(a) Public inspection. An application for a new franchise shall be available for public inspection at places designated by the County Council.
(b) Public hearing. No later than 90 days after the filing of an application, the County Council shall hold a public hearing on the application.
(c) Decision. No later than 90 days after the conclusion of the public hearing, the County Council shall make a decision based on an evaluation of:
(1) the applicant's financial, technical, and legal qualifications to operate the proposed system;
(2) the immediate and long-term effects on the public rights-of-way and private property of the cable system, including the extent to which planned installation or maintenance would involve disruption of property, public services, or use of the public rights-of-way;
(3) any other effects of the system, its construction, or operation on public safety;
(4) the applicant's ability and willingness to provide adequate PEG access channel capacity, facilities, and financial support;
(5) the applicant's proposals to meet the future cable-related needs and interests of the County; and
(6) other benefits to the County and its citizens to be provided by the cable system.
(Bill No. 54-06)