(A) An application for an initial franchise to provide video programming shall be in writing on a form provided by the city which shall contain where applicable:
(1) Applicant name and business address of applicant.
(2) A statement as to the proposed franchise area, and whether applicant holds an existing authorization to access the rights-of-way in the city and a map of the areas where such authorization exists if for an area other than the entire city.
(3) Resume of prior history of applicant, including the legal, technical, and financial expertise of applicant in the cable service field.
(4) List of officers, directors, and managing employees of applicant and resumes of each.
(5) A proposed construction and schedule to provide cable service or video programming to subscribers.
(6) A certificate of insurance consistent with the requirements of this chapter.
(7) A description of the cable system the applicant intends to build, including its capacity, the types of equipment proposed for use and the cable services or video programming which will be offered.
(8) A description of the financial qualifications of the applicant to construct and operate the system including a balance sheet, income statement sources and uses of funds statement and pro forma projections for at least three years of operation subsequent to system completion.
(9) A proposed plan for public, educational, and government access channels, including funding, facilities, and equipment and capacity on the system to be dedicated for educational and governmental use.
(B) The initial franchise application may be evaluated according to the following criteria, and approved within 180 days after city deems the application is complete. In the event applicant is already authorized to occupy the rights-of-way, the time for review and approval will be 90 days.
(1) The evidence of legal, technical and financial ability required in the applicant's proposal will be such as to assure the ability to complete the entire system within a reasonable time from the date the franchise is granted. The city will also consider the applicant's ability to operate the system and provide the necessary cable services or video programming in compliance with the terms of this chapter.
(2) The City Administrator or designee shall prepare a report and make his or her recommendations respecting such application to the City Council.
(3) A public hearing shall be set prior to any grant of a franchise, at a time and date approved by the City Council. Within 30 days after the close of the hearing, the City Council shall make a decision based upon the evidence received at the hearing as to whether or not the franchise(s) should be granted, and, if granted subject to what conditions.
(4) The city may consider any additional information that it deems applicable.
(Ord. passed 9-16-2021)