HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 CON Cox Cable - Compliance ReportCity of National City, California
COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
MEETING DATE January 16, 1996
AGENDA INO. 13
TEM
ITEM TITLE Annual Cable Television Franchise Compliance Status
Report Submitted by Cox Communications San Diego
PREPARED BY G. J. Bolint
EXPLANATION
See attached staff report.
DEPARTMENT City Manager
Environmental Review X N/A
Financial Statement
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Accept and File
Account No.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ATTACHMENTS (Listed Below)
1. Status Report
Resolution No.
A-200 (Rev. 9/80)
STAFF REPORT
RE: ANNUAL CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE COMPLIANCE
STATUS REPORT SUBMITTED BY COX COMMUNICATIONS
Background
In March 1984 the City Council approved renewal of the Cox
Communications franchise. One of the franchise provisions
requires Cox Cable to file in December of each year an annual
status report regarding operations and franchise compliance.
The purpose of this staff report is to transmit the latest annual
report submitted by Cox Communications to the City Council for
review and official acceptance and filing.
Report filed by Cox Communications
Attachment 1 Is the current annual report filed by Cox
Communications in responseto the franchise requirements. In
the sections below the responsesare keyed to the appropriate
Code Sections followed by staff comments.
A. Code Provision/Channel Capacity. Programming - The
Code calls for continued availability and enhancement of
national and international transmission capabilities via
communications satellites and enhancement/expansion of
system channel capacity and programming.
Cox is in the process of upgrading the National City cable
system. Currently, some parts of the City receive 62 Channels of
programming and capacity while other parts have been
upgraded to 78 channels with plans calling for a 110 channel
capacity system, by April 1996. Included with the letter from Cox
is a fact sheet regarding the upgrade.
Staff Comments - At 62 channels of both capacity (number of
channel spaces available for use) and programming (number of
channels of programming to subscribers), Cox Communications
had been operating at fuil capacity. Staff Is pleased to see that
Cox is implementing a system expansion.
B. Code Provision/Public Access, Local Orloination, Local
Government and Local Education Programming - The Code calls
for improvement and expansion of the system in the above areas.
Cox Response - Cox reports that it has continued the extensive
outreach program in order to involve more people in public
access programming. According to the report, the company has
provided public access training to National City residents and
has made available equipment and studio facilities. Specific
examples of access programs are listed in the report. With
respect to governmental and educational programming, the
company provides channels for serving these purposes. The
company has also broadcast Civic information about meetings
and events on its Community Bulletin Board.
Staff Comments - Staff has reviewed the company's outreach
and access efforts and feel that the promotional and operational
effort in this area continues to be satisfactory. With respect to
educational programming, quite a bit is being done County wide
in this area. On the subject of municipal programming, staff
continues to review possible applications. City staff has and
will continue to work with Cox Communications in terms of
exploring possible applications of City public relations and
training programs.
C. Code Provisionllndustry and Federal Communications.
Commission (FCC) standards - The Code provides that Cox shall
continue to maintain its cable system to meetor exceed
accepted and proven CATV industry and FCC standards.
Cox Response - Cox reports that it is in compliance with FCC
and industry standards.
Staff Comments - By law, the cable company must meet FCC
technical standards. With respect to "accepted and proven"
industry standards, there are no pre -established guidelines as to
what is "state of the art". Based upon staffs knowledge of
current trends in the industry and a review of what is offered in
other San Diego County cities and cities throughout California
generally, staff is satisfied, with the company's response to this
Code provision especially in light of the current upgrade. We
will, however, as in the past, continue to monitor developments
in the CAN industry.
D. Code Provision/Two-Way Interactive Services - The code
provides that Cox shall continue to evaluate the feasibility of
two-way interactive programming and services (i.e., "bank -at-
home", burglar alarm systems, etc.).
Cox Response - Cox reports that its current plan calls for
upgrading National City in early 1996 to two way interactive
service capability.
Staff Comment - Staff is pleased with the report that two way
interactive service capability will soon be implemented.
E. Code Provision/Other New Technologies or Advances in
the CATV Field - The intent of the Code in this section is to
encourage the franchisee to continue to monitor and, where
feasible, to implement new technologies in system design or
services.
Cox Response - Cox indicates that it continues to evaluate and
where appropriate and feasible, implement new cable
technologies and advancements.
Staff Comment - Staff supports, Cox Cable's evaluation and
implementation of alternative technologies where feasible.
F. Other Items of Interest/Cabling of City Facilities and
Compliance with Franchise Requirements on Obscene or
Oblectionable Adult Pay Programming - The City's franchise with
Cox Cable requires cabling of designated City facilities for basic
cable service. The primary purpose of this provision is to permit
access by City departments to cable service for training,
education and other public service related purposes. Cox
reports that it has completed installation of basic service to all
city and school facilities as requested.
The City's franchise with Cox Communications also requires the
company to implement a program designed to eliminate
cablecasting of "obscene or objectionable adult pay television
programming" to those subscribers who do not wish to receive
such programming. Cox Cable, in its status report indicates that
it continues to implement the provisions of the referenced
sections and that it is in compliance as required.
Conclusion
As noted in this report, staff is satisfied with this year's annual
report and with Cox Communications compliance with its
franchise ordinance in all relevant areas.
As always, staff will continue to closely monitor developments in
the industry, Federal and State CATV legislation and the
continued compliance of Cox Communications with franchise
terms and conditions.
December 4,1995
n
0
Mr. Gerry Bolint
Assistant City Manager
City of National City
1243 National City Blvd.
National City, CA 91950
Dear Mr. Bolint:
5159 Federal Boulevard
San Diego, California 92105-5486
(619) 263-9251
co
COMMUNICATIONS
The following report is made in accordance with Cox Communications' franchise agreement with
the City of National City (Ordinance #1815) and Chapter 6.10 of the Municipal Code -- "Cable
Television" -- requiring a report in December of each year in the following areas:
Technological Developments Section 6.10.170
1. Number of Channels: There has been no change in the total number of channels
during 1995. The Disney Channel has been added to all Basic + CPS (Cable
Programming Service) customers as part of their regular monthly cable package.
2. Public Educational and Government Access: In 1995, Cox Communications
continued an outreach program in order to involve more people in public access
programming. Cox provided public access training and has made equipment and
studio facilities available to all residents of National City. Cox has also sponsored the
following programs:
— Public Service announcements, original programming and free air -time for
charitable organizations.
— Cox Communications carried the Mayor's State of the City address in May
1995, and a rebroadcast in June.
Cox Communications continues to make channel access available to local government
and for local educational and public access programming.
3. Standards: Cox Communications continues to maintain its cable system to meet and
exceed CATV and FCC Standards. (See Attachments)
4. Cox Communications current plans include upgrading National City in early1996 to
750 MHz capacity (110 Analog channels) with two-way interactive capabilities.
5. Cox Communications continues to evaluate new technologies and advancements in the
CATV field. (See Attachments)
Locking Devices to Permit Exercise of Parental Discretion and Adequacy of Signal Scrambling
Procedures, Section 6.10.240.
Cox Communications is in compliance with this section.
Ordinance #1815
Section 10: Cox Communications channel capacity is now 62 channels.
Section 11: Cox Communications is providing basic service to all city offices and
facilities that have been designated by the City Manager, and to all public schools
designated by the Superintendent of the National City School District.
Section 12: Cox Communications is meeting all requirements of this section and
continues to be committed to eliminating reception of adult pay programming to those
subscribers who do not wish to receive such programming by placing a trap on the
line, at the request of the customer. Cox Communications will also continue to
publicize and offer, at a minimal charge to subscribers, a replacement converter,
properly programmed. Finally, Cox Communications will continue providing
customers with information regarding detuning of "cable ready" television sets and
installing properly programmed converters or decoders in all new customer
households.
Cox Communications believes we are in compliance with the franchise terms and conditions. We
appreciate the fine working relationship between Cox Communications and the City of National
City and look forward to working with you on issues of mutual interest.
Respectfully submitted,
illiam Geppert
Vice President
WG: dtl
General Manager
cc: Sandy Murphy, V.P. Public & Community Relations
Steve Collins, Community Relations Specialist
rm"
YOUr
Conn ;ction
To TN! Future •
atelll.
COX
COMMUNICATIONS
Your Connecrion To The Fulure.
■ First cable TV company in San Diego County (1961).
■ Largest cable company in California.
■ Serves 15 local cities, Camp Pendleton,
and portions of San Diego County
(17 non-exclusive franchises).
■ Provides 465,000 customers with service out of
a potential total of 682,000 (68%).
■ Has 5,200 miles of coaxial cable plant.
■ And more than 30,000 glass miles of
fiber optic cable plant.
COMMUNICATIONS
Your Connection %The Future.
■ Employs almost 890 local employees
whose combined salaries add
$23,200,000 to the economy each year.
■ Pays $9,400,000 each year to local
government in the form of franchise fees
and property taxes.
■ Pays more than $25,000,000 each year
in total taxes.
■ Purchases over a million dollars of
goods and services from local vendors
each year.
COMMUNICATIONS
Your CuunechonToThe Muhn .
Customer Service
"Customer is Key" Award.
■ Finalist - six times
■ Winner - two times
Commuoitq Support
• $500,000 a year in
support of local schools
• Over $2,000,000 a year
to local non -profits
Technologq Leaaer
Since 1990 invested $160,000,000
in two-way fiber optic network.
COMMUNICATIONS
n s;sx s o 33 ssssusrssss�ssa i ux3 auk Your Connection ToThe Future.
Cvrreollij.. .
■ Total customers
• Total activated, view*
• Limited Basic
• Expanded Basic
• Optional (Encore)
• Premium TV
• Pay -Per -View
la+
Icy channels
• Total homes passed Iry able plant
• Penetration Rate
• Total system coaxial plant
• Underground coaxial
• Overhead coaxial
19 channels
33 channels
1 channel
6 channels
3 channels
16 miles
70 miles
7,409
62 channels
16,239
46 percent
86 miles
COMMUNICATIONS
Your Connection To The Future.
coy,
COMMUNICATIONS
Your Connection to the Future.
• Cox Communications is working to provide our
customers with access to the latest products and
services available along the "Information Super-
highway."
• To provide this access, Cox crews and contractors
are "upgrading" our cable system with fiber-optic
cable and advanced electronics.
• While this process may require accessing the
dedicated utility easement located adjacent to
residents' property, or temporarily interrupting
customers' cable service, we will do our best to
minimize any inconvenience.
SYSTEM UPGRADE OVERVIEW
• Launched in January 1990.
• Over 30,000 glass miles of fiber-optic cable
deployed to date.
• Most fiber-optic cable deployed nationwide of any
other cable MSO.
• Over $160 million invested in capital improve-
ments.
• All customers to be upgraded to at least a 78-
channel capacity by...
--April 1996 (South)
--December 1996 (North)
coil
COMMUNICATIONS
BRINGING THE FUTURE TO NATIONAL CITY
Nov. 1995 - April 1996
Before
62-Channel Capacity
(450 MHz)
Coaxial Cable System
Tree & Branch Design
One -Way Capable
After
110-Channel Capacity
(750 MHz)
12 New Channels
Travel Channel
GEMS
MTV Latino
Home Shopping Network
ValueVision
fX
Mind Extension University
Outdoor Life
Continuous Hits 3
ESPN2*
The History Channel*
Turner Classic Movies
Hybrid Coax -Fiber System
Ring -in -Ring Design
Two -Way Capable
cox
COMMUNICATIONS
UPGRADE BENEFITS
Immediate
• Additional Programming Services
• Enhanced Reception
• Improved Reliability
Near Future
• Access to a Variety of New Technologies
--Impulse Pay -Per -View (IPPV)
- -Distance Learning
- -On-line Information Services
• Sprint Venture: New Choices in Telephone
Service, at Competitive Prices
- -Personal Communications Services (PCS)
- -Wireline
--Cellular
code
COMMUNICATIONS
THE UPGRADE WILL GIVE COX CUSTOMERS...
CHOICE
--Choose from hundreds of channels
CONTROL
--Watch what you want to, when you want to
QUALITY
--Enhance the education experience with distance
learning
SPEED
--Access on-line information services 50 times faster
CONVENIENCE
--Take your PCS phone with you wherever you go
cox
COMMUNICATIONS
THE UPGRADE PROCESS
1. Rod/Rope
2. Pre -sweep
3. Fiber Installation*
4. Power Supply Placement*
5. Trenching*
6. Cable Splicing**
7. Drop Repair**
8. Final Sweep/Activation
* May require access to the dedicated utility ease-
ment located adjacent to residents' property.
**Service interruptions may occur from 7 a.m. to 5
p.m but should last no more than 3 days.
COIL
COMMUNICATIONS
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION PROCESS
In Progress
Newspaper Publicity
"The Cox Connexion"
Postcards to Customers
Color -coded Door Hangers to All Homes Passed
--Construction
--Splicing
--Activation
TV Spots
Future Plans
"Community Bulletin Board"
Customer Newsletter
Neighborhood Parties
cow
COMMUNICATIONS
UPGRADE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Dedicated Staff
1 Communications Manager
1 Customer Relations Assistant
4 Customer Relations Field Reps.
Goals
• To provide proactive communications, i.e. educa-
tion and information, about Cox's system upgrade.
• To resolve customer inquiries about the upgrade
both promptly and with courtesy.
• To identify common trends relating to customer
inquiries and develop procedures to prevent them
from reoccuring.
• To enhance the image of the upgrade.
COMMUNICATIONS
In The Future ...
• A two-way, high speed, state-of-the-art broadband network
capable of voice, video and data transmissions.
• A communications infrastructure for online information
services like Prodigy, America Online, the Internet, etc.
• Capable of carrying computer -based videoconferencing
communications.
• Serving as a backbone for new wireless phone service
called PCS.
• And capable of providing regular wireline phone service.
mN1sumiRin3
cox
COMMUNICATIONS
Your Connection To The Future.
November 8, 1995
Mr. George Waters
Mayor
City of National City
1243 National City Blvd.
National City, CA 91950
Dear Mr. Waters:
5159 Federal Boulevard
San Diego, California 92105-5486
1619) 263-9251
cow
COMMUNICATIONS
National City will soon be joining the rest of the county in a significant move toward the future!
Over the next five months, Cox Communications will be working to put our 7,400 customers in the City of
National City at the center of the communications, entertainment and information universe. The immediate
result of our cable system upgrade will be improved reception, more reliable service and additional
programming services. Specifically, customers will receive at least 74 channels by the end of the upgrade
and will have the capacity for hundreds of channels as new programming is added. In addition, the upgrade
will give our customers access to a variety of new technologies in the future that will open up the door to
a more interactive environment, along with new choices in telephone service at competitive prices.
Cox has been preparing for the future ever since we launched our now $160 million system upgrade over
five years ago, replacing thousands of amplifiers and tens of thousands of connecting devices throughout
the greater San Diego area. Our crews are now in the process of installing fiber-optic cable throughout
National City -- building upon the more than 30,000 glass miles of fiber-optic cable that we already have in
place throughout the county.
The short term impact of all this progress, however, is some inconvenience. To minimize service
interruptions, our crews will be working between the hours of midnight to 6 a.m., as well as throughout the
day. The most noticeable interruptions will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. but should last
no more than three days. In addition, crews may need access to the dedicated utility easement located
adjacent to customers' and non -customers' property to install fiber-optic cable and improve equipment.
Within the next week, we will begin notifying both customers and non -customers about our upgrade plans
through postcards and door hangers. In addition, our crews and vehicles will be clearly identified. Due to
the very early morning hours during which much of our work will take place, however, please be aware that
the City may receive calls from concerned citizens.
Should you have any questions or would like additional information, please don't hesitate to contact me at
266-5369 or Steven Collins at 266-5515.
Sincerely,
Kimberly A. Kasitz
Upgrade Communications Manager
cc:
Mgi Sam Attisha, Steven Collins, Jack Connolly
90 —
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Jan Feb
National City Cable Television
Performance Report
January - October 1995
Mar Apr May
Jun
Jul Aug Sep
Oct
® Same Day
■ Next Day
❑ Two Day
El > Two Day
'30/95
City of National City, California
COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
MEETING DATE February 27, 1996
3
AGENDA ITEM NO.
ITEM TITLE
Annual Status Report Submitte
PREPARED BY G.J. Bolin
EXPLANATION.
See attached.
National City Cable
DEPARTMENT City Manager
Environmental Review X N/A
Financial Statement
N/A
Account No.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Receive and File. As in the past, unless there is additional Council direction, staff will
continue to monitor the situation and advise the Council as appropriate.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ATTACHMENTS (Listed Below)
1. Staff Report
2. Memo from City Attorney
3. Municipal Code Previsions
Resolution No.
A-200 (Rev. 9/80)
EXPLANATION
A. Background
On March 7, 1989. the City Council granted Ultronics dba National City
Cable, a cable television franchise. The franchise became effective April 7,
1989. National City Cable is required to provide annual and semi-annual
status reports to the City. A copy of the most recent status report for 1995
is attached (Attachment 1).
B. System Construction and Cable Litigation Status
The company, as has been reported previously, reports completion of Phase
I of system construction (the area bounded by National City Boulevard and I-
805). As the Council is aware, construction of Phase II (the area bounded
by 1-805 and the east City limits) and Phase III (the area bounded by
National City Boulevard and the west City limits) has been impacted by
intervening litigation involving the parent company (Ultronics) and minority
shareholders which, according to National City Cable, has drained its
financial resources and hence its potential construction capital. As the
Council has also been advised previously, the construction deadlines
contained in the franchise agreement called for completion of Phase II by
June 7, 1993 and Phase III by April 1994. Obviously, these deadlines were
not met. Since the Council had previously waived the performance bond
requirement at the request of the Grantee, there was no immediate or
automatic impact or penalty resulting from the construction delays. The
City Attorney concluded in a memo dated April 1, 1993 (attached) that the
imposition of any enforcement relating to cable construction delays was
totally discretionary by the City and hence that action is not required by the
Municipal Code. The applicable code provisions relating to construction
delays are also attached for Council information (Attachment 3). To date,
as the Council is aware, the City has not taken any follow-up action relative
to construction delays. Also, since the City has not formally extended the
deadlines for Phase II and Phase III, they are still technically in effect. It
should again be noted, as it has previously, that even with only Phase I
completed, National City's situation with half the City experiencing direct
cable competition is extremely unique on a nationwide basis.
According to the attached status report, Phase II engineering is basically
completed. As noted, however, construction resumption continues to be
delayed due to potential construction funding from an insurance claim being
used to pay legal expenses and to settle outstanding debts. Reference has
been made in the past to the related lawsuits and to the fact that to date
over $2,000,000 has been spent by the Grantee on litigation involving the
company. It should be noted that construction of the Chula Vista system
has also been impacted and halted due to these ongoing financial
difficulties. The report indicates that remaining funds are currently being
held in reserve pending further determinations on plant build -out. Staff
requested elaboration on this section of the report given the previously
mentioned franchise deadlines. According to the Grantee, insufficient
capital reserves are currently available to completely build out Phase II.
Factors which have reportedly also impacted this scenario include
competitive uncertainties created by the recently approved Federal
Communications Bill and its provisions relating to telephone company entry
into the cable marketplace, the current Cox system upgrade which has
enhanced its competitive position and as can be seen in the section below,
a continuing decline in the National City Cable subscriber base due to a loss
of single family residential subscribers to Cox. The bottom line according to
the Grantee, is that at this particular point in time, continued build -out is not
financially feasible or cost-effective and the company is therefore in a
holding pattern.
C. System/Subscriber Information
According to the status report, the company currently serves a total of
1,461 subscribers in National City which is down from the 1,501 reflected
in the 1994 status report. The system channel capacity is 62 channels.
Fifty-four channels of basic service are offered to subscribers at a rate of
$19.95 per month. Follow-up discussions with the company continue to
indicate that two-way interactive technology has not yet been deemed cost
feasible. Consistent with the franchise, the company also indicates that it
will make available to subscribers upon demand methods to ensure that
adult pay programming, which is not desired, is not received. The company
also reports regarding some of its recent activities in the area of community
support, the cabling at no charge of the new Boys and Girls Club facility,
the pre -wiring of TELACU for cable and the launching of the Filipino channel
as well as plans to provide cable for the PACNC Center.
This report is for Council receipt and file. Unless the Council has additional
comments or direction, staff will, as in the past, continue to monitor the
situation and stay in contact with the Grantee relative to litigation related
matters and potential construction financing and will report back to the
Council as appropriate. The Grantee will be present at the meeting to
respond to any Council inquiries.
National City Cable, Inc.
A DIVISION OF ULTRONICS, INC.
FRANCHISED CABLE OPERATOR
December 20, 1995
Mr. Gerald Bolint
Assistant City Manager
City of National City
1243 National City Blvd.
National City, CA. 91950-4397
O-
00
Re: National City Cable: Semi -Annual Status Report
Pursuant to the Franchise Agreement between Ultronics, Inc., and the City of National
City; the following status report is hereby submitted:
National City Cable, Inc. has completed 43 miles of cable plant in Phase I (The area
boundried by National City Blvd. on the East and Highway 805 to the West). In addition,
three miles of cable plant are activated in Phase II (East of 805).
National City Cable, Inc. currently passes 8,285 homes with 1,461 subscribers as of
December 1, 1995. Phase II engineering is virtually complete; but all construction for
this additional 41 mile section is still on hold pending funding. A substantial sum of
monies was obtained through an insurance company settlement on a claim by Ultronics,
Inc. Agreements were made with a group of National City Cable's past creditors to settle
past debts. Funds are currently being held in reserves; pending further decisions on cable
plant buildout.
National City Cable, Inc. is providing basic cable to National City residents for a standard
monthly rate of $19.95, a senior monthly rate of $18.95 and a handicapped monthly rate
of $17.95. Only one tier is utilized; with all subscribers receiving 54 basic channels. The
Disney Channel (a $9.95 monthly premium service on other cable systems) is offered at
no additional charge as a "basic" channel.
National City Cable, Inc. post -wired Telacu Southbay Manor free of charge in October
1995. Over half of its seventy six residents are now cable subscribers. This complex was
not pre -wired for cable, and the other cable provider refused to wire the building.
581 C Street • Chula Vista, California 91910 • (619) 47-CABLE • Fax (619) 476-9811
National City Cable, Inc.
A DIVISION OF ULTRONICS, INC.
FRANCHISED CABLE OPERATOR
National City Cable, Inc. is proud to have launched The Filipino Channel on December
18th of this year. The Filipino Channel is a twenty-four hour premium channel direct
from the Philippine Islands. No other cable television system south of San Francisco
currently has this channel. Arrangements are being made to wire the PACNAC
Community Center at no charge and to provide The Filipino Channel on an ongoing basis
without charge.
Our community ties are important; and we are happy to have provided support for the
Boys and Girls Club of National City in the past year. I believe that National City Cable,
Inc. provides the finest basic cable television system in the Nation at the lowest per
channel cost. National City Cable, Inc. will continue the highest levels of cable services
to the residents of National City at the lowest possible prices.
Sincerely,
Martin Altbaum
President
Ultronics, Inc.
National City Cable, Inc.
581 C Street • Chula Vista, California 91910
(619) 47-CABLE • Fax (619) 476-9811
City of ._.mat City -
Office Di " the City Attorney
1243 National City Boulevard, National City. CA 91950
George H. Eiser, ell - City Mornay
(619) 336-42.20 Fax (619) 336.4376 TDD (619) 336.1615
TO: Assistant City Manager
FROM: City Attorney
SUBJECT: Nature of City Council Action in Event of Default by CATV Franchisee
.
You have raised questions regarding the nature of
event of default by a CATV franchisee. I will respond possible
e q questions ons order the
CuLi_STION' NO " 1: If the City Council does not extend the construction deadline
the penalties for delay in construction set forth in Municipal Code Section 6.10.086(A)(1)
and (A)(3) and 6.I0.260(A)(7) become operative immediately?
�ru R No ;.Section 6.10.086 is prefaced by the following language: 'The city
mrvn :r&e O, li
sen and in addition to "any other remedies legally available ... apply
any or all of the fo lomng penalties fora material breach of the provisions of this chapter
or any franchise ordinance under this chapter.' (Emphasis added.) Likewise, Section
6.10.260 begins with the following language: -•ih
e city zenaLubfaithi to revoke any
franchise granted 'under chapter and to rescindiail rights and privileges associated
with the franchise in the following circurnstances....'
(Emphasis added.)
Eased upon this language, the City Council has the option but not the dut to ursue
penalties set forth in Sections 6.10.086 and 6.10.260. Y P the
. •
DATE: April 1, 1993
llamas %_:_a.2: If construction of the CATV system was delayed for more than 6
months, could the City Council reduce the term of the franchise. and if construction was
delayed for more than 18 months, could the Council revoke the franchise?
ANS.w...E.L: Yes. After a 6 month delay in completing construction, the City ma • reduce
the duration of the franchise on a month -to -month basis for each month of delay
exceeding 6 months. (Section 6.10.86(A)(I).) If the delay in construction exceeds l8
months, the City may revoke the franchise. (Section 6.10.260(4)(7i.)
GHE/sbc
`e gape,
GEORGE H. EISER, III
City Attorney
0
to
by i
and to
city in
hereafter
D. Ne
ter nor any
be construed t
or. similar, . fran
either within or
E. The city c
nary and lawful in
chapter_ (Ord. 1816
-U
C. There is reserved to the city
' _
hich is required to be herein reservee dorrprovided by a
•inance or resolution of the city, or by the laws or consti-
ons of the state or federal government, and the grantee,
acceptance of any franchise, agrees to be bound thereby
omply with any lawful action or requirements of the
ts•exercise of such rights or power, heretofore or
reacted or established.
'ther the granting of a. franchise under this chap -
the provisions contained in this chapter shall
prevent the city from granting any identical,
hise to any.otherperson, firm or corporation,
• aside the designated area of any franchise.
cil may,,, do all things which are neces-
exercise of its jurisdiction under this
rt), 1984).
6.10.08E Resolution -f disputes. The city manager is
authorized and -empowere -,to ct to a -just, settle or compromise
any controversy arising:from e operations of any -grantee
under this chapter or relating ovthe construction or -applica-
tion of any of the .terms 'of this hater, either on behalf of
the city,` or any subscriber,; in- �'. Est Merest of the public.
The city manager shall provide the`: antes.-" parties; with; notice.; and. and all .priorested
renderin ru * --- r" .to . be,beard -prior to
g ai decision <under this chapte No formal proceedings
or., rules o`f , evidence are required by thi - section. , Thecity ;.
manager may appointu''a hearing officer to a.t in his place and
to exercise hisauthority.,under this chapte Either: the
grantee, or, any' member. of then public whoNmay dissatisfied
with, the decision .of, the city:, manager, may,trap• 1 the,matter
tothe city "council. The council may accept, re ct or modify
the decision of, the city manager, and the council
settle or compromise anyy adjust,
opera-
tions of any grantee orfrom tthe eappplication ofoany 'p sions
of this chapter. The grantee shall be notified in writg of
the decision of the city council within ten days of the c:
s -n• Ord. 1816 t-art), 1984).
6.10.086 Penalties for violations. The city may, at its
sole option and in aadition to any other remedies legally
available, subject to the provisions of subsection D of this
section, apply any or all of the following penalties for a
material breach of the provisions of this chapter or any fran-
chise ordinance under this chapter:
A. Penalties for Delays in Required System Construction
or Rebuild Activity.
.
-
1. Reduction in the duration of the franchise on a
month -to -month basis for each month of delay exceeding six
months;
70h-lj (National City 6/84)
2. Forefeiture of performance bonds;
3. Revocation of the franchise pursuant to the pro-
visions of Section 6.10.260.
B. Penalties for Material Breaches other than Construc-
tion Delays.
1. Imposition of a financial penalty not to exceed
one thousand dollars per day for grantee's individual wilful
and/or repeated violation or failure to take corrective action
with respect to a violation;
2. Imposition of a requirement that the grantee make
rebates or payment to subscribers or classes of subscribers
in such amount as the city may deem reasonable;
3. Imposition of a requirement that the grantee
correct or otherwise remedy the violation prior to any pending
rate increase becoming effective;
4. Revocation of the franchise pursuant to the pro-
visions- of Section 6.10.260.
C. Determination of Appropriate Penalty. In determining
which remedy or remedies are appropriate for the grantee's
violation, the city shall take into account the nature of the
violation, the person or persons bearing the impact. of the
violation, the nature of the remedy required in order to pre-
vent further such violations,the-actual cost;of damage associ-
ated with the violation and other such matters -as the city may
deem appropriate. 'The city, in :determining any penalty, shall
make written.findingsof-;fact which,address the considerations
listed.in„this„section >> _,
D. „°-Hearin and Ap
peal ppeal Procedure. In making determina-
tions relative to violations under this chapter, the city shall
afford the;;grantee due,process of law in accordance with the
hearih96,endaPPeal procedures established in Section 6.10,085.
(Ord.,1816 (Part), 1984)
6.10.090 ;Permits, -installation and service. A. Within
thi :days -after acceptance of any franchise under this chap-
ter, rantee shall proceed with due diligence to obtain
all necess- permits and authorizations which are required
in the conduct its business including, but not limited to,
any utility joint attachment agreements, carrier licenses,
and any other permits, censes, and authorizations to be
granted by duly constitute, egulatory agencies having juris-
diction over the operation of systems or their associated
transmission facilities.
B. Within ninety days after obt -'ng all necessary per-
mits,*licenses and authorizations, the gr- ee shall commence
construction and installation of the CATV sys in accordance
with an installation schedule approved by the ci c�ouncil.
C. Within one hundred eighty days after the coil ncement
of construction and installation of the system, the gran
70h-lk (National City 6/84)
of such street or property or area has first been obtained
pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and unless such
franchise is in full force and effect. (Ord. 1816 (part),
1984).
6.10.260 Revocation of franchise. A. The city reserves
the right to revoke any franchise granted under this chapter
and to rescind all rights and privileges associated with the
franchise in the following circumstances, each of which shall
represent a default and breach under this chapter and the
franchise grant:
1. If the grantee should default in the performance
of any of its material obligations under this chapter or under
such documents, contracts and other terzs and provisions
entered into by and between the city and the grantee;
2. If the grantee should fail to provide or maintain
in full force and effect, the liability and indemnification
coverages or the performance bond as required in this chapter;
3. If any court of competent jurisdiction, the FCC
or any state regulatory body by rules, decisions, or other
action determines that any material provision of the, franchise
documents, including this chapter, is invalid or unenforceable
prior to the commencementof system construction;
4. If the grantee should frequently violate any orders
or rulings of any regulatory body..hay.ng jurisdiction over the
grantee' relative'to:this franchise., unless such orders or rulings
are being contested by the "*
� grantee;
5. If the grantee ceases to provide services for any
'reason within the control of the granteeover the CATV system.
The grantee shall not, however, be declaredat fault Or be
subject to any sanction under any "provision of this chapter
in any case in which performance of any such provision is pre-
vented for reasons demonstrated to be beyond the grantee's
control. A fault shall not be deemed to be beyond the grantee's
control if committed by a corporation or other business entity
in which the grantee holds a controlling interest, whether held
directly or indirectly;
6. If the grantee attempts to evade any of the provi-
sions of this chapter or the franchise agreement or practices
any fraud or deceit upon the city;
7. If the grantee's construction schedule is delayed
for more than eighteen months later than any schedule contained
rin the grantee's franchise agreement, including any extensions
theret,f ;
8. If the grantee becomes insolvent, unable or unwill-
ing to pay its debts, or is adjudged a bankrupt.
8. The city may make a written demand that the grantee
comply with any such requirement, limitation, term, condition,
rule or regulatory or correct any action deemed cause for
70h-lw (National City 6/84)