450.00
450.00
500.00
35.00
250.00
6,000.00
TOTAL
LIGIHTING SYSTEM*
$27,275.00
2 Photogenic Machine co CP -15
Floodlight Scoops
2 Kliegel Scoops
4 Kliegel 111 Fresnels
2 Mole -Richardson 751 Baby Combo Fresnels
4 Kobold Porta Lites with Stands, Handles & Mounts
4 Kobold Porta Lites with STands, Handles & Mounts
1 20' x 40' Lighting Grid
Total replacement value of
Lighting System $10,000.00
* Shared with Local Origination. Access users have
priority.
51e
STUDIO***
3 Sony 1820 Cameras with Tripods,
Dollies, Studio and Portable
Monitors - Cases, Cables,
CCUs, CCU Rack Mount Unit $21,000.00
•
1 Sony DXC-1610 color video cameras
w/ Quickset 7301 Sampson
tripods, 7201 Head and 7601
Dollies $ 5,000.00
1 Sony AVC 3450 B/W, portable camera $ 674.00
Audio:
Mics: 3 Shure Lavaliers 300.00
6 Shure Spi91 Mics 300.00
6 Electrovoice 635A 450.00
2 Calrad Mics 180.00
Stands:6 Desk Mic Stands 180.00
6 GooseNecks 72.00
4 Baby Booms 200.00
1 Doom with Wheels 100.00
5 Electrovoice Shock Mount
Clamps 313A 50.00
5 Electrovoice Shock Mount
Clamps 312 40.00
Speakers 300.00
Miscellaneous:
Sawyer 500 13 Slide Projector with
40,slide tray
Comp. Video CVC - 2500 videocassette
eraser
125.00
345.00
$29,316.00
***Shared with Local Origination. ;,PJ has priority use.
51f
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT***
2 Sony 1800 Color Cameras 7,000.00
(with viewfinders, cases,
cables)
2 Sony 4800 3/4 VCRs with AC adapter 9,000.00
2 Sony 4800 Porta -Braces 280.00
2 Davis/Sanford. Tripods 300.00
1 VC 100 Battery Charger 300.00
5 DP -60 Portable Batteries 300.00
1 Audio Tec Lavalier Mic 55.00
1 Sony 3800 3/4" Portable VCR 2,400.00
1 Sony 3800 3/4" Porta -Brace 100.00
2 Sony 25' Camera Extension Cable 132.00
TOTAL $19,867.00
***Shared with Local Origination.
51g
L(.cgt
has priority use.
APPENDIX F
CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES
For reliability, all of ACC's cable distribution syst
will be powered by battery-operated standby power supplies
capable of up to four hours of standby operation. ACC's hl
will have engine -generator standby power.
All distribution active and passive electronic
equipment will be enclosed in corrosion -resistant aluminum
alloy housings. These housings incorporate a bolt .closure
system to provide ready access for maintenance and, in
conjunction with the housing's environmental and
electromagnetic gaskets, ensure the housing's RF anc4
environmental integrity.
In the rebuild of the cable system, further reliabili
and safety is guaranteed by ACC's use of only the highest
quality,latest design equipment and cable, and by the use
of surge protectors in all trunk and feeder amplifiers. T
Mitek TR -1 will be used to ensure constant monitoring and
rapid detection and location of signal leakage in the new
plant. Every trunk amplifier will contain, automatic gain
control and automatic slope control circuitry to maintain
levels over the varying temperature conditions which exist
in Ithaca.
APPCNNIX G
OWNERSHIP INFOPJ1ATION
American Community Cablevision is a division of
American Television and Communications Corporation (ATC) and
has no separate legal status or existence. Its resources
and existence are at the disposal of ATC management. subject
to contractual commitments by ATC to perform certain long-
term contracts within the present divisional structure. Its
assets are legally available for the satisfaction of debts
of the entire corporation and its debts may result in claims
against other assets of ATC. The division has material
transactions with ATC. No debt or equity is directly
associated with American Community Cablevision. Tine, Inc. has
a controlling• interest in the voting stock of ATC.
1988
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY STATEMENT
,a
Ai fit n nano
•
Antrncan It.Irvi :inn R
Cuunnuuu:alunts Cutpurahun
Corporate Headquarters
160 Inverness Drive West
Englewood. Colorado 80112
303 799-1200
American Television and Communications Corporation (ATC) reaffirms its
commitment to take Affirmative Action in providing equal opportunities for
employment and advancement to qualified individuals without regard to race,
color, sex, national origin, religion, age, ancestry, medical condition,
creed, marital status, sexual orientation, handicap or status as a disabled or
• Vietnam -era veteran. This commitment is a result of ATC's acceptance of Equal
Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action as a social obligation and
an economic and business necessity.
ATC's policy, which has the steadfast support of each person in management,
ensures equal opportunities for all individuals through the development and
administration of equitable personnel practices and actions in areas such as
recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development,
educational assistance, transfers, lay offs, returns from layoffs, promotions,
discipline, company -sponsored recreation and social activities.
The commitment espoused by ATC extends beyond a merely "neutral policy" and
requires the ongoing efforts of all employees to achieve successful results.
Accordingly, managers will share the responsibility of establishing
Affirmative Action goals designed to correct any inequities found to exist in
any area of employment at ATC. Each system and corporate department will
submit reports to the Director of Employee Relations on a semi-annual basis.
This information will be consolidated and analyzed to determine trends and
accomplishments. The Affirmative Action Plan, including goals and timetables,
will be revised on an annual basis. The performance evaluations of ATC
managers will take into account their acceptance and achievement of
Affirmative Action goals. Successful performance on Affirmative Action goals
willprovide positive benefits to ATC through full utilization and development
of our human resources.
Through our Affirmative Action Plan (AAP), we are taking positive steps to
ensure that equal employment opportunities prevail. Elements of our written
plan are available to all employees upon request. Anyone interested in
reviewing this program should contact their respective Human Resources
Director or Manager within the business unit, or any ATC division president or
system manager.
Trygv4(
E. Q hren
CEO and Ch • i rman oBoard
Ptuvrdmtl 011191 ut.:tn•nl .lad udnnr 11ar1 I In :I • •:
ITHACA, NEW YORK
ORDINANCE
SECTION 1 PURPOSE
The City of Ithaca finds that the development of Cable
Communications has the potential of having great benefit and
impact upon the people of Ithaca. Because of the complex
and rapidly changing technology associated with cable
communications, the City further finds that the public
convenience, safety and general welfare can best be served
by establishing regulatory powers which should be vested in
the City or such persons as the City shall designate. It is
the intent of this Ordinance and subsequent amendments to
provide for and specify the means to attain the best
possible public interest and public purpose in these matters
and any Franchise issued pursuant .to this Ordinance shall be
deemed to include this finding as an integral part thereof.
Further., it is recognized that Cable Communications
Systems have the capacity to provide not only entertainment
and information services to the City's residents, but can
provide a variety of interactive communications services to
institutions and individuals. Many of these services
involve City agencies and other public institutions, by
providing governmental, educational or health care
communications.
For these purposes, the following goals underlie the
regulations contained herein:
(a) Communications services should be available to the
maximum number of City residents.
(b) The Cable Communications System should be capable
of accommodating both the present and reasonably
foreseeable future communications needs of City.
(c) The Cable Communications System should be improved
and upgraded if necessary during the Franchise
term so that the new facilities necessary for the
operation of this system shall be integrated to
the maximum extent possible with existing
facilities.
(d) Any Cable Communications System authorized by this
Ordinance and the Franchise shall be responsible
to the needs and interests of the local community,
and shall provide a wide diversity of information
sources and services to the public.
(e) That the public, educational, and governmental
needs for access to the Cable Communications
System are met.
SECTION 2 TITLE OF ORDINANCE
This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as
"Ithaca Cable Communications Regulatory Ordinance," and it
shall become a part of the Ordinances of the City.
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from
and after its passage and publication of a notice as provided by
section 3.11 of the Ithaca City Charter.
That all Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict
with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Ordinance 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.
3.1 ACCESS CHANNELS means channels (6MHz each) set aside
for public use, education use or governmental uses with no charge
for usage by ACC. Access channels designed for public use shall
be available on a nondiscriminatory basis.
3.2 ADDITIONAL SERVICES means programming or services for
which an additional charge is made beyond the charge for Basic
Subscriber Services, including, but not limited to, movies,
concerts, variety acts, sporting events, pay-per-view
program, interactive services, and any other service utilizing
any facility or equipment of a Cable Communications
System operating pursuant to a Franchise granted under this
Ordinance.
3.3 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
the Grantee; (b) each person in which the Grantee has,
directly or indirectly, control or a controlling
interest; (c) each office, director, general partner, joint
venturer or joint venturee partner, of the Grantee; and (d)
each person, directly or indirectly, controlling, controlled
by, or otherwise related to the Grantee by common
ownership, common management, or common control; provided
AFFILIATE shall in no event mean:
2
(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 the Grantee 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, the Grantee.
3.4 BASIC SUBSCRIBER RADIO SERVICE means such audio
services as the re -transmission of broadcast FM radio signals,
shortwave, weather, news, time and other similar audio services
and the transmission of cablecast (nonbroadcast) radio signals as
permitted by the FCC.
3.5 BASIC SUBSCRIBER TELEVISION SERVICES means the
definition promulgated by the, Federal Communications
Commission, or if such •definition is not forthcoming from
the Federal Communications Commission it shall mean all
subscriber services provided by the Grantee in one or more
service tiers, including the delivery ofbroadcast signals,
public, educational and governmental access channels, and
local origination channels, covered by the regular monthly
charge paid by all subscribers to a particular service tier
including subscriber terminal charges and related deposits.
3.6 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 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.
3.7 CITY means the City of Ithaca, New York.
3
3.8 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.
3.9 COMMENCE OPERATION means that time and date when
operation of the Cable Communications System is considered to
have commenced.
3.10 COMMERCIAL SUBSCRIBER means a subscriber who
receives a service in a place of business where the service may
be utilized in connection with a business, trade or
profession.
3.11 COMMON COUNCIL means the mayor and council of the
City of Ithaca.
3.12 COMMUNICATIONS POLICY ACT or CABLE ACT means the
Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as it may be amended or
succeeded.
3.13 COMPLAINT means that a subscriber or user
informs the Grantee or the City, that a problem has been
brought to .the attention of the Grantee, but is unresolved
to the satisfaction of the subscriber.
3.14 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.
3.15 DEDICATED INSTITUTIONAL ACCESS CHANNELS means
broadband communications channels dedicated to serving city,
county, state or federal governmental agencies, educational
institutions, health care institutions or other nonprofit
and profit making organizations.
3.16 DISCRETE CHANNEL shall mean a channel which can only
be received by the person and/or institution intended to
receive signals on such channel.
3.17 DROP shall mean a connection from feeder cable
the subscriber/user television set, radio or other terminal.
3.18 EDUCATIONAL CHANNEL OR 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.
3.19 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.
4
3.20 FCC means the Federal Communications Commission and
any legally appointed or elected successor.
3.21 FRANCHISE means a Franchise contract entered into
voluntarily by the Grantee, containing the specific
provisions of the Franchise granted, including referenced
specifications, Franchise proposal, applications and other
related material. Any Franchise granted pursuant to this
Ordinance grants the nonexclusive rights to construct,
operate and maintain a Cable Communications System along the
Streets and Public Grounds within all or a specified area in
the City. Any such authorization, in whatever form granted,
shall not mean or include any license or permit required for
the privilege of transacting and carrying on a business
within the City as required by other ordinances and laws of
the City.
3.22 FRANCHISE AREA means the entire City.
3.23 FRANCHISE FEE means the percentage, as specified by
the City, of the Grantee's gross revenues from all sources
payable in exchange for the rights granted pursuant to this
Ordinance and the Franchise Agreement.
3.24 FRANCHISEE OR GRANTEE means the natural
person(s), partnership(s), domestic and foreign
corporations(s), association(s), joint venture(s), or
organization(s) of any kind which has been legally granted a
Franchise by the City, and its lawful successor, Transferee
or Assignee.
3.25 GOVERNMENT CHANNEL OR GOVERNMENT ACCESS CHANNEL
means any channel specifically designated or dedicated for
government use. The municipal access channel(s) shall only
be used for non-commercial purposes.
3.26 GRANTOR means the City of Ithaca as represented by
the Common Council acting within the scope of its
jurisdiction.
3.27 GROSS ANNUAL REVENUES means all revenue derived
directly or indirectly by the Grantee, and revenue derived
directly or indirectly through services provided via the
Cable Communications System by Grantee's affiliates and
subsidiaries in which the Grantee has a financial interest.
3.28 INQUIRY BY SUBSCRIBER means a request for general
information about the Grantee's operation, services,
programming, and/or rates.
3.29 INSTALLATION shall mean the connection of the
system from feeder cable to subscribers' terminals.
5
3.30 INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE means such video, audio,
data and other services provided to institutional users on an
individual application basis. These may include, but are not
limited to, one-way video, two-way video, audio or digital
signals among institutions to residential subscribers.
3.31 LEASED ACCESS CHANNEL, or COMMERCIAL ACCESS
CHANNEL means any channel designated or dedicated for use by
persons unaffiliated with the Grantee, at rates in
accordance with the Cable Act.
3.32 LOCAL ORIGINATION means programming produced or
purchased by the Grantee (e.g., advertisements, news,
programming with advertising) which is under the control of
the Grantee. Local origination is specifically not to be
construed as public, governmental, or educational access.
3.33 LOCAL ORIGINATION CHANNEL means any channel
designated for local origination. This channel may be used for
commercial purposes.
3.34
signal, or
a party to
by visual or
MONITORING • means observing a. communications
the absence of a signal, where the observer is not
the communication, whether the signal is observed
electronic means, for any purpose whatsoever.
3.35 NARROWCASTING shall
distribute cable programming to
segments of the cable subscribers.
mean the ability to
a particular segment or
3.36 PERSON means an individual,
association, organization,. corporation or
successor Transferee of said individual,
association, organization or corporation.
partnership,
any lawful
partnership,
3.37 PLANT MILE means a linear mile of strand -bearing
cable as measured on the street of easement from pole to
pole or pedestal to pedestal.
3.38 PROGRAMMER means any person nr entity who or
which produces or otherwise provides program material or
information for transmission by video, audio, digital or
other signals, either live or from recorded traces or other
storage media, to users or subscribers by means of the Cable
Communications System.
3.39 PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL, COMMUNITY ACCESS CHANNEL
or COMMUNITY CHANNEL means any channel designated or
dedicated from use by the general public or noncommercial
organizations which is made available for use without charge
on a first-come, first-served, nondiscriminatory basis. The
public access channel(s) shall only be used for non-
commercial purposes.
6
3.40 PUBLIC PROPERTY shall mean any real property
owned by the City other than a highway, sidewalk, easement
or dedication.
3.41 PUBLIC -RIGHTS-OF-WAY or 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 the Company to the use thereof for the
purpose of installing and maintaining the Cable Company
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 the Grantee 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.
3.42 REASONABLE NOTICE shall be written notice
addressed by either party at its principal office within the
City or such other office as the Grantee 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.
3.43 RESIDENT means any person residing in the City as
otherwise defined. by applicable law.
3.44 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.
3.45 SALE shall include any sale, exchange, barter or
offer for sale.
3.46 SCHOOL means any public or nonprofit educational
institution including primary and secondary schools,
colleges and universities, both public and private.
3.47 SERVICE AREA means the entire geographic area
within the Franchise territory.
3.48 SERVICE REQUEST means a request from the
subscriber for a technical service, such as installation,
adjustment for poor picture quality and converter repair.
3.49 STATE means the state of New York.
7
3.50 SUBSCRIBER means any person, firm, corporation or
other entity who or which elects to subscribe to, for any
purpose, a service provided by the Grantee by means of or in
connection with a Cable Communications System.
3.51 SYSTEM FACILITIES means the Cable Communications
System constructed for use within the City, without
limitation, the headend, antenna, cables, wires, lines,
towers, amplifiers, converters, health and property security
systems, equipment or facilities located within the
corporate limits of the City designed, constructed or wired
for the purpose of producing, receiving, amplifying and
distributing by coaxial cable, fiber optics, microwave or
other means, audio and visual radio, television and
electronic signals to and from Subscribers, in the City and
any other equipment or facilities located within the
corporate limits of the City intended for the use of the
Cable Communications System; provided, however, such System
Facilities excludes buildings, contracts, facilities, and
equipment where primary use is for providing service to
other System Facilities located outside the City limits.
3.52 TRANSFER means the disposal by the Grantee,
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 group of
persons acting in concert.
3.53 TRUNK LINE means the major distribution cable
used in cable communications, which divides into feeder
lines which are tapped for service to subscribers.
3.54 UPSTREAM SIGNAL means a signal originating from a
terminal to another point in the Cable Communications System
including video, audio or digital signals for either
programs or other uses such as security alert services, etc.
3.55 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.
SECTION 4 GRANT OF FRANCHISE
4.1 GRANT OF FRANCHISE
8
A. GRANT OF AUTHORITY. Pursuant to the authority of
the Charter of the City and subject to the terms and'
conditions set forth herein, the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca can grant revocable and non-exclusive Franchises,
acting pursuant to the City's applicable Charter provisions,
Ordinances, rules and regulations to construct and operate a
Cable Communications System in, under, over, along, across
or upon the Streets and Public Grounds within the City of
Ithaca for the purpose of reception, transmission,
collection, amplification, origination, distribution or
redistribution of a. audio, video, data, or other signals and
for the development of broadband telecommunication services
in accordance with the laws of the City of Ithaca, the State
of New York, and United States of America. In the event
that City shall grant to the Grantee a nonexclusive,
revocable Franchise to construct, operate, and maintain a
Cable Communications System within the City, said Franchise
shall constitute both a right and an obligation to provide
the services of a Cable Communications System as regulated
by the provisions of this Ordinanceand the Franchise. The
Franchise shall include by reference those provisions of the
Grantee's proposal that are finally negotiated and accepted
by the City and Grantee.
B. NON-INTERFERENCE. In exercising rights pursuant
hereto, Grantee 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 one 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,
avenues, and highways of the City, as shall in the opinion
of the Common Council be necessary in the public interest.
C. NON -EXCLUSIVITY. Any Franchise is non-exclusive
and shall not affect the right of the Common Council to
grant to any other person a grant or right to occupy or use
the streets or portions thereof, for the construction and
operation of a Cable Communications System within the City
or the right of the City to permit the use of the Streets or
Public Grounds or of the City for any purpose whatever. No
privilege or power of eminent domain is bestowed on Grantee
by the grant of a Franchise.
9
D. COMPLIANCE WITH CITY ORDINANCES. Any Franchise
granted by the City is hereby made subject to the general
Ordinance provisions now in effect and hereafter made
effective. Nothing in the 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.
4.2 USE OF PUBLIC STREETS AND WAYS. For the purpose
of operating and maintaining a Cable Communications System
in the City, the Grantee may erect, install, construct,
repair, replace, reconstruct and retain in, on, over, under,
upon, across and along the public streets and ways within
the City such wires, cables, conductors, ducts, conduits,
vaults, manholes, amplifiers, appliances, pedestals,
attachments and other property and equipment as are
necessary to the operation of the Cable Communications
System, provided, however, that Grantee complies with all
design, construction, safety, and performance provisions
contained in this Ordinance, the Franchise, and other
applicable local Ordinances.
4.3 USE OF GRANTEE FACILITIES. No poles shall be
erected by the Grantee without prior approval of the City
with regard to location, height, type and any other
pertinent aspect. However no location of any pole of the
Grantee shall be a vested right and such poles shall be
removed or modified by the Grantee at its own expense
whenever the City determines that the public convenience
would be enhanced thereby. Grantee shall utilize existing
poles and conduits, where possible.
4.4 FRANCHISE TERRITORY. The Franchise territory
shall be the entire City, or portions thereof, for which a
franchise is granted under authority of a franchise agreement.
The service area shall be the entire territory defined in the
franchise agreement.
4.5 TERM OF FRANCHISE. The term of the Franchise
shall commence as specified in the Franchise and shall
continue for a period specified in the Franchise, unless
sooner terminated as provided in the Franchise. The value
of the Franchise at the end of the term shall be zero and no
property right shall be conferred by the Franchise itself.
4.6 FRANCHISE REQUIRED. No Cable Communications
System shall be allowed to occupy or use the streets of the
City or be allowed to operate without a Franchise.
4.7 CITY'S RIGHT TO PERFORM PUBLIC WORKS. Nothing in
this Ordinance or the Franchise shall be in hindrance to the
right of the City or any governmental authority to perform or
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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, the
Grantee 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.
4.8 EMERGENCY REMOVAL OF PLANT. 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 Grantee.
4.9 REMOVAL AND RELOCATION. The City shall have the
power at any time to order and require Grantee 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 Grantee after notice, fails or refuses to act
within a reasonable time, the City shall have power to
remove or relocate the same at the sole cost and expense of
Grantee.
4.10 REMOVAL OR ABANDONMENT. Upon termination of the
Franchise by passage of time or otherwise, and unless
Grantee transfers the Cable Communications System to a
subsequent Grantee approved by the Common Council, Grantee
shall remove its supporting structures poles, transmission
and distribution systems, and all other appurtenances from
the Streets
to as good
made so as
convenience.
and Public Grounds and shall restore the areas
a condition or better. Such removal shall be
not to conflict with public health, safety or
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 Grantee's expense less any recoverable salvage value.
4.11 NO WAIVER OF RIGHTS. No course of dealing
between the Grantee and the City nor any delay on the part of
the City in exercising any rights hereunder shall operate as a
waiver of any such rights of the City or acquiescence in the
actions of the Grantee in contravention of such rights
except to the extent expressly waived by the City or expressly
provided for in the Franchise.
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4.12 LIMITATION ON USE OF FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS. Any
financial commitments obtained by the Grantee which have
been confirmed to the City pursuant to the Franchise shall
be used solely in connection with the construction,
operation or maintenance of the Cable Communications System
or the Grantee's performance of the terms, obligations, and
conditions of this Ordinance and the Franchise.
4.13 TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL.
A. TRANSFER OF FRANCHISE. Any Franchise granted
hereunder 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.
B. TRANSFER OF CONTROL OR OWNERSHIP. The Grantee
shall promptly notify the City of any actual or proposed
change in control of the Grantee. Change in control means
transfer. The word "control" as used herein is not limited
to major stockholders but includes actual working control in
whatever manner exercised.
C. CITY AUTHORIZATION. Prior City authorization is
required for every change, transfer, or acquisition of
control of the Grantee. City consentwill not be
unreasonably withheld. For the purpose of determining
whether 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 the
Grantee 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.
D. ASSUMPTION OF CONTROL. 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
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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.
E. NO WAIVER OF RIGHTS. The consent or approval of
the City to any transfer of the Grantee 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.
F. NO TRANSFER PRIOR TO COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION.
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.
G. FRANCHISE SIGNATORY. Any approval by the City of
transfer or ownership or control shall be contingent upon
the prospective controlling party becoming a signatory to
the Franchise.
H. TIMEFRAME. The City shall act on a request to
transfer the Franchise within 120 days of the Grantee's
presentation to the Common Council •requesting a transfer or
assignment. The City's approval of any transfer or assignment
shall not be deemed an approval of the purchase price.
SECTION 5 REGULATION OF FRANCHISE
5.1 GENERAL. The City shall exercise appropriate
regulatory authority under the provisions of this Ordinance and
applicable law. This authority shall be vested in the Common
Council or its designee to provide day-to-day
administration .and enforcement of the provisions of this
Ordinance and any Franchise granted hereunder, and to carry-
out the City's responsibility with regard to cable
communications. The City may from time to time adopt such
reasonable rules and regulations that it may deem necessary
in the exercise of its municipal powers.
5.2 REGULATORY AUTHORITY. The City shall have the
responsibility for the administration and enforcement of
this Ordinance and the Franchise, including but not limited
to the following duties, powers and authority which may be
delegated at its discretion:
(1) To administer and/or enforce all provisions of the
Ordinance, and any Franchise granted hereunder.
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(2) To receive and investigate complaints regarding
substandard service and to initiate any action
necessary pursuant to this Ordinance or the
Franchise or any applicable law or regulation to
correct the service deficiencies.
(3) To represent the City's interest before local,
state or federal government agencies in cable
communications matters.
(4) To receive, evaluate and file all data and reports
required by this Ordinance and to rule on such
matters as appropriate under the Ordinance and
State and Federal law or regulation. The City is
hereby authorized to require adjustment to any fee,
bond or insurance coverage or amount or charge
contained herein not more frequently than bi-
annually without hearing, to compensate for
inflation or to reflect changing liability limits;
provided, however, that the City shall notify
Grantee prior to and after requiring such adjust-
ment. Inflation shall be calculated in accordance
with the regional Consumer Price Index.
(5) To inspect at any time all construction,
installation, and ongoing operation of the Cable
Communications System, and to make such tests as
it reasonably deems necessary to ensure compliance
with the terms of this Ordinance, and the Franchise
and other applicable laws and regulations.
(6) To conduct public hearings and evaluation sessions
as required under this Ordinance or as otherwise
necessary for the proper effective administration
of this Ordinance.
(7) To appoint and furnish staffing for one or more
advisory committees to provide advice,
recommendations and other appropriate public input
to the effective administration of this Ordinance
and the Franchise.
(8) To receive applications for rate increases, if the
City has the authority to regulate rates, and
provide staff assistance in the analysis and
recommendations thereto.
(9) To monitor Grantee's adherence to operational
standards and service requirements.
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5.3 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION. The City and Grantee
shall, at the discretion of the City, hold annual
performance evaluation sessions. All such evaluation
sessions shall be open to the public.
Topics which may be discussed at any scheduled or
special evaluation session may include, but not be limited
to system performance, Grantee compliance with this
Ordinance and the Franchise, 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.
Grantee 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..
During review and evaluation Grantee 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.
5.4 RESPONSE TO CITY INQUIRIES. In accordance with
the terms of this Ordinance and the Franchise, the City may, at
any time, make reasonable inquiries concerned with the
management and affairs of the Cable Communications System.
Grantee shall respond to such inquiries in a timely fashion.
5.5 QUALITY OF SERVICE. Where the City has questions
about the reliability or technical quality of cable service, the
City shall have the right and authority to require Grantee
to test, analyze, and report on the performance of the Cable
Communications System. Grantee 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:
(1) the nature of the complaint or problem which
precipitated the special tests;
(2) the system component or area tested;
(3) the equipment used and procedures employed in
testing;
(4) the method, if any, in which such complaint or
problem was resolved; and
(5) any other information pertinent to said tests and
analysis which may be required.
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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 the Grantee. Grantee
'shall reimburse the City for the costs of such engineer if
the tests performed shows that the quality of service is
below the standards set forth in this Ordinance or the
Franchise.
5.6 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES. For the violation of any of
the following provisions of this Ordinance, the City shall
notify the Grantee in writing of the violation, and the
Grantee 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 the Grantee 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 the Grantee, shall be
chargeable, to the extent available, to the letter of credit
or bond tendered by Grantee within the aforesaid period of
time. These liquidated damages shall be in addition to and
not a limitation upon the other penal provisions of this
Ordinance, including penalties or revocation, or other
statutorily or judicially imposed penalties or remedies..
11) For failure to :complete •construction and
.installation .in accordance with the Franchise,
$100.•00 .per day.
(2) For failure to submit reports or supply data in
accordance with .this .Ordinance, $10.00 per day for
each day that such noncompliance continues.
(3) For failure to test, analyze and report on the
performance of the Cable Communications System in
accordance with this Ordinance above, $25.00 per
day for each day, or part thereof, that such
noncompliance continues.
(4) For failure to provide the capital equipment, and
facilities, and services for public, educational
and governmental access, as specified in the
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 the Grantee 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.
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5.7 CONSUMER REMEDIES. In order to promote compliance
with this Ordinance and the Franchise, cable communications
subscribers under the Franchise shall• have the following
rights and remedies in addition to any other remedies which
may be available as a matter of law or equity to subscribers
or others affected by the acts or omissions of the cable
company. For example, this section is not meant to limit
remedies available to subscribers under applicable laws
governing consumer fraud or to limit remedies which may be
available if as a consequence of the acts or omissions of
the Grantee a resident loses utility services. Similarly,
the remedies specified are not meant to limit any authority
subscribers may have to enforce other terms of the Franchise
against the Grantee.
This section is in addition to any damages, remedies or
other action which the City may take pursuant to its rights
under the Franchise, or pursuant to its general police
powers, or in the exercise of its rights under cable
consumer Ordinances or regulations which exist now or may be
adopted during the term of this Ordinance.
(1) If the Grantee fails within ten days to pay a
submitted repair bill on any damage it causes to
property (including damage which occurs during the
course of stringing or burying cable or repairing
cable), the owner of the property shall be
entitled to recover treble damages, and in any
event no less than $100, for the period when the
property remains in such unrepaired or unsafe
condition. The Grantee shall be deemed to have
left the property in an unrepaired or unsafe
condition if the Grantee fails to repair damage to
the property or to eliminate the unsafe condition
within 24 hours after causing such property to be
damaged or after creating the unsafe condition.
(2) If the Grantee fails to provide any notice which
may be required by the City, the subscriber shall
be entitled to recover treble damages for such
failure.
(3) If the Grantee violates the privacy rights of any
subscriber the subscriber shall be entitled to
receive treble damages, and in any event no less
than $500, for each such violation.
(4) In any event where the City determines that the
Grantee has improperly discriminated in its rates
and charges for service, the City after giving the
Grantee notice of Hearing and an opportunity to be
heard, shall identify the applicable non -
17
discriminatory rate; the subscribers which have
been adversely affected by the discrimination
shall be entitled to a refund equal to treble any
amounts paid over the nondiscriminatory rate plus
interest at the prime rate.
(5) The Grantee shall keep a record of the date and
time it receives requests for service which
require it to obtain access to the home of a
subscriber or potential subscriber, and shall also
keep a record of the appointments made with such
subscriber or potential subscribers to provide
service. Any occasion on which the Grantee or its
agent does not cancel the appointment with the
subscriber and fails to arrive at the home of the
subscriber or potential subscriber during the
appointment period shall be considered a missed
appointment. The subscriber or potential
subscriber with whom the appointments were missed
shall be entitled to $50 damages for each
appointment missed.
(6) If .the Grantee fails tosubstantially follow the
:procedures :for disconnecting a subscriber, as set
forth .in this Ordinance and/or the Franchise, the
subscriber whowas improperly terminated shall be
entitled to receive treble; damages.
(7) If .a cable subscriber does not receive service for
more .than a four hour period, the affected
subscriber shall be entitled to recover treble
Mdamages.
In addition to the foregoing, if any subscriber
is required to bring judicial proceedings to enforce his/her
rights and remedies set forth herein, and is ultimately
successful in such judicial proceedings, then that
subscriber is entitled to recover all reasonable attorney's
fees and expenses incurred in the prosecution of such
judicial proceedings as fixed by the Court. Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, if the Grantee notifies the
subscriber in writing not less than ten days before the
initial appearance in any judicial proceeding that it will
not use an attorney in that proceeding, and thereafter does
not use an attorney, then the subscriber should not be
entitled to recover any attorney fees and expenses.
5.8 DETERMINATION OF BREACH. In the event that the
City has reason to believe that Grantee has defaulted in the
performance of any provision of this Ordinance or the Franchise
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except as excused by force majeure, the City shall notify
Grantee in writing of the provision or provisions which the
City believes may be in default. Grantee shall have thirty
(30) days from the receipt of such notice to:
(i) respond to the City in writing, contesting the
Grantor's assertion of default and providing such
information or documentation as may be necessary
or;
(ii) 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. Grantee shall report to the
City in writing, at thirty (30) day intervals as
the Grantee's efforts, indicating the steps taken
by Grantee to cure the default and reporting
Grantee's progress until such default is cured.
In the event Grantee fails •to cure the default within
the stated period the City shall convene a public hearing on
reasonable notice at which hearing the Grantee may be heard
and after which the City shall specify the complaint against
the Grantee; thereafter the City shall appoint an impartial
person to act as factfinder who shall 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 determines that Grantee is in default of any such
provision of this Ordinance or the 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 Ordinance, 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 fact-
finding hearing.
(b) commence an action at law for monetary damages,
including the expenses of the fact-finding
hearing.
(c) declare the Franchise to be revoked and order
Grantee to commence the removal of the Cable
Communications System immediately or to cooperate
19
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.
The Grantee may seek recourse as available by law or
regulation.
5.9 NON -EXCLUSIVITY OF REMEDY. No decision by the City
to invoke any remedy under this Ordinance or under any statute,
law or Ordinance shall preclude the availability of any other
such remedy.
5.10 JURISDICTION. 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 personaljurisdiction 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.
5.11 NOTIFICATION. Grantee shall file with the City
schedules which shall describe all services offered by
Grantee, all rates and charges of any kind and all terms or
conditions relating thereto. Thereafter, Grantee 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.
5.12 FREE CONNECTIONS. Grantee shall provide upon
request and free of charge the drops set forth in the
Franchise. Grantee shall discuss the location of each
connection with the proper officials of each such
institution receiving free connection.
5.13 PUBLICATION. 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 Grantee's business office and all other
facilities. Nothing in this Ordinance 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.
2.0
5.14 CREDIT FOR SERVICE INTERRUPTION. In the event
that Grantee's service to any subscriber or user of leased
channel space is interrupted for twenty-four (24) or more
consecutive hours, Grantee shall, in addition to any remedy set
forth in section 5.7, grant expeditiously such
subscriber or user a pro -rata credit.
5.15 RATE REGULATION. To the extent that Federal or
State law or regulation may now, or as the same may
hereafter be amended to, authorize the City to regulate the
rates for any particular service tiers, service packages,
equipment, or any other services provided by the Grantee,
the City shall have the right to exercise rate regulation to
the full extent authorized by law for the first tier of
service. For other tiers of service that may be included in
the Basic Subscriber Television Service, for which the City
shall have the right to exercise rate regulation, the City
and the Grantee shall negotiate the rate for the service.
When exercising rate regulation, the City shall consider,
along with any other information it deems necessary or
appropriate, the following factors in approving or
disapproving a rate increase request: the ability of the
Grantee to render Cable Communications System service; the
efficiency of the Grantee; the quality of the service
offered by the Grantee; the fair value cost of the Cable
Communications System less depreciation; a fair rate of
return over the life of the Franchise with respect to
Grantee's investment; the financial commitments required to
meet the terms of this Ordinance and the Franchise; the
extent to which Grantee has adhered to the terms of this
Ordinance; fairness to City residents, subscribers and
users. The approval by the City of any purchase price
herein shall not obligate the City to consider that purchase
price as the fair value cost for rate regulation purposes or
otherwise. The City may retain rate consultants as it deems
appropriate.
5.16 FRANCHISE FEE ENTITLEMENT. The City of Ithaca
shall be entitled to receive from Grantee a Franchise fee of
five percent (5%) of Grantee's Gross City Revenue.
5.17 PAYMENT. The Franchise fee established in 5.19
above shall be tendered as follows:
(i) Five percent (5%) of Grantee's Gross City Revenue
for successive three (3) month periods tendered
within forty-five (45) days after each such
period. Said periods shall commence upon the
execution of a Franchise granted pursuant to this
Ordinance.
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5.18 FRANCHISE AND RENEWAL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT.
Grantee is required to reimburse the City for the expenses of
the franchising and renewal processes such as consultants fees,
which are incidental to enforcement of the Ordinance or
Franchise. These requirements or charges shall not be
considered part of the Franchise fee.
5.19 AFFILIATES' USE OF SYSTEM. To the extent
necessary to prevent Grantee from diverting revenues from the
operation of the Cable Communications System from Grantee
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.
5.20 LATE PAYMENT. In the event that the fees herein
required are not tendered on or before the dates fixed in
this Ordinance, 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.
5.21 RECOMPUTATION. 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 Ordinance or the Franchise. All amounts paid shall be
subject to audit and recomputation, by an independent
auditor 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 the Grantee 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.
5.22 RIGHT OF INSPECTION OF RECORDS. The City shall
have the right to inspect all books, records, reports, maps,
plans, financial statements, and other like materials of the
Grantee as provided in this Ordinance, at any time during
normal business hours.
5.23 RIGHT OF INSPECTION OF CONSTRUCTION. The City
shall have the right to inspect all construction or
installation work performed subject to the provisions of the
Franchise and to make such tests as it shall find necessary
to ensure compliance with the termsof this Ordinance and
other pertinent provisions of law.
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5.24 RIGHT OF INSPECTION OF PROPERTY. At all
reasonable times and for the purpose of enforcement of this
Ordinance and the Franchise, Grantee shall permit
examination by any duly authorized representative of the
City, of all cable communication system and facilities
together with any appurtenant property of Grantee situated
within the City and outside of the City if it is utilized in
the operation of the City's Cable Communications System.
5.25 FRANCHISE RENEWAL. Upon completion of the term
of any Franchise granted under this Ordinance, the City may
grant or deny renewal of the Franchise of the Grantee in
accordance with the provisions of the Cable Act and any
other applicable federal, state and local laws.
SECTION 6 BONDS, INSURANCE, AND INDEMNIFICATION.
6.1 PERFORMANCE BOND AND LETTER OF CREDIT.
A. PERFORMANCE BOND. Not later than forty-five (45)
days after the effective date of the Franchise, the Grantee
shall obtain and maintain during' the entire term of the
Franchise and any extensions andrenewals thereof, at its
cost and expense, and file with the City, a.corporate surety
bond in an amount specified in the Franchise to guarantee
the faithful performance ofthe .Grantee of all its
obligations provided under this Ordinance and the
Franchise. Failure to timely obtain, file and maintain said
bond shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance.
B. CONDITIONS. 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 the Grantee to: faithfully comply
with the provisions of this Ordinance and the
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.
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(2) The total amount of the bond shall be forfeited in
favor of the City in the event:
(a) The Grantee abandons the Cable Communications
System at any time during the term of the
Franchise or any extension thereto;
(b) The Grantee assigns the Franchise without the
express written consent of the City.
C. REDUCTION OF BOND. Upon written application by the
Grantee, 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 the Grantee
shall be without prejudice to the Grantee'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 the Grantee within one (1). year.of any. -prior
application.
D. LETTER OF CREDIT. In addition to the performance
bond required pursuant to paragraph A above, the City may,
in its discretion, require the Grantee to obtain, maintain
and file with the City an irrevocable letter of credit from
a financial institution licensed to do business in the State
in an amount specified in the Franchise, naming the City as
beneficiary. The form and contents of such letter of credit
shall be approved by the City and shall be released only
upon expiration of the Franchise or upon the replacement of
the letter of credit by a successor Grantee. Failure 'to
obtain the letter of credit within the time specified herein
shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance.
E. CONDITIONS. The City may draw upon the letter of
credit if the Grantee fails to: faithfully comply with the
provisions of this Ordinance and the Franchise; comply with
all orders, permits and directives of any City agency or
body having jurisdiction over its acts or defaults; pay fees
due to the City; or 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.
F. USE OF PERFORMANCE BOND AND LETTER OF CREDIT.
Prior to drawing upon the letter of credit or the
performance bond for the purposes described in this Section,
the City shall notify the Grantee in writing that payment is
due and the Grantee shall have thirty (30) days from the
receipt of such written notice to make a full and complete
payment. If the Grantee does not make the payment within
thirty (30) days, the City may withdraw the amount thereof,
with interest and penalties, from the letter of credit and
the performance bond.
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G. NOTIFICATION. Within three. (3) days of a
withdrawal from the letter of credit or performance bond,
the City shall send to the Grantee, by certified mail,
return receipt requested, written notification of the
amount, date and purpose of such withdrawal.
H. REPLENISHMENT OF LETTER OF CREDIT AND PERFORMANCE
BOND. No later than thirty (30) days after mailing to the
Grantee by certified mail notification of a withdrawal
pursuant to paragraph F above, the Grantee shall replenish
the letter of credit and/or performance bond in an amount
equal to the amount so withdrawn. Failure to make timely
replenishment of such amount to the letter of credit and/or
performance bond shall constitute a substantial violation of
this Ordinance.
I. NON -RENEWAL, ALTERATION OR CANCELLATION OF LETTER
OF CREDIT OR PERFORMANCE BOND. The performance bond and
letter of credit 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 the Grantee. The Grantee
shall, in the event of any such cancellation notice, obtain,
pay all premiums for, and file with the City, written
evidence of the issuance of replacement bond or policies
within thirty (30) days following receipt by the City or the
Grantee of any notice of cancellation.
J. To offset the effects of inflation the amounts of
the bond and letter of credit provided for herein, are
subject to reasonable increases at the end of every three
(3) year period of the Franchise, applicable to the next
three year period, upon the determination of the City.
Inflation compensation shall be computed in accordance with
the regional Consumer Price Index.
K. The City shall not seek recovery from the
Performance Bond or the Letter of Credit until it has
provided the Grantee with thirty (30) days to cure any
default.
6.2 LIABILITY AND INSURANCE.
A. Prior to commencement of construction, but in no
event later than sixty (60) days after the effective date of
the Franchise and thereafter continuously throughout the
duration of the Franchise and any extensions or renewals
thereof, the Grantee 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 Ordinance.
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B. To the extent provided in the franchise agreement any
insurance policy obtained by the Grantee in compliance with
this Section shall be filed and maintained with the City
Clerk during the term of the Franchise, and may be changed
from time to time to reflect changing liability limits
and/or to compensate for inflation.
C. Neither theprovisions of this Section or any
damages recovered by the City hereunder, shall be construed
to or limit the liability of the Grantee under any Franchise
issued hereunder for damages.
D. The Grantee shall provide the City with written
notice of its intention to cancel or not renew any of the
insurance policies maintained pursuant to this Ordinance or
the Franchise.
E. The Franchise shall include the provision of the
following Hold Harmless clause:
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 arisen out of or in connection with :the work
covered by this Agreement. 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.
F. All insurance policies provided under the
provisions of this Ordinance or the Franchise shall be
written by companies authorized to do business in the State,
and approved by the State.
G. To the extent provided in the franchise agreement at
any time during the term of the Franchise, the City may
request and the Grantee shall comply with such request, to
name the City as an additional named insured for all insurance
policies written under the provisions of this Ordinance or the
Franchise.
H. To offset the effects of inflation and to reflect
changing liability limits, all of the coverages, limits, and
amounts of the insurance provided for herein are subject to
reasonable increases at the end of every three (3) year
26
period of the Franchise, applicable to the next three year
period, upon the determination of the City. Inflation
compensation shall be computed in accordance with the
regional Consumer Price Index.
6.3 GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE. The Grantee shall
maintain, and by its acceptance of any Franchise granted
hereunder specifically agrees that it will maintain
throughout the term of the Franchise, general liability
insurance insuring the Grantee in the minimum of:
(1) $500,000 for property damage per occurrence;
(2) $1,000,000 for property damage aggregate;
(3) $1,000,000 for personal bodily injury to any one
person; and
(4) $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.
6.4 AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY INSURANCE. The Grantee shall
maintain, and by its acceptance of any Franchise granted
hereunder specifically agrees that it will maintain
throughout the term of the Franchise, automobile liability
insurance for owned, non -owned, or rented vehicles in the
minimum amount of:
(1) $1,000,000 for bodily injury and consequent death
per occurrency;
(2) $1,000,000 for bodily injury and consequent death
to any one person; and
(3) $500,000 for property damage per occurrence.
6.5 WORKER'S COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYER'S LIABILITY
INSURANCE. The Grantee shall maintain and by its acceptance
of any Franchise granted hereunder specifically agrees that
it will maintain throughout the term of the Franchise,
Worker's Compensation and employer's liability, valid in the
State, in the minimum amount of:
(1) Statutory limit for Worker's Compensation.
(2) $100,000 for employer's liability.
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6.6 INDEMNIFICATION
A. Grantee 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 through
the acts or omissions of Grantee, its servants,
agents or employees.
(2) Arising out of any claim for invasion by the
Grantee, its servants,agents, or employees of the
right of privacy, 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 Grantee's failure to comply with
the provisions of any federal, state, or local
statute, Ordinance, or regulation applicable to
Grantee in its business hereunder.
B. The foregoing indemnity is conditioned upon the
following:
The City shall give Grantee 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
Grantee and participating in the defense of any
litigation by its own counsel at its sole cost and
expense.
SECTION 7 SUBSCRIBER AND USER RIGHTS
7.1 SUBSCRIBER SOLICITATION. Each representative or
employee of the Grantee, entering upon private property
shall be required to wear an employee identification card
issued by Grantee and bearing a picture of said
representative.
7.2 SALES INFORMATION. Grantee 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
28
agreement. for installation of service. Such sales material
shall clearly and conspicuously disclose the price and other
information concerning Grantee'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 recorders (VCRs) with cable service(s) and the
cost for hooking up such VCRs.
7.3 BILLING PRACTICES INFORMATION. Grantee 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.
7.4 NOTICE OF INSTALLATION.' Grantee 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.
7.5 BUSINESS OFFICE. Grantee 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. Grantee shall provide all subscribers or users
with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of a
change in business office hours.
7.6 NOTICE OF COMPLAINT PROCEDURE. Grantee 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.
7.7 RESPONSE TO SERVICE COMPLAINT. The Grantee 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. Grantee shall keep a
record of all such complaints in compliance with state law and
provide the record to the City as requested.
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7.8 UNRESOLVED COMPLAINTS. Should a subscriber or
user have a complaint which is unresolved after fourteen (14)
days after notifying grantee 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 Ordinance and the Franchise and
the implementation of complaint procedures. A representative
of Grantee 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; all judgments and costs for
attorney's fees will be paid by the Grantee.
7.9 NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING. 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 the
Grantee by periodic announcement on the programming guide
channel, and on at least one (1) channel of the Cable
Communications System between the hours of seven (7) p.m.
and nine (9) p.m., for four (4) consecutive days during each
such week.
7.10 SUBSCRIBER PRIVACY INFORMATION. Grantee shall at
all times protect the privacy of subscribers as provided in
this Ordinance and other applicable Federal, State and Local
laws.
7.11 PEOPLE METER. No people meter shall be used
without the express written consent of the subscriber.
7.12 CONVERTERS. Grantee shall utilize state-of-the-
art converters.
Grantee shall make converters available to subscribers
for rent or purchase. Grantee shall allow subscribers to
purchase or rent converters from other vendors. Grantee
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 Grantee's Cable Communications System. Subscribers
shall not be required to replace damaged converters rented from
the Grantee if the damage resulted from fire, flood, earthquake,
or other natural disaster or act of God.
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7.13 INTERNAL WIRING. Grantee shall install and/or
maintain internal wiring for subscribers. As of March 1,
1989, Grantee may own the internal wiring or, at the
subscribers discretion, the subscriber may own the wiring.
Grantee shall allow subscribers or *other vendors to
install, own, and/or maintain internal wiring. Any subscriber,
who duly notifies Grantee within the time period reasonably
established and advertised by Grantee, may acquire ownership of
the internal wiring at his/her premises without charge. In the
event of signal leakage grantee may terminate service consistent
with Federal law.
7.14 REMOTE CONTROLS. Grantee shall make remote
control units available to subscribers to purchase or rent.
Grantee shall allow subscribers to purchase or rent remote
control units from other vendors. Grantee may provide
remote control units to subscribers at no charge as a part
of its package of services. Grantee 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 Grantee's Cable
Communications System. Subscribers shall not*be required to
replace damaged remote control units rented from the Grantee
if the damaged resulted from fire, flood, earthquake, or natural
disaster or act of God.
7.15 PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL AND MUNICIPAL ACCESS. The
Grantee shall ensure the development and propagation of
public, governmental and educational access as a vital
community resource. The City shall establishrequirements
in the Franchise with respect to the designation of channel
capacity, facilities, equipment, and services for public,
educational and governmental use.
7.16 LOCAL ORIGINATION. The City shall establish
enforcement mechanisms in the Franchise with regard to local
origination channel capacities, facilities, equipment, and
programming.
SECTION 8 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROVISIONS
8.1 LOCATION OF CABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS. Grantee
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 Ordinance or the 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
31
pusuant to local regulation, provided, however, Grantee shall
not have a vested interest in such location; and such
construction shall be removed by Grantee 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.
8.2 DISCONNECTION AND RELOCATION. Grantee 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 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.
8.3 PRIVATE PROPERTY. Grantee 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. Grantee shall promptly repair or replace all private
property, both real and personal, damaged or destroyed as a
result of the construction, installation, operation or
maintenance of the Cable Communications System at its sole cost
and expense.
8.4 REPAIRS AND RESTORATIONS. The Grantee 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.
8.5 TREE TRIMMING. Grantee 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.
8.6 UNDERGROUND FACILITIES. In all areas of the City
where cables, wires, and other like facilities of the
telephone and electric utilities are already underground,
the Grantee must also place its facilities underground. 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, the Grantee 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).
32
8.7 CITY PROPERTY. 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 the Grantee and these charges shall be
paid within 60 days of receipt of notice or the City may
foreclose on performance bonds, or invoke other appropriate
sanctions provided for in this Ordinance.
8.8 TEMPORARY RELOCATION. Grantee 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 Grantee shall
have the authority to require such payment in advance.
Grantee 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 chargelby the Grantee.
8.9
accuracy of
location of
ways, where
excavation.
8.10
appropriate
reasonable
excavation,
CITY MAPS.
any maps
existing
necessary,
The City does not guarantee the
showing the horizontal or vertical
substructures. In public -rights -of -
the location shall be verified by
CONSTRUCTION NOTICE. Grantee shall give
notice to the City and residents withina
period of time of proposed construction,
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.
8.11 SAFETY AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS. The
construction., installation, operation, maintenance, and/or
removal of the Cable Communications 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
33
Utility. Construction Requirements
All Building and Zoning Codes, and all Land Use
Restrictions as the Same Exist or may be Amended
Hereafter.
8.12 CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS: All contractors.
or subcontractors of Grantee must be properly licensed under
all applicable Federal, State and local laws and
regulations. Grantee shall be responsible for all acts or
omissions of any such. contractor or subcontractor in the
construction, installation, maintenance or operation of
Grantees Cable Communications System.
8.13 CONSTRUCTION PLAN APPROVAL. Prior to the
erection or installation by the Grantee 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
Ordinance, the Grantee 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.
For the rebuild the Grantee shall allow a City selected
engineer to inspect such information, maps and plans for five
business days in the Grantee's office. Prior to the five
days, the Grantee shall give the City thirty (30) days prior
notice that such information will be available. The Grantee
shall accommodate reasonable scheduling modifications. If
the Grantee makes a material 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 the Grantee's office.
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 therefore has been received from the City pursuant
to local regulation and provided further, that such approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld.
8.14 EQUIPMENT CHANGES. Any substitution or changes
in hardware components must be for equal to or better than
the items specified in the Franchise, (e.g., amplifiers,
cable, antennas).
8.15 EXTENSION OF SERVICE. The Grantee 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 permi-ssion from any
landlord or other person controlling access to such premises.
34
8.16 ERECTION, REMOVAL AND COMMON USE OF POLES.
A. No ,poles shall be erected by the Grantee 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 the Grantee shall
give rise to a vested interest and such poles or structures
shall be removed or modified by the Grantee at its own
expense whenever the City determines that the public
convenience would be enhanced thereby.
B. Where poles already exist for use in serving the
City are available for use by the Grantee, but it does not
make arrangements for such use, the City may require the
Grantee to use such poles and structures if it determines
that the public convenience would be enhanced thereby and
the terms of the use available to the Grantee are just and
reasonable.
C. Where a public utility serving the City desires to
make use of the poles or other wire -holding structures of.
the Grantee, but agreement thereof with the Grantee cannot
be reached, the City may require the Grantee to permit such
use forsuch 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 the Grantee's operation.
8.17 RIGHT TO INSPECTION OF CONSTRUCTION. 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 Ordinance and the Franchise and to make
such tests as it shall deem necessary to ensure compliance
with the terms of this Ordinance, the Franchise and all
other applicable law. Grantee shall cooperate fully with
the City during all inspections and tests and shall provide
access to all equipment records, and other materials and
information necessary for such inspections and tests.
8.18 CONSTRUCTION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
A. Within thirty (30) days of the granting -of a
Franchise pursuant to this Ordinance, the Grantee 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.
35
8.19 INSPECTION. The City shall .have the right to
inspect, or appraise, as specified in this Ordinance, the
plant equipment, and other cable system related property of
Grantee. Grantee shall fully cooperate and otherwise assist
in these activities.
8.20 INITIAL PERFORMANCE TEST. 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 the
Franchise. Should performance prove defective, the defect
shall be appropriately remedied. The costs of such test
.shall be borne solely by Grantee.
8.21 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE TEST. Performance
requirements and standards specified in the Franchise, shall
be measured annually to ensure compliance with same. The
costs of such tests shall be borne by Grantee.
SECTION 9 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
9.1 GENERAL. Grantee 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
the Franchise.
9.2 MAINTENANCE LOG. Grantee shall maintain 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 Grantee for one (1) additional year and shall be
subject to inspection and copying by the City or its
designee during Grantee's regular business hours upon
reasonable request.
9.3 SERVICE INTERRUPTION. Except where there exists
anemergency situation necessitating a more expeditious
procedure, Grantee may interrupt service for the purpose of
repairing, upgrading or testing the Cable Communications
System, only during periods of minimum use, and only after a
minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notice to affected
subscribers.
9.4 RADIATION MONITORING. Radiation monitoring shall
be conducted by all maintenance technicians on an ongoing
basis. The results of said monitoring shall be made
available to the City upon request.
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SECTION 10 EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING AND PROCUREMENT
10.1 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE
ACTION PROGRAMS. Grantee 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, Grantee 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.
10.2 EMPLOYMENT POLICY. Grantee 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 10.1 above, Grantee shall take affirmative action to
employ, during the construction, operation and maintenance
of the Cable Communications Systemm-minorities and females as
set forth in the Franchise. Grantee shall submit to the
City annual EEO reports required by the Federal
Communications Commission.
SECTION 11 BOOKS, RECORDS, AND REPORTS
11.1 BOOKS AND RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE GRANTOR.
A. BOOKS AND RECORDS. The City reserves the right to
inspect all pertinent books, records, maps, plans, financial
statements and other like material, of the Grantee, upon
reasonable notice and during normal business hours.
B. AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS. If any of such maps or
records are not kept in the City, or upon notice the Grantee
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 Grantee.
11.2 REPORTS REQUIRED. The Grantee shall file with
the City:
A. REGULATORY COMMUNICATIONS. 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.
37
B. FACILITIES REPORT. 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 the franchise to be given to
subscribers.
C. PROOF OF BONDS AND INSURANCE. To the extent provided
in the franchise agreement Grantee shall submit to the City
the required performance bond, or a certified copy thereof,
and written evidence of payment of required premium, and all
policies of insurance required by this Ordinance, or
certified copies thereof, and written notice of payment of
required premium.
D. FINANCIAL AND OWNERSHIP REPORTS. The following.
financial reports specified in the Franchise 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 the 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) In the event that the City is asked to approve any
rate increase, the Grantee shall provide an annual,
system -wide and City -only, certified financial
report from the previous calendar year, including
year-end balance sheet; income statement showing
subscriber revenue from each category of service
and every source of non -subscriber revenue, line
item operating expenses, capital expenditures
statement, depreciation expense, interest expense
and taxes paid; statement of sources and
applications of funds; and depreciation schedule.
The City -only statements shall be on an allocated
basis and the Grantee shall provide the City with
with the assumption utilized in making the
allocations.
(5) An annual, City -only, certified income statement.
(6) An annual list of officers and members of the
Board of Grantee's and of any parent corporation.
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E. OPERATIONAL REPORTS. The following system and
operational reports shall be submitted annually to the City:
(1) The Grantee shall provide the City with a copy of
it's annual performance testing results as sub-
mitted 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 Grantee'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 liquidated damages -and other
penalties outstanding or paid.
(6) 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.
F. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. The Grantee 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 Ordinance or the Franchise.
11.3 RECORDS REQUIRED.
A. MANDATORY RECORDS. The Grantee shall at all times
maintain:
(1) A record of all complaints received and
interruptions or degradation of service
experienced for the preceding period prior to a
performance review, consistent with the state law
and regulation.
(2) A full and complete set of plans, 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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SECTION 12 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
12.1 CAPTIONS. The captions to sections throughout
the Franchise are intended solely to facilitate reading and
reference to the sections and provisions of the Franchise.
Such captions shall not affect the meaning or interpretation
of this Ordinance.
12.2 SEVERABILITY. If any section, sentence,
paragraph, term or provision of this Ordinance is determined
to be illegal, invalid or unconstitutional, 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.
12.3 GRANDFATHER RIGHTS.Nothing contained in this
Ordinance shall be construed to deprive Grantee or the City
of any "grandfather" rights in any future amendments to any
statute or regulation. Any such Franchise, however, shall be
subject to such regulations 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 the Franchise.
12.4 NOTICE. 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 Grantee shall be sent
by certified mail, postage prepaid, to Grantee ,at its Ithaca
office.
12.5 FORCE MAJEURE. 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.
12.6 FAILURE OF CITY TO ENFORCE THE FRANCHISE, NO
WAIVER OF THE TERMS THEREOF. The Grantee shall not be
excused from complying with any of the terms and conditions
of this Ordinance or Franchise by any failure of the City
upon any one or more occasions to insist upon or to seek
compliance with any such terms or conditions.
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