(A) Scope. This section establishes additional provisions that apply to an application for an initial franchise, or a renewal franchise application that is not governed by 47 U.S.C. § 546(a)-(h).
(B) Process. Any person may apply for an initial or renewal franchise by submitting an application therefor on that person's own initiative, or in response to a request for proposals issued by the city. If the city receives an unsolicited application, it may choose to issue a request for additional proposals, and require the applicant to amend its proposal to respond thereto. The city shall promptly conduct such investigations as are necessary to act on an application.
(C) Consideration of application. In determining whether to grant a franchise, the city may consider:
(1) The extent to which an applicant for renewal has substantially complied with the applicable law and the material terms of any existing cable franchise;
(2) Whether an applicant's quality of service under its existing franchise, including signal quality, response to customer complaints, billing practices, and the like has been reasonable in light of the needs of the community;
(3) Where the applicant has not previously held a cable system franchise in the city, whether the applicant's record in other communities indicates that it can be relied upon to provide high-quality service throughout any franchise term;
(4) Whether the applicant has the financial, legal, and technical ability to provide the services, facilities, and equipment set forth in an application, and to satisfy any minimum requirements established by the city;
(5) Whether the applicant's application is reasonable to meet the future cable-related needs and interests of the city, taking into account the cost of meeting such needs and interests;
(6) Whether issuance of a franchise is in the public interest considering the immediate and future effect on streets, public property, and private property that will be used by the applicant's cable system;
(7) Whether issuance of the franchise would reduce competition in the provision of cable service in the city;
(8) Such other matters as the city is authorized or required to consider.
(D) Issuance of franchise. If the city determines that issuance of a franchise would be in the public interest considering the factors described above, it may offer a franchise agreement to the applicant. No franchise shall become effective until the franchise is unconditionally accepted by the applicant, approved by the City Council, and the franchise agreement is signed by both parties.
(Ord. 678-C.S., passed 4-20-04)