A. Abandoned System: In the event that: 1) the use of any portion of the system is discontinued for a continuous period of twelve (12) months, and thirty (30) days after no response to written notice from the city to the last known address of provider; 2) any system has been installed in the rights of way without complying with the requirements of this chapter or franchise; or 3) the provisions of section 8-1-090 of this chapter are applicable and no franchise is granted, a provider, except the provider who is an incumbent local exchange carrier, shall be deemed to have abandoned such system.
B. Removal Of Abandoned System: The city, upon such terms as it may impose, may give a provider written permission to abandon, without removing, any system, or portion thereof, directly constructed, operated or maintained under a franchise. Unless such permission is granted or unless otherwise provided in this chapter, a provider shall remove within a reasonable time the abandoned system and shall restore, using prudent construction standards, any affected rights of way to their former state at the time such system was installed, so as not to impair their usefulness. In removing its plant, structures and equipment, a provider shall refill, at its own expense, any excavation necessarily made by it and shall leave all rights of way in as good condition as that prevailing prior to such removal without materially interfering with any electrical or telephone cable or other utility wires, poles or attachments. The city shall have the right to inspect and approve the condition of the rights of way cables, wires, attachments and poles prior to and after removal. The liability, indemnity and insurance provisions of this chapter and any security fund provided in a franchise shall continue in full force and effect during the period of removal and until full compliance by a provider with the terms and conditions of this section.
C. Transfer Of Abandoned System To City: Upon abandonment of any system in place, a provider, if required by the city, shall submit to the city a written instrument, satisfactory in form to the city, transferring to the city the ownership of the abandoned system.
D. Removal Of Aboveground System: At the expiration of the term for which a franchise is granted, or upon its revocation or earlier expiration, as provided for by this chapter, in any such case without renewal, extension or transfer, the city shall have the right to require a provider to remove, at its expense, all above ground portions of a system from the rights of way within a reasonable period of time, which shall not be less than one hundred eighty (180) days. If the provider is the incumbent local exchange carrier, it shall not be required to remove its system, but shall negotiate a renewal in good faith.
E. Leaving Underground System: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this chapter, a provider may abandon any underground system in place so long as it does not materially interfere with the use of the rights of way or with the use thereof by any public utility, cable operator or other person. (Ord. 247, 9-2-1997)