(a) The City may grant one or more franchises for the construction and operation of a cable system after consideration of applications for franchises. All franchises are subject to the terms of this chapter.
(b) The City specifically reserves the right to grant, at any time, additional franchises for a cable system as it deems appropriate. Additional franchises shall not be deemed to modify, revoke, terminate or damage any rights previously granted to any other grantee.
(c) Applications for a new, transferred or amended franchise shall be made in such form as the City may prescribe and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable application review fee set by resolution of the City Council which is reasonably related to the City's costs.
(d) Any franchise transfer, modification or extension, and the rights, privileges, authority and responsibilities established, shall take effect and be in force from and after final acceptance by a grantee and shall continue in force and effect for a period established by the franchise, not to exceed fifteen years from the date of acceptance, but only if, within sixty days after the date of the granting of a franchise, the grantee files with the Council its unconditional acceptance of the franchise and all required corporate guaranties, letters of credit, construction bonds and insurance certificates.
(e) A grantee shall, within sixty days after the acceptance of a franchise, apply to the Federal Communications Commission, any State agency and any appropriate utility companies, for all necessary pole line agreements, authorizations or registrations for the construction of a cable system and for all permits then normally required.
(Ord. 1996-17. Passed 5-21-96.)