012616CompleteAgenda SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION
RICHFIELD MUNICIPAL CENTER, BARTHOLOMEW ROOM
JANUARY 26, 2016
5:45 PM
Call to order
1. Discussion regarding Service Line Warranty Program(Council Memo No.7)
Adjournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at
least 96 hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9738.
SPECIAL CONCURRENT CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYAND PLANNING
COMMISSION WORKSESSION
RICHFIELD MUNICIPAL CENTER, BARTHOLOMEW ROOM
JANUARY 26, 2016
6:00 PM
Call to order
1. Discussion regarding Cedar Corridor Master Plan Update(Council Memo No.8/HRA Memo No.3)
Adjournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at
least 96 hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9738.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
RICHFIELD MUNICIPAL CENTER, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JANUARY 26, 2016
7:00 PM
INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS
Call to order
Open forum(15 minutes maximum)
Each speaker is to keep their comment period to three minutes to allow sufficient time for others. Comments
are to be an opportunity to address the Council on items not on the agenda.Individuals who wish to address
the Council must have registered prior to the meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of the minutes of the (1)Regular City Council Meeting of December 8,2015; (2)Special City Council
Worksession of January 12,2016; (3)Regular City Council Meeting of January 12,2016;and (4)Special City Council
Meeting of January 16,2016.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
1. Hats Off to Hometown Hits
AGENDAAPPROVAL
2. Approval of the agenda.
3. Consent Calendar contains several separate items,which are acted upon by the City Council in one
motion.Once the Consent Calendar has been approved,the individual items and recommended
actions have also been approved.No further Council action on these items is necessary.However,any
Council Member may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar and placed on the
regular agenda for Council discussion and action.All items listed on the Consent Calendar are
recommended for approval.
A. Consideration of the approval of a resolution modifying the Health Care Savings Plan for the Mayor and
Council Members.
Staff Report No. 17
B. Consideration of the approval of a Construction and Maintenance Agreement with Richfield-Bloomington
Honda that defines ownership and maintenance responsibilities for certain features constructed at 501
West 77th Street.
Staff Report No. 18
C. Consideration of the approval of a revision to Work Order No.60 from Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH)
for engineering services to design the City's sanitary and watermain utilities as part of the 66th Street
Reconstruction Project between 16th Avenue and Xerxes Avenue.
Staff Report No. 19
4. Consideration of items, if any, removed from Consent Calendar
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. Continued public hearing and consideration of the second reading of an ordinance regarding the granting of a
cable communications franchise with CenturyLink for the City of Richfield and resolution approving summary
publication of the ordinance.
Staff Report No.20
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
6. Consideration of a second reading and resolution for summary publication of an ordinance to allow beekeeping in
the City of Richfield.
Staff Report No.21
OTHER BUSINESS
7. Consideration of agreements with non-profit organizations to provide social services to the City of Richfield
and authorization of the City Manager to execute the agreements for services with those agencies.
Staff Report No.22
8. Consideration of authorizing a capital improvement to upgrade the municipal liquor store at 6600 Cedar Avenue
South.
Staff Report No.23
9. Consideration of the appointments to City advisory commissions.
Staff Report No.24
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
10. City Manager's Report
CLAIMS AND PAYROLLS
11. Claims and payrolls
• Mayor's request for flight reimbursement to China.
Open forum(15 minutes maximum)
Each speaker is to keep their comment period to three minutes to allow sufficient time for others. Comments
are to be an opportunity to address the Council on items not on the agenda.Individuals who wish to address
the Council must have registered prior to the meeting.
12. Adjournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.Requests must be made at least 96
hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9738.
CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
Office of City Manager
January 21, 2016
Council Memorandum No. 7
The Honorable Mayor
and
Members of the City Council
Subject: Service Line Warranty Program Discussion
(Worksession Agenda Item No. 1)
Council Members:
At the January 26 worksession, Ashley Shiwarski of Utility Service Partners, Inc., the
administrator for the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program, will
discuss their sewer and water line repair warranty program. The National League of
Cities endorses this program as an "affordable home protection solution that helps your
residents save thousands of dollars on the high cost of repairing broken or leaking water
or sewer lines."
Please contact Kristin Asher, Director of Public Works, at 612-861-9795 for further
discussion.
Wi
, Steven
City Manager
SLD:jjv
Email: Assistant City Manager
Department Directors
CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
Office of City Manager
January 21, 2016
Council Memorandum No. 8 HRA Memorandum No. 3
Housing and Redevelopment
The Honorable Mayor Authority Commissioners
and City of Richfield
Members of the City Council
Subject: Cedar Corridor Master Plan Update
(Worksession Agenda Item No. 1)
Council Members & HRA Commissioners:
At the January 26, 2016 joint work session of the City Council, Housing and
Redevelopment Authority and Planning Commission, representatives from JLG
Architects will be presenting a preliminary draft of the updated Cedar Corridor Master
Plan for your review, comments and feedback.
WRespectfully subfitted, r^
�t�ven L�De
li
City Manager
SLD:kcb
Email: Assistant City Manager
Department Directors
Planning Commission
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
December 8, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Council Members Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Edwina Garcia, Tom Fitzhenry; Pat Elliott; and
Present: Michael Howard.
Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, City Manager; John Stark, Community Development
Director; Jay Henthorne, Public Safety Director/Police Chief; Jim
Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Kristin Asher, Public Works
Director; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager; Chris
Regis, Finance Manager; Jeff Pearson, City Engineer; Mary Tietjen, City
Attorney; and Cheryl Krumholz, Executive Coordinator.
OPEN FORUM
The following individuals expressed their concerns regarding the lack of Section 8 and
Group Residential Housing resulting from the renovations and transition at Crossroads at Penn to
Concierge Apartments:
Quaintance Clark, 7720 Penn Avenue, #30
Donna Goodwin, 7720 Penn Avenue #C126
Linda Lee Soderstrom, 7720 Penn Avenue, #C322
Sue Watlov Phillips, Executive Director, MICAH
Eric Herge, HOME Line
Melissa Melnick, 7525 Oliver Avenue
City Manager Devich explained that through the City's efforts, Concierge has made several
concessions regarding the changeover at Crossroads.
Community Development Director Stark stated that the Concierge owners would take
ownership of the resource event inviting social service providers and housing advocates and the
City would provide assistance. He provided an update on the outcome of discussions with the
owners regarding accepting Section 8, GRH, and income-based requirements for tenants.
City Attorney Tietjen explained there are federal regulations and the City does not have
legal authority to force property owners to accept Section 8.
City Manager Devich further explained that when a project does not include using public
funds, the City has no authority because it is a private transaction.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Meeting Minutes -2- December 8,2015
Mayor Goettel led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Garcia, S/Howard to approve the minutes of the (1) Special City Council Worksession of
November 24, 2015; (2) Regular City Council Meeting of November 24, 2015; and (2) Special City
Council Meeting of December 1, 2015.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #1 RICHFIELD FOUNDATION AWARDING OF GRANTS
Richfield Foundation representatives presented the grants.
Item #2 PRESENTATION BY VFW REPRESENTATIVES OF PATRIOT'S PENN AWARD
VFW representatives presented the awards.
Item #3 COUNCIL DISCUSSION
• Schedule City advisory commission interviews
• Schedule annual City Council and staff goalsetting session
• Schedule meeting with local legislators
• Hats Off to Hometown Hits
The City Council consensus was to schedule the following:
• City advisory commission interviews — Saturday, January 16, 2016
• Annual City Council and staff goalsetting session —Thursday evening, March 3, 2016
• Meeting with local legislators—Thursday morning, February 11, 2016
Item #4 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Elliott, S/Howard to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #5 CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration of the approval of a resolution allowing the acceptance of monetary
donations received by the Police Department in support of Safety Day, Nite to Unite,
Heroes and Helpers and the Bullet Proof Vest fund. S.R. No. 194
RESOLUTION NO. 11143
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RICHFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE DEPARTMENT
TO ACCEPT DONATIONS FROM THE LISTED AGENCIES, BUSINESSES AND
PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS FOR DESIGNATED USES
Council Meeting Minutes -3- December 8,2015
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11143.
B. Consideration of the approval of the purchase of four 2016 Ford Police Interceptor
vehicles for Public Safety from Nelson Auto Center for$111,707.80, plus tax, title, and
license fees.S.R. No. 195
C. Consideration of the approval of a resolution regarding site plan approval and variances
to allow the partial demolition of an existing building and construction of an accessory
parking lot at 6232 Lyndale Avenue. S.R. No. 196
RESOLUTION NO. 11144
RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN AND VARIANCES
AT 6232 LYNDALE AVENUE
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11144.
D. Consideration of the approval of a resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant for
$4,000 to the City of Richfield from the Statewide Health Improvement Program Grant
(administered by Bloomington Public Health)for funding of a Bike Rack Cost Share
Program. S.R. No. 197
RESOLUTION NO. 11145
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF GRANTS RECEIVED BY THE CITY
OF RICHFIELD-COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND TO AUTHORIZE
THE CITY TO ADMINISTER THE FUNDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GRANT
AGREEMENTS AND TERMS PRESCRIBED BY DONORS
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11145.
E. Consideration of the approval of a resolution appointing Raj Bhakta, Adam Selby, and
Katie Haunz to the Richfield Tourism Promotion Board to each serve a three-year term
ending December 31, 2018 or until a successor has been chosen, whichever is
Iater.S.R. No. 198
RESOLUTION NO. 11146
RESOLUTION APPOINTING REPRESENTATIVES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE RICHFIELD TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD, INC.
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11146.
F. Consideration of the approval of the renewal of the 2016 licenses for On-Sale 3.2
Percent Malt Liquor, Off-Sale 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor and taxi companies doing
business in Richfield. S.R. No. 199
Licenses to Operate in Richfield Licenses to sell 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor
Gold Star Taxi - 27 vehicles Portland Food Mart - Off-Sale
10-10 Taxi - 10 vehicles Rainbow Foods - Off-Sale
Airport Taxi - 6 vehicles Richfield Minnoco (Gas station 67th& Penn) -
Off-Sale
Short Stop Supperette - Off-Sale
SuperAmerica #4186 - Off-Sale
SuperAmerica 44188 - Off-Sale
SuperAmerica #4191 - Off-Sale
Council Meeting Minutes -4- December 8,2015
SuperAmerica 44615 - Off-Sale
Target Corporation - Off-Sale
Sandy's Tavern - On-Sale
Vina Restaurant - On-Sale
M/Goettel, S/Fitzhenry to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #6 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
Items PUBLIC HEARINGS REGARDING THE 2016 PAWNBROKER AND
#7 & 8 SECONDHAND GOODS DEALER LICENSE RENEWALS:
7. METRO PAWN & GUN, INC., 7529 LYNDALE AVENUE S.R. NO. 200
8. UNIVERSITY CASH COMPANY, INC., D/B/A AVI'S PAWN AND
JEWELRY, 6414 NICOLLET AVENUE S.R. NO. 201
Mayor Goettel presented Staff Report Nos. 200 and 201.
Mark Nichols, Metro Pawn, was available to answer questions.
M/Goettel, S/Fitzhenry to close public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Goettel, S/Fitzhenry to approve the renewal of the following 2016 Pawnbroker and
Secondhand Goods Dealer Licenses:
• Metro Pawn & Gun, Inc., 7529 Lyndale Avenue;
• University Cash Company, LLC d/b/a Avi's Pawn and Jewelry, 6414 Nicollet Avenue.
Motion carried 5-0.
Items PUBLIC HEARINGS REGARDING THE 2016 CLUB ON-SALE INTOXICATING
#9 & 10 AND SUNDAY LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS:
9. FRED BABCOCK V.F.W. POST NO. 5555, INC. D/B/A FOUR NICKELS
FOOD & DRINK; 6715 LAKE SHORE DRIVE S.R. NO. 202
10. MINNEAPOLIS-RICHFIELD AMERICAN LEGION POST 435,
6501 PORTLAND AVENUE S.R. NO. 203
Council Member Garcia presented Staff Reports Nos. 202 and 203.
M/Goettel, S/Howard to close public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Garcia, S/Fitzhenry to approve the renewal of the following 2016 club on-sale intoxicating
and Sunday liquor licenses:
Council Meeting Minutes -5- December 8,2015
• Fred Babcock V.F.W. Post No. 5555 d/b/a Four Nickels Food and Drink, 6715
Lakeshore Drive;
• Minneapolis-Richfield American Legion Post 435, 6501 Portland Avenue.
Motion carried 5-0.
Items PUBLIC HEARINGS REGARDING 2016 ON-SALE WINE AND 3.2 PERCENT
#11-18 MALT LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS:
11. CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL OF COLORADO, LLC, D/B/A CHIPOTLE
MEXICAN GRILL, 7644 LYNDALE AVENUE S.R. NO. 204
12. PATRICK'S FRENCH BAKERY, INC., D/B/A PATRICK'S BAKERY &
CAFE, 2928 WEST 66TH STREET S.R. NO. 205
13. JOY'S PATTAYA THAI RESTAURANT, LLC, D/B/A JOY'S PATTAYA
THAI RESTAURANT, 7545 LYNDALE AVENUE S.R. NO. 206
14. THE NOODLE SHOP CO.-COLORADO, INC., D/B/A NOODLES &
COMPANY, 1732 EAST 66TH STREET S.R. NO. 207
15. THE NOODLE SHOP CO.-COLORADO, INC., D/B/A NOODLES &
COMPANY, 7630 LYNDALE AVENUE S.R. NO. 208
16. HENRY THOU, D/B/A RED PEPPER CHINESE RESTAURANT, 2910
66TH STREET WEST S.R. NO. 209
17. DAVANNI'S INC., D/B/A DAVANNI'S PIZZA AND HOT HOAGIES, 6345
PENN AVENUE SOUTH S.R. NO. 210
18. MY BURGER OPERATIONS, LLC D/B/A MY BURGER, 6555 LYNDALE
AVENUE SOUTH S.R. NO. 211
Council Member Elliott presented Staff Report Nos. 204 through 211.
M/Elliott, S/Goettel to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Elliott, S/Howard to approve the renewal of the following 2016 on-sale wine and 3.2
percent malt liquor licenses:
• Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado, LLC, d/b/a Chipotle Mexican Grill, 7644 Lyndale
Avenue;
• Patrick's French Bakery, Inc., d/b/a Patrick's Bakery & Cafe, 2928 West 66th Street;
• Joy's Pattaya Thai Restaurant, LLC, d/b/a Joy's Pattaya Thai Restaurant, 7545 Lyndale
Avenue;
• The Noodle Shop Co.-Colorado, Inc., d/b/a Noodles & Company, 1732 East 66�" Street;
• The Noodle Shop Co.-Colorado, Inc., d/b/a Noodles & Company, 7630 Lyndale Avenue ;
• Henry Thou, d/b/a Red Pepper Chinese Restaurant, 2910 66 Street West;
• Davanni's Inc., d/b/a Davanni's Pizza and Hot Hoagies, 6345 Penn Avenue South;
• My Burger Operations, LLC d/b/a My Burger, 6555 Lyndale Avenue South.
Motion carried 5-0.
Items PUBLIC HEARINGS REGARDING 2016 ON-SALE INTOXICATING AND SUNDAY
#19-28 LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS:
19. FRENCHMAN'S PUB, INC. D/B/A FRENCHMAN'S, WITH OPTIONAL 2
A.M. CLOSING, 1400 EAST 66TH STREET S.R. NO. 212
20. THOMPSON'S FIRESIDE PIZZA, INC. D/B/A FIRESIDE FOUNDRY, WITH
OUTSIDE SERVICE, 6736 PENN AVENUE SOUTH S.R. NO. 213
21. PAISAN INCORPORATED, D/B/A KHAN'S MONGOLIAN BARBEQUE,
Council Meeting Minutes -6- December 8,2015
500 EAST 78TH STREET S.R. NO. 214
22. PIZZA LUCE VII, INC. D/B/A PIZZA LUCE, WITH OUTSIDE SERVICE
AND WITH OPTIONAL 2 A.M. CLOSING, 800 66TH STREET WEST S.R.
NO. 215
23. LAST CALL OPERATING CO. II, D/B/A CHAMPPS AMERICANA, WITH
OPTIONAL 2 A.M. CLOSING AND OUTSIDE SERVICE, 790 WEST 66TH
STREET S.R. NO. 216
24. GM RICHFIELD, LLC D/B/A FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON
MINNEAPOLIS AIRPORT, 7745 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH S.R. NO.
217
25.WILTSHIRE RESTAURANTS, LLC D/B/A HOULIHAN'S RESTAURANT &
BAR, WITH OUTSIDE SERVICE, 6601 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH S.R.
NO. 218
26. EL TEJABAN MEXICAN RESTAURANT, LLC D/B/A EL TEJABAN
MEXICAN GRILL WITH OPTIONAL 2 A.M. CLOSING, 6519 LYNDALE
AVENUE SOUTH S.R. NO. 219
27. DON PABLO'S OPERATIONS, LLC D/B/A DON PABLO'S, 980 78TH
STREET WEST S.R. NO. 220
28. LYN 65, LLC D/B/A LYN 65 KITCHEN & BAR, 6439 LYNDALE AVENUE
SOUTH S.R. NO. 221
Council Member Howard presented Staff Report Nos. 212 through 221.
M/Goettel, S/Howard to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0.
M/Howard, S/Goettel to approve the renewal of the following 2016 on-sale intoxicating and
Sunday liquor licenses:
• Frenchman's Pub, Inc. d/b/a Frenchman's, with optional 2 a.m. closing, 1400 East 66th
Street;
• Thompson's Fireside Pizza, Inc. d/b/a Fireside Foundry, with outside service, 6736
Penn Avenue South;
• Paisan Incorporated, d/b/a Khan's Mongolian Barbeque, 500 East 78th Street;
• Pizza Luce VII, Inc. d/b/a Pizza Luce, with outside service and with optional 2 a.m.
closing, 800 66 Street West;
• Last Call Operating Co. II, d/b/a Champps Americana, with optional 2 a.m. closing and
outside service, 790 West 66 Street;
• GM Richfield, LLC d/b/a Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis Airport, 7745 Lyndale
Avenue South;
• Wiltshire Restaurants, LLC d/b/a Houlihan's Restaurant & Bar, with outside service,
6601 Lyndale Avenue South;
• EI Telaban Mexican Restaurant, LLC d/b/a EI Telaban Mexican Grill with optional 2 a.m.
closing, 6519 Lyndale Avenue South;
• Don Pablo's Operations, LLC d/b/a Don Pablo's, 980 78th Street West;
• Lvn 65, LLC d/b/a Lvn 65 Kitchen & Bar, 6439 Lyndale Avenue South.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #29 PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A NOISE
ORDINANCE VARIANCE TO THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO ALLOW
OPERATION OF TEMPORARY CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS AND CURED IN-
PLACE PIPE (CIPP) LINER CURING EQUIPMENT DURING OVERNIGHT
HOURS RELATED TO THE 66TH STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT S.R.
NO. 222
Mayor Goettel presented Staff Report No. 222.
Council Meeting Minutes -7- December 8,2015
City Engineer Pearson provided a summary of the sewer rehabilitation work.
Jeff Schwarz, Metropolitan Council, also discussed the project.
M/Goettel, S/Fitzhenry to close the public hearing.
Motion carried. 5-0.
M/Goettel, S/Fitzhenry to approve an application for a noise ordinance variance to the
Metropolitan Council to allow operation of temporary convevance systems and cured in-plaice pipe
(CIPP) liner curing equipment during overnight hours related to the 66 Street Reconstruction
Pro'ect.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #30 CONSIDERATION OF THE SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE
CREATING A NEW CITY CODE SECTION REQUIRING PERMITS FOR MOTION
PICTURE AND COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY EVENTS AND ADOPTING A
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF THE ORDINANCE
S.R. NO. 223
Council Member Elliott presented Staff Report No. 223.
M/Elliott, S/Fitzhenry that this constitutes the second reading of Bill No. 2015-16, amending
the Richfield City Code by creating a new City Code Section 1197 requiring permits for motion
picture and commercial photography events, that it be published in the official newspaper, and that
it be made part of these minutes, and that the following resolution be adopted and that it be made
part of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 11147
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A NEW SECTION 1197 REQUIRING PERMITS FOR
MOTION PICTURE AND COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY EVENTS
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11147.
Item #31 CONSIDERATION OF THE SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING SECTION 305 OF THE CITY CODE TO CODIFY REQUIREMENTS
PERTAINING TO CITY COMMISSIONS, THE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION
APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF THE ORDINANCE AND THE
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REPEALING RESOLUTIONS 7718, 7983, 8344,
8142, 8933, 9282 AMD DIRECTING CITY COMMISSIONS TO AMEND THEIR
RESPECTIVE BYLAWS TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE NEW CITY CODE
REQUIREMENTS S.R. NO. 224
Council Member Howard presented Staff Report No. 224. He stated he was going to make
a motion to table this item to allow more time to review feedback from the commissions.
Mayor Goettel requested language to guide and uniformly address attendance and the
removal process and that it not be included in the City Code.
Council Member Elliott stated that he believed there was consensus in the feedback that
was received regarding attendance. He added the Council liaison to the commission could bring
an attendance issue before the City Council.
Council Meeting Minutes -8- December 8,2015
Council Member Fitzhenry agreed with Council Member Elliott. He added tonight was
approving the City Code and a policy addressing attendance and removal could be presented to
the City Council later.
Council Member Howard stated the proposed City Code amendments do reflect the issues
facing commissions.
M/Howard, S/Fitzhenry that this constitutes the second reading of Bill No. 2015-17,
amending Section 305 of the City Code to codify requirements pertaining to city commissions, that
it be published in the official newspaper, and that it be made part of these minutes, and directing
city commissions to amend their respective bylaws to be in compliance with the new city code
requirements and that the following resolutions be adopted and that they be made part of these
minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 11148
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 305 OF THE CITY CODE CODIFYING
REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO CITY COMMISSIONS
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11148.
RESOLUTION NO. 11149
RESOLUTION REPEALING CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS RELATING
TO THE TERMS, RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS AND YOUTH
APPOINTMENTS FOR CITY COMMISSIONS AND REPEALING THE
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A CITY CELEBRATIONS COMMISSION
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11149.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #32 CONSIDERATION OF THE SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE
AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF
RICHFIELD TO THE RICHFIELD HRA S.R. NO. 225
Council Member Fitzhenry presented Staff Report No. 225.
Community Development Director Stark explained the background related to the
conveyance.
M/Fitzhenry, S/Howard to Fitzhenry that this constitutes the second reading of Bill No.
2015-18, Transitory Ordinance No. 19.00, amending the Richfield City Code by authorizing the
conveyance of property owned by the City of Richfield to the Richfield Housing and
Redevelopment Authority, that it be published in the official newspaper, and that it be made part of
these minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #33 CONSIDERATION OF A RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT WITH HENNEPIN
COUNTY FOR THE 66TH STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT S.R. NO. 226
Council Member Garcia presented Staff Report No. 226.
Council Meeting Minutes -9- December 8,2015
M/Garcia, S/Fitzhenry to approve a right-of-way agreement with Hennepin County for the
66th Street Reconstruction Prosect.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #34 CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AN
ADDITIONAL MEDIAN DESIGN FOR 66TH STREET AT JAMES AVENUE S.R.
NO. 227
Council Member Fitzhenry presented Staff Report No. 227.
City Engineer Pearson explained the median design to enhance the crossing for Monroe
Park.
M/Fitzhenry, S/Howard that the following resolution be adopted and that it be made part of
these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 11150
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HENNEPIN COUNTY TO INCLUDE A FULL MEDIAN
WITH AN ENHANCED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT JAMES AVENUE FOR THE
DESIGN OF COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY (CSAH) 53
HENNEPIN COUNTY PROJECT NO. 1011
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11150.
Item #35 CONSIDERATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE 2015
REVISED/2016 PROPOSED BUDGET AND TAX LEVY AND RELATED
RESOLUTIONS S.R. NO. 228
Mayor Goettel presented Staff Report No. 228.
City Manager Devich explained the Truth in Taxation (TNT) notices received from Hennepin
County do not include the impact of the two passed Richfield School District referendum levies.
The notices, prepared before the results of the referenda were known, do indicate the school taxes
may increase based on the outcome of the referenda.
M/Goettel, S/Howard that the following resolutions be adopted and that they be made part
of these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 11151
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PROPOSED BUDGET AND TAX LEVY
FOR THE YEAR 2016
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11151.
RESOLUTION NO. 11152
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET REVISIONS
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11152.
Council Meeting Minutes -10- December 8,2015
RESOLUTION NO. 11153
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REVISION OF 2015 BUDGET OF VARIOUS
DEPARTMENTS
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11153.
RESOLUTION NO. 11154
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENT TO CITY'S MILEAGE
REIMBURSEMENT RATE TO CONFORM TO INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
STATUTORY MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11154.
RESOLUTION NO. 11155
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2016 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11155.
RESOLUTION NO. 11156
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2017-2020 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11156.
RESOLUTION NO. 11157
RESOLUTION RELATING TO PURCHASING PRACTICES IN THE CITY OF
RICHFIELD AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 11023
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11157.
RESOLUTION NO. 11158
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING WASTEWATER SERVICE RATES AND CHARGES,
WATER RATES AND CHARGES, SPECIAL WATER SERVICE CHARGES, STORM
SEWER RATES AND CHARGES, STREET LIGHT RATES AND CHARGES, AND 6.5%
PENALTY ON PAST DUE ACCOUNTS
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11158.
RESOLUTION NO. 11159
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC WORKS ON-CALL COMPENSATION
POLICY
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11159.
RESOLUTION NO. 11160
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PUBLIC PURPOSE EXPENDITURES POLICY
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11160.
Council Meeting Minutes -11- December 8,2015
RESOLUTION NO. 11161
RESOLUTION REESTABLISHING A CAR ALLOWANCE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11161.
RESOLUTION NO. 11162
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE 2016 GENERAL SERVICES
SALARY COMPENSATION PLAN
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11162.
RESOLUTION NO. 11163
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE 2016 MANAGEMENT
SALARY COMPENSATION PLAN
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11163.
RESOLUTION NO. 11164
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE 2016 SPECIALIZED PAY PLAN
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11164.
RESOLUTION NO. 11165
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2016 LICENSE, PERMIT AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF APPENDIX D OF THE ORDINANCE CODE OF
THE CITY OF RICHFIELD RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 11031
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11165.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #36 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Assistant City Manager/HR Manager Dmytrenko provided an update on the Paid Parental
Leave Policy effective in January 2016.
City Manager Devich discussed the possible renovation of the Cedar and Penn Avenue
Municipal Liquor Stores.
Item #37 CLAIMS AND PAYROLLS
M/Fitzhenry, S/Howard that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 12/08/15
A/P Checks: 245962-246243 873,835.70
Payroll: 115130-115453 42444-42445 $ 553,343.93
TOTAL $ 1,427,170.63
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes -12- December 8,2015
OPEN FORUM
None.
Item #38 ADJOURNMENT
The City Council Meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:23 p.m.
Date Approved: January 26, 2016
Debbie Goettel
Mayor
Cheryl Krumholz Steven L. Devich
Executive Coordinator City Manager
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
�✓ J Special City Council Worksession
January 12, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 5:45 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Members Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Pat Elliott; Edwina Garcia; Tom Fitzhenry; and
Present: Michael Howard
Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, City Manager; Kristin Asher, Public Works Director; Jim
Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant City
Manager/HR Manager; Jeff Pearson, City Engineer; and Cheryl Krumholz,
Executive Coordinator.
Mayor Goettel recognized the attendance of Boy Scout Troop 262 from Oak Grove
Lutheran Church who is earning their Citizenship Community Badge.
Item #1 DISCUSSION REGARDING 66TH STREET RECONSTRUCTION STAGING MEDIAN
DESIGN (COUNCIL MEMO NO. 2)
Maury Hooper, Hennepin County Project Manager, discussed construction staging for the 66`h
Street Reconstruction project. He reviewed Hennepin County's refined construction staging during
the final design development process, including potential changes related to full closures and field
changes.
Item #2 MAYOR GOETTEL'S SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION OF HER RECENT TRIP TO
CHINA
Mayor Goettel summarized the purpose of her recent trip to China to further develop a
relationship between Richfield and Shouyang County, China and explained how this will benefit
Richfield and Shouyang. Chinese investors and business officials are interested in investing,
business exchange and developing a sister city relationship at the government level. This trip was an
exploratory visit by the invitation of the Chinese government.
Mayor Goettel reviewed the itinerary of the trip. She explained that a Memorandum of
Understanding was signed to pursue a Sister City agreement and asked the City Council to consider
a resolution to consider a Sister City relationship.
The City Council consensus was to review the information provided by the Mayor before
pursuing a Sister City relationship.
Item #3 DISCUSSION REGARDING THE RICHFIELD BAND SHELL (COUNCIL MEMO NO.
3)
Special Worksession Minutes -2- January 12, 2016
Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer discussed the plan to move the band shell project
forward, including funding options and reductions in construction costs. Three ways to reduce costs
were suggested including conducting exploratory borings to find a site where soils will allow a less
expensive foundation, hiring a construction manager instead of a general contractor, and reducing
the size of the ban shell.
Council Member Garcia stated a construction manager is a reasonable way to handle the
project.
Mayor Goettel stated exploratory borings are cost effective.
Council Member Fitzhenry stated he would not support this project because it appears to
continue to have issues.
Council Member Elliott stated he is against providing any additional City funding over what
was already committed.
Council Member Howard stated that within the already approved City funding, he supported
the exploratory borings to make sure this location worked.
Mr. Topitzhofer explained the differences between a construction manager and general
contractor. He also explained the process to change the location of the band shell.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:58 p.m.
Date Approved: January 26, 2016
Debbie Goettel
Mayor
Cheryl Krumholz Steven L. Devich
Executive Coordinator City Manager
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
January 12, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Council Members Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Edwina Garcia, Tom Fitzhenry; Pat Elliott; and
Present: Michael Howard.
Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, City Manager; John Stark, Community Development
Director; Chris Regis, Finance Manager; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant City
Manager/HR Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; and Cheryl Krumholz,
Executive Coordinator.
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Goettel acknowledged the attendance of Boy Scout Troop 262 from Oak Grove
Lutheran Church.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Boy Scout Troop 262 led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes were not approved at this meeting.
Item #1 COUNCIL DISCUSSION
• Hats Off to Hometown Hits
Council Member Fitzhenry reported on the restrictions related to flying drones.
M/Goettel, S/Elliott to direct staff to prepare a resolution for City Council consideration on
January 26, 2016 to increase the City Council's Health Care Savings Plan contribution by $25 per
Pay period.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council Meeting Minutes -2- January 12,2016
Item #2 COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/Fitzhenry, S/Garcia to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #3 CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration of the approval of a designation of an Acting City Manager for 2016. S.R.
No. 1
B. Consideration of the approval of a resolution designating an official newspaper for 2016.
S.R. No. 2
RESOLUTION NO. 11166
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AN OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2016
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11166.
C. Consideration of the approval of the resolution authorizing the use of credit cards by
City employees otherwise authorized to make purchases on behalf of the City. S.R.
No. 3
RESOLUTION NO. 11167
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF CREDIT CARDS BY CITY EMPLOYEES
OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED TO MAKE PURCHASES ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF
RICHFIELD FOR THE YEAR 2016
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11167.
D. Consideration of the approval of the resolutions designating official depositories for the
City of Richfield for 2016, including the approval of collateral. S.R. No. 4
RESOLUTION NO. 11168
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING U.S. BANK A DEPOSITORY OF FUNDS OF THE CITY
OF RICHFIELD FOR THE YEAR 2016
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11168.
RESOLUTION NO. 11169
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN SAVING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS,
BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS AS DEPOSITORIES FOR THE DEPOSIT AND
INVESTMENT OF CITY FUNDS IN 2016
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11169.
RESOLUTION NO. 11170
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AS
DEPOSITORIES FOR THE INVESTMENT OF CITY OF RICHFIELD FUNDS IN 2016
Council Meeting Minutes -3- January 12,2016
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11170.
E. Consideration of a resolution granting site plan approval and variances to allow a fitness
studio in an existing building at 6722 Penn Avenue. S.R. No. 5
RESOLUTION NO. 11171
RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN AND VARIANCES AT
6722 PENN AVENUE
This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11171.
F. Consideration of the approval of the first reading of an ordinance to allow beekeeping in
the City of Richfield. S.R. No. 6
G. Consideration of the approval of the Continuing Agreement for 2016 between the
Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department and the City of
Richfield Police Department for continuing funds for a Police Cadet and/or Community
Service Officer position and Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) training. The
funds available for 2016 will be $20,000. S.R. No. 7
H. Consideration of the approval of the continuation of the agreement with the City of
Bloomington for the provision of public health services for the City of Richfield for the
year 2016. S.R. No. 8
M/Goettel, S/Elliott to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #4 CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS, IF ANY, REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT
CALENDAR
None.
Item #5 PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION
AND THE FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE GRANTING
OF A CABLE COMMUNICATION S FRANCHISE WITH CENTURYLINK FOR
THE CITY FOR RICHFIELD S.R. NO. 9
Council Member Elliott presented Staff Report No. 9.
Brian Grogan, Southwest Suburban Cable Commission legal counsel, made a presentation
regarding the terms of the proposed CenturyLink franchise, including franchise negotiations,
system build out, mosaic channel, PEG channels, free service to public buildings and
indemnification. He stated the SWSCC recommendation is to grant the cable franchise to
CenturyLink.
Pat Haggerty, CenturyLink, expressed excitement for CenturyLink being in Richfield.
City Manager Devich explained he has authorized the City Clerk to pre-publish the
summary resolution so, if the ordinance is approved on January 26, 2016, it can be effective March
1, 2016.
M/Elliott, S/Fitzhenry to continue the public hearing to January 26, 2016; approve the
resolution granting of a cable communications franchise with CenturyLink for the City of Richfield;
Council Meeting Minutes -4- January 12,2016
approve the first reading of an ordinance granting a cable television franchise to Qwest Broadband
Services, Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink: and schedule second reading of the ordinance for January 26,
2016.
RESOLUTION NO. 11172
RESOLUTION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A COMPETITIVE CABLE
FRANCHISE FOR QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES, INC., D/B/A CENTURYLINK
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11172.
Items #6 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF PAID PARENTAL LEAVE FOR BENEFIT-ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES OF THE
CITY OF RICHFIELD S.R. NO. 10
Council Member Howard presented Staff Report No. 10.
M/Howard, S/ Goettel that the following resolution be adopted and that it be made part of
these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 11173
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING IMPLEMENTATION OF PAID PARENTAL LEAVE FOR
BENEFIT-ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11173.
Items #7 CONSIDERATION OF THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2015-2016 LABOR
AGREEMENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS
LOCAL 49 S.R. NO. 11
Council Member Garcia presented Staff Report No. 11.
M/Garcia, S/Howard that the following resolution be adopted and that it be made part of
these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 11174
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY'S CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS HEALTH AND
DENTAL INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THE
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 49
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11174.
Item #8 CONSIDERATION OF THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH
THE POLICE SUPERVISORS LELS LOCAL 162 FOR THE CONTRACT PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2016 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT S.R. NO. 12
Council Member Fitzhenry presented Staff Report No. 12.
M/Fitzhenry, S/Garcia that the following resolution be adopted and that it be made part of
these minutes:
Council Meeting Minutes -5- January 12,2016
RESOLUTION NO. 11175
RESOLUTION APPROVING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
RICHFIELD AND LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES (LELS), LOCAL 162
BARGAINING UNIT FOR YEARS 2016 - 2017
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11175.
Item #9 CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH
THE POLICE OFFICERS AND DETECTIVES LELS LOCAL 123 FOR THE
CONTRACT PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2016 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT S.R. NO.
13
Council Member Fitzhenry presented Staff Report No. 13.
M/Fitzhenry, S/Howard that the following resolution be adopted and that it be made part of
these minutes:
RESOLUTION NO. 11176
RESOLUTION APPROVING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
RICHFIELD AND LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES (LELS), LOCAL 123
BARGAINING UNIT FOR THE YEARS 2016 AND 2017
Motion carried 5-0. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 11176.
Item #10 DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CITY COUNCIL ATTENDANCE AT THE 2016
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES (NLC) CONFERENCES S.R. NO. 14
Mayor Goettel presented Staff Report No. 14.
M/Goettel, S/Elliott to designate the Mayor and City Council Members to attend the National
League of Conferences in March and November, 2016.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #11 CONSIDERATION OF DESIGNATING REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE AS THE
2016 LIAISONS TO VARIOUS METROPOLITAN AGENCIES AND CITY
COMMISSION S.R. NO. 15
Mayor Goettel presented Staff Report No. 25.
M/Goettel, S/Garcia to designate the Council liaison appointments to various metropolitan
agencies and city advisory commissions for 2016.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #12 CONSIDERATION OF THE DESIGNATION OF A MAYOR PRO TEMPORE FOR
2016 S.R. NO. 16
Mayor Goettel presented Staff Report No. 16.
Council Meeting Minutes -6- January 12,2016
M/Goettel, S/Fitzhenry to designate Council Member At-large Michael Howard as Mayor
Pro Tempore for 2016.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item #13 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Devich reminded the City Council of the following meetings:
City advisory commission interviews — January 16, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.
• Meeting with local legislators— February 11, 2016 at 7:30 a.m.
• Annual City Council and staff goalsetting session — March 3, 2016 at 5 p.m.
Mr. Devich also reported on a recent meeting with HUD officials regarding the City's legal
action against the Metropolitan Council and MFHA regarding affordable housing.
Item #14 CLAIMS AND PAYROLLS
M/Fitzhenry, S/Howard that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
U.S. Bank 1/12/16
A/P Checks: 246644-247024 1,634,378.21
Payroll: 115779-116094 $ 597,483.65
TOTAL $ 2,231,861.86
Motion carried 5-0.
OPEN FORUM
None.
Item #15 ADJOURNMENT
The City Council Meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:12 p.m.
Date Approved: January 26, 2016
Debbie Goettel
Mayor
Cheryl Krumholz Steven L. Devich
Executive Coordinator City Manager
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special City Council Meeting
I!! ' Advisory Board/Commission
Applicant Interviews
January 16, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 8:30 a.m. in the Babcock Room.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Pat Elliott, Michael Howard; Edwina Garcia;
and Tom Fitzhenry.
INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS
The City Council conducted interviews of the following applicants for appointment to City
Advisory Boards and Commissions:
Ahmad Ansari Emma Nollenber er Logan Schultz
Alex Dahl Hannia Sharon Ame ee Rori Coleman-Woods
Ben Sunderlin Jeffrey Walz Steven Hurvitz
Brynn Hausz Ken Severson Susan Rosenberg
Daniel Kitzberger Kidist Kika Yesinia Salazar
Deborah Eng Kristine Klos
Derek Eiden Lisa Rudolph
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 11:58 a.m.
Date Approved: January 26, 2016.
Debbie Goettel
Mayor
Cheryl Krumholz Steven L. Devich
Executive Coordinator City Manager
AGENDA SEC-10N: CONSENT CALENDAR
AGENDA ITEM# 3.A.
STAFF REPORT NO. 17
..;f _.f_.. ..{ CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VN 1/26/2016
REPORT PREPARED BY: Jesse Swenson,Assistant HR Manager
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: N/A
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of the approval of a resolution modifying the Health Care Savings Plan for the Mayor and
Council Members.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
A post-employment Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP), offered and administered by the Minnesota State
Retirement System (MSRS) to eligible government employees, was established by the City Council for the
Mayor and Council Members on March 28, 2006. Under the terms of the current plan, $50 of the member's
base biweekly wage is deposited into their HCSP. Since the establishment of the plan in March 2006, the
plan has been modified once, in 2009, and plan terms may be changed once every two years.
The Mayor has requested that this item be brought before the Council for discussion and possible action to
increase the biweekly contribution to$75. If a majority of the City Council wishes to make an adjustment to
the contribution formula, either by increasing the flat rate amount or allocating a percentage of biweekly
salary, it can do so via the attached resolution. Any adjustment must be approved by a majority of the City
Council and will be mandatory for all Council Members.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By Motion: Adopt a resolution modifying the Health Care Savings Plan for the Mayor and Council
Members.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION:
A. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
In 2001 the Minnesota legislature granted authority to the Minnesota State Retirement System(MSRS) to
offer a post employment health care savings plan to eligible employees of the State of Minnesota and
other governmental subdivisions. MSRS was authorized to administer these plans after they were
adopted by governmental subdivisions throughout the state.
A post employment health care savings plan (HCSP) is an employer-sponsored program that allows
employees to save money to pay medical expenses and/or health insurance premiums after termination
of public service. Employees are able to choose among different investment options provided by the
State Board of Investment. Assets contributed into the program are tax-free, accumulate tax free, and if
used for medical expenses, remain tax-free.
Legal authority to establish such plans is provided through Minn. Stat. 352.98 and Internal Revenue
Service rulings. The establishment of each plan, including the contribution formula, must be negotiated
when dealing with a collective bargaining unit, or adopted as a personnel policy where non-union
employees are involved. Once established, the plan must be filed with the MSRS to initiate the program
and any subsequent changes must be filed with and implemented by the MSRS.
B. POLICIES(resolutions,ordinances,regulations,statutes,etch
• The state statutes have been amended to provide the opportunity for a very valuable benefit to city
employees. The City of Richfield has pursued this benefit with employee groups that are
interested in such a mandatory plan.
• Approval by the City Council of the attached resolution will provide the City authority to proceed
with this modified program for Richfield City Council members who are not represented by a
collective bargaining unit.
C. CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
• There is no time critical issue pertaining to the implementation of this plan.
• After City Council approval, the modified plan must be submitted to MSRS for filing and
implementation.
• Once the plan has been modified, no further changes can be made for two years.
D. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
• There is no cost to the City in this version of the plan since the City makes no contribution. In fact
there is a cost savings to the City in that wages and severance pay that the employee contributes
to the Health Care Savings plan are not subject to Social Security or Medicare contributions.
• The plan provides a great tax savings to the participating employees and provides a tax
mechanism to fund post retirement/post employment medical costs.
E. LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
There is legal authority for this plan in Minnesota Statutes and IRS Code.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(Sl:
The City Council could decide not to approve any plan change. If so, the current plan would remain in effect.
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ HCSP Resolution Resolution Letter
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL POST EMPLOYMENT HEALTH CARE
SAVINGS PLAN
WHEREAS, Laws of Minnesota 2001, chapter 352.98, authorizes the Minnesota
State Retirement System (MSRS) to offer a Post Retirement Health Care Savings Plan
(Plan) program to state employees, as well as other governmental subdivisions; and
WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service Code provides for such Plans; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield is interested in offering the Plan to eligible City
employees as a tax free method for employees to set aside money to cover the ever
increasing costs of health insurance and medical costs after termination of public
employment; and
WHEREAS, such plans must be established by the employee group, either through
a collective bargaining agreement for union employees or a personnel policy for
employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement; and
WHEREAS, modifications to the provisions of an established Plan for the Richfield
City Council have been agreed to by the members of the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Richfield hereby approves amending the Personnel Policy establishing a Health Care
Savings Plan for the City Council employees.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 26th day of
January 2016.
Debbie Goettel, Mayor
ATTEST:
Elizabeth VanHoose, City Clerk
AGENDA SEC-10N: CONSENT CALENDAR
AGENDA ITEM# 3.13.
STAFF REPORT NO. 18
..;f _.f_.. ..{ CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VN 1/26/2016
REPORT PREPARED BY: Jeff Pearson,City Engineer
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: Kristin Asher, Public Works Director
1/20/2016
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: N/A
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of the approval of a Construction and Maintenance Agreement with Richfield-
Bloomington Honda that defines ownership and maintenance responsibilities for certain features
constructed at 501 West 77th Street.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The properties at 501 West 77th Street were redeveloped to construct two new auto dealerships. The
construction included site improvements on both public and private property. The City has worked with the
Developer to draft a Construction and Maintenance Agreement that defines ownership and
maintenance responsibilities for the site and boulevard improvements constructed during the
redevelopment project. These improvements and responsibilities include:
• Sidewalk
• Landscaping and Irrigation
• Boulevard Trees
• Street and Sidewalk Lighting
• Public Utilities within Easements
• Environmental Manholes (Sump Manhole)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By Motion: Approve the Construction and Maintenance Agreement with Richfield-Bloomington Honda
for the site at 501 West 77th Street.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION:
A. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
• Harriet Avenue was vacated as part of the redevelopment and easements were created for public
utilities within the private drive areas.
• The City required sump manholes to provide water quality treatment before storm water enters the
City system. Sump manholes are designed to remove sand, gravel, and other particles from the
storm water passing through the structure before making it's way to Wood Lake.
• The Agreement provides direction on the annual inspection and maintenance of the sump manhole
as well as the utilities and public items within private property.
B. POLICIES(resolutions,ordinances,regulations,statutes,etcy
• The City requires a Construction and Maintenance Agreement for redevelopment projects
containing boulevard improvements and/or sump manholes.
C. CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
• No critical timing issues are identified.
D. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
• The Agreement requires the property owner to reimburse the City for the costs of the sump
manhole inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Financial responsibilities of other items varies per the agreement.
E. LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
• The City Attorney was consulted during the negotiations of terms and has reviewed the agreement.
• The City Attorney will be available to answer questions.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(B)LI
• The Council may choose to not approve the drafted agreement and instruct staff on how to proceed.
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
D RB Honda C&M Agreement Contract/Agreement
if(
i
CONSTRUCTI®N AND
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, made and entered into as of the day of
, 2015 by and between Richfield-Bloomington Honda
("Developer") and the City of Richfield, Minnesota, a Minnesota municipal corporation
("City").
Recitals
1. Developer is the owner of a certain tract and parcel of land lying within the City
on land legally described in the attached Exhibit A("Property").
2. The Developer has undertaken the construction of a building and related site
improvements("Site Improvements") on the Property.
3. The City has granted approval to Developer to construct a parking lot and related
storm drainage improvements on the Property, which drainage improvements drain into
the City's storm sewer system("City System").
4. The drainage improvements include Richfield Environmental Manholes ("Sump
Manholes")to be constructed by Developer that will treat storm water before it enters the
City System, The Sump Manholes are designed to remove sand, gravel and other
particles from the storm water passing through the Property prior to entry into the City
System. The plans and specifications for the Sump Manholes, and a site plan showing
their location on the Property are contained in the attached Exhibit B ("Sump Manhole
Plans").
5. In order for the Sump Manholes to function as designed, they must be inspected
and cleaned from time to time.
6. In conjunction with the construction of the Site Improvements, certain "Public
Area Improvements" are to be constructed on portions of the City right-of-way and
public easements abutting the Property (collectively, the "Public Areas"). The Public
1
454479v5 MDT RC1604
i
G
I
i
Area Improvements are described and located on the site plan attached as Exhibit C-1
("Public Area Site Plans")
7. The parties are desirous of entering into this Agreement for the purpose of
providing the basis for the design, construction, repair, replacement and maintenance of
the Sump Manholes, the Public Area Improvements on or in the Public Areas and
setting forth the remedies for failure to comply with the provisions of this Agreement.
Agreement
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which the
parties acknowledge, the parties agree as follows:
1. Sump Manholes. Design and Construction. The Developer shall construct
and pay for the cost of construction of the Sump Manholes. Plans and Specifications for
the Sump Manholes will be reviewed and approved by the City prior to commencement
of construction. The City may reject the plans, specifications or the final construction if
they do not meet the City standards.
2. Sump Manholes. Inspection and Cleaning. The City shall be responsible
for inspecting and cleaning the Sump Manholes at intervals of once every 12 months, and
more often as requested by either party. The Developer shall reimburse the City for the
cost of all such inspections and cleanings, based upon the City's normal charge for such
services, within thirty(30) days following receipt of an invoice showing the cost of such
work.
3. Sump Manholes. Repair and Replacement. The City shall be
responsible for the repair or replacement of the Sump Manholes in all instances in which
the estimated cost of the work is $7,500 or less. The Developer shall reimburse the City
for the cost of all such work within thirty (30) days following receipt of an invoice
showing the cost of such work. If the estimated cost of such work exceeds $7,500, the
Developer shall have 15 days from the date the City notifies it of the nature of the needed
work and the estimated cost to secure performance of the work by a third party. The City
shall still have the authority to inspect and approve or reject the work, or to direct
corrections to the work. All costs incurred by the City in performing those activities will
be reimbursed by the Developer within thirty (30) days following the receipt of an
invoice for such activities from the City.
4. Sump Manholes. Right of Access. The Developer grants to the City, its
agents and employees, the right to enter onto the Property at reasonable times to conduct
the inspections, cleanings, repairs, and replacements authorized by paragraphs 2 and 3 of
this Agreement. The City agrees that it will not unreasonably interfere with the use of the
Property. At the request of the Developer, the area affected by this right of access shall
be legally described and recorded as a supplemental agreement at the sole cost of the
Developer.
2
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5. Public Area Improvements Construction, Installation, Maintenance,
Repair and Replacement.
a. The parties agree to undertake the responsibilities for the construction, installation,
maintenance, repair and replacement of the Public Area Improvements, and the intervals
for the doing of such work are all as described in Exhibit C. The City will have a
reasonable time to review and approve, reject or require modifications to the plans and
specifications for all work done within the Public Areas by Developer. Within thirty(30)
days following the receipt of an invoice, the Developer will reimburse the City for all
costs incurred by the City in performing those activities. The City will provide basic
snow removal on the public sidewalks in the Public Areas. If the Developer desires
additional removal or treatment, it may provide these services at its own expense. Any
such additional removal is subject to the requirements of Paragraphs 6 and 8b. Sidewalk
damage, or damage to adjacent areas, due to the use of heavy equipment, excessive
salt/chemical, and/or any other damage caused by the Developer will be repaired by
Developer at the Developer's cost, and such work is subject to the provisions of
Paragraphs 6 and 8b, and the cure provisions contained in Paragraph 8c.
6. Public Area Improvements. Right of Access. Subject to compliance
with any preconditions contained in the City Code, the City grants to the Developer, its
agents and employees, the right to enter onto the Public Areas to perform the work
required to be performed by the Developer pursuant to Paragraph 5 and Exhibit C. The
Developer agrees that it will not interfere with the public use of the Public Areas. The
Developer will notify the City and any other agency having jurisdiction over, or an
interest in, the Public Areas or abutting streets and highways at least 48 hours in advance
of any scheduled work. The Developer will comply with any requirements of the City, or
other agencies, governing signage and other regulations governing work in the Public
Areas, including, without limitation, obtaining any additional permits, licenses or
approvals needed for the work.
7. Public Area Improvements. Ownership. Exhibit C designates the Public
Area Improvements that are to be constructed by Developer and conveyed to the City
following the City inspection of the work and notification to the Developer that it will
accept conveyance. The conveyance shall be by bill of sale and will be warranted by
Developer to be free and clear of any liens or encumbrances. Any warranties available as
a result of construction of such Public Area Improvements will be assigned to the City,
and, to the extent available,will be utilized to offset Developer's maintenance obligations
hereunder.
8. Miscellaneous Provisions.
a. Maintenance, repair and replacement obligation. The party having the
maintenance, repair or replacement obligation shall have the affirmative
obligation of assuring the item to which the obligation attaches is always kept in
good, safe, operable and presentable condition and shall be responsible for
determining the present condition of the item on an ongoing basis. If the City
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becomes aware of a condition of an item for which the Developer is responsible,
it shall notify the Developer in writing whereupon the Developer shall promptly
inspect, and as needed, maintain, repair or replace the item within 30 days of the
date of such notification by the City.
b. Insurance, Indemnity. The Developer will, during the term of this
Agreement, maintain coverages from insurance companies acceptable to the City,
at levels acceptable to the City insuring against claims for injury, death or
property damage caused by any activities conducted by Developer, its officers,
agents or employees, within the Public Areas and the failure of Developer, as
obligated hereunder, to properly maintain, repair, or replace Public Area
Improvements.
The Developer also agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend the City, its
officers, agents and employees, from any claims or causes of action occasioned by
or arising out of the Developer's activities or failure to perform activities under
this Agreement. The Developer's obligation shall not extend to claims that are
the result of the negligence or the willful misconduct of the City, its officers,
agents or employees.
C. Default. If either party defaults in any of its obligations hereunder, after
notice of such default and failure to cure within 30 days following such
notification, unless extended upon mutual agreement of the parties, the non-
defaulting party may pursue whatever remedies are available to it in at law or in
equity. The non-defaulting party may also terminate this Agreement following
such notice and the failure to cure, except that the Developer's obligation to
construct, repair, maintain and reconstruct the Sump Manhole shall survive such
termination.
In addition to such remedies, if the Developer is the defaulting party, and the
default relates to activities within the Public Areas, the City may, after such notice
and cure period perform the work and recover the entire cost of such work against
the Developer through a lien against the Property to be collected as a special
assessment. The Developer agrees and stipulates that any such work will be for
the betterment of the Property, and that the value of the Property will be increased
by at least the cost of the work. The Developer for itself and its successors and
assigns, waives any challenge to the amount of the assessment for such work, and
waives its right to a hearing or to challenge the assessment. In addition to placing
an assessment lien against the Property, the City may also seek to impose and
collect a lien pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 514.67.
d. Term. Unless earlier terminated as provided in Paragraph IOC above,this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until terminated by the mutual
written agreement of the parties.
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e. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding on and inure
to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
Developer will secure the joinder or consent of any holders of liens or
encumbrances on the Property and certifies and represents to the City that there
are no liens or encumbrances affecting the Property for which consents or waivers
have not been obtained.
f. Other Approvals. This Agreement shall not relieve Developer from the
need to obtain all licenses,permits and approvals that are required by the City and
other permitting and licensing authorities to allow for the development of the
Property. Nor shall this Agreement be deemed a waiver of the City's discretion to
grant any such licenses, permits or approvals. Additionally, no structure or
improvement that is the subject of this Agreement may be constructed until any
necessary land use approvals and variances have first been obtained.
g. No Interest in Land. Neither the provisions of this Agreement nor its
recording among the land records shall be deemed to create any interest of the
Developer in the Public Areas, This Agreement only gives the Developer the
permission to occupy and utilize the Public Areas consistent with the provisions
and limitations of this Agreement.
h. Notices.
City: City of Richfield
6700 Portland Avenue S.
Richfield,MN 55423
Attn: City Engineer
Developer: Richfield-Bloomington Honda
501 West 77th Street
Richfield,MN 55423
Attn: Kevin A. Cauble, Director of Administrative
Services
i. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is invalid or
unenforceable, such provision, if feasible, shall be deemed to be modified to be
within the limits of enforceability or validity; if, however, the offending
provision cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken and all other provisions of
this Agreement in all other respects shall remain valid and enforceable.
j. Entire Agreement, Amendment. This Agreement, including the exhibits,
contains the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter
hereof and fully supersedes all prior written or oral agreements and
understandings between the parties pertaining to such subject matter. This
Agreement shall not be modified, amended, supplemented or revised, except by a
written document signed by the parties.
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k. Exhibits. All exhibits referred to in and attached to this Agreement are
incorporated and made a part of this Agreement.
1. Counterpart Si agn tures. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously
in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed original, and all of
which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6
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CITY:
CITY OF RICHFIELD,
A municipal corporation
By:
Debbie Goettel
Its Mayor
By:
Steven L. Devich
Its City Manager
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of
, 2015, by Debbie Goettel and Steven L. Devich, the Mayor and City
Manager respectively, of the City of Richfield, a Minnesota municipal corporation, on
behalf of the municipal corporation.
Notary Public
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454479v5 MDT RC160-4
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DEVELOPER:
E
RICHFIELD-BLOOMINGTON HONDA
A Minnesota r
By: Cy
Kevin A. Cauble
Its Director of Administrative Services
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 3rd day of December,
2015, by Kevin A. Cauble, the Director of Administrative Services of Richfield-
Bloomington Honda, a Minnesota Corporation, on behalf of the shareholders.
Notary Public
[Insert signature lines and acknowledgment]
ANNETTE K BUTLER
SEAL
Notary Public, state of Indiana
My Commission Expires Aprll 28, 2021
4433260 MDT RC 160-4
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LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
LOT 1 BLOCK 1
WOOD MINNESOTA RE ADDITION
W 77TH STREET
501 W 771{I
RICHFIELD.iM 56/23
i168,284 SF TOT FACILITY
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INTERSTATE HWY NO 494
1 EXHIBIT A: overview of site w/legal description
SCALE 1" 100' 1 INSEEL-
0 26 60 100 200
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SUMP MANHOLE SUMP MANHOLE
W 77TH STREET
A Pi�RJSEll l ., S
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EXHIBIT C
(Public Area Ilnprovements ® attached)
501 77th Street W. Richfield®Bloomington Honda
Public Area Improvements
Public Area Ownership Construction Maintenance, Responsible for Inspection&
Feature and Repair, the Cost of Maintenance
Installation Replacement Operation& Cycle
Responsibility Responsibility Maintenance
Sidewalk City Developer City City Annually
Sidewalk Snow City NIA See Paragraph 5 See Paragraph 5 As needed
Removal
Landscaping Developer Developer Developer Developer As needed
Private Irrigation Developer Developer Developer Developer As needed
Public Utilities(Storm, City Developer City City As needed
Sewer,Water
Environmental Manhole Developer Developer City Developer Annually
(Sump Manhole
Pedestrian Sidewalk City Developer City Developer As needed
Lighting
Street Lighting City Developer City City As needed
Boulevard Trees City Developer City City As needed
Public ROW City Developer tDi
t Cit As needed
Easements City Developerveloper Developer As needed
t utilities onl Cit utilities only)
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AGENDA SEC-10N: CONSENT CALENDAR
AGENDA ITEM# 3.C.
STAFF REPORT NO. 19
..;f _.f_.. ..{ CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VN 1/26/2016
REPORT PREPARED BY: Jeff Pearson,City Engineer
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: Kristin Asher, Public Works Director
1/20/2016
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: N/A
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of the approval of a revision to Work Order No. 60 from Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.
(SEH) for engineering services to design the City's sanitary and watermain utilities as part of the 66th
Street Reconstruction Project between 16th Avenue and Xerxes Avenue.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH), the consultant designing the City's sanitary and watermain utilities for
the 66th Street Reconstruction Project, has requested a revision to their Work Order No. 60. The revision
would increase the "not to exceed" contract amount by $65,000, changing the total from$180,000 to
$245,000.
Primary reasons for this increase in scope were unforeseen items, including:
1. Additional watermain modeling outside the original scope of work at the following locations:
• Woodlake Drive to Lyndale Avenue
• 1st to 16th Avenues
• 35W water main crossing operational redundancies
2. Preparation of cost alternatives for sanitary sewer improvements along the MCES corridor including:
• New City sewer main
• Open cut services
• Trenchless services
3. Additional agency coordination
o Bloomington concrete pipe watermain improvements that were not anticipated
Staff has discussed the increased costs with SEH and finds the proposed work order revision acceptable.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By Motion: Approve the revision to Work Order No. 60 for SEH, Inc. to provide engineering
services for the design of sanitary and watermain utilities as part of the 66th Street
Reconstruction Project increasing the not to exceed amount by $65,000, from $180,000 to
$245,000.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION:
A. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
66th Street Reconstruction
• Hennepin County was awarded the federal funds for the reconstruction of 66th Street from 16th
Avenue to Xerxes Avenue and will be the lead agency for preliminary design, final design of the
roadway elements, and construction.
• If the City desires to replace the underground utilities (sewer and water) the City is responsible for
providing final design plans to Hennepin County.
• The Council approved the hiring of SEH to complete the city utility design for the 66th Street
Project on May 13, 2014.
• The project is scheduled to start construction in 2017 and be substantially completed by the end of
2018.
B. POLICIES(resolutions,ordinances,regulations,statutes,etch
• The reconstruction of 66th Street is identified in the City's Comprehensive Plan (Transportation).
• Council approval is required for revisions to expenditures over$100,000.
C. CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
• The City needs to complete design and provide final plans for the utilities to Hennepin County by
February 2016.
D. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
• There are project funds available to cover this work order increase.
• The anticipated funding source for reconstruction is Street Reconstruction Bonds.
• Alternatively or additionally, the work could be funded using Utility Funds.
E. LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
• The City Attorney will be available to answer questions.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(B)LI
• The Council may choose not to approve the revision to the work proposal at this time and direct staff on
how to proceed.
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
None anticipated.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ SEH Request Letter Backup Material
SEH
Building a Better World
for All of Use
January 11, 2016 RE: City of Richfield
66th Utility Reconstruction
SEH No. RICHF 128508 10.00 14.00
Jeff Pearson, PE
City Engineer
City of Richfield
1901 East 66th Street
Richfield, MN 55423-2599
Dear Mr. Pearson:
In accordance with paragraph 3.1 of the Agreement for Professional Services between the City of
Richfield and Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. dated February 22, 2011, we respectfully request an increase
to Work Order No. 60 of$65,000 from $180,000 to $245,000.
As you can see from the attached earned value charts (EVC), we are tracking behind budget for the 6611
Street Utility Reconstruction Project. The three lines represent the revenue limit (our budget, in blue),
revenue spent (in red), and our opinion of the amount of the project that is complete (green) all projected
along a time line from the end of May 2014 to the end of August 2016.
1. EVC labelled Exhibit A shows we are tracking behind budget by$26,964 through the month of
December 2015.
2. EVC labelled Exhibit B shows we are projecting our final engineering fee to be$235,000 at the
conclusion of August 2016.
Reasons for the additional $65,000 were discussed at meeting on December 15, 2015 with Liz Finnegan
and Robert Hintgen and are:
1. Our proposed not to exceed fee of$180,000 reported in our April 30, 2014 proposal was based on a
$3.14M estimated reconstruction cost. Our current estimated reconstruction cost is near$3.75M.
2. Water main modeling outside our scope of work at the following locations.
a. Woodlake Drive to Lyndale Avenue
b. 1st to 16th Avenues
c. 35W water main crossing operational redundancies.
3. Preparing cost alternatives for sanitary sewer improvements along the MCES corridor.
a. New City sewer main
b. Open cut services
Engineers 1 Architects I Planners I Scientists
Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., 10901 Red Circle Drive,Suite 300,Minnetonka,MN 55343-9302
SEH is 100%employee-owned I sehinc.com 1 952.912.2600 1 800.734.6757 1 888.908.8166 fax
Jeff Pearson, PE
January 11, 2016
Page 2
c. Trenchless services
4. Additional agency coordination
a. Bloomington PCCP improvements not anticipated.
5. Additional City Meetings
The fee increase assumes:
1. No further modification to the alignment of the sanitary sewer or water main.
2. A maximum of 48 hours per month or 12 hours per week after February 29, 2016.
Thank you for considering our request. Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRICKSON INC.
Aaron Ditzler, PE
Project Manager
atd
Attachments
c: Kristin Asher, City of Richfield
Liz Finnegan, City of Richfield
Robert Hintgen, City of Richfield
Miles Jensen, SEH
pApt\r\richt\128508\1-genl\10-setup-contract\03-proposal\66th street additional service Ietter.docx
AGENDA SEC-10N: PUBLIC HEARINGS
AGENDA ITEM# 5.
STAFF REPORT NO. 20
..;f _.f_.. ..{ CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VN 1/26/2016
REPORT PREPARED BY: Steven L. Devich, City Manager
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: Mary Tietjen, City Attorney
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
Continued public hearing and consideration of the second reading of an ordinance regarding the
granting of a cable communications franchise with CenturyLink for the City of Richfield and resolution
approving summary publication of the ordinance.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In the spring of 2015, the City or Richfield, along with the other member cities of the Southwest Suburban
Cable Commission (SWSCC), received an application from CenturyLink to provide cable communications
services to the City of Richfield. The City, in conjunction with the SWSCC, followed all applicable law in
accepting and processing the application. Through that process it was found that CenturyLink was legally,
technically and financially qualified to provide cable communications services to the City. Furthermore, staff
of the SWSCC was directed to enter into negotiations with Century Link to ascertain if mutually agreeable
terms for such a franchise could be reached. Those negotiations have been completed and resulted in a
proposed franchise agreement between the cities of the SWSCC and CenturyLink.
In addition, on October 28, 2015, the SWSCC voted on the terms of the tentative franchise agreement with
CenturyLink and approved the agreement by a unanimous vote.
On January 12, 2016, the City Council opened and continued a Public Hearing, had first reading
consideration of a Cable Franchising Ordinance and adopted a resolution Regarding an Ordinance Granting
a Competitive Cable Franchise for Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink.
This evening, the City Council will continue and close the Public Hearing, give second reading consideration
of the Competitive Cable Franchise Ordinance for CenturyLink and if passed, adopt a resolution approving
Summary Publication of the ordinance.
Brian Grogan, who is the legal counsel and administrator of the SWSCC, will be available to answer any
questions that Council Members or the public may have concerning this matter.
An attached memo from Mr. Grogan dated December 21, 2015 further details this application process and the
action under consideration.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Conduct and close the public hearing and by motion:
• Approve the second reading of an ordinance granting a cable television franchise to Qwest
Broadband Services, Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink; and
• Adopt a resolution approving summary publication of the ordinance.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION:
A. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
On March 24, 2015, the City Council considered a request from CenturyLink to grant a cable
communications franchise to provide such services to the City. Pursuant to this request, the City
initiated the process proscribed by Minnesota Statutes 238.081 by publishing a Notice of Intent to
Franchise in the Sun Current and mailed the Notice directly to the existing provider Comcast and the
prospective applicant CenturyLink.
The process followed in consideration of this application is outlined in the Executive Summary.
B. POLICIES(resolutions,ordinances,regulations,statutes,etch
The cable franchising process in Minnesota is provided for in MN Statutes Section 238.081. The City
must follow the procedures and timelines as stated in the Statute.
C. CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
All of the procedural and legal considerations preliminary to consideration of granting this proposed
franchise have been completed and the decision to grant or deny the franchise for Richfield now rests
with the City Council.
D. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None. CenturyLink has submitted a check for$10,000 to the City to cover the costs incurred by the City
for this application process.
E. LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
Brian Grogan, the attorney for the SWSCC, has outlined the process to be followed in responding to this
franchise request and has guided the City in this process according to all applicable law.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(B)LI
None.
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
Brian Grogan, Attorney for the SWSCC
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ Franchise Ordinance Cover Memo
❑ Resolution for summary publication Resolution Letter
❑ Resolution No. 11172 Backup Material
❑ SWSS Memo and Findings of Fact Backup Material
City of Richfield, Minnesota
Ordinance Granting a Cable Television Franchise
to
Qwest Broadband Services,Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink
January 12, 2016
Prepared by:
BRIAN T. GROGAN, ESQ.
Moss & Barnett
A Professional Association
150 South Fifth Street, Suite 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 877-5340
3056874v1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION1 DEFINITIONS....................................................................................................... 1
SECTION2 FRANCHISE ......................................................................................................... 6
SECTION 3 OPERATION IN STREETS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY..................................... 12
SECTION 4 REMOVAL OR ABANDONMENT OF SYSTEM............................................ 16
SECTION 5 SYSTEM DESIGN AND CAPACITY ............................................................... 17
SECTION 6 PROGRAMMING AND SERVICES.................................................................. 20
SECTION 7 PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL AND GOVERNMENTAL ACCESS .................... 21
SECTION 8 REGULATORY PROVISIONS.......................................................................... 29
SECTION9 BOND .................................................................................................................. 30
SECTION 10 SECURITY FUND.............................................................................................. 30
SECTION11 DEFAULT ........................................................................................................... 33
SECTION 12 FORECLOSURE AND RECEIVERSHIP.......................................................... 35
SECTION 13 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS....................................................................... 36
SECTION 14 CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICIES.................................................................... 37
SECTION 15 SUBSCRIBER PRACTICES............................................................................... 43
SECTION 16 COMPENSATION AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS ..................................... 44
SECTION 17 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.................................................................... 47
EXHIBIT A FREE CABLE SERVICE TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS......................................A-1
EXHIBIT B FRANCHISE FEE PAYMENT WORKSHEET............................................... B-1
EXHIBIT C INDEMNITY AGREEMENT........................................................................... C-1
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3056874v1
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES,
INC., D/B/A CENTURYLINK TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A CABLE SYSTEM
AND PROVIDE CABLE SERVICES IN THE CITY OF RICHFIELD; SETTING FORTH
CONDITIONS ACCOMPANYING THE GRANT OF FRANCHISE; PROVIDING FOR
CITY REGULATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CABLE SYSTEM AND
CABLE SERVICES.
RECITALS
The City of Richfield, Minnesota ("City")pursuant to applicable federal and state law is
authorized to grant one or more nonexclusive cable television franchises to construct, operate,
maintain and reconstruct cable television systems within the City limits.
Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink ("Grantee") seeks a competitive
cable television franchise with the City.
Negotiations between Grantee and the City have been completed in accordance with the
guidelines established by the City Code, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 238 and the Cable Act(47
U.S.C. Section 546).
The City reviewed the legal, technical and financial qualifications of Grantee and, after a
properly noticed public hearing, determined that it is in the best interest of the City and its
residents to grant this competitive cable television franchise to Grantee.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF RICHFIELD DOES ORDAIN that a franchise
is hereby granted to Qwest Broadband Services, Inc. to operate and maintain a Cable System and
provide Cable Services in the City upon the following terms and conditions:
SECTION 1
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Franchise, the following, terms, phrases, words, derivations and
their derivations shall have the meanings given herein. When not inconsistent with the context,
words used in the present tense include the future tense, words in the plural number include the
singular number and words in the singular number include the plural number. In the event the
meaning of any word or phrase not defined herein is uncertain, the definitions contained in
applicable local, State or Federal law shall apply.
"Access Channels"means any channel or portion of a channel utilized for public,
educational or governmental programming.
"Affiliate" shall mean any Person controlling, controlled by or under common control of
Grantee.
1
3056874v1
"Applicable Laws"means any law, statute, charter, ordinance, rule, regulation, code,
license, certificate, franchise, permit, writ, ruling, award, executive order, directive, requirement,
injunction (whether temporary,preliminary or permanent),judgment, decree or other order
issued, executed, entered or deemed applicable to Grantee by any governmental authority of
competent jurisdiction.
"Basic Cable Service"means any service tier which includes the lawful retransmission of
local television broadcast and shall include the public, educational and governmental access
channels. Basic Cable Service as defined herein shall be the definition set forth in 47 U.S.C. §
522(3).
"Cable Act"means the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, 47 U.S.C. §§ 521 et
seq., as amended by the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, as
further amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as further amended from time to time.
"Cable Service" shall mean (a) the one-way transmission to Subscribers of(i)Video
Programming or (ii) Other Programming Service, and b) Subscriber interaction, if any, which is
required for the selection or use of such video programming or other programming service. For
the purposes of this definition, "video programming" is programming provided by, or generally
considered comparable to programming provided by a television broadcast station; and, "other
programming service" is information that a cable operator makes available to all Subscribers
generally.
"Cable System" or"System" shall have the meaning specified for"Cable System" in the
Cable Act. Unless otherwise specified, it shall in this document refer to the Cable System
utilized by the Grantee in the City under this Franchise.
"Channel"means a portion of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum which is used in a
Cable System and which is capable of delivering a television channel as defined by the FCC by
regulation.
"City" shall mean the City of Richfield, a municipal corporation in the State of
Minnesota.
"City Code"means the Municipal Code of the City of Richfield, Minnesota, as may be
amended from time to time.
"Commission"means the Southwest Suburban Cable Communications Commission
consisting of the cities of Edina, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Richfield, Minnesota.
"Connection"means the attachment of the Drop to the television set or Set Top Box of
the Subscriber.
"Council" shall mean the governing body of the City.
2
3056874v1
"Day"unless otherwise specified shall mean a calendar day.
"Drop" shall mean the cable that connects the Subscriber terminal to the nearest feeder
cable of the cable.
"Effective Date" shall mean March 1, 2016.
"Expanded Basic Service"means all Subscriber services other than Basic Cable Service
provided by the Grantee covered by a regular monthly charge, but not including optional
programming offered on a pay-per-channel or pay-per-view basis.
"FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission, or a designated representative.
"Franchise" shall mean the right granted by this Ordinance and conditioned as set forth
herein.
"Franchise Area"means the entire geographic area within the City as it is now
constituted or may in the future be constituted.
"Franchise Fee" shall mean the fee assessed by the City to Grantee, in consideration of
Grantee's right to operate the Cable System within the City's Streets and rights of way,
determined in amount as a percentage of Grantee's Gross Revenues and limited to the maximum
percentage allowed for such assessment by federal law. The term Franchise Fee does not include
the exceptions noted in 47 U.S.C. §542(g)(2)(A-E).
"GAAP"means generally accepted accounting principles as promulgated and defined by
the Financial Accounting Standards Board("FASB"), Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF")
and/or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
"Grantee"means Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink.
"Gross Revenues"means any and all compensation in whatever form, from any source,
directly or indirectly earned by Grantee or any Affiliate of Grantee or any other Person who
would constitute a cable operator of the Cable System under the Cable Act, derived from the
operation of the Cable System to provide Cable Service within the City. Gross Revenues include,
by way of illustration and not limitation, monthly fees charged Subscribers for Cable Services
including Basic Cable Service, any expanded tiers of Cable Service, optional premium or digital
services; pay-per-view services; Pay Services, installation, disconnection, reconnection and
change-in-service fees, Leased Access Channel fees, all Cable Service lease payments from the
Cable System to provide Cable Services in the City, late fees and administrative fees,payments
or other consideration received by Grantee from programmers for carriage of programming on
the Cable System and accounted for as revenue under GAAP; revenues from rentals or sales of
Set Top Boxes or other Cable System equipment; advertising sales revenues booked in
accordance with Applicable Law and GAAP; revenues from program guides and electronic
guides, additional outlet fees, Franchise Fees required by this Franchise, revenue from
Interactive Services to the extent they are considered Cable Services under Applicable Law;
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revenue from the sale or carriage of other Cable Services, revenues from home shopping and
other revenue-sharing arrangements. Copyright fees or other license fees paid by Grantee shall
not be subtracted from Gross Revenues for purposes of calculating Franchise Fees. Gross
Revenues shall include revenue received by any entity other than Grantee where necessary to
prevent evasion or avoidance of the obligation under this Franchise to pay the Franchise Fees.
Gross Revenues shall not include any taxes on services furnished by Grantee, which taxes
are imposed directly on a Subscriber or user by a city, county, state or other governmental unit,
and collected by Grantee for such entity. The Franchise Fee is not such a tax. Gross Revenues
shall not include amounts which cannot be collected by Grantee and are identified as bad debt;
provided that if amounts previously representing bad debt are collected, then those amounts shall
be included in Gross Revenues for the period in which they are collected. Gross Revenues shall
not include payments for PEG Access capital support. The City acknowledges and accepts that
Grantee shall maintain its books and records in accordance with GAAP.
"Interactive Services" are those services provided to Subscribers whereby the Subscriber
either(a)both receives information consisting of either television or other signal and transmits
signals generated by the Subscriber or equipment under his/her control for the purpose of
selecting what information shall be transmitted to the Subscriber or for any other purpose or (b)
transmits signals to any other location for any purpose.
"Living Unit"means a distinct address as tracked in the QC network inventory, used by
CenturyLink to identify existing or potential Subscribers. This includes, but is not limited to,
single family homes, multi-dwelling units (e.g., apartment buildings and condominiums) and
business locations.
"Minnesota Cable Communications Act"means the provisions of Minnesota law
governing the requirements for a cable television franchise as set forth in Minn. Stat. § 238, et.
seq., as amended.
"Mosaic Channel"means a channel which displays miniaturized media screens and
related information for a particular group of Channels with common themes. The Mosaic
Channel serves as a navigation tool for Subscribers, which displays the group of Access
Channels on a single Channel screen and also provides for easy navigation to a chosen Access
Channel.
"Normal Business Hours"means those hours during which most similar businesses in
City are open to serve customers. In all cases, "Normal Business Hours" must include some
evening hours, at least one (1) night per week and/or some weekend hours.
"Normal Operating Conditions" means those Service conditions which are within the
control of Grantee. Those conditions which are not within the control of Grantee include, but are
not limited to, natural disasters, civil disturbances, power outages, telephone network outages,
and severe or unusual weather conditions. Those conditions which are ordinarily within the
control of Grantee include, but are not limited to, special promotions, pay-per-view events, rate
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increases, regular peak or seasonal demand periods, and maintenance or upgrade of the Cable
System.
"Pay Service"means programming (such as certain on-demand movie channels or pay-
per-view programs) offered individually to Subscribers on a per-channel, per-program or per-
event basis.
"PEG"means public, educational and governmental.
"Person"means any natural person and all domestic and foreign corporations, closely-
held corporations, associations, syndicates,joint stock corporations, partnerships of every kind,
clubs, businesses, common law trusts, societies and/or any other legal entity.
"QC"means Qwest Corporation, wholly owned subsidiary of CenturyLink, Inc. and an
Affiliate of Grantee.
"Qualified Living Unit"means a Living Unit which meets the minimum technical
qualifications defined by Grantee for the provision of Cable Service. A Living Unit receiving a
minimum of 25Mbps downstream will generally be capable of receiving Cable Service subject to
Grantee performing certain network grooming and conditioning.
"Set Top Box"means an electronic device, which converts signals to a frequency not
susceptible to interference within the television receiver of a Subscriber, and by an appropriate
Channel selector also permits a Subscriber to view all signals included in the Basic Cable
Service tier delivered at designated converter dial locations.
"Street" shall mean the surface of and the space above and below any public Street, road,
highway, freeway, lane, path,public way, alley, court, sidewalk, boulevard, parkway, drive or
any easement or right-of-way now or hereafter held by City which shall, within its proper use
and meaning in the sole opinion of City, entitle Grantee to the use thereof for the purpose of
installing or transmitting over poles, wires, cables, conductors, ducts, conduits, vaults, man-
holes, amplifiers, appliances, attachments and other property as may be ordinarily necessary and
pertinent to a Cable System.
"Subscriber"means a Person who lawfully receives Cable Service from Grantee.
"Wireline MVPD"means a multichannel video programming distributor that utilizes the
Streets to install cable or fiber and is engaged in the business of making available for purchase,
by Subscribers, multiple Channels of video programming in the City.
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SECTION 2
FRANCHISE
2.1 Grant of Franchise.
(a) The City hereby authorizes Grantee to occupy or use the City's Streets
subject to: 1) the provisions of this non-exclusive Franchise to provide Cable Service
within the City; and 2) all applicable provisions of the City Code. Said Franchise shall
constitute both a right and an obligation to provide Cable Services as required by the
provisions of this Franchise. Nothing in this Franchise shall be construed to prohibit
Grantee from: (1)providing services other than Cable Services to the extent not
prohibited by Applicable Law; or(2) challenging any exercise of the City's legislative or
regulatory authority in an appropriate forum. The City hereby reserves all of its rights to
regulate such other services to the extent not prohibited by Applicable Law and no
provision herein shall be construed to limit or give up any right to regulate.
(b) Grantee promises and guarantees, as a condition of exercising the
privileges granted by this Franchise, that any Affiliated Entity of the Grantee involved in
the offering of Cable Service in the City, or directly involved in the ownership,
management or operation of the Cable System in the City, shall also comply with all
obligations of this Franchise. However, the City and Grantee acknowledge that QC will
be primarily responsible for the construction and installation of the facilities in the
Rights-of-Way which will be utilized by Grantee to provide Cable Services. So long as
QC does not provide Cable Service to Subscribers in the City, QC will not be subject to
the terms and conditions contained in this Franchise. QC's installation and maintenance
of facilities in the Rights-of-Way is governed by applicable local, state and federal law.
To the extent Grantee constructs and installs facilities in the Rights-of-Way, such
installation will be subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Franchise.
Grantee is responsible for all provisions in this Franchise related to: 1) its offering of
Cable Services in the City; and 2) the operation of the Cable System regardless of what
entity owns or constructs the facilities used to provide the Cable Service. The City and
Grantee agree that to the extent QC violates any applicable federal, state, or local laws,
rules, and regulations, the City shall first seek compliance directly from QC. In the
event, the City cannot resolve these violations or disputes with QC, then the City may
look to Grantee to ensure such compliance. Failure by Grantee to ensure QC's or any
other Affiliate's compliance with Applicable Laws, rules, and regulations, shall be
deemed a material breach of this Franchise by Grantee.
2.2 Reservation of Authority. The Grantee specifically agrees to comply with the
lawful provisions of the City Code and applicable regulations of the City. Subject to the police
power exception below, in the event of a conflict between A) the lawful provisions of the City
Code or applicable regulations of the City and B) this Franchise, the express provisions of this
Franchise shall govern. Subject to express federal and state preemption, the material terms and
conditions contained in this Franchise may not be unilaterally altered by the City through
subsequent amendments to the City Code, ordinances or any regulation of City, except in the
lawful exercise of City's police power. Grantee acknowledges that the City may modify its
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regulatory policies by lawful exercise of the City's police powers throughout the term of this
Franchise. Grantee agrees to comply with such lawful modifications to the City Code; however,
Grantee reserves all rights it may have to challenge such modifications to the City Code whether
arising in contract or at law. The City reserves all of its rights and defenses to such challenges
whether arising in contract or at law. Nothing in this Franchise shall (A) abrogate the right of the
City to perform any public works or public improvements of any description, (B)be construed as
a waiver of any codes or ordinances of general applicability promulgated by the City, or(C)be
construed as a waiver or release of the rights of the City in and to the Streets.
2.3 Franchise Term. This Franchise shall be in effect for a term of five (5) years
from the date of acceptance by Grantee, unless terminated sooner as hereinafter provided. Six
(6) months prior to the expiration of the initial five (5) year term, if City determines that Grantee
is in compliance with all other material terms of this Franchise including the build out
obligations set forth in this Franchise as required by Applicable Law, the City shall have the
unilateral right to extend the Franchise for an additional term of no less than five (5) years and no
more than ten (10) years.
2.4 Franchise Area. The Grantee is hereby authorized to provide Cable Services over
a Cable System within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City, including any areas annexed by
the City during the term of this Franchise. The parties acknowledge that Grantee is not the first
entrant into the wireline video market in the City. The Grantee acknowledges that the City
desires wireline competition throughout the entire City so all residents may receive the benefits
of competitive Cable Services. Grantee aspires to provide Cable Service to all households within
the City by the end of the five year(5) term of this Franchise. Grantee agrees that its deployment
of Cable Service in the City will be geographically dispersed throughout the City, and shall be
made available to diverse residential neighborhoods of the City without discrimination.
2.5 Franchise Nonexclusive. The Franchise granted herein shall be nonexclusive.
The City specifically reserves the right to grant, at any time, such additional franchises for a
Cable System as it deems appropriate provided, however, such additional grants shall not operate
to materially modify, revoke, or terminate any rights previously granted to Grantee other than as
described in Section 17.17. The grant of any additional franchise shall not of itself be deemed to
constitute a modification, revocation, or termination of rights previously granted to Grantee.
Any additional cable franchise grants shall comply with Minn. Stat. Section 238.08 and any
other applicable federal level playing field requirements.
2.6 Build Out.
(a) Initial build out. No later than the second anniversary of the Effective
Date of this Franchise, Grantee shall be capable of serving a minimum of fifteen percent
(15%) of the City's households with Cable Service;provided,however, Grantee will
make its best efforts to complete such deployment within a shorter period of time.
Grantee agrees that this initial minimum build-out commitment shall include a significant
number of households below the median income in the City. City shall, upon written
request of Grantee, provide detailed maps of such areas. Nothing in this Franchise shall
restrict Grantee from serving additional households in the City with Cable Service.
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(b) Quarterly Meetings. In order to permit the Commission to monitor and
enforce the provisions of this section and other provisions of this Franchise, the Grantee
shall, upon demand, promptly make available to the Commission maps and other
documentation showing exactly where within the City the Grantee is currently providing
Cable Service. Grantee shall meet with the Commission, not less than once quarterly, to
demonstrate Grantee's compliance with the provisions of this section concerning the
deployment of Cable Services in the City including,by way of example, the provision of
this section in which Grantee commits that a significant portion of its initial investment
will be targeted to areas below the median income within the City, and the provisions of
this section that prohibit discrimination in the deployment of Cable Services. In order to
permit the Commission and the City to monitor and enforce the provisions of this section
and other provisions of this Franchise, the Grantee shall, commencing April 15, 2016,
and continuing throughout the term of this Franchise, meet quarterly with the
Commission and make available to the Commission the following information:
(i) The total number of Living Units throughout the City;
(ii) The geographic area within the City where the Grantee is capable
of delivering Cable Service through either a FTTH or FTTN method of service
delivery which shall include sufficient detail to allow the City to determine the
availability of Cable Services at commercially-zoned parcels;
(iii) The actual number of Qualified Living Units capable of receiving
Cable Service from Grantee through FTTH and FTTN; and
(iv) A list of the public buildings and educational institutions capable
of receiving Cable Service from the Grantee (see list attached hereto as Exhibit
A).
(c) Additional build out based on Market Success. If, at any quarterly
meeting, including any quarterly meeting prior to the second anniversary of the Effective
Date of this Franchise as referenced in Section 2.6(a) herein, Grantee is actually serving
twenty seven and one-half percent(27.5%) of the households capable of receiving Cable
Service, then Grantee agrees the minimum build-out commitment shall increase to
include all of the households then capable of receiving Cable Service plus an additional
fifteen (15%) of the total households in the City, which Grantee agrees to serve within
two (2) years from the quarterly meeting; provided, however, the Grantee shall make its
best efforts to complete such deployment within a shorter period of time. For example,
if, at a quarterly meeting with the Commission, Grantee shows that it is capable of
serving sixty percent (60%) of the households in the City with Cable Service and is
actually serving thirty percent (30%) of those households with Cable Service, then
Grantee will agree to serve an additional fifteen percent (15%) of the total households in
the City no later than two (2) years after that quarterly meeting (a total of seventy-five
percent (75%) of the total households). This additional build-out based on market
success shall continue until every household in the City is served.
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(d) Nondiscrimination. Grantee shall provide Cable Service under non-
discriminatory rates and reasonable terms and conditions to all Subscribers who reside in
Living Units in any location where the Grantee is capable of providing Cable Service.
Grantee shall not arbitrarily refuse to provide Cable Services to any Person or in any
location where the Grantee is capable of providing Cable Service. Any Qualified Living
Unit should also include Commercially-Zoned Parcels. "Commercially-Zoned Parcels"
mean any Street address or municipally identified lot or parcel of real estate with a
building. Grantee shall not deny Cable Services to any group of Subscribers or potential
residential Subscribers based upon the income level of residents of the local area in which
such group resides, nor shall Grantee base decisions about construction or maintenance of
its Cable System or facilities based upon the income level of residents of the local area in
which such group resides. Grantee shall provide such service at non-discriminatory
monthly rates for residential Subscribers, consistent with Applicable Law. Grantee shall
not discriminate between or among any individuals in the availability of Cable Service
based upon income in accordance and consistent with 47 U.S.C. Section 541(a)(3), or
based upon race or ethnicity.
(e) Standard Installation. Grantee shall provide Cable Services at its standard
installation within seven (7) days of a request by any Person in a Qualified Living Unit.
A request shall be deemed made on the date of signing a service agreement, receipt of
funds by Grantee or receipt by Grantee of a verified verbal or written request.
(f) Multiple Dwelling Units. The Grantee shall offer the individual units of a
multiple dwelling unit all Cable Services offered to other Dwelling Units in the City.
Grantee shall, upon request, individually wire units upon request of the property owner or
renter who has been given written authorization by the owner. Such offering is
conditioned upon the Grantee having legal access to said unit and any payment (for
Grantee's reasonable costs of internal wiring) as applicable. The City acknowledges that
the Grantee cannot control the dissemination of particular Cable Services beyond the
point of demarcation at a multiple dwelling unit.
2.7 Periodic Public Review of Franchise. Within sixty(60) Days of the third
anniversary of the Effective Date of this Franchise or third annual anniversary of any extension
of the Franchise term, the City may conduct a public review of the Franchise. The purpose of
any such review shall be to ensure, with the benefit of full opportunity for public comment, that
the Grantee continues to effectively serve the public in the light of new developments in cable
law and regulation, cable technology, cable company performance with the requirements of this
Franchise, local regulatory environment, community needs and interests, and other such factors.
Both the City and Grantee agree to make a full and good faith effort to participate in the review.
So long as Grantee receives reasonable notice, Grantee shall participate in the review process
and shall fully cooperate. The review shall not operate to modify or change any provision of this
Franchise without mutual written consent in accordance with Section 17.6 of this Franchise.
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2.8 Transfer of Ownership.
(a) No sale, transfer, assignment or"fundamental corporate change", as
defined in Minn. Stat. § 238.083, of this Franchise shall take place until the parties to the
sale, transfer, or fundamental corporate change files a written request with City for its
approval, provided, however, that said approval shall not be required where Grantee
grants a security interest in its Franchise and assets to secure an indebtedness.
(b) City shall have thirty(30) Days from the time of the request to reply in
writing and indicate approval of the request or its determination that a public hearing is
necessary due to potential adverse affect on Grantee's Subscribers resulting from the sale
or transfer. Such approval or determination shall be expressed in writing within thirty
(30) Days of receipt of said request, or the request shall be deemed approved as a matter
of law.
(c) If a public hearing is deemed necessary pursuant to (b) above, such
hearing shall be commenced within thirty(30) Days of such determination and notice of
any such hearing shall be given in accordance with local law or fourteen (14) Days prior
to the hearing by publishing notice thereof once in a newspaper of general circulation in
City. The notice shall contain the date, time and place of the hearing and shall briefly
state the substance of the action to be considered by City.
(d) Within thirty(30) Days after the closing of the public hearing, City shall
approve or deny in writing the sale or transfer request. City shall set forth in writing with
particularity its reason(s) for denying approval. City shall not unreasonably withhold its
approval.
(e) The parties to the sale or transfer of the Franchise only, without the
inclusion of the System in which substantial construction has commenced, shall establish
that the sale or transfer of only the Franchise will be in the public interest.
(f) Any sale or transfer of stock in Grantee so as to create a new controlling
interest in the System shall be subject to the requirements of this Section 2.8. The term
"controlling interest" as used herein is not limited to majority stock ownership, but
includes actual working control in whatever manner exercised.
(g) In no event shall a transfer or assignment of ownership or control be
approved without the transferee becoming a signatory to this Franchise and assuming all
rights and obligations thereunder, and assuming all other rights and obligations of the
transferor to the City.
(h) In the event of any proposed sale or assignment pursuant to paragraph (a)
of this section, City shall have the right of first refusal of any bona fide offer to purchase
only the Cable System. Bona fide offer, as used in this section, means an offer received
by the Grantee which it intends to accept subject to City's rights under this section. This
written offer must be conveyed to City along with the Grantee's written acceptance of the
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offer contingent upon the rights of City provided for in this section. City shall be deemed
to have waived its rights under this paragraph (h) in the following circumstances:
(i) If it does not indicate to Grantee in writing, within thirty(30) Days
of notice of a proposed sale or assignment, its intention to exercise its right of
purchase; or
(ii) It approves the assignment or sale of the Franchise as provided
within this section
(i) A transfer of the Franchise shall not include a transfer of ownership or
other interest in Grantee to the parent of Grantee or to another Affiliate of Grantee;
transfer of an interest in the Franchise or the rights held by Grantee under the Franchise
to the parent of Grantee or to another Affiliate of Grantee; any action which is the result
of a merger of the parent of Grantee; or any action which is the result of a merger of
another Affiliate of Grantee. Nothing in this Section 2.8 (i) shall be read to serve as a
waiver of Grantee's obligation to obtain the City's advance written consent to any
proposed transfer that constitutes a change in the "controlling interest" of the Grantee as
set forth in 2.8 (f)herein and Minn. Stat. Section 238.083.
2.9 Expiration. Upon expiration of the Franchise, the City shall have the right at its
own election and subject to Grantee's rights under Section 626 of the Cable Act to:
(a) extend the Franchise, though nothing in this provision shall be construed
to require such extension;
(b) renew the Franchise, in accordance with Applicable Laws;
(c) invite additional franchise applications or proposals;
(d) terminate the Franchise subject to any rights Grantee has under Section
626 of the Cable Act; or
(e) take such other action as the City deems appropriate.
2.10 Right to Require Removal of Property. At the expiration of the term for which
the Franchise is granted provided no renewal is granted, or upon its forfeiture or revocation as
provided for herein, the City shall have the right to require Grantee to remove at Grantee's own
expense all or any part of the Cable System, used exclusively to provide Cable Service, from all
Streets and public ways within the Franchise Area within a reasonable time. If Grantee fails to
do so, the City may perform the work and collect the cost thereof from Grantee.
2.11 Continuity of Service Mandatory. It shall be the right of all Subscribers to
receive all available services insofar as their financial and other obligations to Grantee are
honored. In the event that Grantee elects to overbuild, rebuild, modify, or sell the system, or the
City revokes or fails to renew the Franchise, Grantee shall make its best effort to ensure that all
Subscribers receive continuous uninterrupted service, regardless of the circumstances, during the
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lifetime of the Franchise. In the event of expiration, purchase, lease-purchase, condemnation,
acquisition, taking over or holding of plant and equipment, sale, lease, or other transfer to any
other Person, including any other grantee of a cable communications franchise, the current
Grantee shall cooperate fully to operate the system in accordance with the terms and conditions
of this Franchise for a temporary period sufficient in length to maintain continuity of service to
all Subscribers.
SECTION 3
OPERATION IN STREETS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY
3.1 Use of Streets.
(a) Grantee may, subject to the terms of this Franchise, erect, install,
construct, repair, replace, reconstruct and retain in, on, over, under, upon, across and
along the Streets within the City such lines, cables, conductors, ducts, conduits, vaults,
manholes, amplifiers, appliances, pedestals, attachments and other property and
equipment as are necessary and appurtenant to the operation of a Cable System within the
City. Without limiting the foregoing and subject to Section 2.l(b) herein, Grantee
expressly agrees that it will construct, operate and maintain its Cable System in
compliance with, and subject to, the requirements of the City Code, including by way of
example and not limitation, those requirements governing the placement of Grantee's
Cable System; and with other applicable City Codes, and will obtain and maintain all
permits and bonds required by the City Code in addition to those required in this
Franchise.
(b) All wires, conduits, cable and other property and facilities of Grantee shall
be so located, constructed, installed and maintained as not to endanger or unnecessarily
interfere with the usual and customary trade, traffic and travel upon, or other use of, the
Streets of City. Grantee shall keep and maintain all of its property in good condition,
order and repair so that the same shall not menace or endanger the life or property of any
Person. Grantee shall keep accurate maps and records of all of its wires, conduits, cables
and other property and facilities located, constructed and maintained in the City.
(c) All wires, conduits, cables and other property and facilities of Grantee,
shall be constructed and installed in an orderly and workmanlike manner. All wires,
conduits and cables shall be installed, where possible, parallel with electric and telephone
lines. Multiple cable configurations shall be arranged in parallel and bundled with due
respect for engineering considerations.
3.2 Construction or Alteration. Subject to Section 2.1(b)herein, Grantee shall in all
cases comply with the City Code, City resolutions and City regulations regarding the acquisition
of permits and/or such other items as may be reasonably required in order to construct, alter or
maintain the Cable System. Grantee shall, upon request, provide information to the City
regarding its progress in completing or altering the Cable System.
3.3 Non-Interference. Grantee shall exert its best efforts to construct and maintain a
Cable System so as not to interfere with other use of Streets. Grantee shall, where possible in the
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case of above ground lines, make use of existing poles and other facilities available to Grantee.
When residents receiving underground service or who will be receiving underground service will
be affected by proposed construction or alteration, Grantee shall provide such notice as set forth
in the permit or in City Code of the same to such affected residents.
3.4 Consistency with Designated Use. Notwithstanding the above grant to use
Streets, no Street shall be used by Grantee if the City, in its sole opinion, determines that such
use is inconsistent with the terms, conditions or provisions by which such Street was created or
dedicated, or presently used under Applicable Laws.
3.5 Undergrounding. Grantee shall place underground all of its transmission lines
which are located or are to be located above or within the Streets of the City in the following
cases:
(a) all other existing utilities are required to be placed underground by statute,
resolution, policy or other Applicable Law;
(b) Grantee is unable to get pole clearance;
(c) underground easements are obtained from developers of new residential
areas; or
(d) utilities are overhead but residents prefer underground(service provided at
cost).
If an ordinance is passed which involves placing underground certain utilities including
Grantee's cable plant which is then located overhead, Grantee shall participate in such
underground project and shall remove poles, cables and overhead wires if requested to do so and
place facilities underground. Nothing herein shall mandate that City provide reimbursement to
Grantee for the costs of such relocation and removal. However, if the City makes available
funds for the cost of placing facilities underground, nothing herein shall preclude the Grantee
from participating in such funding to the extent consistent with the City Code or Applicable
Laws.
Grantee shall use conduit or its functional equivalent to the greatest extent possible for
undergrounding, except for Drops from pedestals to Subscribers' homes and for cable on other
private property where the owner requests that conduit not be used. Cable and conduit shall be
utilized which meets the highest industry standards for electronic performance and resistance to
interference or damage from environmental factors. Grantee shall use, in conjunction with other
utility companies or providers, common trenches for underground construction wherever
available.
3.6 Maintenance and Restoration.
(a) Restoration. In case of disturbance of any Street,public way, paved area
or public improvement by Grantee, Grantee shall, at its own cost and expense and in
accordance with the requirements of Applicable Law, restore such Street, public way,
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paved area or public improvement to substantially the same condition as existed before
the work involving such disturbance took place. All restoration occurring in private
easements or on other private property shall be performed in accordance with the City
Code. Grantee shall perform all restoration work within a reasonable time and with due
regard to seasonal working conditions. If Grantee fails, neglects or refuses to make
restorations as required under this section, then the City may do such work or cause it to
be done, and the cost thereof to the City shall be paid by Grantee. If Grantee causes any
damage to private property in the process of restoring facilities, Grantee shall repair such
damage.
(b) Maintenance. Grantee shall maintain all above ground improvements that
it places on City right-of-way pursuant to the City Code and any permit issued by the
City. In order to avoid interference with the City's ability to maintain the right-of-way,
Grantee shall provide such clearance as is required by the City Code and any permit
issued by the City. If Grantee fails to comply with this provision and by its failure
property is damaged, Grantee shall be responsible for all damages caused thereby.
(c) Disputes. In any dispute over the adequacy of restoration or maintenance
relative to this section, final determination shall be the prerogative of the City,
Department of Public Works and consistent with the City Code and any permit issued by
the City.
3.7 Work on Private Property. Grantee, with the consent of property owners, shall
have the authority,pursuant to the City Code, to trim trees upon and overhanging Streets, alleys,
sidewalks, and public ways so as to prevent the branches of such trees from coming in contact
with the wires and cables of Grantee, except that at the option of the City, such trimming may be
done by it or under its supervision and direction at the reasonable expense of Grantee.
3.8 Relocation.
(a) City Property. If, during the term of the Franchise, the City or any
government entity elects or requires a third party to alter, repair, realign, abandon,
improve, vacate, reroute or change the grade of any Street, public way or other public
property; or to construct, maintain or repair any public improvement; or to replace, repair
install, maintain, or otherwise alter any cable, wire conduit, pipe, line, pole, wire-holding
structure, structure, or other facility, including a facility used for the provision of utility
or other services or transportation of drainage, sewage or other liquids, for any public
purpose, Grantee shall, upon request, except as otherwise hereinafter provided, at its sole
expense remove or relocate as necessary its poles, wires, cables, underground conduits,
vaults, pedestals, manholes and any other facilities which it has installed. Nothing herein
shall mandate that City provide reimbursement to Grantee for the costs of such relocation
and removal. However, if the City makes available funds for the cost of placing facilities
underground, nothing herein shall preclude the Grantee from participating in such
funding to the extent consistent with the City Code or Applicable Laws.
(b) Utilities and Other Franchisees. If, during the term of the Franchise,
another entity which holds a franchise or any utility requests Grantee to remove or
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relocate such facilities to accommodate the construction, maintenance or repair of the
requesting party's facilities, or their more efficient use, or to "make ready" the requesting
party's facilities for use by others, or because Grantee is using a facility which the
requesting party has a right or duty to remove, Grantee shall do so. The companies
involved may decide among themselves who is to bear the cost of removal or relocation,
pursuant to City Code, and provided that the City shall not be liable for such costs.
(c) Notice to Remove or Relocate. Any Person requesting Grantee to remove
or relocate its facilities shall give Grantee no less than forty-five (45) Days' advance
written notice to Grantee advising Grantee of the date or dates removal or relocation is to
be undertaken; provided, that no advance written notice shall be required in emergencies
or in cases where public health and safety or property is endangered.
(d) Failure by Grantee to Remove or Relocate. If Grantee fails, neglects or
refuses to remove or relocate its facilities as directed by the City; or in emergencies or
where public health and safety or property is endangered, the City may do such work or
cause it to be done, and the cost thereof to the City shall be paid by Grantee. If Grantee
fails, neglects or refuses to remove or relocate its facilities as directed by another
franchisee or utility, that franchisee or utility may do such work or cause it to be done,
and if Grantee would have been liable for the cost of performing such work, the cost
thereof to the party performing the work or having the work performed shall be paid by
Grantee.
(e) Procedure for Removal of Cable. Grantee shall not remove any
underground cable or conduit which requires trenching or other opening of the Streets
along the extension of cable to be removed, except as hereinafter provided. Grantee may
remove any underground cable from the Streets which has been installed in such a
manner that it can be removed without trenching or other opening of the Streets along the
extension of cable to be removed. Subject to Applicable Law, Grantee shall remove, at
its sole cost and expense, any underground cable or conduit by trenching or opening of
the Streets along the extension thereof or otherwise which is ordered to be removed by
the City based upon a determination, in the sole discretion of the City, that removal is
required in order to eliminate or prevent a hazardous condition. Underground cable and
conduit in the Streets which is not removed shall be deemed abandoned and title thereto
shall be vested in the City.
(f) Movement of Buildings. Grantee shall, upon request by any Person
holding a building moving permit, franchise or other approval issued by the City,
temporarily remove, raise or lower its wire to permit the movement of buildings. The
expense of such removal, raising or lowering shall be paid by the Person requesting same,
and Grantee shall be authorized to require such payment in advance. The City shall
require all building movers to provide not less than fifteen (15) Days' notice to the cable
company to arrange for such temporary wire changes.
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SECTION 4
REMOVAL OR ABANDONMENT OF SYSTEM
4.1 Removal of Cable System. In the event that: (1) the use of the Cable System is
discontinued for any reason for a continuous period of twelve (12) months; or (2) the Cable
System has been installed in a Street without complying with the requirements of this Franchise,
Grantee, at its expense shall, at the demand of the City remove promptly from the Streets all of
the Cable System, used only to provide Cable Service, other than any which the City may permit
to be abandoned in place. In the event of any such removal Grantee shall promptly restore to a
condition as nearly as possible to its prior condition the Street or other public places in the City
from which the System has been removed.
4.2 Abandonment of Cable System. In the event of Grantee's abandonment of the
Cable System, used only to provide Cable Service, City shall have the right to require Grantee to
conform to the state right-of-way rules, Minn. Rules, Chapter 7819. The Cable System to be
abandoned in place shall be abandoned in the manner prescribed by the City. Grantee may not
abandon any portion of the System without having first given three (3) months written notice to
the City. Grantee may not abandon any portion of the System without compensating the City for
damages resulting from the abandonment.
4.3 Removal after Abandonment or Termination. if Grantee has failed to
commence removal of System, used only to provide Cable Service, or such part thereof as was
designated by City, within thirty(30) days after written notice of City's demand for removal
consistent with Minn. Rules, Ch. 7819, is given, or if Grantee has failed to complete such
removal within twelve (12) months after written notice of City's demand for removal is given,
City shall have the right to apply funds secured by the letter of credit and performance bond
toward removal and/or declare all right, title, and interest to the Cable System to be in City with
all rights of ownership including, but not limited to, the right to operate the Cable System or
transfer the Cable System to another for operation by it.
4.4 City Options for Failure to Remove Cable System. If Grantee has failed to
complete such removal within the time given after written notice of the City's demand for
removal is given, the City shall have the right to exercise one of the following options:
(a) Declare all right, title and interest to the System, used only to provide
Cable Service, to be in the City or its designee with all rights of ownership including, but
not limited to, the right to operate the System or transfer the System to another for
operation by it; or
(b) Declare the System abandoned and cause the System, if used only to
provide Cable Service, or such part thereof as the City shall designate, to be removed at
no cost to the City. The cost of said removal shall be recoverable from the security fund,
indemnity and penalty section provided for in this Franchise or from Grantee directly.
(c) Upon termination of service to any Subscriber, Grantee shall promptly
remove all its facilities and equipment from within the dwelling of a Subscriber who
owns such dwelling upon his or her written request, except as provided by Applicable
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Law. Such Subscribers shall be responsible for any costs incurred by Grantee in
removing the facilities and equipment.
4.5 System Construction and Equipment Standards. The Cable System shall be
installed and maintained in accordance with standard good engineering practices and shall
conform, when applicable, with the National Electrical Safety Code, the National Electrical Code
and the FCC's Rules and Regulations.
4.6 System Maps and Layout. To the extent not otherwise provided for in Section
2.6(b), Grantee, or an affiliate, shall maintain complete and accurate records, maps and diagrams
of the location of all its facilities used to provide Cable Services and the Cable System
maintained by QC in the Streets and make them available to the City upon request.
SECTION 5
SYSTEM DESIGN AND CAPACITY
5.1 Availability of Signals and Equipment.
(a) The Cable System shall have a bandwidth capable of providing the
equivalent of a typical 750 MHz Cable System. Recognizing that the City has limited
authority under federal law to designate the technical method by which Grantee provides
Cable Service, as of the Effective Date of this Franchise, Grantee provides its Cable
Service utilizing two (2) different methods. First, using a PON platform, the Grantee
provides Cable Service to some Qualified Living Units by connecting fiber directly to the
household("FTTP"). Second, the Grantee provides Cable Service to some Qualified
Living Units by deploying fiber further into the neighborhoods and using the existing
copper infrastructure to increase broadband speeds ("FTTN"). Generally speaking, when
Grantee deploys FTTN, households located within four thousand(4,000) cable feet of a
remote terminal shall receive broadband speeds capable of providing Cable Service. In
both the FTTP and FTTN footprint, a household receiving a minimum of 25 Mbps
downstream will generally be capable of receiving Cable Service after Grantee performs
certain network grooming and conditioning.
(b) The Grantee shall comply with all FCC regulations regarding carriage of
digital and HDTV transmissions.
(c) Grantee agrees to maintain the Cable System in a manner consistent with,
or in excess of the specifications in Section 5.1 (a) and(b) throughout the term of the
Franchise with sufficient capability and technical quality to enable the implementation
and performance of all the requirements of this Franchise, including the exhibits hereto,
and in a manner which meets or exceeds FCC technical quality standards at 47 C.F.R. §
76 Subpart K, regardless of the particular format in which a signal is transmitted.
5.2 Free Cable Service to Public Buildings.
(a) As part of its support for PEG use of the System, the Grantee shall provide
a fiee drop to the Subscriber network and free Basic Cable Service and Expanded Basic
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Cable Service to all of the sites listed on Exhibit A attached hereto, and to such other
public institutions as the City may reasonably request from time to time provided such
location is a Qualified Living Unit and not currently receiving service from another
provider. However, City may determine to disconnect the other cable provider and
require Grantee to meet the free service obligation, as determined in City's sole
discretion.
(b) The Grantee is only required to provide a single free drop to the
Subscriber network, to a single outlet at a point within the location selected by that
location. However, the location may extend the drop to multiple outlets and receive free
Basic and Expanded Basic Cable Service at each outlet so long as such extension does
not result in any violations of applicable leakage standards which the Grantee is obligated
to meet. A location that wishes to install multiple outlets may do so itself, or may
contract with the Grantee to do so. Grantee shall provide up to three (3) additional Set
Top Boxes to each new location free of charge so that the services can be received and
individually tuned by each receiver connected to the drop at a location. If an institution
physically moves locations, such institution may move existing Set Top Boxes to the new
locations with a free drop, and the moved Set Top Box will not count against the three (3)
additional Set Top Boxes. Grantee will replace and maintain Set Top Boxes it provides
or that it had provided as necessary so that locations may continue to view the free
services Grantee is required to provide. Provided such location is a Qualified Living Unit
and not currently receiving service from another provider. However, City may determine
to disconnect the other cable provider and require Grantee to meet the free service
obligation, as determined in City's sole discretion.
(c) Outlets of Basic and Expanded Basic Cable Service provided in
accordance with this section may be used to distribute Cable Services throughout such
buildings; provided such distribution can be accomplished without causing Cable System
disruption and general technical standards are maintained. Such outlets may only be used
for lawful purposes. Grantee agrees that if any broadband service is required in order to
receive the free service obligation set forth in this section, Grantee will provide such
broadband service free of charge for the sole purpose of facilitating the provision of free
Cable Service required by this section. Grantee agrees that it will not offset, deduct or
reduce its payment of past, present or future Franchise Fees required as a result of its
obligation to connections or services to public facilities.
5.3 System Specifications.
(a) System Maintenance. In all its construction and service provision
activities, Grantee shall meet or exceed the construction, technical performance,
extension and service requirements set forth in this Franchise.
(b) Emergency Alert Capability. At all times during the term of this
Franchise, Grantee shall provide and maintain an Emergency Alert System (EAS)
consistent with applicable federal law and regulations including 47 C.F.R., Part 11, and
any Minnesota State Emergency Alert System requirements. The City may identify
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authorized emergency officials for activating the EAS consistent with the Minnesota
State Emergency Statewide Plan ("EAS Plan"). The City may also develop a local plan
containing methods of EAS message distribution, subject to Applicable Laws and the
EAS Plan. Nothing in this section is intended to expand Grantee's obligations beyond
that which is required by the EAS Plan and Applicable Law.
(c) Standby Power. Grantee shall provide standby power generating capacity
at the Cable System control center. Grantee shall maintain standby power system
supplies,rated at least at two (2)hours' duration, throughout the trunk and distribution
networks. In addition, Grantee shall have in place throughout the Franchise term a plan,
and all resources necessary for implementation of the plan, for dealing with outages of
more than two (2) hours.
(d) Technical Standards. The technical standards used in the operation of the
Cable System shall comply, at minimum, with the applicable technical standards
promulgated by the FCC relating to Cable Systems pursuant to Title 47, Section 76,
Subpart K of the Code of Federal Regulations, as may be amended or modified from time
to time, which regulations are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The Cable
System shall be installed and maintained in accordance with standard good engineering
practices and shall conform with the National Electrical Safety Code and all other
Applicable Laws governing the construction of the Cable System.
5.4 Performance Testing. Grantee shall perform all applicable system tests at the
intervals required by the FCC, and all other tests reasonably necessary to determine compliance
with technical standards required by this Franchise. These tests shall include, at a minimum:
(a) Initial proof of performance for any construction;
(b) Semi-annual compliance tests;
(c) Tests in response to Subscriber complaints;
(d) Tests requested by the City to demonstrate franchise compliance; and
(e) Written records of all system test results performed by or for Grantee shall
be maintained, and shall be available for City inspection upon request.
5.5 Special Testing.
(a) Throughout the term of this Franchise, City shall have the right to inspect
all construction or installation work performed pursuant to the provisions of the
Franchise. In addition, City may require special testing of a location or locations within
the System if there is a particular matter of controversy or unresolved complaints
regarding such construction or installation work or pertaining to such location(s).
Demand for such special tests may be made on the basis of complaints received or other
evidence indicating an unresolved controversy or noncompliance. Such tests shall be
limited to the particular matter in controversy or unresolved complaints. City shall
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endeavor to so arrange its request for such special testing so as to minimize hardship or
inconvenience to Grantee or to the Subscribers caused by such testing.
(b) Before ordering such tests, Grantee shall be afforded thirty(30) Days
following receipt of written notice to investigate and, if necessary, correct problems or
complaints upon which tests were ordered. City shall meet with Grantee prior to
requiring special tests to discuss the need for such and, if possible, visually inspect those
locations which are the focus of concern. If, after such meetings and inspections, City
wishes to commence special tests and the thirty (30) Days have elapsed without
correction of the matter in controversy or unresolved complaints, the tests shall be
conducted at Grantee's expense by Grantee's qualified engineer. The City shall have a
right to participate in such testing by having an engineer of City's choosing, and at City's
expense, observe and monitor said testing.
SECTION 6
PROGRAMMING AND SERVICES
6.1 Categories of Programming Service. Grantee shall provide video programming
services in at least the following broad categories:
Local Broadcast (subject to federal carriage requirements)
Public Broadcast
News and Information
Sports
General Entertainment
Arts/Performance/Humanities
Science/Technology
Chi ldren/Fami ly/Seniors
Foreign Language/Ethnic Programming
Public, Educational and Governmental Access Programming (to the extent required by
the Franchise)
Movies
Leased Access
6.2 Changes in Programming Services. Grantee shall not delete or so limit as to
effectively delete any broad category of programming within its control without the City's
consent. Further, Grantee shall provide at least thirty(30) Days' prior written notice to
Subscribers and to the City of Grantee's request to effectively delete any broad category of
programming or any Channel within its control, including all proposed changes in bandwidth or
Channel allocation and any assignments including any new equipment requirements that may
occur as a result of these changes.
6.3 Parental Control Device. Upon request by any Subscriber, Grantee shall make
available for sale or lease a parental control or lockout device that will enable the Subscriber to
block all access to any and all Channels without affecting those not blocked. Grantee shall
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inform Subscribers of the availability of the lockout device at the time of original subscription
and annually thereafter.
6.4 FCC Reports. The results of any tests required to be filed by Grantee with the
FCC shall also be copied to City within ten (10) Days of the conduct of the date of the tests.
6.5 Annexation. Unless otherwise provided by Applicable Law, including the City
Code, upon the annexation of any additional land area by City, the annexed area shall thereafter
be subject to all the terms of this Franchise upon sixty(60) Days written notification to Grantee
of the annexation by City. Unless otherwise required by Applicable Laws, nothing herein shall
require the Grantee to expand its Cable System to serve, or to offer Cable Service to any area
annexed by the City if such area is then served by another Wireline MVPD franchised to provide
multichannel video programming.
6.6 Line Extension. Grantee shall not have a line extension obligation until the first
date by which Grantee is providing Cable Service to more than fifty percent (50%) of all
Subscribers receiving facilities based Cable Service from both the Grantee and any other
provider(s) of Cable Service within the City. At that time, the City, in its reasonable discretion
and after meeting with Grantee, shall determine the timeframe to complete deployment to the
remaining households in the City, including a density requirement that is the same or similar to
the requirement of the incumbent franchised cable operator.
6.7 Nonvoice Return Capability. Grantee is required to use cable and associated
electronics having the technical capacity for nonvoice return communications.
SECTION 7
PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL AND GOVERNMENTAL ACCESS
7.1 Number of PEG Access Channels. Within one hundred eighty(180) days of the
Effective Date, Grantee will make available three (3)PEG Access Channels.
7.2 Digital and High Definition PEG Carriage Requirements. While the parties
recognize that while the primary signals of local broadcast stations are simulcast in standard
definition ("SD") and high definition ("HD") formats, the Grantee's obligation with respect to
carriage of PEG in HD and SD formats shall be as follows:
(a) Grantee agrees to carry all PEG Access Channels in HD provided the
entity originating the signal provides the Grantee an HD signal. Further, Grantee will
downconvert any such signal to an SD format so that Subscribers who choose not to
subscribe to an HD package may receive said signal in an SD format.
(b) Grantee is not required to convert a signal delivered in a lower quality
format to a higher quality format. The City shall have no obligation to provide a signal to
the Grantee in a HD format.
(c) All PEG Access Channels must be receivable by Subscribers without
special expense in addition to the expense paid to receive commercial services the
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Subscriber receives. City acknowledges that HD programming may require the viewer to
have special viewer equipment (such as an HDTV and an HD-capable digital
device/receiver),but any Subscriber who can view an HD signal delivered via the Cable
System at a receiver shall also be able to view the HD Access Channels at that receiver,
without additional charges or equipment. By agreeing to make PEG available in HD
format, Grantee is not agreeing to provide free HD equipment to Subscribers including
complimentary municipal and educational accounts, or to modify its equipment or pricing
policies in any manner. City acknowledges that not every Subscriber may be able to
view HD PEG programming (for example, because they do not have an HDTV in their
home or have chosen not to take an HD-capable receiving device from Grantee or other
equipment provider) or on every television in the home.
(d) The Grantee, upon request of the City, will provide technical assistance or
diagnostic services to determine whether or not the problem with the PEG signals is the
result of matters for which the Grantee is responsible, and if so the Grantee will take
prompt corrective actions.
(e) The Grantee will provide any PEG Access Channels on the Basic Cable
Service tier throughout the life of the Franchise, or if there is no Basic Cable Service tier,
shall provide the PEG Access Channels to any Person who subscribes to any level of
cable video programming service, and otherwise in accordance with Applicable Laws.
To the extent technically feasible, Grantee shall, upon request from the City, provide City
with quarterly viewership numbers for each of the PEG Access Channels carried on
Grantee's Cable System.
(f) Grantee shall facilitate carriage of PEG Access Channel program listings
on its interactive programming guide, at no cost to the City provided that the City shall
hold Grantee harmless should the City or PEG providers fail to provide correct or timely
information to the interactive guide programmers.
(g) If Channels are selected through menu systems, the PEG Access Channels
shall be displayed in the same manner as other Channels, and with equivalent information
regarding the programming on the Channel. To the extent that any menu system is
controlled by a third party, Grantee shall ensure that the Grantee will provide PEG
listings on that menu system, if it is provided with the programming information by the
City.
7.3 Control of PEG Channels. The control and administration of the Access
Channels shall rest with the City and the City may delegate, from time to time over the term of
this Franchise, such control and administration to various entities as determined in City's sole
discretion.
7.4 Transmission of Access Channels. Access Channels may be used for
transmission of non-video signals in compliance with Applicable Laws. This may include
downstream transmission of data using a protocol such as TCP/IP or current industry standards.
Should Grantee develop the capability to provide bi-directional data transmission, spectrum
capacity shall be sufficient to allow Subscribers to transmit data to PEG facilities.
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7.5 Access Channel Locations.
(a) Grantee shall provide the City's government access channel in both HD
and SD. The government access channel will be located on Channel 239 and shall at all
times be located in the Channel neighborhood offering news/public affairs programming
on Grantee's Cable System channel lineup. The government access channel shall have
video and audio signal strength, signal quality, and functionality equivalent to the highest
quality broadcast and commercial cable/satellite Channels carried by the Grantee on its
Cable System.
(i) Grantee shall carry the remaining public and educational Channels
(PE Channels) on Channel 26 in its Channel lineup as a means to provide ease of
access by Subscribers to the group of PE Channels placed consecutively on
Channel numbers significantly higher in the Channel lineup. This use of one (1)
Channel to access the group of PE Channels required under this Franchise shall be
referred to as a"Mosaic Channel." The Mosaic Channel shall display the group
of PE Channels on a single Channel screen and serve as a navigation tool for
Subscribers. The Mosaic Channel shall allow Subscribers to navigate directly
from Channel 26 to any of the PE Channels requested in a single operation
without any intermediate steps to a chosen PE Channel in the group.
(ii) Grantee shall use Channel 26 as a Mosaic Channel to access the PE
Channels required under this Franchise. The group of consecutive PE channels
residing at higher Channel numbers will retain Channel names and identity for
marketing purposes, unless approved by the City. Grantee shall not include any
other programming or Channels on the Commission's PE Mosaic Channel unless
the City provides advance written consent.
(iii) When using the Mosaic Channel, Subscribers shall be directed to
the requested PE Channel in an HD format if appropriate to the Subscriber's level
of service; otherwise, the Subscriber shall be directed to the SD PE Channel. The
Mosaic Channel mechanism shall allow Subscribers to navigate directly from
Channel 26 to the requested Commission Access Channels which shall be located
on Channel numbers 81 10 (educational access) and 81 1 1 (public access).
(iv) Grantee shall consult with the City(or City's designee) to
determine the PE Channel information displayed on the Mosaic Channel.
However, the information shall have video and audio signal strength, signal
quality, and functionality equivalent to the highest quality broadcast and
commercial cable/satellite channels carried by the Grantee on its Cable System in
a Mosaic format.
(v) The Mosaic Channel assigned for use by the City shall be used to
navigate to the group of City PE Channels and will be placed near other PEG
Mosaic Channels
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(vi) If through technology changes or innovation in the future, the
Grantee discontinues the use of Mosaic presentations, then Grantee shall provide
the PE Channels to Subscribers at equivalent visual and audio quality and
equivalent functionality as Grantee delivers the highest quality broadcast stations
and highest quality commercial cable/satellite channels on its Cable System with
no degradation.
(b) The Grantee shall not charge for use of the PEG Access Channels,
equipment, facilities or services.
(c) In no event shall any Access Channel reallocations be made prior to ninety
(90) Days written notice to the City by Grantee, except for circumstances beyond
Grantee's reasonable control. The Access Channels will be located within reasonable
proximity to other commercial video or broadcast Channels, excluding pay-per-view
programming offered by Grantee in the City.
(d) Grantee agrees not to encrypt the Access Channels differently than other
commercial Channels available on the Cable System.
(e) In conjunction with any occurrence of any Access Channel(s)relocation,
as may be permitted by this Franchise, Grantee shall provide a minimum of Nine
Thousand Dollars ($9,000) of in-kind air time per event on advertiser supported Channels
(e.g. USA, TNT, TBS, Discovery Channel, or other comparable Channels) for the
purpose of airing City's, or its designees', pre-produced thirty(30) second announcement
explaining the change in location, or if Grantee does not have air time capabilities a
mutually agreed equivalent shall be provided.
7.6 Navigation to Access Channels. Grantee agrees that if it utilizes a visual
interface under its control on its Cable System for all Channels, the Access Channels shall be
treated in a non-discriminatory fashion consistent with Applicable Laws so that Subscribers will
have ready access to Access Channels. This shall not be construed to require Grantee to pay any
third party fees that may result from this obligation.
7.7 Ownership of Access Channels. Grantee does not relinquish its ownership of or
ultimate right of control over a Channel by designating it for PEG use. A PEG access user—
whether an individual, educational or governmental user—acquires no property or other interest
by virtue of the use of a Channel position so designated. Grantee shall not exercise editorial
control over any public, educational, or governmental use of a Channel position, except Grantee
may refuse to transmit any public access program or portion of a public access program that
contains obscenity, indecency, or nudity in violation of Applicable Law.
7.8 Noncommercial Use of PEG. Permitted noncommercial uses of the Access
Channels shall include by way of example and not limitation: (1) the identification of financial
supporters similar to what is provided on public broadcasting stations; or (2) the solicitation of
financial support for the provision of PEG programming by the City or third party users for
charitable, educational or governmental purposes; or (3)programming offered by accredited,
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non-profit, educational institutions which may, for example, offer telecourses over a Access
Channel.
7.9 Dedicated Fiber Return Lines.
(a) Grantee shall provide and maintain, free of charge with no transport costs
or other fees or costs imposed, a direct fiber connection and necessary equipment to
transmit PEG programming from the City Hall control room racks to the Grantee
headend ("PEG Origination Connection").
(b) In addition to the PEG Origination Connection, the Grantee shall, free of
charge, construct a direct connection and necessary equipment to the programming
origination site located at Edina City Hall where PEG programming is originated by the
Commission.
(c) Grantee shall at all times provide and maintain, free of charge, a drop to
the Cable System, required Set-Top Box and free Basic Cable Service and Expanded
Basic Service to the City Hall and the location from which PEG programming is
originated(currently the playback facility at the Edina City Hall), to allow these facilities
to view (live) the downstream PEG programming Channels on Grantee's Cable System
so they can monitor the PEG signals and make certain that PEG programming is being
properly received (picture and sound)by Subscribers.
7.10 Interconnection. To the extent technically feasible and permitted under
Applicable Laws, Grantee will allow necessary interconnection with any newly constructed City
and school fiber for noncommercial programming to be promoted and administered by the City
as allowed under Applicable Laws and at no additional cost to the City or schools. This may be
accomplished through a patch panel or other similar facility and each party will be responsible
for the fiber on their respective sides of the demarcation point. Grantee reserves its right to
review on a case-by-case basis the technical feasibility of the proposed interconnection. Based
on this review Grantee may condition the interconnection on the reasonable reimbursement of
Grantee's incremental costs, with no markup for profit, to recoup Grantee's construction costs
only. In no event will Grantee impose any type of recurring fee for said interconnection.
7.11 Ancillary Equipment. Any ancillary equipment operated by Grantee for the
benefit of PEG Access Channels on Grantee's fiber paths or Cable System, whether referred to
switchers, routers or other equipment, will be maintained by Grantee, at no cost to the City or
schools for the life of the Franchise. Grantee is responsible for any ancillary equipment on its
side of the demarcation point and the City or school is responsible for all other
production/playback equipment.
7.12 Future Fiber Return Lines for PEG. At such time that the City determines:
(a) that the City desires the capacity to allow Subscribers in the City to
receive PEG programming (video or character generated)which may originate from
schools, City facilities, other government facilities or other designated facilities (other
than those indicated in paragraph 10); or
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(b) that the City desires to establish or change a location from which PEG
programming is originated; or
(c) that the City desires to upgrade the Connection to Grantee from an
existing signal point of origination,
the City will give Grantee written notice detailing the point of origination and the capability
sought by the City. Grantee agrees to submit a cost estimate to implement the City's plan within
a reasonable period of time but not later than September I"in the year preceding the request for
any costs exceeding Twenty-five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($25,000). The cost estimate
will be on a time and materials basis with no additional markup. After an agreement to
reimburse Grantee for Grantee's out of pocket time and material costs, Grantee will implement
any necessary Cable System changes within a reasonable period of time. Nothing herein
prevents the City, or a private contractor retained by the City, from constructing said return fiber.
7.13 Access Channel Carriage.
(a) Any and all costs associated with any modification of the Access Channels
or signals after the Access Channels/signals leave the City's designated playback
facilities, or any designated playback center authorized by the City shall be borne entirely
by Grantee. Grantee shall not cause any programming to override PEG programming on
any Access Channel, except by oral or written permission from the City, with the
exception of emergency alert signals.
(b) The City may request and Grantee shall provide an additional Access
Channel when the cumulative time on all the existing Access Channels combined meets
the following standard: whenever one of the Access Channels in use during eighty
percent (80%) of the weekdays, Monday through Friday, for eighty percent (80%) of the
time during a consecutive three (3) hour period for six (6)weeks running, and there is a
demand for use of an additional Channel for the same purpose, the Grantee has six (6)
months in which to provide a new, Access Channel for the same purpose; provided that,
the provision of the additional Channel or Channels does not require the Cable System to
install Converters.
(c) The VHF spectrum shall be used for one (1) of the public, educational, or
governmental specially designated Access Channels.
(d) Subject to the terms of this Franchise, the City or its designee shall be
responsible for developing, implementing, interpreting and enforcing rules for PEG
Access Channel use.
(e) The Grantee shall monitor the Access Channels for technical quality to
ensure that they meet FCC technical standards including those applicable to the carriage
of Access Channels, provided however, that the Grantee is not responsible for the
production quality of PEG programming productions. The City, or its designee, shall be
responsible for the production and quality of all PEG access programming. Grantee shall
carry all components of the standard definition of Access Channel including, but not
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limited to, closed captioning, stereo audio and other elements associated with the
programming.
7.14 Access Channel Support.
(a) Upon the Effective Date of this Franchise, Grantee shall collect and remit
to the City Sixty cents (60¢)per Subscriber per month in support of PEG capital ("PEG
Fee").
(b) On August 1, 2017,the City, at its discretion, and upon ninety(90) Days
advance written notice to Grantee, may require Grantee to increase the PEG Fee to Sixty-
five cents (65¢)per Subscriber per month for the remaining term of the Franchise. The
PEG Fee shall be used by City in its sole discretion to fund PEG access capital
expenditures. In no event shall the PEG Fee be assessed in an amount different from that
imposed upon the incumbent cable provider. In the event the incumbent cable provider
agrees to a higher or lower PEG Fee, Grantee will increase or decrease its PEG Fee upon
ninety(90) Days written notice from the City.
(c) The PEG Fee is not intended to represent part of the Franchise Fee and is
intended to fall within one (1) or more of the exceptions in 47 U.S.C. § 542. The PEG
Fee may be categorized, itemized, and passed through to Subscribers as permissible, in
accordance with 47 U.S.C. §542 or other Applicable Laws. Grantee shall pay the PEG
Fee to the City quarterly at the same time as the payment of Franchise Fees under Section
16.1 of the Franchise. Grantee agrees that it will not offset or reduce its payment of past,
present or future Franchise Fees required as a result of its obligation to remit the PEG
Fee.
(d) Any PEG Fee amounts owing pursuant to this Franchise which remain
unpaid more than twenty-five (25) Days after the date the payment is due shall be
delinquent and shall thereafter accrue interest at twelve percent (12%)per annum or the
prime lending rate published by the Wall Street Journal on the Day the payment was due
plus two percent (2%), whichever is greater.
7.15 PEG Technical Quality.
(a) Grantee shall not be required to carry a PEG Access Channel in a higher
quality format than that of the Channel Signal delivered to Grantee, but Grantee shall not
implement a change in the method of delivery of Access Channels that results in a
material degradation of signal quality or impairment of viewer reception of Access
Channels, provided that this requirement shall not prohibit Grantee from implementing
new technologies also utilized for commercial Channels carried on its Cable System.
Grantee shall meet FCC signal quality standards when offering Access Channels on its
Cable System and shall continue to comply with closed captioning pass-through
requirements. There shall be no significant deterioration in an Access Channels signal
from the point of origination upstream to the point of reception downstream on the Cable
System.
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(b) Within twenty-four (24) hours of a written request from City to the
Grantee identifying a technical problem with a Access Channel and requesting assistance,
Grantee will provide technical assistance or diagnostic services to determine whether or
not a problem with a PEG signal is the result of matters for which Grantee is responsible
and if so, Grantee will take prompt corrective action. If the problem persists and there is
a dispute about the cause, then the parties shall meet with engineering representation
from Grantee and the City in order to determine the course of action to remedy the
problem.
7.16 Access Channel Promotion. Grantee shall allow the City to print and mail a post
card for promoting a designated entity's service or generally promoting community
programming to households in the City subscribing to Grantee's Cable Service at a cost to the
City not to exceed Grantee's out of pocket cost, no less frequently than twice per year, or at such
time as a Access Channel is moved or relocated, upon the written request of the City. The post
card shall be designed by the City and shall conform to the Grantee's standards and policies for
size and weight. Any post card denigrating the Grantee, its service or its programming is not
permitted. The City agrees to pay Grantee in advance for the actual cost of such post card.
7.17 Change in Technology. In the event Grantee makes any change in the Cable
System and related equipment and facilities or in its signal delivery technology, which requires
the City to obtain new equipment in order to be compatible with such change for purposes of
transport and delivery of the Access Channels, Grantee shall, at its own expense and free of
charge to City or its designated entities, purchase such equipment as may be necessary to
facilitate the cablecasting of the Access Channels in accordance with the requirements of the
Franchise.
7.18 Relocation of Grantee's Headend. In the event Grantee relocates its headend,
Grantee will be responsible for replacing or restoring the existing dedicated fiber connections at
Grantee's cost so that all the functions and capacity remain available, operate reliably and satisfy
all applicable technical standards and related obligations of the Franchise free of charge to the
City or its designated entities.
7.19 Regional Channel Six. Grantee shall make available Regional Channel Six as
long as it is required to do so by the State of Minnesota.
7.20 Government Access Channel Functionality. Grantee agrees to provide the
capability such that the City, from its City Hall, can switch its government Access Channel in the
following ways:
(a) Insert live Council meetings from City Hall;
(b) Replay government access programming from City Hall; and
(c) Transmit character generated programming.
(d) Schedule for Grantee to replay City-provided tapes in pre-arranged time
slot on the government Access Channel; and
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(e) Switch to other available programming where the City has legal authority.
7.21 Compliance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 238. In addition to the
requirements contained in this Section 7 of this Franchise, Grantee and City shall comply with
the PEG requirements mandated by Minn. Stat. 238.084.
SECTION 8
REGULATORY PROVISIONS.
8.1 Intent. The City shall have the right to administer and regulate activities under the
Franchise up to the full extent permitted by Applicable Law.
8.2 Delegation of Authority to Regulate. The City reserves the right to delegate its
regulatory authority wholly or in part to agents of the City, including, but not limited to, an
agency which may be formed to regulate several franchises in the region in a manner consistent
with Applicable Laws. This may include but shall not be limited to the Commission or other
entity as City may determine in its sole discretion. Any existing delegation in place at the time
of the grant of this Franchise shall remain intact unless expressly modified by City.
8.3 Areas of Administrative Authority. In addition to any other regulatory authority
granted to the City by law or franchise, the City shall have administrative authority in the
following areas:
(a) Administering and enforcing the provisions of this Franchise, including
the adoption of administrative rules and regulations to carry out this responsibility.
(b) Coordinating the operation of Access Channels.
(c) Formulating and recommending long-range cable communications policy
for the Franchise Area.
(d) Disbursing and utilizing Franchise revenues paid to the City.
(e) Administering the regulation of rates, to the extent permitted by
Applicable Law.
(f) All other regulatory authority permitted under Applicable Law.
The City or its designee shall have continuing regulatory jurisdiction and supervision over the
System and the Grantee's operations under the Franchise to the extent allowed by Applicable
Law.
8.4 Regulation of Rates and Charges.
(a) Right to Regulate. The City reserves the right to regulate rates or charges
for any Cable Service within the limits of Applicable Law, to enforce rate regulations
prescribed by the FCC, and to establish procedures for said regulation or enforcement.
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(b) Notice of Change in Rates and Charges. Throughout the term of this
Franchise, Grantee shall give the City and all Subscribers within the City at least thirty
(30) Days' notice of any intended modifications or additions to Subscriber rates or
charges. Nothing in this Subsection shall be construed to prohibit the reduction or
waiving of rates or charges in conjunction with promotional campaigns for the purpose of
attracting Subscribers or users.
(c) Rate Discrimination Prohibited. Within any category of Subscribers,
Grantee shall not discriminate among Subscribers with regard to rates and charges made
for any service based on considerations of race, color, creed, sex, marital or economic
status, national origin, sexual preference, or(except as allowed by Applicable Law)
neighborhood of residence, except as otherwise provided herein; and for purposes of
setting rates and charges, no categorization of Subscribers shall be made by Grantee on
the basis of those considerations. Nevertheless, Grantee shall be permitted to establish (1)
discounted rates and charges for providing Cable Service to low-income, handicapped, or
low-income elderly Subscribers, (2)promotional rates, and (3)bulk rate and package
discount pricing.
SECTION 9
BOND.
9.1 Performance Bond. Upon the Effective Date of this Franchise and at all times
thereafter Grantee shall maintain with City a bond in the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars
($100,000.00) in such form and with such sureties as shall be acceptable to City, conditioned
upon the faithful performance by Grantee of this Franchise and the acceptance hereof given by
City and upon the further condition that in the event Grantee shall fail to comply with any law,
ordinance or regulation, there shall be recoverable jointly and severally from the principal and
surety of the bond, any damages or losses suffered by City as a result, including the full amount
of any compensation, indemnification or cost of removal of any property of Grantee, including a
reasonable allowance for attorneys' fees and costs (with interest at two percent(2%) in excess of
the then prime rate), up to the full amount of the bond, and which bond shall further guarantee
payment by Grantee of all claims and liens against City or any, public property, and taxes due to
City, which arise by reason of the construction, operation, maintenance or use of the Cable
System. The City shall provide Grantee reasonable advanced notice of not less than ten (10)
Days prior to any draw by the City on the performance bond required under this Section 9.
9.2 Rights. The rights reserved by City with respect to the bond are in addition to all
other rights the City may have under this Franchise or any other law.
9.3 Reduction of Bond Amount. City may, in its sole discretion, reduce the amount
of the bond.
SECTION 10
SECURITY FUND
10.1 Security Fund. If there is an uncured breach by Grantee of a material provision of
this Franchise or a pattern of repeated violations of any provision(s) of this Franchise, then
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Grantee shall, upon written request, establish and provide to the City, as security for the faithful
performance by Grantee of all of the provisions of this Franchise, a letter of credit from a
financial institution satisfactory to the City in the amount of Twenty Thousand and No/100
Dollars ($20,000.00). In no event shall Grantee fail to post a Twenty Thousand and No/100
Dollar($20,000.00) letter of credit within thirty(30) days receipt of a notice of franchise
violation pursuant to this Section 10.1. Failure to post said letter of credit shall constitute a
separate material violation of this Franchise, unless the breach is cured within such thirty(30)
Day period or longer period allowed under the Franchise. The letter of credit shall serve as a
common security fund for the faithful performance by Grantee of all the provisions of this
Franchise and compliance with all orders, permits and directions of the City and the payment by
Grantee of any claim, liens, costs, expenses and taxes due the City which arise by reason of the
construction, operation or maintenance of the Cable System. Interest on this deposit shall be paid
to Grantee by the bank on an annual basis. The security may be terminated by the Grantee upon
the resolution of the alleged noncompliance. The obligation to establish the security fund
required by this paragraph is unconditional. The fund must be established in those circumstances
where Grantee disputes the allegation that it is not in compliance, and maintained for the
duration of the dispute. If Grantee fails to establish the security fund as required, the City may
take whatever action is appropriate to require the establishment of that fund and may recover its
costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and an additional penalty of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) in
that action.
10.2 Withdrawal of Funds. Provision shall be made to permit the City to withdraw
funds from the security fund. Grantee shall not use the security fund for other purposes and shall
not assign, pledge or otherwise use this security fund as security for any purpose.
10.3 Restoration of Funds. Within ten (10) Days after notice to it that any amount has
been withdrawn by the City from the security fund pursuant to 10.4 of this section, Grantee shall
deposit a sum of money sufficient to restore such security fund to the required amount.
10.4 Liquidated Damages. In addition to recovery of any monies owed by Grantee to
City or damages to City as a result of any acts or omissions by Grantee pursuant to the Franchise,
City in its sole discretion may charge to and collect from the security fund the following
liquidated damages:
(a) For failure to provide data, documents, reports or information or to
cooperate with City during an application process or System review, the liquidated
damage shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per Day for each Day, or part thereof,
such failure occurs or continues.
(b) For failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Franchise for
which a penalty is not otherwise specifically provided pursuant to this Paragraph 10.4,
the liquidated damage shall be One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00)per Day for each
Day, or part thereof, such failure occurs or continues.
(c) For failure to test, analyze and report on the performance of the System
following a request by City, the liquidated damage shall be Two Hundred Fifty Dollars
($250.00)per Day for each Day, or part thereof, such failure occurs or continues.
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(d) Forty-five Days following notice from City of a failure of Grantee to
comply with construction, operation or maintenance standards, the liquidated damage
shall be Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) per Day for each Day, or part thereof, such
failure occurs or continues.
(e) For failure to provide the services Grantee has proposed, including but not
limited to the implementation and the utilization of the Access Channels the liquidated
damage shall be One Hundred Fifty ($150.00)per Day for each Day, or part thereof, such
failure occurs or continues.
10.5 Each Violation a Separate Violation. Each violation of any provision of this
Franchise shall be considered a separate violation for which separate liquidated damages can be
imposed.
10.6 Maximum 120 Days. Any liquidated damages for any given violation shall be
imposed upon Grantee for a maximum of one hundred twenty(120) Days. If after that amount
of time Grantee has not cured or commenced to cure the alleged breach to the satisfaction of the
City, the City may pursue al I other remedies.
10.7 Withdrawal of Funds to Pay Taxes. If Grantee fails to pay to the City any taxes
due and unpaid; or fails to repay to the City, any damages, costs or expenses which the City shall
be compelled to pay by reason of any act or default of the Grantee in connection with this
Franchise; or fails, after thirty(30) Days notice of such failure by the City to comply with any
provision of the Franchise which the City reasonably determines can be remedied by an
expenditure of the security, the City may then withdraw such funds from the security fund.
Payments are not Franchise Fees as defined in Section 16 of this Franchise.
10.8 Procedure for Draw on Security Fund. Whenever the City finds that Grantee
has allegedly violated one (1) or more terms, conditions or provisions of this Franchise, a written
notice shall be given to Grantee. The written notice shall describe in reasonable detail the alleged
violation so as to afford Grantee an opportunity to remedy the violation. Grantee shall have thirty
(30) Days subsequent to receipt of the notice in which to correct the violation before the City
may require Grantee to make payment of damages, and further to enforce payment of damages
through the security fund. Grantee may, within ten (10) Days of receipt of notice, notify the City
that there is a dispute as to whether a violation or failure has, in fact, occurred. Such notice by
Grantee shall specify with particularity the matters disputed by Grantee and shall stay the
running of the above-described time.
(a) City shall hear Grantee's dispute at the next regularly scheduled or
specially scheduled Council meeting. Grantee shall have the right to speak and introduce
evidence. The City shall determine if Grantee has committed a violation and shall make
written findings of fact relative to its determination. If a violation is found, Grantee may
petition for reconsideration.
(b) If after hearing the dispute, the claim is upheld by the City, then Grantee
shall have thirty (30) Days within which to remedy the violation before the City may
require payment of all liquidated damages due it.
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10.9 Time for Correction of Violation. The time for Grantee to correct any alleged
violation may be extended by the City if the necessary action to collect the alleged violation is of
such a nature or character as to require more than thirty(30) Days within which to perform
provided Grantee commences corrective action within fifteen (15) Days and thereafter uses
reasonable diligence, as determined by the City, to correct the violation.
10.10 Grantee's Right to Pay Prior to Security Fund Draw. Grantee shall have the
opportunity to make prompt payment of any assessed liquidated damages and if Grantee fails to
promptly remit payment to the City, the City may resort to a draw from the security fund in
accordance with the terms of this Section 10 of the Franchise.
10.11 Failure to so Replenish Security Fund. If any security fund is not so replaced,
City may draw on said security fund for the whole amount thereof and hold the proceeds,
without interest, and use the proceeds to pay costs incurred by City in performing and paying for
any or all of the obligations, duties and responsibilities of Grantee under this Franchise that are
not performed or paid for by Grantee pursuant hereto, including attorneys' fees incurred by the
City in so performing and paying. The failure to so replace any security fund may also, at the
option of City, be deemed a default by Grantee under this Franchise. The drawing on the
security fund by City, and use of the money so obtained for payment or performance of the
obligations, duties and responsibilities of Grantee which are in default, shall not be a waiver or
release of such default.
10.12 Collection of Funds Not Exclusive Remedy. The collection by City of any
damages or monies from the security fund shall not affect any other right or remedy available to
City, nor shall any act, or failure to act, by City pursuant to the security fund, be deemed a
waiver of any right of City pursuant to this Franchise or otherwise. Notwithstanding this section,
however, should the City elect to impose liquidated damages that remedy shall remain the City's
exclusive remedy for the one hundred twenty (120) Day period set forth in Section 10.6.
SECTION 11
DEFAULT
11.1 Basis for Default. City shall give written notice of default to Grantee if City, in
its sole discretion, determines that Grantee has:
(a) Violated any material provision of this Franchise or the acceptance hereto
or any rule, order, regulation or determination of the City, state or federal government,
not in conflict with this Franchise;
(b) Attempted to evade any provision of this Franchise or the acceptance
hereof,
(c) Practiced any fraud or deceit upon City or Subscribers; or
(d) Made a material misrepresentation of fact in the application for or
negotiation of this Franchise.
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11.2 Default Procedure. If Grantee fails to cure such default within thirty(30) Days
after the giving of such notice (or if such default is of such a character as to require more than
thirty(30) Days within which to cure the same, and Grantee fails to commence to cure the same
within said thirty(30) Day period and thereafter fails to use reasonable diligence, in City's sole
opinion, to cure such default as soon as possible), then, and in any event, such default shall be a
substantial breach and City may elect to terminate the Franchise. The City may place the issue of
revocation and termination of this Franchise before the governing body of City at a regular
meeting. If City decides there is cause or reason to terminate, the following procedure shall be
followed:
(a) City shall provide Grantee with a written notice of the reason or cause for
proposed termination and shall allow Grantee a minimum of thirty(30) Days subsequent
to receipt of the notice in which to correct the default.
(b) Grantee shall be provided with an opportunity to be heard at a public
hearing prior to any decision to terminate this Franchise.
(c) If, after notice is given and an opportunity to cure, at Grantee's option, a
public hearing is held, and the City determines there was a violation, breach, failure,
refusal or neglect, the City may declare by resolution the Franchise revoked and of no
further force and effect unless there is compliance within such period as the City may fix,
such period may not be less than thirty(30) Days provided no opportunity for compliance
need be granted for fraud or misrepresentation.
11.3 Mediation. If the Grantee and City are unable to resolve a dispute through
informal negotiations during the period of thirty (30) Days following the submission of the claim
giving rise to the dispute by one (1)party to the other, then unless that claim has been waived as
provided in the Franchise, such claim may be subject to mediation if jointly agreed upon by both
parties. Unless the Grantee and City mutually agree otherwise, such mediation shall be in
accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association currently in effect at the time
of the mediation. A party seeking mediation shall file a request for mediation with the other
party to the Franchise and with the American Arbitration Association. The request may be made
simultaneously with the filing of a complaint, but, in such event, mediation shall proceed in
advance of legal proceedings only if the other party agrees to participate in mediation. Mutually
agreed upon Mediation shall stay other enforcement remedies of the parties for a period of ninety
(90) days from the date of filing, unless stayed for a longer period by agreement of the Grantee
and City. The Grantee and City shall each pay one-half of the mediator's fee and any filing fees.
The mediation shall be held in the City unless another location is mutually agreed upon.
Agreements reached in mediation shall be enforceable as a settlement agreement in any court
having jurisdiction thereof. Nothing herein shall serve to modify or on any way delay the
franchise enforcement process set forth in Section 10 of this Franchise.
11.4 Failure to Enforce. Grantee shall not be relieved of any of its obligations to
comply promptly with any provision of the Franchise by reason of any failure of the City to
enforce prompt compliance, and City's failure to enforce shall not constitute a waiver of rights or
acquiescence in Grantee's conduct.
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11.5 Compliance with the Laws.
(a) If any federal or state law or regulation shall require or permit City or
Grantee to perform any service or act or shall prohibit City or Grantee from performing
any service or act which may be in conflict with the terms of this Franchise, then as soon
as possible following knowledge thereof, either party shall notify the other of the point in
conflict believed to exist between such law or regulation. Grantee and City shall conform
to state laws and rules regarding cable communications not later than one (1) year after
they become effective, unless otherwise stated, and shall conform to federal laws and
regulations regarding cable as they become effective.
(b) If any term, condition or provision of this Franchise or the application
thereof to any Person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be held to be invalid or
unenforceable, the remainder hereof and the application of such term, condition or
provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to whom it shall be held invalid
or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby, and this Franchise and all the terms,
provisions and conditions hereof shall, in all other respects, continue to be effective and
complied with provided the loss of the invalid or unenforceable clause does not
substantially alter the agreement between the parties. In the event such law, rule or
regulation is subsequently repealed, rescinded, amended or otherwise changed so that the
provision which had been held invalid or modified is no longer in conflict with the law,
rules and regulations then in effect, said provision shall thereupon return to full force and
effect and shall thereafter be binding on Grantee and City.
SECTION 12
FORECLOSURE AND RECEIVERSHIP
12.1 Foreclosure. Upon the foreclosure or other judicial sale of the Cable System,
Grantee shall notify the City of such fact and such notification shall be treated as a notification
that a change in control of Grantee has taken place, and the provisions of this Franchise
governing the consent to transfer or change in ownership shall apply without regard to how such
transfer or change in ownership occurred.
12.2 Receivership. The City shall have the right to cancel this Franchise subject to any
applicable provisions of state law, including the Bankruptcy Act, one hundred twenty(120) Days
after the appointment of a receiver or trustee to take over and conduct the business of Grantee,
whether in receivership, reorganization, bankruptcy or other action or proceeding, unless such
receivership or trusteeship shall have been vacated prior to the expiration of said one hundred
twenty(120) Days, or unless:
(a) Within one hundred twenty(120) Days after his election or appointment,
such receiver or trustee shall have fully complied with all the provisions of this Franchise
and remedied all defaults thereunder; and,
(b) Such receiver or trustee, within said one hundred twenty (120) Days, shall
have executed an agreement, duly approved by the Court having jurisdiction in the
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premises, whereby such receiver or trustee assumes and agrees to be bound by each and
every provision of this Franchise.
SECTION 13
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
13.1 Quarterly Reports. Within forty-five (45) calendar days after the end of each
calendar quarter, Grantee shall submit to the City along with its Franchise Fee payment a report
showing the basis for computation of such fees prepared by an officer, or designee of Grantee
showing the basis for the computation of the Franchise Fees paid during that period in a form
and substance substantially equivalent to Exhibit B attached hereto. This report shall separately
indicate revenues received by Grantee within the City including, but not limited to such items as
listed in the definition of"Gross Revenues" at Section 1 of this Franchise.
13.2 Monitoring and Compliance Reports. Upon request, but no more than once a
year, Grantee shall provide a written report of any and all applicable FCC technical performance
tests for the residential network required in FCC Rules and Regulations as now or hereinafter
constituted. In addition, Grantee shal I provide City with copies of reports of the semi-annual test
and compliance procedures applicable to Grantee and established by this Franchise no later than
thirty(30) Days after the completion of each series of tests.
13.3 Reports. Upon request of the City and in no event later than thirty(30) Days from
the date of receipt of such request, Grantee shall, free of charge, prepare and furnish to the City,
at the times and in the form prescribed that Grantee is technically capable of producing, such
additional reports with respect to its operation, affairs, transactions, or property, as may be
reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with the terms of this Franchise. Grantee and City
may in good faith agree upon taking into consideration Grantee's need for the continuing
confidentiality as prescribed herein. Neither City nor Grantee shall unreasonably demand or
withhold information requested pursuant with the terms of this Franchise.
13.4 Communications with Regulatory Agencies.
(a) Upon written request, Grantee shall submit to City copies of any pleading,
applications, notifications, communications and documents of any kind, submitted by
Grantee or its Affiliates to any federal, State or local courts, regulatory agencies and other
government bodies if such documents directly relate to the operations of Grantee `s Cable
System within the Franchise Area. Grantee shall submit such documents to City no later
than thirty(30) Days after receipt of City's request. Grantee shall not claim confidential,
privileged or proprietary rights to such documents unless under federal, State, or local
law such documents have been determined to be confidential by a court of competent
jurisdiction, or a federal or State agency. With respect to all other reports, documents and
notifications provided to any federal, State or local regulatory agency as a routine matter
in the due course of operating Grantee `s Cable System within the Franchise Area,
Grantee shall make such documents available to City upon City's written request.
(b) In addition, Grantee and its Affiliates shall within ten (10) Days of any
communication to or from any judicial or regulatory agency regarding any alleged or
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actual violation of this Franchise, City regulation or other requirement relating to the
System, use its best efforts to provide the City a copy of the communication, whether
specifically requested by the City to do so or not.
SECTION 14
CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICIES
14.1 Response to Customers and Cooperation with City. Grantee shall promptly
respond to all requests for service, repair, installation and information from Subscribers. Grantee
acknowledges the City's interest in the prompt resolution of all cable complaints and shall work
in close cooperation with the City to resolve complaints.
14.2 Definition of"Complaint." For the purposes of Section 14, with the exception of
Subsection 14.5, a"complaint" shall mean any communication to Grantee or to the City by a
Subscriber or a Person who has requested Cable Service; a Person expressing dissatisfaction with
any service, performance, or lack thereof, by Grantee under the obligations of this Franchise.
14.3 Customer Service Agreement and Written Information. Grantee shall provide
to Subscribers a comprehensive service agreement and information in writing for use in
establishing Subscriber service. Written information shall, at a minimum, contain the following
information:
(a) Services to be provided and rates for such services.
(b) Bi I ling procedures.
(c) Service termination procedure.
(d) Change in service notifications.
(e) Liability specifications.
(f) Set Top Boxes/Subscriber terminal equipment policy.
(g) How complaints are handled including Grantee's procedure for
investigation and resolution of Subscriber complaints.
(h) The name, address, and phone number of the Person identified by the City
as responsible for handling cable questions and complaints for the City. This information
shall be prominently displayed and Grantee shall submit the information to the City for
review and approval as to its content and placement on Subscriber billing statements.
(i) A copy of the written information shall be provided to each Subscriber at
the time of initial Connection and any subsequent reconnection.
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14.4 Reporting Complaints.
(a) The requirements of this Section 14.4 shall be subject to federal law
regarding Subscriber privacy. Grantee shall maintain all Subscriber data available for
City inspection. Subscriber data shall include the date, name, address, telephone number
of Subscriber complaints as well as the subject of the complaint, date and type of action
taken to resolve the complaint, any additional action taken by Grantee or the Subscriber.
The data shall be maintained in a way that allows for simplified access of the data by the
City.
(b) Subject to federal law and upon reasonable request by the City, Grantee
shall, within a reasonable amount of time, provide City with such Subscriber data for its
review.
14.5 Customer Service Standards. The City hereby adopts the customer service
standards set forth in Part 76, §76.309 of the FCC's rules and regulations, as amended. Grantee
shall, upon request, which request shall include the reason for the request (such as complaints
received or other reasonable evidence of concern), provide City with information which shall
describe in detail Grantee's compliance with each and every term and provision of this Section
14.5. Grantee shall comply in all respects with the customer service requirements established by
the FCC and those set forth herein. To the extent that this Franchise imposes requirements
greater than those established by the FCC, Grantee reserves whatever rights it may have to
recover the costs associated with compliance in any manner consistent with Applicable Law.
14.6 Local Office. During the term of the Franchise the Grantee shall comply with
one of the following requirements:
(a) Grantee shall maintain a convenient local customer service and bill
payment location for matters such as receiving Subscriber payments, handling billing
questions, equipment replacement and customer service information. Grantee shall
comply with the standards and requirements for customer service set forth below during
the term of this Franchise.
(b) Grantee shall maintain convenient local Subscriber service and bill
payment locations for the purpose of receiving Subscriber payments or equipment
returns. Unless otherwise requested by the Subscriber, Grantee shall deliver replacement
equipment directly to the Subscriber at no cost to the Subscriber. The Grantee shall
maintain a business office or offices for the purpose of receiving and resolving all
complaints regarding the quality of service, equipment malfunctions, billings disputes
and similar matters. The office must be reachable by a local, toll-free telephone call, and
Grantee shall provide the City with the name, address and telephone number of an office
that will act as the Grantee's agent to receive complaints, regarding quality of service,
equipment malfunctions,billings, and similar matters. At a minimum Grantee shall also
provide the following:
(i) Subscribers can remit payments at multiple third party commercial
locations within the City(such as grocery stores or the Western Union).
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(ii) Grantee will provide a service technician to any Qualified Living
Unit in the City, free of charge to the Subscriber, where necessary to install,
replace or troubleshoot equipment issues.
(iii) Subscribers shall be able to return and receive equipment, free of
charge, via national overnight courier service (such as Fed Ex or UPS) if a service
technician is not required to visit the Subscriber's Qualified Living Unit.
(iv) In the event Grantee provides Cable Service to a minimum of
thirty percent (30%) of the total number of Cable Service Subscribers in the City
served by cable operators franchised by the City, the Grantee shall then be
required to also comply with the requirements of Section 14.6 (a) above.
14.7 Cable System office hours and telephone availability.
(a) Grantee will maintain a local, toll-free or collect call telephone access line
which will be available to its Subscribers twenty-four(24) hours a Day, seven (7) Days a
week.
(i) Trained Grantee representatives will be available to respond to
customer telephone inquiries during Normal Business Hours.
(ii) After Normal Business Hours, the access line may be answered by
a service or an automated response system, including an answering machine.
Inquiries received after Normal Business Hours must be responded to by a trained
Grantee representative on the next business Day.
(b) Under Normal Operating Conditions, telephone answer time by a
customer representative, including wait time, shall not exceed thirty(30) seconds when
the connection is made. If the call needs to be transferred, transfer time shall not exceed
thirty(30) seconds. These standards shall be met no less than ninety percent (90%) of the
time under Normal Operating Conditions, measured on a quarterly basis.
(c) Grantee shall not be required to acquire equipment or perform surveys to
measure compliance with the telephone answering standards above unless an historical
record of complaints indicates a clear failure to comply.
(d) Under Normal Operating Conditions, the customer wi I I receive a busy
signal less than three percent(3%) of the time.
(e) Customer service center and bill payment locations will be open at least
during Normal Business Hours and will be conveniently located.
14.8 Installations, Outages and Service Calls. Under Normal Operating Conditions,
each of the following standards will be met no less than ninety-five percent (95%) of the time
measured on a quarterly basis:
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(a) Standard Installations will be performed within seven (7)business days
after an order has been placed. "Standard" Installations are those to a Qualified Living
Unit.
(b) Excluding conditions beyond the control of Grantee, Grantee will begin
working on "Service Interruptions"promptly and in no event later than twenty-four(24)
hours after the interruption becomes known. Grantee must begin actions to correct other
Service problems the next business Day after notification of the Service problem.
(c) The "appointment window" alternatives for Installations, Service calls,
and other Installation activities will be either a specific time or, at maximum, a four(4)
hour time block during Normal Business Hours. (Grantee may schedule Service calls and
other Installation activities outside of Normal Business Hours for the express
convenience of the customer.)
(d) Grantee may not cancel an appointment with a customer after the close of
business on the business Day prior to the scheduled appointment.
(e) If Grantee's representative is running late for an appointment with a
customer and will not be able to keep the appointment as scheduled, the customer will be
contacted. The appointment will be rescheduled, as necessary, at a time which is
convenient for the customer.
14.9 Communications between Grantee and Subscribers.
(a) Refunds. Refund checks will be issued promptly, but no later than either:
(i) The customer's next billing cycle following resolution of the
request or thirty(30) Days, whichever is earlier, or
(ii) The return of the equipment supplied by Grantee if Cable Service
is terminated.
(b) Credits. Credits for Cable Service will be issued no later than the
customer's next billing cycle following the determination that a credit is warranted.
14.10 Billing.
(a) Consistent with 47 C.F.R. § 76.1619,bills will be clear, concise and
understandable. Bills must be fully itemized, with itemizations including, but not limited
to, Basic Cable Service and premium Cable Service charges and equipment charges.
Bills will also clearly delineate all activity during the billing period, including optional
charges, rebates and credits.
(b) In case of a billing dispute, Grantee must respond to a written complaint
from a Subscriber within thirty(30) Days.
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14.11 Subscriber Information. Grantee will provide written information on each of the
following areas at the time of Installation of Service, at least annually to all Subscribers, and at
any time upon request:
(a) Products and Services offered;
(b) Prices and options for programming services and conditions of
subscription to programming and other services;
(c) Installation and Service maintenance policies;
(d) Instructions on how to use the Cable Service;
(e) Channel positions of programming carried on the System; and
(f) Billing and complaint procedures, including the address and telephone
number of the City's cable office.
Subscribers shall be advised of the procedures for resolution of complaints about the
quality of the television signal delivered by Grantee, including the address of the responsible
officer of the City. Subscribers will be notified of any changes in rates, programming services or
Channel positions as soon as possible in writing. Notice must be given to Subscribers a
minimum of thirty(30) Days in advance of such changes if the change is within the control of
Grantee. In addition, Grantee shall notify Subscribers thirty(30) Days in advance of any
significant changes in the information required by this Section 14.11.
14.12 Notice or Rate Programming Change. In addition to the requirement of this
Section 14.12 regarding advance notification to Subscribers of any changes in rates,
programming services or Channel positions, Grantee shall give thirty(30) Days written notice to
both Subscribers and the City before implementing any rate or Service change. If required by
Applicable Law, such notice shall state the precise amount of any rate change and briefly explain
in readily understandable fashion the cause of the rate change (e.g., inflation, change in external
costs or the addition/deletion of Channels). When the change involves the addition or deletion of
Channels, each Channel added or deleted must be separately identified. For purposes of the
carriage of digital broadcast signals, Grantee need only identify for Subscribers, the television
signal added and not whether that signal may be multiplexed during certain dayparts.
14.13 Subscriber Contracts. Grantee shall, upon written request,provide the City with
any standard form residential Subscriber contract utilized by Grantee. If no such written contract
exists, Grantee shall file with the City a document completely and concisely stating the length
and terms of the Subscriber contract offered to customers. The length and terms of any standard
form Subscriber contract(s) shall be available for public inspection during Normal Business
Hours. A list of Grantee's current Subscriber rates and charges for Cable Service shall be
maintained on file with City and shall be available for public inspection.
14.14 Refund Policy. If a Subscriber's Cable Service is interrupted or discontinued,
without cause, for twenty-four(24) or more consecutive hours, Grantee shall, upon request by
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the Subscriber, credit such Subscriber pro rata for such interruption. For this purpose, every
month will be assumed to have thirty(30) Days.
14.15 Late Fees. Grantee shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws with
respect to any assessment, charge, cost, fee or sum, however characterized, that Grantee imposes
upon a Subscriber for late payment of a bill. The City reserves the right to enforce Grantee's
compliance with all Applicable Laws to the maximum extent legally permissible.
14.16 Disputes. All Subscribers and members of the general public may direct
complaints, regarding Grantee's Service or performance to the chief administrative officer of the
City or the chief administrative officer's designee, which may be a board or Commission of the
City.
14.17 Customer Bills. Customer bills shall be designed in such a way as to present the
information contained therein clearly and comprehensibly to Customers, and in a way that(A) is
not misleading and (B) does not omit material information. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in Section 14.10, above, Grantee may, in its sole discretion, consolidate costs on
Customer bills as may otherwise be permitted by Section 622(c) of the Cable Act (47 U.S.C.
§542(c)).
14.18 Failure to Resolve Complaints. Grantee must investigate and act upon any
service complaint promptly and in no event later than twenty-four(24) hours after the problem
becomes known. Grantee must address, and if feasible, resolve service complaints within three
(3) calendar days.
14.19 Maintain a Complaint Phone Line. Grantee shall maintain a local or toll-free
telephone Subscriber complaint line, available to its Subscribers twenty-four(24) hours per Day,
seven (7) Days a week.
14.20 Notification of Complaint Procedure. Grantee shall have printed clearly and
prominently on each Subscriber bill and in the customer service agreement provided for in
Section 14.3, the twenty-four(24) hour Grantee phone number for Subscriber complaints.
Additionally, Grantee shall provide information to customers concerning the procedures to
follow when they are unsatisfied with measures taken by Grantee to remedy their complaint.
This information will include the phone number of the City office or Person designated to handle
complaints. Additionally, where possible Grantee shall state that complaints should be made to
Grantee prior to contacting the City.
14.21 Subscriber Privacy.
(a) To the extent required by Minn. Stat. §238.084 Subd. 1(s) Grantee shall
comply with the following: No signals including signals of a Class IV Channel may be
transmitted from a Subscriber terminal for purposes of monitoring individual viewing
patterns or practices without the express written permission of the Subscriber. The
request for permission must be contained in a separate document with a prominent
statement that the Subscriber is authorizing the permission in full knowledge of its
provisions. Such written permission shall be for a limited period of time not to exceed
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one (1) year which may be renewed at the option of the Subscriber. No penalty shall be
invoked for a Subscriber's failure to provide or renew such permission. The permission
shall be revocable at any time by the Subscriber without penalty of any kind whatsoever.
(b) No information or data obtained by monitoring transmission of a signal
from a Subscriber terminal, including but not limited to lists of the names and addresses
of Subscribers or any lists that identify the viewing habits of Subscribers shall be sold or
otherwise made available to any party other than to Grantee or its agents for Grantee's
business use, and also to the Subscriber subject of that information, unless Grantee has
received specific written permission from the Subscriber to make such data available.
The request for permission must be contained in a separate document with a prominent
statement that the Subscriber is authorizing the permission in full knowledge of its
provisions. Such written permission shall be for a limited period of time not to exceed
one (1) year which may be renewed at the option of the Subscriber. No penalty shall be
invoked for a Subscriber's failure to provide or renew such permission. The permission
shall be revocable at any time by the Subscriber without penalty of any kind whatsoever.
(c) Written permission from the Subscriber shall not be required for the
conducting of system wide or individually addressed electronic sweeps for the purpose of
verifying System integrity or monitoring for the purpose of billing. Confidentiality of
such information shall be subject to the provision set forth in subparagraph (b) of this
section.
14.22 Grantee Identification. Grantee shall provide all customer service technicians and
all other Grantee employees entering private property with appropriate picture identification so
that Grantee employees may be easily identified by the property owners and Subscribers.
SECTION 15
SUBSCRIBER PRACTICES
15.1 Subscriber Rates. There shall be no charge for disconnection of any installation
or outlet. If any Subscriber fails to pay a properly due monthly Subscriber fee, or any other
properly due fee or charge, Grantee may disconnect the Subscriber's service outlet,provided,
however, that such disconnection shall not be effected until after the later of. (i) forty-five (45)
Days after the original due date of said delinquent fee or charge; or (ii) ten (10) Days after
delivery to Subscriber of written notice of the intent to disconnect. If a Subscriber pays before
expiration of the later of(i) or(ii), Grantee shall not disconnect. After disconnection, upon
payment in full of the delinquent fee or charge and the payment of a reconnection charge,
Grantee shall promptly reinstate the Subscriber's Cable Service.
15.2 Refunds to Subscribers shall be made or determined in the following manner:
(a) If Grantee fails, upon request by a Subscriber, to provide any service then
being offered, Grantee shall promptly refund all deposits or advance charges paid for the
service in question by said Subscriber. This provision does not alter Grantee's
responsibility to Subscribers under any separate contractual agreement or relieve Grantee
of any other liability.
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(b) If any Subscriber terminates any monthly service because of failure of
Grantee to render the service in accordance with this Franchise, Grantee shall refund to
such Subscriber the proportionate share of the charges paid by the Subscriber for the
services not received. This provision does not relieve Grantee of liability established in
other provisions of this Franchise.
(c) If any Subscriber terminates any monthly service prior to the end of a
prepaid period, a proportionate amount of any prepaid Subscriber service fee, using the
number of days as a basis, shall be refunded to the Subscriber by Grantee.
SECTION 16
COMPENSATION AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS.
16.1 Franchise Fees. During the term of the Franchise, Grantee shall pay to the City a
Franchise Fee of five percent (5%) of Gross Revenues. If any such law, regulation or valid rule
alters the five percent(5%) Franchise Fee ceiling enacted by the Cable Act, then the City shall
have the authority to (but shall not be required to) increase the Franchise Fee accordingly,
provided such increase is for purposes not inconsistent with Applicable Law. In the event
Grantee bundles or combines Cable Services (which are subject to the Franchise Fee) with non-
Cable Services (which are not subject to the Franchise Fee) so that Subscribers pay a single fee
for more than one (1) class of service resulting in a discount on Cable Services, Grantee agrees
that for the purpose of calculation of the Franchise Fee, it shall allocate to Cable Service revenue
no less than a pro rata share of the revenue received for the bundled or combined services. The
pro rata share shall be computed on the basis of the published charge for each service in the
bundled or combined classes of services when purchased separately.
(a) Franchise Fees shall be paid quarterly not later than forty-five (45) Days
following the end of a given quarter. In accordance with Section 16 of this Franchise,
Grantee shall file with the City a Franchise Fee payment worksheet, attached as Exhibit
B, signed by an authorized representative of Grantee, which identifies Gross Revenues
earned by Grantee during the period for which payment is made. No acceptance of any
payment shall be construed as an accord that the amount paid is in fact, the correct
amount, nor shall such acceptance of payment be construed as a release of any claim
which the City may have for further-or additional sums payable under the provisions of
this section.
(b) Neither current nor previously paid Franchise Fees shall be subtracted
from the Gross Revenue amount upon which Franchise Fees are calculated and due for
any period, unless otherwise required by Applicable Law.
(c) Any Franchise Fees owing pursuant to this Franchise which remain unpaid
more than forty-five (45) Days after the dates specified herein shall be delinquent and
shall thereafter accrue interest at twelve percent(12%)per annum or two percent (2%)
above prime lending rate as quoted by the Wall Street Journal, whichever is greater.
(d) In no event shall the Grantee be required to pay a Franchise Fee
percentage in excess of that paid by incumbent cable provider.
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16.2 Auditing and Financial Records. Throughout the term of this Franchise, the
Grantee agrees that the City, upon reasonable prior written notice of not less than twenty (20)
Days to the Grantee, may review such of the Grantee's books and records regarding the
operation of the Cable System and the provision of Cable Service in the Franchise Area which
are reasonably necessary to monitor and enforce Grantee's compliance with the provisions of
this Franchise. Grantee shall provide such requested information as soon as possible and in no
event more than thirty(30) Days after the notice unless Grantee explains that it is not feasible to
meet this timeline and provides a written explanation for the delay and an estimated reasonable
date for when such information will be provided. All such documents pertaining to financial
matters that may be the subject of an inspection by the City shall be retained by the Grantee for a
minimum period of six (6) years,pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 541.05. The Grantee
shall not deny the City access to any of the Grantee's records on the basis that the Grantee's
records are under the control of any parent corporation, Affiliated entity or a third party. The
City may request in writing copies of any such records or books that are reasonably necessary,
and the Grantee shall provide such copies within thirty(30) Days of the receipt of such request.
One (1) copy of all reports and records required under this or any other section shall be furnished
to the City at the sole expense of the Grantee. If the requested books and records are too
voluminous, or for security reasons cannot be copied or removed, then the Grantee may request,
in writing within ten (10) Days of receipt of such request, that the City inspect them at the
Grantee's local offices or at one of Grantee's offices more convenient to City or its duly
authorized agent. If any books or records of the Grantee are not kept in such office and not made
available in copies to the City upon written request as set forth above, and if the City determines
that an examination of such records is necessary for the enforcement of this Franchise, then all
reasonable travel expenses incurred in making such examination shall be paid by the Grantee.
16.3 Review of Record Keeping Methodology. Grantee agrees to meet with
representative of the City upon request to review its methodology of record-keeping, financial
reporting, computing Franchise Fee obligations, and other procedures the understanding of
which the City deems necessary for understanding the meaning of reports and records related to
the Franchise.
16.4 Audit of Records. The City or its authorized agent may at any time and at the
City's own expense conduct an independent audit of the revenues of Grantee in order to verify
the accuracy of Franchise Fees paid to the City. Grantee shall cooperate fully in the conduct of
such audit and shall produce all necessary records related to the provision of Cable Services
regardless of which corporate entity controls such records. In the event it is determined through
such audit that Grantee has underpaid Franchise Fees in an amount of five percent (5%) or more
than was due the City, then Grantee shall reimburse the City for the entire reasonable cost of the
audit within thirty(30) days of the completion and acceptance of the audit by the City.
16.5 Records to be reviewed. The City agrees to request access to only those books
and records, in exercising its rights under this section, which it deems reasonably necessary for
the enforcement and administration of the Franchise.
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16.6 Indemnification by Grantee.
(a) Grantee shall, at its sole expense, fully indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the City, and in their capacity as such, the officers and employees thereof, from
and against any and all claims, suits, actions, liability and judgments for damage or
otherwise except those arising wholly from negligence on the part of the City or its
employees; for actual or alleged injury to persons or property, including loss of use of
property due to an occurrence, whether or not such property is physically damaged or
destroyed, in any way arising out of or through or alleged to arise out of or through the
acts or omissions of Grantee or its officers, agents, employees, or contractors or to which
Grantee's or its officers, agents, employees or contractors acts or omissions in any way
contribute, and whether or not such acts or omissions were authorized or contemplated by
this Franchise or Applicable Law; arising out of. or alleged to arise out of any claim for
damages for Grantee's invasion of the right of privacy, defamation of any Person, firm or
corporation, or the violation of infringement of any copyright, trademark, trade name,
service mark or patent, or of any other right of any Person, firm or corporation; arising
out of or alleged to arise out of Grantee's failure to comply with the provisions of any
Applicable Law. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent the City, its officers, or its
employees from participating in the defense of any litigation by their own counsel at such
parties' expense. Such participation shall not under any circumstances relieve Grantee
from its duty of defense against liability or of paying any judgment entered against the
City, its officers, or its employees.
(b) Grantee shall contemporaneously with this Franchise execute an
Indemnity Agreement in a form acceptable to the City attached hereto as Exhibit C,
which shall indemnify, defend and hold the City harmless for any claim for injury,
damage, loss, liability, cost or expense, including court and appeal costs and reasonable
attorneys' fees or reasonable expenses arising out of the actions of the City in granting
this Franchise. This obligation includes any claims by another franchised cable operator
against the City that the terms and conditions of this Franchise are less burdensome than
another franchise granted by the City or that this Franchise does not satisfy the
requirements of Applicable Law(s).
16.7 Grantee Insurance. Upon the Effective Date, Grantee shall, at its sole expense
take out and maintain during the term of this Franchise public liability insurance with a company
licensed to do business in the state of Minnesota with a rating by A.M. Best & Co. of not less
than"A-" that shall protect the Grantee, City and its officials, officers, directors, employees and
agents from claims which may arise from operations under this Franchise, whether such
operations be by the Grantee, its officials, officers, directors, employees and agents or any
subcontractors of Grantee. This liability insurance shall include,but shall not be limited to,
protection against claims arising from bodily and personal injury and damage to property,
resulting from Grantee's vehicles,products and operations. The amount of insurance for single
limit coverage applying to bodily and personal injury and property damage shall not be less than
Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000). The liability policy shall include:
(a) The policy shall provide coverage on an "occurrence"basis.
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(b) The policy shall cover personal injury as well as bodily injury.
(c) The policy shall cover blanket contractual liability subject to the standard
universal exclusions of contractual liability included in the carrier's standard
endorsement as to bodily injuries, personal injuries and property damage.
(d) Broad form property damage liability shall be afforded.
(e) City shall be named as an additional insured on the policy.
(f) An endorsement shall be provided which states that the coverage is
primary insurance with respect to claims arising from Grantee's operations under this
Franchise and that no other insurance maintained by the Grantor will be called upon to
contribute to a loss under this coverage.
(g) Standard form of cross-liability shall be afforded.
(h) An endorsement stating that the policy shall not be canceled without thirty
(30) Days notice of such cancellation given to City
(i) City reserves the right to adjust the insurance limit coverage requirements
of this Franchise no more than once every three (3) years. Any such adjustment by City
will be no greater than the increase in the State of Minnesota Consumer Price Index (all
consumers) for such three (3) year period.
0) Upon the Effective Date, Grantee shall submit to City a certificate
documenting the required insurance, as well as any necessary properly executed
endorsements. The certificate and documents evidencing insurance shall be in a form
acceptable to City and shall provide satisfactory evidence that Grantee has complied with
all insurance requirements. Renewal certificates shall be provided to City prior to the
expiration date of any of the required policies. City will not be obligated, however, to
review such endorsements or certificates or other evidence of insurance, or to advise
Grantee of any deficiencies in such documents and receipt thereof shall not relieve
Grantee from, nor be deemed a waiver of, City's right to enforce the terms of Grantee's
obligations hereunder. City reserves the right to examine any policy provided for under
this paragraph or to require further documentation reasonably necessary to form an
opinion regarding the adequacy of Grantee's insurance coverage.
SECTION 17
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
17.1 Posting and Publication. Grantee shall assume the cost of posting and
publication of this Franchise as such posting and publication is required by law and such is
payable upon Grantee's filing of acceptance of this Franchise.
17.2 Guarantee of Performance. Grantee agrees that it enters into this Franchise
voluntarily in order to secure and in consideration of the grant from the City of a five (5) year
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Franchise. Performance pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Franchise is guaranteed by
Grantee.
17.3 Entire Agreement. This Franchise contains the entire agreement between the
parties, supersedes all prior agreements or proposals except as specifically set forth herein, and
cannot be changed orally but only by an instrument in writing executed by the parties. This
Franchise is made pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 238 and is intended to comply with all
requirements set forth therein.
17.4 Consent. Wherever the consent or approval of either Grantee or the City is
specifically required in this agreement, such consent or approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
17.5 Franchise Acceptance. No later than forty-five (45) Days following City Council
approval of this Franchise, Grantee shall execute and return to the City three (3) original
franchise agreements. The executed agreements shall be returned to the City accompanied by
performance bonds, and evidence of insurance, all as provided in this Franchise. The City's
"Notice of Intent to Consider an Application for a Franchise" ("Notice")provided, consistent
with Minn. Stat. 238.081 subd. 8, that applicants would be required to reimburse the City for all
necessary costs of processing a cable communications franchise. Grantee submitted an
application fee with its application to the City. The Notice further provided that any unused
portion of the application fee would be returned and any additional fees required to process the
application and franchise,beyond the application fee, would be assessed to the successful
applicant. The Grantee shall therefore submit to the City at the time of acceptance of this
Franchise, a check made payable to the City of Richfield, Minnesota for all additional fees and
costs incurred by the City. Within thirty(30) days of City Council approval, the City shall
provide Grantee with a letter specifying such additional costs following approval of this
Franchise by the City Council. In the event Grantee fails to accept this Franchise, or fails to
provide the required documents and payments, this Franchise shall be null and void. The
Grantee agrees that despite the fact that its written acceptance may occur after the Effective Date,
the obligations of this Franchise shall become effective on the Effective Date.
17.6 Amendment of Franchise. Grantee and City may agree, from time to time, to
amend this Franchise. Such written amendments may be made subsequent to a review session
pursuant to Section 2.7 or at any other time if City and Grantee agree that such an amendment
will be in the public interest or if such an amendment is required due to changes in federal, state
or local laws; provided, however, nothing herein shall restrict City's exercise of its police
powers.
17.7 Notice. Any notification that requires a response or action from a party to this
Franchise, within a specific time-frame or would trigger a timeline that would affect one or both
parties' rights under this Franchise, shall be made in writing and shall be sufficiently given and
served upon the other party by hand delivery, first class mail, registered or certified, return
receipt requested,postage prepaid, or by reputable overnight courier service and addressed as
follows:
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To the City: City Manager, City of Richfield
6700 Portland Avenue
Richfield, MN 55423
Courtesy Copy to: Southwest Suburban Cable Commission
c/o Moss &Barnett (BTG)
150 South Fifth Street, Suite 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55402
To the Grantee: CenturyLink
Attn: Public Policy
1801 California Street, 10`h Floor
Denver, Colorado 80202
Courtesy Copy to: Qwest Broadband Services, Inc.
Attn: Public Policy
200 South Fifth Street, 21s'Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Recognizing the widespread usage and acceptance of electronic forms of communication,
emails will be acceptable as formal notification related to the conduct of general business
amongst the parties to this contract, including but not limited to programming and price
adjustment communications. Such communication should be addressed and directed to the
Person of record as specified above.
17.8 Force Majeure. In the event that either party is prevented or delayed in the
performance of any of its obligations, under this Franchise by reason of acts of God, floods, fire,
hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other unavoidable casualties, insurrection, war, riot,
vandalism, strikes, delays in receiving permits where it is not the fault of Grantee,public
easements, sabotage, acts or omissions of the other party, or any other similar event beyond the
reasonable control of that party, it shall have a reasonable time under the circumstances to
perform such obligation under this Franchise, or to procure a substitute for such obligation to the
reasonable satisfaction of the other party.
17.9 Work of Contractors and Subcontractors. Work by contractors and
subcontractors are subject to the same restrictions, limitations and conditions as if the work were
performed by Grantee. Grantee shall be responsible for all work performed by its contractors
and subcontractors, and others performing work on its behalf as if the work were performed by it
and shall ensure that all such work is performed in compliance with this Franchise, the City Code
and other Applicable Law, and shall be jointly and severally liable for all damages and correcting
all damage caused by them. It is Grantee's responsibility to ensure that contractors,
subcontractors or other Persons performing work on Grantee's behalf are familiar with the
requirements of this Franchise, the City Code and other Applicable Laws governing the work
performed by them.
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17.10 Abandonment of System. Grantee may not abandon the System or any portion
thereof used exclusively for Cable Services, without having first given three (3)months written
notice to City and conforming to the City Code, as well as the state right-of-way rules, Minn.
Rules, Chapter 7819. To the extent required by Minn. Stat. §238.084 Subd. 1 (w), Grantee shall
compensate City for damages resulting from the abandonment.
17.11 Removal After Abandonment. In the event of Grantee's abandonment of the
System used exclusively for Cable Services, City shall have the right to require Grantee to
conform to the City Code, as well as the state right-of-way rules, Minn. Rules, Chapter 7819. If
Grantee has failed to commence removal of System, or such part thereof as was designated by
City, within thirty(30) Days after written notice of City's demand for removal consistent with
City Code and Minn. Rules, Ch. 7819, is given, or if Grantee has failed to complete such
removal within twelve (12)months after written notice of City's demand for removal is given
City shall have the right to apply funds secured by the performance bond toward removal and/or
declare all right, title, and interest to the System to be in City with all rights of ownership
including, but not limited to, the right to operate the System or transfer the System to another for
operation by it.
17.12 Governing Law. This Franchise shall be deemed to be executed in the State of
Minnesota, and shall be governed in all respects, including validity, interpretation and effect, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Minnesota, as applicable to contracts
entered into and performed entirely within the State.
17.13 Nonenforcement by City. Grantee shall not be relieved of its obligation to
comply with any of the provisions of this Franchise by reason of any failure of the City or to
enforce prompt compliance.
17.14 Captions. The paragraph captions and headings in this Franchise are for
convenience and reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning of
interpretation of this Franchise.
17.15 Calculation of Time. Where the performance or doing of any act, duty, matter,
payment or thing is required hereunder and the period of time or duration for the performance is
prescribed and fixed herein, the time shall be computed so as to exclude the first and include the
last Day of the prescribed or fixed period or duration of time. When the last Day of the period
falls on Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday that Day shall be omitted from the computation and
the next business Day shall be the last Day of the period.
17.16 Survival of Terms. Upon the termination or forfeiture of the Franchise, Grantee
shall no longer have the right to occupy the Streets for the purpose of providing Cable Service.
However, Grantee's obligations to the City(other than the obligation to provide service to
Subscribers) shall survive according to their terms.
17.17 Competitive Equity. If any other Wireline MVPD enters into any agreement with
the City to provide multi channel video programming or its equivalent to residents in the City,
the City, upon written request of the Grantee, shall permit the Grantee to construct and/or operate
its Cable System and provide multi channel video programming or its equivalent to Subscribers
50
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in the City under the same agreement as applicable to the new MVPD. Within one hundred
twenty(120) Days after the Grantee submits a written request to the City, the Grantee and the
City shall enter into an agreement or other appropriate authorization (if necessary) containing the
same terms and conditions as are applicable to the new Wireline MVPD.
Passed and adopted this day of 201_
ATTEST CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
By: By:
Its: City Clerk Its: Mayor
51
3056874v1
ACCEPTED: This Franchise is accepted, and we agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.
QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES, INC.,
D/B/A CENTURYLINK
Date: By:
Its:
SWORN TO BEFORE ME this
day of 1201.
NOTARY PUBLIC
52
3056874v1
Exhibit A
Free Cable Service to Public Buildings
1. ADMIN SERV DEPT,RICHFIELD 6700 PORTLAND AVE APT ASD
2. ELEMENTARY,SHERIDAN 6400 SHERIDAN AVE S
3. FIRE STATION 2,RICHFIELD 6401 PENN AVE S
4. LUTHERAN SCHOOL,MT CALVRY 6541 16TH AVE S
5. SCHOOL,HOLY ANGELS 6600 NICOLLET AVE
6. CITY HALL,RICHFIELD 6700 PORTLAND AVE APT HALL
7. FIRE STATION,RICHFIELD 6700 PORTLAND AVE APT 1
S. PUB SAFETY,RICHFIELD 6700 PORTLAND AVE APT EOC
9. ICE ARENA,RICHFIELD 636 E 66TH ST
10. HIGH SCHOOL,RICHFIELD 7001 HARRIET AVE
11. COMMUNITY CENTER,RICHFIELD 7000 NICOLLET AVE
12. LIBRARY,AUGSBERG 7100 NICOLLET AVE
13. STEM,RICHFIELD 7020 12TH AVE S
14. RDLS DUAL LAN,RICHFIELD ED 7001 ELLIOT AVE S
15. ELEM SCHOOL,CENTENNIAL 7315 BLOOMINGTON AVE
16. JUNIOR HIGH,RICHFIELD 7461 OLIVER AVE S
17. EXTENDED CAMPUS,SEC 7450 PENN AVE S
18. SCHOOL,BLESSED T CATHOLIC 7540 PENN AVE S
19. SCHOOL GARAGE,RICHFIELD 300 W 72ND ST
20. ACADEMY,ZOE 7101 NICOLLET AVE
21. MAINT FACILITY,RICHFIELD 1901 E 66TH ST
22. SPECIAL ED,CENTRAL SCHOOL 7145 HARRIET AVE
A-1
3056874v1
Exhibit B
Franchise Fee Payment Worksheet
TRADE SECRET— CONFIDENTIAL
Month/Year Month/Year Month/Year Total
A la Carte Video Services
Audio Services
Basic Cable Service
Installation Charge
Bulk Revenue
Expanded Basic Cable
Service
Pay Service
Pay-per-view
Guide Revenue
Franchise Fee Revenue
Advertising Revenue
Home Shopping Revenue
Digital Services
Inside Wiring
Other Revenue
Equipment Rental
Processing Fees
PEG Fee
FCC Fees
Bad Debt
Late Fees
REVENUE
Fee Calculated
Fee Factor: 5%
B-1
3056874v1
Exhibit C
Indemnity Agreement
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT made this day of 120
by and between Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, party of the first part,
hereinafter called"CenturyLink," and the City of Richfield, a Minnesota Municipal Corporation,
party of the second part, hereinafter called"City."
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield has awarded to Qwest Broadband Services, Inc. a
franchise for the operation of a cable communications system in the City of Richfield; and
WHEREAS, the City has required, as a condition of its award of a cable communications
franchise, that it be indemnified with respect to all claims and actions arising from the award of
said franchise,
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing promises and the mutual
promises contained in this agreement and in consideration of entering into a cable television
franchise agreement and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, CenturyLink hereby agrees, at its sole cost and expense, to fully indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the City, its officers,boards, commissions, employees and agents
against any and all claims, suits, actions, liabilities and judgments for damages, cost or expense
(including, but not limited to, court and appeal costs and reasonable attorneys' fees and
disbursements assumed or incurred by the City in connection therewith) arising out of the actions
of the City in granting a franchise to CenturyLink. This includes any claims by another
franchised cable operator against the City that the terms and conditions of the CenturyLink
franchise are less burdensome than another franchise granted by the City or that the CenturyLink
Franchise does not satisfy the requirements of applicable federal, state, or local law(s). The
indemnification provided for herein shall not extend or apply to any acts of the City constituting
a violation or breach by the City of the contractual provisions of the franchise ordinance, unless
such acts are the result of a change in applicable law, the order of a court or administrative
agency, or are caused by the acts of CenturyLink.
The City shall give CenturyLink reasonable notice of the making of any claim or the
commencement of any action, suit or other proceeding covered by this agreement. The City shall
cooperate with CenturyLink in the defense of any such action, suit or other proceeding at the
request of CenturyLink. The City may participate in the defense of a claim, but if CenturyLink
provides a defense at CenturyLink's expense then CenturyLink shall not be liable for any
attorneys' fees, expenses or other costs that City may incur if it chooses to participate in the
defense of a claim, unless and until separate representation is required. If separate representation
to fully protect the interests of both parties is or becomes necessary, such as a conflict of interest,
in accordance with the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct, between the City and the
counsel selected by CenturyLink to represent the City, CenturyLink shall pay, from the date such
separate representation is required forward, all reasonable expenses incurred by the City in
defending itself with regard to any action, suit or proceeding indemnified by CenturyLink.
Provided, however, that in the event that such separate representation is or becomes necessary,
C-1
3056874v1
and City desires to hire counsel or any other outside experts or consultants and desires
CenturyLink to pay those expenses, then City shall be required to obtain CenturyLink's consent
to the engagement of such counsel, experts or consultants, such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that the City may utilize at any time,
at its own cost and expense, its own City Attorney or outside counsel with respect to any claim
brought by another franchised cable operator as described in this agreement.
The provisions of this agreement shall not be construed to constitute an amendment of the
cable communications franchise ordinance or any portion thereof, but shall be in addition to and
independent of any other similar provisions contained in the cable communications franchise
ordinance or any other agreement of the parties hereto. The provisions of this agreement shall not
be dependent or conditioned upon the validity of the cable communications franchise ordinance
or the validity of any of the procedures or agreements involved in the award or acceptance of the
franchise, but shall be and remain a binding obligation of the parties hereto even if the cable
communications franchise ordinance or the grant of the franchise is declared null and void in a
legal or administrative proceeding.
It is the purpose of this agreement to provide maximum indemnification to City under the
terms set out herein and, in the event of a dispute as to the meaning of this Indemnity Agreement,
it shall be construed, to the greatest extent permitted by law, to provide for the indemnification of
the City by CenturyLink. This agreement shall be a binding obligation of and shall inure to the
benefit of, the parties hereto and their successor's and assigns, if any.
QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES, INC.
Dated: , 20 By:
Its:
STATE OF LOUISIANA )
) SS
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of 20 ,
by , the of Qwest
Broadband Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, on behalf of the corporation.
Notary Public
Commission Expires
CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
By
Its
C-2
3056874v1
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A CABLE
COMMUNICATIONS FRANCHISE WITH CENTURYLINK
FOR THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
WHEREAS, the City has adopted the above-referenced ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the verbatim text of the ordinance is cumbersome, and the expense
of publication of the complete text is not justified; and
WHEREAS, the following summary clearly informs the public of the intent and
effect of the ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Richfield that the following summary is hereby approved for official publication:
SUMMARY PUBLICATION
BILL NO. 2016-
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A CABLE COMMUNICATIONS
FRANCHISE WITH CENTURYLINK FOR THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
On January 26, 2016, the Richfield City Council adopted an ordinance designated as
Bill No. , the title of which is stated above. This summary of the Ordinance is
published pursuant to Section 3.12 of the Richfield City Charter. The Ordinance
approves a cable communications franchise with CenturyLink to provide cable
communications services to the City of Richfield.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is directed to keep a copy of the
Ordinance in her office at City Hall for public inspection and to post a full copy of the
Ordinance in a public place in the City for a period of two weeks. Copies of the
Ordinance are also available upon request by calling 612-861-9738.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 26th day of
January, 2016.
Debbie Goettel, Mayor
ATTEST:
Elizabeth VanHoose, City Clerk
CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 11172
REGARDING AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A COMPETITIVE CABLE FRANCHISE
FOR QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES,INC.,D/B/A CENTURYLINK
RECITALS:
WHEREAS,the City of Richfield, Minnesota makes the following FINDINGS OF
FACT:
1. In October 2014, Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink, Inc.
("CenturyLink") requested that the City of Richfield, Minnesota ("City") initiate
proceedings to consider awarding it a franchise to provide cable communications services
in the City ("Service Territory").
2. Comcast of Arkansas/Florida/Louisiana/Minnesota/Mississippi/Tennessee, Inc.
("Comcast") holds a non-exclusive cable communications franchise for the Service
Territory ("Comcast Franchise").
3. The Comcast Franchise, which the City last renewed in August 2012, is currently the
only cable communications franchise for the Service Territory.
4. The monopoly held by a sole cable communication provider in a particular market is a
barrier to entry for additional providers, which does not have a captive market but must
instead"win" every subscriber.i
5. The presence of a second cable operator in a market improves the quality of service
offerings and drives down prices by approximately 15%.2
6. On April 2 and April 9, 2015, the City published a Notice of Intent to Franchise a Cable
Communications System ("Notice") in the Sun Current, a newspaper of general
circulation in the Service Territory.
7. The Notice indicated that the City was soliciting franchise applications and provided
information regarding the application process, including that applications were required
to be submitted on or before April 24, 2015 and that a public hearing to hear proposals
from applicants would be held May 12, 2015 at 7:00 PM.
8. The City also mailed copies of the Notice and application materials to CenturyLink and
Comcast.3
In the Matter of Section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as amended by the Cable
Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking,MB Docket No. 05-311,at¶ 138(Rel. Mar. 5,2007)("621 Order").
2 Id. at¶¶2, 50.
1
9. On April 24, 2015, the City received an application from CenturyLink (the "CenturyLink
Application"). The City did not receive any other applications.
10. As provided by the Notice, on May 12, 2015 the City held a public hearing during the
City Council's regularly scheduled meeting to consider CenturyLink's application and
qualifications.
11. On May 4, 2015, Comcast submitted a letter to the City setting forth its position
regarding the CenturyLink Application("Comcast Letter").4
12. The Comcast Letter expresses concern about how CenturyLink's proposal compared to
particular provisions of the existing Comcast Franchise.5
13. The Comcast Letter also summarizes Comcast's position regarding build-out
requirements and other proposed terms related to competition in the cable industry.6
14. During the hearing, CenturyLink presented its proposal and all other interested parties
were provided an opportunity to speak and present information to the City Council
regarding the CenturyLink Application.
15. Following the hearing, the law firm of Moss & Barnett, a Professional Association
prepared a report, dated June 1, 2015 ("Franchise Report"), reviewing and analyzing the
City's franchising procedures, the CenturyLink Application and other information
provided by CenturyLink in connection with the May 18, 2015 public hearing.7
16. The Franchise Report identifies and discusses federal and state legal requirements
relevant to the City's consideration of the CenturyLink Application, including laws
pertaining to franchising procedures and competition between providers.8
17. The Franchise Report also analyzes information provided by CenturyLink to establish its
qualifications to operate a cable communications franchise in the Service Territory.9
18. At its meeting on October 28, 2015, the Southwest Suburban Cable Commission
("Commission") considered the Franchise Report along with the information and
documentation it had received regarding the CenturyLink Application, and adopted
Resolution 2015-1 finding and concluding that the CenturyLink Application complied
with the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 238.081 and that CenturyLink is legally,
3 Notice by the City of Richfield,Minnesota of Its Intent to Consider An Application for a Franchise and Request for
Proposals-Official Application Form
4See May 4, 2015 letter from Emmett Coleman to Brian Grogan, Franchise Administrator of the Southwest
Suburban Cable Commission regarding CenturyLink Video Franchise Application.
5 Id. at 2.
'Id. at 1-2.
Report to the Southwest Suburban Cable Commission Regarding Qwest Broadband Services, Inc. d/b/a/
CenturyLink—Proposal for a Cable Communication Franchise,June 1,2015.
$Franchise Report at 2-9.
9 Id. at 11-12.
2
technically, and financially qualified to operate a cable communications system within
the Service Territory.
19. In Minnesota, both State and federal law govern the terms and conditions of an additional
cable communications franchise in an already-franchised service area.10
20. The franchising authority may not grant an exclusive franchise or unreasonably refuse to
award an additional competitive franchise.)"
21. The franchising authority must allow an applicant reasonable time to become capable of
providing cable service to all households in the service area.12
22. The franchising authority may grant an additional franchise in an already-franchised
service area if the terms and conditions of the additional franchise are not "more
favorable or less burdensome than those in the existing franchise" regarding the area
served, the PEG access requirements, and franchise fees.'
23. The additional franchise must also include, among other things, "a schedule showing . . .
that the construction throughout the authorized franchise area must be substantially
completed within five years of the granting of the franchise."14
24. In order to ensure that any additional franchise granted to CenturyLink would contain
substantially similar service area, PEG access requirements, and franchise fees to the
Comcast Franchise, the City used the Comcast Franchise as the base document for its
negotiations.
25. On December 31, 2015, the City Council gave notice that it intended to introduce an
ordinance granting a cable communications franchise to CenturyLink.
26. On January 12, 2016, the City Council introduced Ordinance No. , an Ordinance
of the City of Richfield Granting a Cable Communications Franchise to Qwest
Broadband Services, Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink("CenturyLink Franchise").
27. Copies of the CenturyLink Franchise were made available to the public, including
Comcast, on December 22, 2015.
28. The CenturyLink Franchise encompasses the same Service Territory encompassed by the
Comcast Franchise.15
29. The franchise fees required by the CenturyLink Franchise are identical to those required
by the Comcast Franchise. 16
10 See 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(1);Minn. Stat. §§238.08, .084;see also Franchise Report at 2-8.
" 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(1).
12 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(4).
"Minn. Stat. § 238.08,subd. 1(b).
14 Minn. Stat. § 23 8.84,subd. 1(m).
15 CenturyLink Franchise § 2.4;Comcast Franchise § 2.4.
3
30. The PEG access requirements in the CenturyLink Franchise mandate certain obligations,
such as HD channel capacity for all PEG channels that go beyond the commitments made
in the Comcast franchise.17
31. The City recognizes that CenturyLink, which currently offers no cable communications
services in the Service Territory, cannot justify a large initial deployment because it
"realistically cannot count on acquiring a share of the market similar to Comcast's share .
. . [and] must begin offering service within a smaller area to determine whether it can
reasonably ensure a return on its investment before expanding."18
32. The CenturyLink Franchise therefore requires CenturyLink's initial deployment to be
capable of serving at least 15% of the living units in the Service Territory within two
years.
33. The CenturyLink Franchise permits the City to monitor CenturyLink's progress and
compliance with build-out requirements via quarterly meeting and accelerates the build-
out schedule if CenturyLink has market success, with the goal and expectation that build-
out will be substantially complete before the CenturyLink Franchise's five-year term
expires.19
34. During its regularly scheduled meeting on January 12, 2016, the City Council will hold a
public hearing at which all interested parties are provided an opportunity to speak and
present information regarding the proposed CenturyLink Franchise.
WHEREAS, the City has considered these facts and the cable-related needs and interests
of the community:
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council for the City of Richfield, Minnesota hereby
resolves as follows:
1. The foregoing findings ate adopted as the official findings of the City Council and made
a part of the official record.
2. The City has authority to adopt an ordinance granting a cable communications franchise
to CenturyLink for the Service Territory.
3. The City may not unreasonably refuse to award a competitive cable communications
franchise to CenturyLink.
4. The City and its residents will benefit from adoption of the CenturyLink Franchise, which
will introduce facilities-based competition into the cable communications market in the
Service Territory and thereby reduce costs to consumers and increase the quality and
availability of services.
16 CenturyLink Franchise § 16.1; Comcast Franchise § 16.1.
17 CenturyLink Franchise§7;Comcast Franchise §7.
is 621 Order at¶35.
19 CenturyLink Franchise §2.6.
4
5. CenturyLink is legally, technically, and financially qualified to operate a cable
communications system in the Service Territory and has complied with all application
requirements.
6. The City has complied with all franchise application requirements imposed by State and
federal law, including those identified herein or in the Franchise Report.
7. The terms and conditions of the CenturyLink Franchise pertaining to service area, a PEG
access requirement, and franchise fees are not more favorable or less burdensome than
the corollary terms of the Comcast Franchise.
8. The CenturyLink Franchise's initial deployment requirement of 15% within two years
and 5-year timeline for substantially completing build-out provides a reasonable period of
time for CenturyLink to become capable of reaching full deployment and is therefore
consistent with both State and federal law.
9. The Ordinance Granting a Cable Communications Franchise for Qwest Broadband
Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink is formally and finally adopted.
10. The City finds and concludes that its actions are appropriate, reasonable, and consistent
in all respects,with the mandates set forth in Chapter 238 of Minnesota Statutes and
applicable provisions of federal law, including 47 U.S.C. § 541(a).
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session of the City_ Council of the_City of Richfield,-
Minnesota this 12th day of January 2016.
Debbie Goettel, Mayor of the City of Richfield
ATTE T:
Elizabeth VanHoose, City Clerk
5
♦***i Moss & Barnett
MEMORANDUM
To: City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota
From: Brian Grogan
Date: December 21, 2015
Re: Competition in Cable Communications Franchising
Executive Summary
The City of Richfield, Minnesota ("City's is considering granting a competitive cable
franchise to Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink ("CenturyLink' in a service
area for which Comcast holds an existing franchise. This memorandum is intended to assist the
City Council ("Council's in its consideration of the proposed Ordinance Granting a Competitive
Cable Franchise for Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink ("CenturyLink
Franchise's by summarizing the legal issues surrounding its terms that relate to competition in
the cable communications industry.
Details
The Southwest Suburban Cable Commission ("Commission's adopted Resolution No.
2015-1 enclosed as Exhibit 1 finding CenturyLink to be legally, technically, and financially
qualified to provide cable communications services to residents of the City. In connection with
that finding, the Commission authorized City staff to negotiate with CenturyLink to determine if
mutually agreeable terms for such a franchise could be reached. Those negotiations are now
complete and have resulted in the proposed CenturyLink Franchise enclosed as Exhibit 2. City
staff has also prepared for the Council's review and consideration, written "findings of fact,"
enclosed as Exhibit 3, setting forth the factual and legal basis for the grant of the CenturyLink
150 South Fifth Street I Suite 1200 Minneapolis, MN 55402
P:612-877-5000 F:612-877-5999 W:LawMoss.com
City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota
December 4, 2015
Page 2
Franchise and the impact of relevant State and federal competitive cable franchise laws and
regulations.
Build-out
To help promote competition in and minimize unnecessary regulatory burdens on the
cable communications industry, the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended by
the Cable Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 and Telecommunications Act of
1996 (the "Cable Act's prohibits local franchising authorities from granting exclusive cable
communications franchises or unreasonably refusing to award an additional franchise to a
qualified applicant.' The Federal Communications Commission ("FCC's, which administers the
Cable Act, addressed competitive cable franchising in its 2007 Report and Order and Further
Notice of Rulemaking (generally referred to as the "621 Order" after its subject, Section 621 of
the legislation that became the Cable Act). The 621 Order explained that an unreasonable
refusal in contravention of the Cable Act could occur not only by outright denial of a franchise
application, but also by creating conditions that operate as de facto denials.
One variety of de facto denial addressed by the 621 Order is the imposition of
unreasonable build out requirements that act as a barrier for an additional cable provider to
enter a market with an existing franchise:
Build-out requirements deter market entry because a new entrant generally must
take customers from the incumbent cable operator . . . . Because the second
provider realistically cannot count on acquiring a share of the market similar to
the incumbent's share, the second entrant cannot justify a large initial
deployment. Rather, a new entrant must begin offering service within a smaller
area to determine whether it can reasonably ensure a return on its investment
before expanding.2
' 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(1).
2 621 Order at¶ 35.
City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota
December 4, 2015
Page 3
The 621 Order did not prohibit all build out requirements, but instead provided examples of
unreasonable build out requirements—and of reasonable ones, such as a small initial
deployment and required expansion triggered by market success.3
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 238, which establishes statewide cable communications
requirements, also addresses build out by requiring "a provision in initial franchises identifying
. . . a schedule showing: . . . that construction throughout the authorized franchise area must
be substantially completed within five years of the granting of the franchise." CenturyLink
takes the position that Minnesota's five-year build out requirement is unreasonable under the
621 Order and is therefore preempted by the federal law. Comcast disagrees and points to the
FCC's recent reaffirmation that the 621 Order's rulings "were intended to apply only to the local
franchising process and not to franchising laws and decisions at the state level."'
The CenturyLink Franchise addresses this issue by requiring a modest initial deployment
(at least 15% of the service area within two years) and linking build out requirements to
market-success benchmarks that CenturyLink must use its best efforts to meet, but granting the
City sole discretion to determine, at the end of five years, whether CenturyLink has fulfilled its
build out obligations to qualify for renewal of the franchise.6
Competitive Equity
The Minnesota cable communications statutes also contain a general level-playing-field
(i.e., "competitive equity's provision that requires that an additional franchise include no terms
or conditions"more favorable or less burdensome than those in the existing franchise pertaining
to: (1) the area served; (2) public, educational, or governmental access requirements; or
3 Id. at $ 89-90.
4 Minn. Stat. § 238.084, subd. 1(m).
5 621 Order at $ 7, cited in letter dated May 4, 2015
6 CenturyLink Franchise §2.6.
City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota
December 4, 2015
Page 4
(3) franchise fees."7 Minnesota courts have interpreted this provision as requiring "substantially
similar"rather than identical—terms.$ Several attempts have been made to ensure that the
CenturyLink Franchise is substantially similar to Comcast's existing franchise: first, the Comcast
franchise served as the base document for negotiation of the CenturyLink Franchise; second,
the franchise fees required by the CenturyLink Franchise are identical to those required by
Comcast's franchise; third, the geographic area (after complete build-out) of the CenturyLink
Franchise matches the area specified in Comcast's franchise; and fourth, the CenturyLink
Franchise requires CenturyLink to require substantially similar—if not greater—public,
educational, and governmental access.
Findings of Fact
As previously indicated, whether the Council ultimately grants or denies the proposed
CenturyLink Franchise, it must examine all of the evidence presented to it, weigh the facts, and
apply the correct legal standards. Enclosed as Exhibit 3 are draft findings of fact generally
supporting a decision to approve the CenturyLink Franchise. With the caveat that best practices
dictate that the final findings of fact should respond to any evidence or argument against
approval, the attached findings of fact may serve as a useful starting point if the Council elects
to grant CenturyLink the franchise it seeks.
3056876v1
7 Minn. Stat. § 238.08, subd. 1(b).
s See WH Link, LLC v. City of Otsego, 664 N.W.2d 390, 396 (Minn. Ct. App. 2003).
EXHIBIT 1
Southwest Suburban Cable Commission Resolution 2015-1
Exhibit 1
EXHIBIT 2
CenturyLink Franchise
Exhibit 2
EXHIBIT 3
Findings of Fact
Exhibit 3
CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO.
Regarding an Ordinance Granting a Competitive Cable Franchise
for Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield, Minnesota makes the following FINDINGS OF
FACT:
1. In October 2014, Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink, Inc.
("CenturyLink") requested that the City of Richfield, Minnesota ("City") initiate
proceedings to consider awarding it a franchise to provide cable communications services
in the City("Service Territory").
2. Comcast of Arkansas/Florida/Loutsiana/Minnesota/Mississippi/Tennessee, Inc.
("Comcast") holds a non-exclusive cable communications franchise for the Service
Territory("Comcast Franchise").
3. The Comcast Franchise, which the City last renewed in August 2012, is currently the
only cable communications franchise for the Service Territory.
4. The monopoly held by a sole cable communication provider in a particular market is a
barrier to entry for additional providers, which does not have a captive market but must
instead"win" every subscriber.'
5. The presence of a second cable operator in a market improves the quality of service
offerings and drives down prices by approximately 15%.2
6. On April 2 and April 9, 2015, the City published a Notice of Intent to Franchise a Cable
Communications System ("Notice") in the Sun Current, a newspaper of general
circulation in the Service Territory.
7. The Notice indicated that the City was soliciting franchise applications and provided
information regarding the application process, including that applications were required
to be submitted on or before April 24, 2015 and that a public hearing to hear proposals
from applicants would be held May 12, 2015 at 7:00 PM.
8. The City also mailed copies of the Notice and application materials to CenturyLink and
Comcast.'
1 In the Matter of Section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as amended by the Cable
Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking,MB Docket No. 05-31 I, at¶ 138 (Rel. Mar. 5, 2007)("621 Order").
2 Id. at¶T 2, 50.
1
9. On April 24, 2015, the City received an application from CenturyLink (the "CenturyLink
Application"). The City did not receive any other applications.
10. As provided by the Notice, on May 12, 2015 the City held a public hearing during the
City Council's regularly scheduled meeting to consider CenturyLink's application and
qualifications.
11. On May 4, 2015, Comcast submitted a letter to the City setting forth its position
regarding the CenturyLink Application ("Comcast Letter").4
12. The Comcast Letter expresses concern about how CenturyLink's proposal compared to
particular provisions of the existing Comcast Franchise.5
13. The Comcast Letter also summarizes Comcast's position regarding build-out
requirements and other proposed terms related to competition in the cable industry.
14. During the hearing, CenturyLink presented its proposal and all other interested parties
were provided an opportunity to speak and present information to the City Council
regarding the CenturyLink Application.
15. Following the hearing, the law firm of Moss & Barnett, a Professional Association
prepared a report, dated June 1, 2015 ("Franchise Report"), reviewing and analyzing the
City's franchising procedures, the CenturyLink Application and other information
provided by CenturyLink in connection with the May 18, 2015 public hearing.7
16. The Franchise Report identifies and discusses federal and state legal requirements
relevant to the City's consideration of the CenturyLink Application, including laws
pertaining to franchising procedures and competition between providers.'
17. The Franchise Report also analyzes information provided by CenturyLink to establish its
qualifications to operate a cable communications franchise in the Service Territory.9
18. At its meeting on October 28, 2015, the Southwest Suburban Cable Commission
("Commission") considered the Franchise Report along with the information and
documentation it had received regarding the CenturyLink Application, and adopted
Resolution 2015-1 finding and concluding that the CenturyLink Application complied
with the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 238.081 and that CenturyLink is legally,
s Notice by the City of Richfield,Minnesota of Its Intent to Consider An Application for a Franchise and Request for
Proposals-Official Application Form
4See May 4, 2015 letter from Emmett Coleman to Brian Grogan, Franchise Administrator of the Southwest
Suburban Cable Commission regarding CenturyLink Video Franchise Application.
Id. at 2.
a Id. at 1-2.
7 Report to the Southwest Suburban Cable Commission Regarding Qwest Broadband Services, Inc. d/b/a/
CenturyLink—Proposal for a Cable Communication Franchise,June 1,2015.
s Franchise Report at 2-9.
9 Id. at 1 1-12.
2
technically, and financially qualified to operate a cable communications system within
the Service Territory.
19. In Minnesota, both State and federal law govern the terms and conditions of an additional
cable communications franchise in an already-franchised service area.10
20. The franchising authority may not grant an exclusive franchise or unreasonably refuse to
award an additional competitive franchise.11
21. The franchising authority must allow an applicant reasonable time to become capable of
providing cable service to all households in the service area.12
22. The franchising authority may grant an additional franchise in an already-franchised
service area if the terms and conditions of the additional franchise are not "more
favorable or less burdensome than those in the existing franchise" regarding the area
served, the PEG access requirements, and franchise fees.13
23. The additional franchise must also include, among other things, "a schedule showing . . .
that the construction throughout the authorized franchise area must be substantially
completed within five years of the granting of the franchise."14
24. In order to ensure that any additional franchise granted to CenturyLink would contain
substantially similar service area, PEG access requirements, and franchise fees to the
Comcast Franchise, the City used the Comcast Franchise as the base document for its
negotiations.
25. On [_date_], the City Council gave notice that it intended to introduce an ordinance
granting a cable communications franchise to CenturyLink.
26. On [_date_], the City Council introduced Ordinance No. , an Ordinance of the
City of Richfield Granting a Cable Communications Franchise to Qwest Broadband
Services, Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink("CenturyLink Franchise").
27. Copies of the CenturyLink Franchise were made available to the public, including
Comcast, on [_date_].
28. The CenturyLink Franchise encompasses the same Service Territory encompassed by the
Comcast Franchise.15
29. The franchise fees required by the CenturyLink Franchise are identical to those required--
by
equiredby the Comcast Franchise. 16
10 See 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(1);Minn. Stat. §§ 238.08, .084;see also Franchise Report at 2-8.
" 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(1).
12 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(4).
"Minn. Stat. §238.08, subd. 1(b).
14 Minn. Stat. § 238.84, subd. 1(m).
15 CenturyLink Franchise § 2.4;Comcast Franchise § 2.4.
3
30. The PEG access requirements in the CenturyLink Franchise mandate certain obligations,
such as HD channel capacity for all PEG channels that go beyond the commitments made
in the Comcast franchise.17
31. The City recognizes that CenturyLink, which currently offers no cable communications
services in the Service Territory, cannot justify a large initial deployment because it
"realistically cannot count on acquiring a share of the market similar to Comcast's share .
. . [and] must begin offering service within a smaller area to determine whether it can
reasonably ensure a return on its investment before expanding."'8
32. The CenturyLink Franchise therefore requires CenturyLink's initial deployment to be
capable of serving at least 15% of the living units in the Service Territory within two
years.
33. The CenturyLink Franchise permits the City to monitor CenturyLink's progress and
compliance with build-out requirements via quarterly meeting and accelerates the build-
out schedule if CenturyLink has market success, with the goal and expectation that build-
out will be substantially complete before the CenturyLink Franchise's five-year term
19
expires.
34. During its regularly scheduled meeting on January 12, 2016, the City Council will hold a
public hearing at which all interested parties are provided an opportunity to speak and
present information regarding the proposed CenturyLink Franchise.
WHEREAS, the City has considered these facts and the cable-related needs and interests
of the community:
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council for the City of Richfield, Minnesota hereby
resolves as follows:
1. The foregoing findings are adopted as the official findings of the City Council and made
a part of the official record.
2. The City has authority to adopt an ordinance granting a cable communications franchise
to CenturyLink for the Service Territory.
3. The City may not unreasonably refuse to award a competitive cable communications
franchise to CenturyLink.
4. The City and its residents will benefit from adoption of the CenturyLink Franchise, which
will introduce facilities-based competition into the cable communications market in the
Service Territory and thereby reduce costs to consumers and increase the quality and
availability of services.
'G CenturyLink Franchise § 16.1; Comcast Franchise § 16.1.
17 CenturyLink Franchise § 7; Comcast Franchise § 7.
is 621 Order at¶35.
19 CenturyLink Franchise § 2.6.
4
5. CenturyLink is legally, technically, and financially qualified to operate a cable
communications system in the Service Territory and has complied with all application
requirements.
6. The City has complied with all franchise application requirements imposed by State and
federal law, including those identified herein or in the Franchise Report.
7. The terms and conditions of the CentuiyLink Franchise pertaining to service area, a PEG
access requirement, and franchise fees are not more favorable or less burdensome than
the corollary terms of the Comcast Franchise.
8. The CenturyLink Franchise's initial deployment requirement of 15% within two years
and 5-year timeline for substantially completing build-out provides a reasonable period of
time for CenturyLink to become capable of reaching full deployment and is therefore
consistent with both State and federal law.
9. The Ordinance Granting a Cable Communications Franchise for Qwest Broadband
Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink is formally and finally adopted.
10. The City finds and concludes that its actions are appropriate, reasonable, and consistent
in all respects with the mandates set forth in Chapter 238 of Minnesota Statutes and
applicable provisions of federal law, including 47 U.S.C. § 541(a).
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session of the City Council of the City of Richfield,
Minnesota this day of , 2016.
Mayor of the City of Richfield
ATTEST:
City Clerk
5
AGENDA SECTION: PROPOSED
ORDINANCES
AGENDA ITEM# 6.
STAFF REPORT NO. 21
.. ° ". CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1/26/2016
REPORT PREPARED BY: Betsy Osborn,Support Services Manager
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: Jay Henthorne, Public Safety Director
1/20/2016
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: N/A
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of a second reading and resolution for summary publication of an ordinance to allow
beekeeping in the City of Richfield.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Code currently prohibits beekeeping within the City. Beekeeping has become an accepted use
throughout the metro area. The City has received several requests to allow beekeeping and after staff
research and discussions the attached ordinance is being offered for consideration. The City has never
addressed beekeeping and since it's a new code, extensive discussions have occurred between Community
Development, Recreation and Public Safety staff with assistance and review from the City Attorney's office
concerning the contents of the code being recommended.
Wood Lake Nature Center staff are well versed on beekeeping issues and will be our technical experts should
issues arise.
Planning Commission suggestions have been considered in the final version of the ordinance.
Afirst reading of this ordinance occurred at the January 12, 2016 Council Meeting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By motion: Approve the second reading and resolution for summary publication of an ordinance
allowing beekeeping within the City.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION:
A. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Bees are currently a prohibited animal, for the purpose of keeping, under City Code. Beekeeping was
not an allowed use in the city but a public hearing was held on this ordinance at the December 14,
2015 Planning Commission Meeting and the Planning Commission approved the zoning changes.
B. POLICIES(resolutions,ordinances,regulations,statutes,etch
The attached draft of the beekeeping ordinance has been reviewed internally by many staff members to
include persons in Zoning, Recreation (Wood Lake Nature Center), Building Inspection and Public
Safety staff.
C. CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
There are no critical timing issues.
D. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact.
E. LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
The City Attorney, with staff, has drafted the ordinance and will be available for legal questions. The City
Attorney approves of its contents.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(Sl:
The Council could leave the ordinances as they currently are which would mean that beekeeping would be
prohibited.
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
D Beekeeping Ordinance Ordinance
D Beekeeping Summary Publication Resolution Resolution Letter
BILL NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER IX OF THE RICHFIELD CODE OF
ORDINANCES BY ADDING A NEW SECTION RELATING TO BEEKEEPING
AND AMENDING ZONING PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SAME
THE CITY OF RICHFIELD DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1. Subsection 509.21 of the Richfield Zoning Code relating to home occupations
and prohibited activites, is amended as follows:
Subd. 11. Specific activities prohibited. The following activities shall not be
allowed as home occupations:
a) The repair, whether for consideration or not, of motor vehicles which are
not registered to a resident of the dwelling on the property where the
repair is made, or to a son or daughter, sibling, parent, grandparent, or
grandchild of a resident of the property;
b) Adult business establishments regulated under Section 1196 of the city
code;
C) The practice of medical, dental, chiropractic, psychiatric, or other similar
treatment or therapy, including acupuncture, where the person(s)
providing such treatment or therapy is not licensed by the State of
Minnesota to administer such treatment or therapy; or in the case of
massage therapy, where the person(s)providing such treatment is not
certified by the "National Certification Board for Therapy Massage and
Bodywork" or by the "Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination;"
d) Businesses, educational programs, or similar gatherings which meet on a
regular basis, having more than six (6)nonresident adults in attendance at
one (1) time;
e) Pet grooming or pet care facilities, except those legally existing on or
before June 1, 1995;
f) Gun or ammunition sales/repair, except those legally existing on or before
June 1, 1995;
g) Music instruction, unless conducted within a single-family(detached
dwelling;
h) Tattoo businesses... and
i) Sale of honey produced by hives located within the city regulated under
section 906 of thecity code.
Section 2. Subsection 512.03 of the Richfield Zoning Code relating to permitted uses, is
amended as follows:
512.03 Permitted uses in all districts.
a) Public streets and highways;
1
b) Underground public utilities;
C) Parks and related recreational facilities owned by a governmental unit;
d) Solar equipment as an accessory use,
e) Horticulture/community gardens as an accessory to an established
institutional use (school, church,park),provided that plants and related
materials are maintained in a clean and orderly manner and that waste is
disposed of appropriately..-; and
f) beekeeping subject to the inspection and licensing requirements and
limitations outlined in Section 906.
Section 3. Subsection 514.15 of the Richfield City Code relating to Additional
Regulations in the Single-Family Residential District (R) is amended by adding a new
subdivision 7 as follows:
Subd. 7. Beekeebing. Any property seekingto bees must comply with the
additional requirements of Section 906 of this Code.
Section 4. Subsection 905.41 of the Richfield City Code relating to the maintenance of
nondomestic animals, amphibians, reptiles and insects, is amended as follows:
Subd. 2. Maintenance of non-domestic creatures prohibited. Except as allowed
in Section 906, Aall other living creatures not enumerated or covered in subdivision 1 are
considered non-domestic creatures and the maintenance thereof is considered a nuisance
and punishable pursuant to this part.
Section 5. A new Section 906 is inserted into the Richfield City Code as follows:
SECTION 906—BEEKEEPING
906.01.—Definitions.
Subdivision 1. "Accredited institution" means an educational institution holding
accredited status which has been licensed or registered by the Minnesota Office of Higher
Education at the time the registrant obtained their certificate.
Subd. 2. "Apiary" means the AP assembly of one or more colonies of bees on a
single lot.
Subd. 3. "Apiary site" means the lot upon which an apiary is located.
Subd. 4. "Beekeeper" means a person who owns or has charge of one or more
colonies of honeybees or a person who owns or controls a lot on which a colony is
located whether or not the person is intentionally keeping honeybees.
2
Subd. 5. "Beekeeping equipment" means anything used in the operation of an
apiary, such as hive bodies, supers, frames, top and bottom boards and extractors.
Subd. 6. "Colony" means an aggregate of honey bees consisting principally of
workers, but having, when perfect, one queen and at times drones, brood, combs and
honey.
Subd. 7. "Flyway barrier" means a barrier that raises the flight path of bees
above six feet from the ground as they come and go from a hive.
Subd. S. "Hive"means the receptacle inhabited by a colony.
Subd. 9. "Honey bee" means all life stages of the common domestic honey bee,
apis mellifera. This definition does not include wasps, hornets, African subspecies or
Africanized hybrids.
Subd. 10. "Nucleus colony" means a small quantity of honey bees with a queen
housed in a smaller than usual hive box designed for a particular purpose, and containing
no supers.
Subd. 11. "Registrant" means any registered beekeeper and any person who has
applied for approval of a beekeeping registration.
Subd. 12. "Rooftop" means the uppermost section of a primary or accessory
structure of at least one full story and at least twelve feet in height. Areas including but
not limited to decks, patios and balconies shall not be considered a rooftop.
Subd. 13. "Super" means a box that holds the frames where bees will store the
honey.
Subd. 14. "Swarming" means the process where a queen bee leaves a colony
with a large group of worker bees in order to form a new honey bee colony.
Subd. 15. "Unusual aggressive behavior" means any instance in which unusual
aggressive characteristics such as stinging or attacking without provocation occurs.
Provocation is an act that an adult could reasonably expect may cause a bee to sting or
attack.
906.03.—Purpose.
The purpose and intent of this Section is to permit and establish requirements for the
keeping of honey bee colonies, hives, and equipment within the City and to ensure
compliance with the requirements of this section. The City of Richfield recognizes that
honey bees are an asset to our community, important in the pollination of plants and in
the production of honey and other products.
3
906.05.—Beekeeping Limited.
No person shall keep, harbor, maintain or allow to be kept any hive or other facility for
the housing of honeybees on or in any property within the City of Richfield without an
approved registration unless otherwise exempted by subsection 906.09 or 906.13.
906.07.—Colony Location.
Subdivision 1. Hives cannot be located in the front yard and must be located a
minimum of ten (10) feet from the rear or side property lines and 20 feet from public
rights-of-way unless further restricted elsewhere in this Code. A corner lot shall be
considered to have two front yards.
Subd. 2. Hives must be located a minimum of ten feet from any dwelling unit.
Subd. 3. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, in each instance where
any part of a hive is kept within twenty-five feet of a lot line of the apiary site, a flyway
barrier of at least six feet in height must be constructed and must comply with the
following:
(a) The flyway barrier may consist of a wall, fence, dense vegetation or a
combination there of, such that honey bees will fly over rather than
through the material to reach the colony.
(b) If a flyway barrier of dense vegetation is used, the initial planting may be
four feet in height, so long as the vegetation reaches a height of at least six
feet within two years of installation. Vegetation must be maintained so
that it thrives and continues to meet these standards. If the vegetation dies
or is not maintained so that it will comply, the vegetation must be
replaced.
(c) If the flyway barrier consists of a wall or fence, the materials must be
decay resistant, and maintained in good condition.
(d) The flyway barrier must continue parallel to the lot line of the apiary site
for ten feet in both directions from the hive, or contain the hive or hives in
an enclosure at least six feet in height.
(e) A flyway barrier is not required if the hive is located on a rooftop.
(f) Flyway barriers are subject to all other applicable City regulations,
including,but not limited to, fence height limitations.
Subd. 4. Hives located on any rooftop are subject to annual inspection and
permitting by the City. No colony shall be placed upon a rooftop until the
Building Inspector or their designee has determined that the location poses
4
no health or safety risks and that it is structurally sound to hold a hive and
associated equipment and activities. If the Building Inspector at any time
determines that the hive and/or building conditions pose a risk to public
health or safety, the deficiency must be repaired or removed by the
Registrant within ten (10) days' written notice. If the deficiency is not
repaired or removed, the hive must be removed, at the Registrant's sole
expense, within fifteen (15) days of notice from the building inspector of
the unsafe condition.
906.09.—Colony Density.
Subdivision 1. Every lot or parcel of land in the City shall be limited to the
following number of colonies based on the size of the apiary site:
(a) One half acre or smaller is allowed one colony;
(b) More than one half acre to three quarters of an acre is allowed two
colonies;
(c) More than three quarter of an acre to one acre is allowed three colonies;
(d) More than one acre to five acres is allowed four colonies;
(e) More than five acres, there is no restriction on the number of colonies.
Subd. 2. If any beekeeper serves the community by removing a swarm or swarms
of honeybees from locations where they are not desired, that person shall not be
considered in violation of the colony density restrictions in this section if the following
conditions are met:
(a) The person temporarily houses the honeybees at an apiary site of a
beekeeper registered with the City,
(b) The bees are not kept for more than thirty days, and
(c) The site remains in compliance with the other provisions of this section.
906.011.—Required Conditions.
Subdivision 1. Honey bee colonies shall be kept in hives with removable frames,
which shall be kept in sound and useable condition.
Subd. 2. Each colony on the apiary site shall be provided with a convenient
source of water which must be located within ten feet of each active colony.
5
Subd. 3. Materials from a hive such as wax combs or other materials that might
encourage robbing by other bees shall be promptly disposed of in a sealed container or
placed within a building or other bee and vermin proof enclosure.
Subd. 4. For each colony permitted to be maintained, there may also be
maintained upon the same apiary lot, one nucleus colony in a hive structure not to exceed
one standard nine and five-eights (9-5/8) inch depth box, ten frame hive body with no
supers.
Subd. 5. Beekeeping equipment must be maintained in good condition, including
keeping the hives free of chipped and peeling paint if painted, and any unused equipment
must be stored in an enclosed structure.
Subd. 6. Hives shall be continuously managed to provide adequate living space
for their resident honeybees in order to prevent swarming.
Subd. 7. In any instance in which a colony exhibits unusual aggressive behavior,
it shall be the duty of the beekeeper to promptly re-queen the colony.
906.13.—Registration Required.
Subdivision 1. The application for registration must be upon a form provided by
the City. All required information must be complete.
Subd. 2. Each apiary site must apply for registration and receive approval prior
to bringing any honeybees into the City.
Subd. 3. If the beekeeper relocates a hive or colony to a new apiary site, the
beekeeper shall apply for an updated registration, prior to the relocation, on the form
provided by the City.
Subd. 4. The beekeeping registration shall be valid until March 31 of each
calendar year following initial issuance and must be renewed by the registrant prior to
expiration each year by submitting a renewal form to the City on the form it provides.
Subd. 5. Upon receipt of an application for an initial or renewal registration, the
City will send notice to all property owners within 100 feet of the property line of the
parcel upon which the apiary site(s) is located. Any property owner who objects to the
registration must submit objections in writing to the City Manager within ten (10) days of
the date of the notice. If the City Manager receives any written objections relating to an
application, the City Manager will act on the application. If a written objection relating
to an initial registration application includes evidence that a property owner, or a person
residing at the property, within the 100-foot notice area, has a verifiable, documented
medical allergy to bees, the City Manager shall deny the application. Such basis for
denial shall not apply to objections submitted related to a renewal application.
6
Subd. 6. Beekeeping training and education is required for the beekeeper prior to
the issuance of the initial beekeeping permit by the City. At the time of application for
registration, the beekeeper must submit a certificate of completion of a honeybee keeping
course from an accredited Minnesota institution.
Subd. 7. The fees for the registration will be determined by the City Council in
the City's fee schedule (Appendix D).
Subd. 8. The property must be in compliance with all other applicable City
regulations in order to receive approval and renewal.
Subd. 9. If the required conditions outlined in section 906.11 are not maintained
subsequent to issuance of a beekeeping permit, the permit may be revoked by the City
Manager.
Subd. 10. Beekeepers operating in the City prior to the effective date of this
Section will have until March 1, 2016 to apply for registration.
Subd. 11. The registration requirement under this subsection does not apply to
The Woodlake Nature Center.
906.15.—Inspection.
Subdivision 1. Upon initial registration, annual renewal or any updated
registration, each beekeeper must allow for an inspection of the site.
Subd. 2. Upon prior notice to the owner of the apiary site, City staff shall have
the right to inspect any apiary.
Subd. 3. In the case of a complaint regarding the apiary, the apiary site may be
inspected upon reasonable notice to the property owner and/or registered beekeeper.
906.17.—Appeal and Hearing Procedure.
Subdivision 1. Notice of denial, revocation or non-renewal must be made in
writing to the registrant specifying the reason(s) for the action. The registrant may
request, in writing, a hearing within fourteen (14) days of the date of the notification
letter.
Subd 2. A hearing officer shall hold hearings on contested denials, revocations,
and non-renewals. The hearing officer shall be a person appointed by the City. At the
hearing, the applicant may speak on his or her behalf and may present witnesses and
other evidence he or she deems necessary. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the
hearing officer shall issue a written decision that includes findings of fact. The City shall
provide the registrant with a copy of the hearing officer's decision. The registrant may
7
appeal the hearing officer's decision to the Minnesota Court of Appeals by writ of
certiorari.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance is effective as provided by Section 3.09 of the
Richfield City Charter.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this day of
, 2016.
By:
Debbie Goettel, Mayor
ATTEST:
Elizabeth VanHoose, City Clerk
8
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF
AN ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO BEEKEEPING IN THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
WHEREAS, the City has adopted the above referenced ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the verbatim text of the ordinance is cumbersome, and the expense
of publication of the complete text is not justified; and
WHEREAS, the following summary clearly informs the public of the intent and
effect of the ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Richfield that the following summary is hereby approved for official publication:
SUMMARY PUBLICATION
BILL NO.
AN ORDINANCE SECTION 906 OF THE
CITY CODE PERTAINING TO BEEKEEPING WITHIN THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
On January 26th, 2016, the Richfield City Council adopted an ordinance designated
as Bill No. , the title of which is stated above. This summary of the ordinance is
published pursuant to Section 3.12 of the Richfield City Charter. The ordinance amends
the Zoning code to allow for beekeeping as an allowed use on properties within the city
under the regulations created in a new section (906) of the city code. The Ordinance
permits the City of Richfield to issue permits, inspect and regulate beekeeping within the
city. The ordinance prohibits home sales of honey from allowed hives.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is directed to keep a copy of the
Ordinance in her office at City Hall for public inspection and to post a full copy of the
Ordinance in a public place in the City for a period of two weeks. Copies of the
Ordinance are also available upon request by calling 612-861-9738.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 26th day of
January, 2016.
Debbie Goettel, Mayor
ATTEST:
Elizabeth VanHoose, City Clerk
AGENDA SECTON: OTHER BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM# 7.
r ■. r STAFF REPORT NO. 22
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1/26/2016
REPORT PREPARED BY Karen Barton,Community Development Assistant Director
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: John Stark,Community Development Director
1/19/2016
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: None
CITYMANAGER REVIEW: Steven L.Devich
1/21/2016
ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of agreements with non-profit organizations to provide social services to the City of Richfield and authorization
of the City Manager to execute the agreements for services with those agencies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Consistent with prior years,the 2016 City Budget includes funding for organizations that provide social services that are deemed to be
of benefit to the City and the community in general. The 2016 Budget includes$70,480 for this purpose.
In November of 2015 staff distributed a Request For Proposals for Social Services to non-profit agencies serving the City of Richfield,
for services to be provided in 2016.
A total of eleven proposals were received from the following agencies: Headway Emotional Health(The Storefront Group), Cornerstone
Advocacy Services,Advocates for Intentional Living, Community Involvement Programs, Transportation Resources to Aid Independent
Living(TRAIL), Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People(VEAP), Loaves and Fishes, Richfield R.E.A.D.Y, The Family Partnership, Senior
Community Services, and Modulo De Informacion De Recursos Y Apoyo(MIRA). The proposals represent a wide variety of social
services offered to Richfield residents.
Of the eleven proposals, only Advocates for Intentional Living had not submitted a proposal in previous years. Advocates for Intentional
Living is proposing to provide counseling services to clients of the City of Richfield's Kids@Home program. Clients of the Kids@Home
program are required to participate in counseling services to assist them in overcoming barriers to financial and housing stability. A
complete overview of all services to be provided by the various organizations is attached.
Based on Council input from last year, Council Member Garcia and two Richfield residents assisted in the review of proposals and
subsequent funding recommendations. As a result, it is recommended that the City enter into agreements for services with the following
non-profit agencies in the amounts indicated in the table below:
Organization 2016 Proposal Request 2016 Recommendation
Headway/Storefront $15,000 $8,000
Cornerstone $15,000 $11,000
Advocates for Intentional
Living $5,000 $5,000
Community Involvement
Program $8,140 $4,000
RAIL $3,000 $3,000
EAP $25,000 $16,000
Loaves and Fishes $7,500 $6,000
Richfield R.E.A.D.Y. $3,000 $1,500
The Family Partnership $12,000 $6,980
Senior Community Services $10,000 $6,000
MI RA $15,000 $3,000
TOTAL $118,640 $70,480
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By Motion: 1)Approve agreements between the recommended non-profit organizations and the City of Richfield; and 2)
authorize the City Manager to execute agreements for services with those agencies.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION:
A. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
• The City of Richfield has historically allocated funds on an annual basis to social service agencies serving the
Richfield community. In 2012 the City was required to make changes to its funding practices due to independent
audit findings, resulting in the discontinuation of grant funding to social service type agencies beginning in 2013.
• The City is not authorized to provide grant funding to social service agencies. However, it has been determined
that the City can enter into agreements for services with agencies for specific services that are compatible with
City activities.
• The 2016 recommendations are based on the following criteria:
• Demonstrated need of the proposed service for the targeted population.
• Compatibility with City functions/activities.
• Partnership and/or assistance with various City services(i.e., public safety).
• Efforts to serve low-income persons of all races/cultures/ethnicity.
• Demonstrated value to the community.
• Past performance.
• Cost of services and number of persons served.
• Certified Non-Profit agency.
• The following chart provides a five-year history of the City of Richfield Social Service funding to the responding
agencies:
Organization 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Proposed
Headway $14,100 $15,500 $12,000 $10,930 $8,000 $8,000
Cornerstone $13,250 $12,825 $12,000 $10,000 $12,000 $11,000
Adv.for Intentional Living $5,000
Comm. Involve. Program $5,000 $6,475 $5,00q $3,000 $4,000 $4,000
RAIL $2,125 $1,55C $1,550 $2,000 $3,000
EAP $14,000 $15,500 $15,OOC $18,000 $18,000 $16,000
Loaves and Fishes $4,000 $3,900 $5,00 $5,000 $7,480 $7,500
Richfield R.E.A.D.Y $2,500 $2,325 $1,500
Family Partnership $11,0001 $11,6251 $10,00 $7,000 $6,000 $6,980
Senior Comm. Services $9,0001 1 $7,00 $7,000 $6,000 $6,000
MIRA $9,5001 $11,6251 $9,00 $8,000 $7,000 $3,000
TOTAL $82,3501 $81,9001 $76,55 $70,480 $70,480 $70,480
B. POLICIES(resolutions,ordinances,regulations,statutes,etch
To partner with other agencies as warranted and practical, and to assist in the delivery of services to City residents.
C. CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
Services to be provided in the calendar year 2016.
D. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
• A City Council/Administration 2016 allocation of$70,480 is budgeted for social services.
• The proposals exceeded the City's available funding by$48,160.00.
E. LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
The City Attorney has reviewed the Agreements.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S):
• Approve the recommendations with revised allocations.
• Do not approve the recommendations.
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
Representatives of the Social Service Agencies may be in attendance.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ Social Service Funding Request For Proposals Backup Material
❑ Description of Services Backup Material
CITY OF RICHFIELD
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR
SOCIAL SERVICES
2016
The City of Richfield is seeking proposals for social services from non-profit agencies
serving the City of Richfield. Funding parameters and priority goals for the purpose of
making the best use of funds are as follows:
Funding Parameters
• Any non-profit organization is eligible to apply.
• Projects must serve Richfield residents.
• Services must be compatible with City functions and activities.
Priority Goals
Projects must address at least one of the following areas:
• Services for vulnerable senior residents.
• Services for individuals, families, teens and/or children at risk.
• Housing support services for low-income persons and persons at risk.
Award Criteria
Proposals must meet one or more of the following criteria:
• Demonstrated need of the proposed service for the targeted population.
• Compatibility with City functions/activities.
• Partnership and/or assistance with various City services (i.e., public safety).
• Efforts to serve low-income persons of all races/cultures/ethnicities.
• Demonstrated value to the community.
• Certified Non-Profit agency.
Proposal's must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. December 30, 2015
LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Proposals must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. December 30, 2015
LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
The information requested in the attached Request for Proposals must be addressed in
your proposal.
Submit 1 electronic copy of your agencies proposal by 4:30 p.m. December 30, 2015
(LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED) to:
Lynnette Chambers
City of Richfield
6700 Portland Avenue
Richfield, MN 55423
Ichamberscityofrichfield.org
Applicants may be asked to respond in writing to additional questions. The Richfield
City Council will tentatively award contracts for services in January 2016.
Agencies awarded contracts will be required to sign a service agreement for calendar
year 2016 and submit semi-annual reports on service outcomes.
Please contact Lynnette Chambers at 612-861-9773 or
Ichambers(a-)-cityofrichfield.or_g with any questions.
Proposals must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. December 30, 2015
LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
CITY OF RICHFIELD
2016 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE ASSISTANCE
Proposals for social services must include the following:
PROPOSAL HEADING
1. Agency name, address, contact person, and phone/fax/email
2. Amount of request
3. Brief description of service(s) provided
4. Identify priority area(s) you are addressing:
a) Services for vulnerable senior residents
b) Services for individuals, families, teens and/or children at risk
c) Housing support services for low-income persons and persons at risk
d) Other: Please Specify
5. Explain how the services you are proposing to provide will benefit the City of
Richfield.
6. Explain any formal or informal partnership you have with the City of Richfield (i.e.,
assisting Public Safety through the services you provide, etc.)
ADMINISTRATION
1. Provide a mission statement for your agency.
2. Provide verification of your organization's non-profit legal status.
3. Indicate your total agency budget for 2016.
4. Indicate your proposed project budget for 2016. Itemize proposed expenses and
describe as applicable. Indicate both proposed City funds and other funds to
support the project.
PROGRAM
1. Describe service to be funded, including:
a) Brief statement detailing the service and how it is provided
b) Target population(s); estimated number of unduplicated individuals you plan to
serve residing in the City of Richfield
c) Eligibility criteria and process
d) How clients are involved in the planning process for service
e) Desired client outcomes and methods of evaluating and measuring client
progress (use attached "Proposed Outcome/Evaluation Methods" form)
3. Demonstrate the need for the proposed service.
4. Describe outreach efforts to target populations, including immigrant and low-income
individuals.
Please contact Lynnette Chambers at 612-861-9773 or
lchambers(a_citVofrichfield.or_q with any questions.
Proposals must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. December 30, 2015
LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
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AGENDA SECTION: OTHER BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM# 8.
STAFF REPORT NO. 23
..;f _.f_.. ..{ CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VN 1/26/2016
REPORT PREPARED BY: William F. Fillmore, Liquor Operations Director
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: William F. Fillmore, Liquor Operations Director
1/21/2016
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: N/A
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of authorizing a capital improvement to upgrade the municipal liquor store at 6600
Cedar Avenue South.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
At the August 24, 2015 City Council/Staff budget review, the City Manager indicated the need to upgrade the
municipal liquor store at 6600 Cedar Avenue South. This liquor store has not seen any significant renovation
since it was built in the late 1980s. For the past 12 to 15 years, the Cedar Avenue store has been the leading
store in terms of sales. However, the store is starting to look dated and is in need of upgrade and repairs.
Liquor staff and the City's Building Superintendent have identified several areas in need of replacement or
upgrading at the Cedar Avenue location:
• Roof Replacement
• Concrete Sidewalk Replacement
• Bituminous Mill and Overlay for Parking Area
• Pneumatic Entry/Exit Door Replacement
• Product Refrigeration Equipment(Compressor, Fans, Doors, Product Shelving)
• Numerous interior appointments (ceiling, flooring, HVAC vents)
• Restroom and office relocation
• Sales floor Product Shelving
• Wall Graphics and Isle Product Identification Signage
• Exterior Signage
• Point of Sale Counters
• Exterior Canopy replacement over entry way
In addition to the work needed on the store facility, other significant reasons to enhance this store relate to the
recent added competition of Total Wine and Spirits to the Twin Cities area and the new redevelopment in the
Cedar Point area that is scheduled to begin in 2016. Having a refurbished store ready by the summer of
2016 would be a strategic move to help Richfield maintain its retail sales market.
The estimated cost of the project is$825,000 and architectural/engineering fees of$48,000. The project
would take place in early April with an interruption of business of six weeks.
As with previous liquor operations projects, Cedar Avenue customers will be directed to patronize one of the
City's other municipal liquor stores via various media.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By Motion: Authorize a capital improvement and direct staff to proceed with upgrading the municipal
liquor store at 6600 Cedar Avenue South.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION:
A. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
With pending redevelopment on Richfield's east side and sale of the Cedar Point retail center, it would be
a good opportunity to upgrade the current facility prior to the significant changes in the area.
Staff took advantage of a similar situation in 2013 when the liquor store located at 6444 Lyndale Avenue
South was upgraded. This liquor store is still experiencing customer and sales growth, primarily due to
the refined look of the retail operations.
B. POLICIES(resolutions,ordinances,regulations,statutes,etcy
N/A
C. CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
• Staff will proceed with specifications and advertisement for bids immediately after authorization
from City Council.
• Staff would like to begin construction in early April 2016.
• Staff would like the store to be completed for the Memorial Day weekend.
D. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
• Staff and Wold Architects estimate a project cost of$825,000 and design costs of$48,000.
• Resources to fund the upgrade are available within the liquor operations financial portfolio.
E. LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S):
Delay the decision to a meeting at a later date or do not approve the renovation of the Cedar Avenue store.
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
A Representative from Wold Architects will be invited to attend.
AGENDA SECTION: OTHER BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM# 9.
STAFF REPORT NO. 24
..;f _.f_.. ..{ CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VN 1/26/2016
REPORT PREPARED BY: Theresa Schyma, Deputy City Clerk
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: N/A
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Steven L. Devich
1/21/2016
ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of the appointments to City advisory commissions.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Several terms of City advisory commission members expire on January 31, 2016. In addition, there
are mid-term vacancies due to resignations that should be filled. Advisory commission terms are for
three years and they are staggered.
The City Council directs the City Manager's office to conduct an annual recruitment seeking
applicants to fill the vacancies. This recruitment includes an item in the Richfield Sun-Current and
information on the City's website.
Most applicants were interviewed at a Special City Council Meeting on January 16, 2016. To ensure
a quorum at future advisory commission meetings, the City Council should make advisory
commission appointments at the January 26, 2016 City Council meeting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By Motion: Appoint persons to fill the expiring or vacant terms on City advisory commissions.
BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION:
A. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
This information is contained in the Executive Summary.
B. POLICIES(resolutions,ordinances,regulations,statutes,etch
City advisory commissions were established by City ordinance or resolution.
C. CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
• Several terms of City advisory commission members expire on January 31, 2016.
• To ensure a quorum at future advisory commission meetings, the City Council should make
appointments at the January 26, 2016 City Council meeting.
D. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
E. LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
The January 16, 2016 Special City Council meeting was posted in accordance with the open meeting
law requirements.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(B)LI
The City Council could defer the appointments to a future City Council meeting.
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ 2016 vacancy list Backup Material
0
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