A. Reservation of Right: The City, in granting this Franchise, does not waive any rights which it may not have or may subsequently acquire with respect to road rights-of-way or other property of City under this Franchise, and this Franchise shall not be construed to deprive the City of any such powers, rights or privileges which it now has or may hereafter acquire to regulate the use of and to control the City’s roads, rights-of-way and other public property covered by this Franchise. Nothing in the terms of this Franchise shall be construed or deemed to prevent the City from exercising at any time and any power of eminent domain granted to it under the laws of this State.
B. Necessary Construction/Maintenance by City: The construction, operation and maintenance of Avista’s Facilities authorized by this Franchise shall not preclude the City, its agents or its contractors, from grading, excavating, or doing other necessary road work contiguous to Avista’s Facilities; provided that Avista shall be given not less than ten (10) business days’ notice of said work, except in events of emergency when there exists an unforeseen and substantial risk or threat to public health, safety, welfare, or waste of resources, in which case the City will make reasonable efforts to contact Avista prior to doing said work; and provided further that the City, its agents and contractors, shall be liable for any damages, including any consequential damages to third parties, caused by said work to any Facilities belonging to Avista.
C. Expansion of Avista’s Facilities: Facilities in the City’s Franchise Area that are incidental to the Franchise Area, or that have been, or are at any future time acquired, newly constructed, leased, or utilized in any manner by Avista shall be subject to all provisions of this Franchise.
D. Change of Boundaries of the City: Any subsequent additions or modifications of the boundaries of the City, whether by annexation, consolidation, or otherwise, shall be subject to the provisions of this Franchise as to all such areas. The City shall notify Avista of the scope of any change of boundaries not less than thirty (30) days prior to such change becoming effective or in accordance with applicable state laws, and shall affirm, authorize and ratify all prior installations authorized by permits or other action not previously covered by this Franchise.
E. Removal of Abandoned Facilities: During the Term of this Franchise, or upon a revocation or non-renewal of this Franchise, the City may direct Avista to remove designated abandoned Facilities from the Franchise Area at its own expense and as soon as practicable, but only where such abandoned Facilities constitute a demonstrated threat to public health and safety. Avista shall not be required to remove, or pay for the removal of facilities it has previously abandoned to another franchisee, or utility under a joint use agreement, or Person granted permission to access Avista’s facilities.
F. Vacation of Properties by City: If, at any time, the City shall vacate any road, right-of-way or other public property which is subject to rights granted by this Franchise, such vacation shall be subject to the reservation of a perpetual easement to Avista for the purpose of constructing, reconstructing, operating, repairing, upgrading and maintaining Avista’s Facilities on the affected property. The City shall, in its vacation procedure, reserve and grant said easement to Avista for Avista’s Facilities and shall also expressly prohibit any use of the vacated properties which will interfere with Avista’s full enjoyment and use of said easement. (Ord. 604, 11-10-2021)