§ 115.16 FRANCHISE CHARACTERISTICS.
   (A)   A franchise authorizes use of the public rights-of-way for installing and maintaining cables, wires, lines, fiber, conductors and other facilities related to and necessary and appropriate for the operation of a cable system within the city, but does not expressly or implicitly authorize the franchisee to provide service to, or install cables, wires, lines or any other equipment upon private property without owner consent (except for use of compatible easements pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(2)), or to use publicly- or privately-owned utility poles without a separate agreement with the owners.
   (B)   A franchise is nonexclusive and will not expressly or implicitly preclude the issuance of other franchises to operate systems within the city or affect the city's right to authorize use of public rights-of-way to other persons as it determines appropriate.
   (C)   A franchise conveys no property right to the franchisee or right to renewal other than as may be recognized or required by state or federal law.
   (D)   (1)   A franchise agreement constitutes a contract between the franchisee and the city once it is accepted by the franchisee.
      (2)   A franchisee and the city contractually commit themselves to comply with the terms, conditions and provisions of the franchise agreement and with all applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations and orders.
(1989 Code, § 115.16) (Ord. 1988, passed 11-9-1992)