If a franchisee decides to initiate a formal franchise renewal process in accordance with § 626 (a) to (g) of the Cable Act, 47 U.S.C. § 546(a) to (g), it must notify the city within 30 to 36 months of the franchise expiration date. Upon such notification, or at the city's own initiative, the city must commence, within six months after the receipt of the notification, the following process:
(A) The city shall review and evaluate the future cable-related community needs and interests and the franchisee's performance during the current franchise term. The review and evaluation process must include opportunity for public comment;
(B) Immediately upon completion of the review and evaluation process, the city must notify the franchisee that it may file a renewal application. The notice must specify the information to be included in the renewal application and the deadline for filing the application, which must be no earlier than 30 calendar days following the date of the notice. If the franchisee does not submit a renewal application by the specified date, it will be deemed not to be seeking renewal of its franchise; and
(C) Upon receipt of the renewal application, the city shall publish notice of its receipt and may schedule one or more public meetings or implement other procedures under which comments from the public on the application may be received.
(Ord. 96-9, passed 2-26-1996)