(a) Members. There is hereby created a Cable Television Commission of the City of Bedford which shall consist of five (5) members appointed by City Council. The initial terms shall be as follows: one (1) member for a term of two (2) years; two (2) members for terms of three (3) years; and two (2) members for terms of four (4) years. All subsequent appointments shall be for terms of four (4) years. The Cable Television Commission shall have a Secretary designated by the City Manager. A member of the City Law Department shall be in attendance at Cable Television Commission meetings when determined to be necessary by the City Manager. The Cable Television Commission shall include, to the extent possible, one member from the City Schools; one member from the public library; one member representing the Bedford Chamber of Commerce; and two members from the general public who are residents of the City of Bedford and at least one of whom shall have a technical background.
(b) Duties and Responsibilities. The Cable Television Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) To hear complaints of subscribers regarding alleged violation of the customer service standards set forth in this Chapter 707. The Commission shall endeavor to informally resolve all such complaints. In the event any complaint is unable to be informally resolved, a hearing shall be held by the Commission on the complaint with at least ten (10) days written notice to the Provider and the complainant. After hearing, the Commission shall make findings and conclusions and issue an order and/or assess a penalty if appropriate as provided in Section 707.04(g). All formal decisions of the Cable Television Commission shall be deemed final.
(2) The Cable Television Commission shall have responsibility for reviewing requests for the establishment of all cable television rates and rate changes and making recommendations for approval or disapproval to City Council. In reviewing requests by a Provider for initial rates or for rate changes, the Commission may utilize City staff and/or outside professional assistance at the direction of the City Manager. The Provider shall reimburse the City for the cost of any outside professional assistance in reviewing rate changes as set forth in Section 707.05. After review of a rate request, the Cable Television Commission shall make a recommendation to City Council for approval or disapproval. No cable television rate shall be deemed approved or disapproved until approved or disapproved by City Council.
(3) The Cable Television Commission shall have responsibility for general oversight of the Public Access Channel. In performing its responsibilities with respect to general oversight, it shall hear complaints from the general public and users of the Public Access Channel and shall attempt to informally resolve complaints with the Provider. In the event it is unable to informally resolve complaints or in the event it discovers violations of the rules governing Public Access Channel through its own investigation or as a result of a complaint, it shall make findings and recommendation to the City Manager with copies to the Law Director, Clerk of Council and the Provider. The Cable Television Commission shall make an annual written report to the City Manager on Public Access Channel within the City of Bedford, which report shall include information regarding usage, equipment, general compliance with the rules and regulations governing the Public Access Channel and suggestions for improvements.
(4) The Cable Television Commission shall have no authority over any municipally-owned cable television facility.
(c) Meetings. The Cable Television Commission shall establish a schedule of regular meetings and shall meet at such regularly scheduled meetings at least four (4) times per year. The Commission may hold special meetings to review particular complaints or rate change requests or other matters. Notice of special meetings shall comply with the City's general notice requirements for special meetings of its boards and commissions and shall include written notice to all Providers. The Commission, with the assistance of the law department, may establish its own rules to govern the conduct of its meetings.
(d) Jurisdiction. The Commission shall not have jurisdiction over any aspect of the Municipal Channel or the Education Channel.
(Ord. 6965-97. Passed 9-15-97.)