Franchise bids

(a)

After receiving bids for a franchise, the city, after considering the legal, financial, technical and character qualifications of the bidders, may grant one (1) or more nonexclusive franchises creating a right to construct and operate a cable television system within the public ways of the city. Franchises may be granted to the bidders which in the city's judgment may best serve the public interest; provided that no provision of this chapter shall be deemed or construed as to require the city to grant a franchise.

(b)

The bid for a cable television franchise shall be submitted to the mayor or his designee, on a written form, included in the request for bid furnished by the city, and in accordance with procedures and schedules to be established by the city. The form may request facts and information the city deems appropriate. The city may assess a nonrefundable fee bid in an amount determined by the city, which amount shall be used by the city to offset direct expenses incurred in the franchising and evaluation procedures, including, but not limited to, staff time and consulting assistance.

(c)

A bidder (grantee) to whom the mayor, upon the authorization of the city council, grants a nonexclusive franchise shall, in addition to the nonrefundable fee specified hereinabove, pay to the city, at the time the grantee files the written instrument specified in section 7-12, an amount to be determined by the mayor to be used to offset all direct and reasonable costs incurred by the city in granting the franchise not defrayed by fees forthcoming from the provisions of subsection (b).

(Code 1971, § 52-22; Ord. No. 7864-A, § 1(Art. III, § 2), 1-28-82)

Secs. 7-38—7-55. - Reserved.

ARTICLE III. - FRANCHISE CONDITIONS