(A) Purpose of review sessions. In recognition of the fact that a great many technical, financial, marketing and legal uncertainties are associated with all aspects of cable communications at the present time, it is the intent of the city to provide for a maximum feasible degree of flexibility in a franchise throughout its term to achieve an advanced and modern cable system for the city. The principal means for accomplishing this flexibility will be the scheduled review sessions provided for in this chapter. It is intended that review sessions will serve as a means of cooperatively working out solutions to problems that develop. Furthermore, review sessions shall be two-way processes. For example, if either party has perceived that some major problem has developed, the session shall be devoted primarily to working out solutions acceptable to both parties.
(B) Topics to be covered.
(1) The grantor and the grantee shall hold scheduled review sessions on the third, sixth and ninth anniversary dates of the effective date of the franchise agreement. All review sessions shall be open to the public and notice thereof shall be published once, not less than four days or more than 20 days before each review session, as provided by law. The published notice shall specify the topics to be discussed. The review sessions may be canceled by mutual agreement of the grantor and grantee. The following topics may be discussed at every scheduled review session:
(a) Recent and developing judicial and federal communications rulings;
(b) Service rate structures;
(c) Free and discounted services;
(d) Application of new technology or new developments;
(e) Cable system performance;
(f) Cable system extension policy;
(g) Services provided;
(h) Programming offered;
(i) Customer complaints review;
(j) Community development and education;
(k) Interconnection;
(l) New services;
(m) Subscriber privacy abuse issues;
(n) New developments;
(o) Franchise fees; and
(p) Other topics, in addition to those listed, may be added by either party.
(2) Members of the general public may also request additional topics.
(Ord. 2314, passed 1-25-2006)