HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/20/2012 04H LightSpeed Networks, Inc. (dba LS Networks) Telecommunications System Franchise •
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No.
For Meeting of: March 20, 2012
ITEM TITLE: Ordinance granting a telecommunications system
franchise to LightSpeed Networks, Inc., dba LS
Networks.
SUBMITTED BY: Randy Beehler, Community Relations Manager
CONTACT Randy Beehler, Community Relations Manager, 575 -
PERSON/TELEPHONE: 6092
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
In February 2012, LightSpeed Networks, Inc., dba LS Networks, formally requested
the grant of a Telecommunications System Franchise by the City. The City
requested and received all necessary and appropriate documentation from LS
Networks to determine that LS Networks is qualified to be granted a
Telecommunications System Franchise. Franchise negotiations were completed in
early March 2012.
The attached Telecommunications System Franchise Ordinance (the "Ordinance ")
and the franchise it grants allow LS Networks to occupy City streets and rights -of-
way in order to construct, operate, and maintain a telecommunications system. The
franchise authorized by the ordinance is for a term of ten (10) years. The City will not
charge a franchise fee to LS Networks at this time, pursuant to RCW 35.21.860.
However, LS Networks will pay a 6% utility tax on gross revenues for applicable
business activities in conducts within the city.
Resolution Ordinance X Other
(specify)
Contract: Mail to:
Contract Term: Amount: Expiration Date:
Insurance Required? No
Funding N/A Phone:
Source:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL:
City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Pass ordinance
BOARD /COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Click to download
❑ LS Networks Telecommunications System Franchise Ordinance
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ORDINANCE NO. 2012 -
•
AN ORDINANCE granting a non - exclusive franchise to LightSpeed Networks, Inc. ( "LS
Networks ") to construct, operate and maintain a Telecommunications
System, with all necessary facilities, within the City of Yakima,
Washington (the "City "); setting forth provisions, terms and conditions
accompanying the grant of this Franchise; providing for City regulation
of construction, operation, maintenance and use of the
Telecommunications System; prescribing penalties for the violations of
its provisions; and setting an effective date.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA that a franchise is hereby granted to
LightSpeed Networks, Inc., dba LS Networks, to operate and maintain a Telecommunications
System in the City of Yakima, Washington upon the following express terms and conditions:
SECTION 1 - DEFINITIONS
1.1 (A) Captions. Throughout this Franchise, captions to sections are intended solely
to facilitate reading and to reference the sections and provisions of this Franchise. The
captions shall not affect the meaning and interpretation of this Franchise.
1.1 (B) Definitions. For the purposes of this Franchise the following terms, phrases,
words and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with
the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number
include the singular number, words in the singular number include the plural number and the
use of any gender shall be applicable to all genders whenever the sense requires. The words
"shall" and "will" are mandatory and the word "may" is permissive. Where a term in this
Franchise is not defined in this Section and there exists a definition for the term in the
Telecommunications Act of 1996, Pub. Law No. 104 -104, 110 Stat. 56 (1996) (the
"Telecommunications Act "), the Telecommunications Act definition shall apply. Other terms
in this Franchise that are not defined in this Section shall be given their common or ordinary
meaning.
1.2 "City" shall mean City of Yakima, Washington, and all the incorporated
territory within as of the effective date of this Franchise and any other areas later added
thereto by annexation or other means.
1.3 "City Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of Yakima,
Washington.
1.4 "Customer" means any person(s) who legally receives any one or more of the
services provided by LS Networks utilizing the Telecommunications System.
1.5 "Days" shall mean calendar days.
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1.6 "Facility(ies)" means all wires, lines, cables, conduits, towers, antenna,
equipment and supporting structures, and /or any other tangible component of the LS Networks
Telecommunications System, located in the City's rights -of -way, utilized by LS Networks in
the operation of activities authorized by this Franchise. The abandonment by LS Networks of
any Facilities as defined herein shall not act to remove the same from this definition.
1.7 "FCC" shall mean the Federal Communications Commission.
1.8 "Franchise" shall mean the right granted by the Franchise Ordinance and
conditioned as set forth herein by which the City authorizes LS Networks to erect, construct,
reconstruct, operate, dismantle, test, use and maintain a Telecommunications System in the
City. The franchise granted herein shall be a non - exclusive franchise.
1.9 "Franchise Service Area" shall mean that area within the incorporated City
limits in which LS Networks shall extend its services.
1.10 "Grantee" shall refer to, as incorporated or used herein, Lightspeed Networks,
Inc.
1.11 "Gross Operating Revenues" shall have a meaning consistent with any
existing or future City Code. Gross Operating Revenues shall include any and all
compensation in whatever form, from any source, directly earned by LS Networks or any
affiliate of LS Networks or any other person who would constitute an operator of the LS
Networks Telecommunications System under applicable local, state and /or federal law,
derived from the provision of Telecommunications Services originating or terminating in the
City and /or charged to a circuit location in the City regardless of where the circuit is billed or
paid. All such revenue remains subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations which II
exclude revenues from interne access services while permitted by law.
1.12 "Permittee" means any person who has been granted a permit by the assigned
permitting authority.
1.13 "Permitting Authority" means the head of the City division or department
authorized to process and grant permits required to perform work in the City's rights -of -way,
or the head of any agency authorized to perform this function on the City's behalf. Unless
otherwise indicated, all references to the Permitting Authority shall include the designee of the
department, division or agency head.
1.14 "Person" means any individual, sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership,
association, joint venture or other form of organization of any kind and the lawful trustee,
successor, assignee, transferee or personal representative thereof
1.15 "Penalties" means any and all monetary penalties provided for in this
Franchise.
1.16 "Right -of -Way" or "Rights -of -Way" shall mean the surface of and the space
above and below any public street, road, highway, freeway, easement, lane, path, alley, court,
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sidewalk, parkway or driveway now or hereafter existing as such within all incorporated areas
of the City.
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AP 1.17 "Street" or "Streets" shall mean the surface of and the space above and below
the right -of -way of any public street, road, highway, freeway, easement, lane, path, alley,
court, sidewalk, parkway or driveway now or hereafter existing as such within all incorporated
areas of the City.
1.18 "Telecommunications Services" shall mean the electronic transmission,
conveyance, or routing of voice, data, audio, video, or any other information or signals to a
point, or between and among points. Telecommunications Services include such
transmission, conveyance, or routing in which computer processing applications are used to
act on the form, code, or protocol of the content for purposes of transmission, conveyance, or
routing without regard to whether such service is referred to as voice over interne protocol
services or is classified by the Federal Communications Commission as enhanced or value
added. Telecommunications Services do not include:
A. Data processing and information services that allow data to be
generated, acquired, stored, processed, or retrieved and delivered by an electronic
transmission to a purchaser where such purchaser's primary purpose for the underlying
transaction is the processed data or information;
B. Installation or maintenance of wiring or equipment on a customer's
premises;
C. Tangible personal property;
D. Advertising, including but not limited to directory advertising;
E. Billing and collection services provided to third parties;
F. Internet access service;
G. Radio and television audio and video programming services, regardless
of the medium, including the furnishing of transmission, conveyance, and routing of such
services by the programming service provider. Radio and television audio and video
programming services include but are not limited to cable service as defined in 47 U.S.C. Sec.
522(6) and audio and video programming services delivered by commercial mobile radio
service providers, as defined in section 20.3, Title 47 C.F.R.;
H. Ancillary services;
I. Digital products delivered electronically, including but not limited to
music, video, reading materials, or ring tones; or
J. Software delivered electronically
1.19 "Telecommunications System" means all wires, cables, ducts, conduits,
vaults, poles and other necessary Facilities owned or used by LS Networks for the purpose of
providing Telecommunications Services and located in, under and above the City streets
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and /or rights -of -way, excluding ducts, conduits and vaults leased from another City
franchisee, licensee or permittee.
1.20 "WUTC" shall mean the Washington Utilities and Transportation
Commission.
1.21 "Year" or "Annual" or "Annually" means the period consisting of a full
calendar year, beginning January 1 and ending December 31, unless otherwise provided for in
this Franchise.
SECTION 2 - FRANCHISE
2.1 Grant of Franchise. The City hereby grants to LightSpeed Networks, Inc.,
dba LS Networks, a non - exclusive franchise which authorizes LS Networks, subject to the
terms of the Franchise Ordinance, to construct a Telecommunications System and offer
Telecommunications Services in, along, among, upon, across, above, over, under, or in any
matter connected with, the rights -of -way located in the City and for that purpose to erect,
install, construct, repair, replace, reconstruct, maintain or retain in, on, over, under, upon,
across or along any rights -of -way or extensions thereof and additions thereto, such poles,
wires, cables, conductors, ducts, conduits, vaults, utility access covers, pedestals, amplifiers,
appliances, attachments and other related property or equipment as may be necessary or
appurtenant to the Telecommunications System.
2.2 Franchise Term. The term of this Franchise shall be ten (10) years from the
effective date unless extended in accordance with the provisions in Sections 2.7 and 2.12 of
this Franchise or terminated sooner in accordance with this Franchise. This provision does
not affect the City's right to revoke this Franchise for cause, because of a breach of any
promise, condition or stipulation stated herein.
2.3 Franchise Non - Exclusive. The franchise granted herein shall be non-
exclusive. The City specifically reserves the right to grant, at any time, such additional
franchises for a Telecommunications System as it deems appropriate provided, however, such
additional grants shall not operate to materially modify, revoke or terminate any rights
previously granted to LS Networks. The grant of any additional franchise shall not of itself be
deemed to constitute a modification, revocation or termination of rights previously granted to
LS Networks. Any franchise granted pursuant to this Franchise shall confer and impose
substantially similar rights and obligations. In establishing the rights and obligations pursuant
to a franchise, consideration shall be given to the services to be provided, the area to be
served, the commitments made by the applicant to the City, the regulatory authority of the
City and the investment proposed by such applicant. In no event will the City impose
discriminatory rights or obligations on any franchise applicant.
2.4 Authority Granted.
A. Subject to local, state and federal law, this Franchise grants the
authority, right and privilege to LS Networks to operate and maintain a Telecommunications
System including the lines, equipment, conduit, antenna, towers, and other appurtenances and
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facilities necessary for the provision of Telecommunications Services as defined herein, in,
• upon, along, above, over and under the streets and rights -of -way in the City.
B. The right of LS Networks to operate and maintain its
Telecommunications System is subject to the terms, conditions and requirements of the
Franchise Ordinance, this Franchise and the City Charter and the right of LS Networks to
construct, erect, install or modify its Telecommunications System is specifically subject to the
requirement that LS Networks obtain permits as set forth in this Franchise.
C. LS Networks expressly acknowledges and agrees, by acceptance of this
Franchise, that its rights under this Franchise are subject to the police power of the City to
adopt and enforce general ordinances necessary to the safety, health and welfare of the public
and LS Networks agrees to comply with all such applicable general laws and ordinances
enacted by the City pursuant to such police power. The City, by the granting of this
Franchise, does not render or to any extent lose, waive, impair or lessen the lawful powers and
rights now or hereafter vested in the City to regulate the use of its rights -of -way and tax,
regulate or license the use thereof, and LS Networks, by its acceptance of this Franchise,
acknowledges and agrees that all lawful powers and rights, whether regulatory or otherwise,
as are or may be from time to time vested in or reserved to the City, shall be in full force and
effect and LS Networks shall be subject to the exercise thereof by the City at any time.
D. LS Networks expressly acknowledges and agrees, by acceptance of this
Franchise, that lines, equipment, conduits and other facilities and appurtenance in the City
rights -of -way which are subsequently acquired by LS Networks and which, if acquired prior to
this original franchise grant, would have been subject to this Franchise and the permitting
authority related thereto, shall be subject to the provisions of this Franchise and all permits
related thereto.
E. In return for promises made and subject to the stipulations and
conditions stated herein, the City grants to LS Networks permission to use the City's rights -of-
way to provide Telecommunications Services to persons within the Franchise Service Area.
To the extent of the City's interests, permission is similarly granted to LS Networks to use
areas outside the City's rights -of -way which are reserved by regulation, practice or dedication
for public telephone utilities, but in such areas, such use by LS Networks is also subject to
conditions now or hereafter recognized by the City as generally applicable to
telecommunications or underground conduit utilities.
2.5 Limits on Permission.
A. As used in Section 2.4, E, "Telecommunications Services" means such
services as those defined in Section 1.19 of this Franchise provided by LS Networks to
persons within the City. Permission is not granted to use the City rights -of -way for any other
purpose, including but not limited to providing cable television service as defined in 47 USC
§ 522 or distribution of multi - channel video programming or any other video programming.
LS Networks stipulates that this Franchise extends no such rights or privileges.
B. Permission does not extend to areas outside those listed in Section 2.4,
E of this Franchise, or otherwise to any area outside the authority of the City to extend
franchised -use permission, such as buildings or private areas not reserved for utilities. LS
Networks is solely responsible to make its own arrangements for any access to such places.
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C. This Franchise does not extend permission to municipal buildings or
other municipally owned or controlled structures. For such locations, LS Networks shall
make specific arrangements directly with the municipal department or division controlling
such building or other structure.
D. Permission granted by this Franchise is non - exclusive. LS Networks
stipulates the City may grant similar permission to others.
E. LS Networks shall not permit installations by others in the Franchise
Service Area without written approval of the City. Such approval shall not be in lieu of a
franchise or other requirements of the City. Whether or not permitted, LS Networks remains
responsible for all third party users of the Telecommunications System for compliance with
this Franchise.
F. No privilege or exemption is granted or conferred by this Franchise
except as may be specifically prescribed.
G. Any privilege claimed under this Franchise in any street or right -of -way
shall be subordinate to any prior lawful occupancy or any subsequent exercise of City police
power. The grant of this Franchise shall not impart to LS Networks any fee title property
rights in or on any public or private property to which LS Networks does not otherwise have
title.
2.6 Franchise Service Area. The Franchise Service Area shall be that area within
the present or future city limits of the City of Yakima, Washington.
2.7 Periodic Public Review of Franchise.
A. The City may, at three -year intervals, conduct a comprehensive, public
review of this Franchise. One purpose of such reviews shall be to ensure that this Franchise
continues to effectively serve the public in light of new developments in telecommunications
law and regulation, telecommunications technology, local regulatory environment and
community needs and interests. Another purpose of such reviews shall be to accurately and
completely evaluate compliance by LS Networks with this Franchise and to identify any
violations by LS Networks of any provision(s) of this Franchise. Both the City and LS
Networks agree to make a full and good faith effort to participate in such reviews in a manner
that accomplishes the goals stated.
B. During such reviews, the City may require LS Networks to make
available records, documents and other information necessary for the effective completion of
such reviews and may inquire in particular whether LS Networks is supplying a level and
variety of services equivalent to those proposed by LS Networks during the process leading to
the granting of this Franchise.
C. The periodic reviews described in this Section may be, but need not be,
made coincident with reviews involved in the consideration of LS Networks requests for
Franchise renewal, Franchise extension or approval of transfer of ownership of the
Telecommunications System. The City may also, at any time, conduct a public hearing on •
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any issue related to alleged non - compliance by LS Networks with this Franchise or any permit
• related thereto.
2.8 Franchise Renewal or New Franchise.
A. The City may establish appropriate requirements for new franchises or
franchise renewals consistent with federal, state and local law.
B. Nothing in this Franchise shall be construed to require renewal of this
Franchise.
2.9 Renegotiation. In the event that any provision of this Franchise becomes
invalid or unenforceable and the City or LS Networks expressly finds that such provision
constituted a consideration material to entering into this Franchise, or in the event of
significant change in the law regulating this Franchise or change in municipal authority to act
under the terms of this Franchise, or in the event of significant change or advancement in
technology governing the functions of LS Networks, the City and LS Networks may mutually
agree to renegotiate any or all of the terms of this Franchise. The party seeking renegotiation
shall serve on the other party written notice of an offer to renegotiate. In the event the other
party accepts the offer to renegotiate, the parties shall have one hundred twenty (120) days to
conduct and complete the renegotiation. Nothing in this Franchise shall be construed to
require acceptance by either the City or LS Networks of an offer to renegotiate.
2.10 Revocation.
8 A. In addition to any rights set out elsewhere in this Franchise, the City
reserves the right to declare a forfeiture or otherwise revoke this Franchise and all rights and
privileges pertaining thereto in the event that: '
(1) The City determines LS Networks is in violation of any material
provision of this Franchise and fails to correct the violation after written notice of the
violation and proposed forfeiture and a reasonable opportunity thereafter to correct the
violation as noted in Section 9.2 of this Franchise; or
(2) LS Networks is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have
engaged in any actual or attempted fraud or deceit upon the City, persons or
customers; or
(3) LS Networks becomes insolvent, unable or unwilling to pay its debts as
they become due, or is adjudged a bankrupt; or
(4) LS Networks fails, refuses, neglects or is otherwise unable to obtain
and /or maintain any permit required by any federal or state regulatory body regarding
construction, maintenance and operation of the LS Networks Telecommunications
System.
B. For purposes of this Section, the following are material provisions of
fp this Franchise, allowing the City, without limitation, to exercise its rights under this Section or
as set forth elsewhere in this Franchise:
(1) The invalidation, failure to pay or any suspension of payment by LS
Networks of any fees or taxes due the City under this Franchise;
(2) Any failure by LS Networks to submit timely reports regarding the
calculation of any gross revenue -based fees or taxes due the City under this Franchise;
(3) Any failure by LS Networks to maintain the liability insurance required
under this Franchise;
(4) Any failure by LS Networks to maintain and provide the City a copy of
a Performance Bond as required under this Franchise;
(5) Any failure by LS Networks to otherwise fully comply with the
requirements of this Franchise.
C. Upon occurrence of one or more of the events set out above, following
sixty (60) days written notice to LS Networks of the occurrence and the proposed forfeiture
and an opportunity for LS Networks to be heard, the City may, by ordinance or other
appropriate document, declare a forfeiture. In a hearing of LS Networks, LS Networks shall
be afforded due process rights as if the hearing were a contested case hearing subject to
Washington law, including the right to cross - examine witnesses and to require that all
testimony be on the record. Findings from the hearing shall be written and shall stipulate the
reasons for the City's decision. If a forfeiture is lawfully declared, all rights of LS Networks
under this Franchise shall immediately be divested without a further act upon the part of the
City.
2.11 Receivership. The City shall have the right to declare a forfeiture or otherwise
revoke this Franchise one hundred eighty (180) days after the appointment of a receiver or
trustee to take over and conduct the business of LS Networks, whether in receivership,
reorganization, bankruptcy or other action or proceeding, unless such receivership or
trusteeship shall have vacated prior to the expiration of said one hundred eighty (180) days, or
unless:
(1) Within one hundred eighty (180) days after his/her election or
appointment, such receiver or trustee shall have been approved by the City and shall
fully have complied with all the provisions of this Franchise and remedied all defaults
thereunder; and
(2) Such receiver or trustee, within said one hundred eighty (180) days,
shall have executed an agreement, duly approved by the City as well as the court
having jurisdiction in the premises, whereby such receiver or trustee assumes and
agrees to be bound by each and every provision of this Franchise.
2.12 Expiration. Upon expiration of this Franchise, the City shall have the right, at
its own election, to:
(1) Extend this Franchise, as provided for herein, though nothing in this
provision shall be construed to require such extension;
(2) Renew this Franchise, in accordance with applicable valid law;
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(3) Invite additional franchise applications or proposals;
(4) Terminate this Franchise without further action; and
(5) Take such other action as the City deems appropriate.
2.13 Transfer of Ownership.
A. This Franchise shall not be sold, leased, mortgaged, assigned or
otherwise transferred, nor shall any of the rights or privileges herein granted or authorized be
sold, leased, mortgaged, assigned or otherwise transferred, either in whole or in part, nor shall
title hereto, either legal or equitable, or any right, interest or property herein, pass to or vest in
any person, except LS Networks, either by act of LS Networks or operation of law, without
the prior consent of the City, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, and expressed in
writing. The granting of such prior consent in one instance shall not render unnecessary any
subsequent prior consent in another instance. Any transfer of ownership shall make this -
Franchise subject to revocation unless and until the City shall have given written prior
consent.
B. Upon any transfer as heretofore described, LS Networks shall, within
sixty (60) days thereafter, file with the City a copy of the deed, agreement, mortgage, lease or
other written instrument evidencing such sale, lease, mortgage, assignment or transfer,
certified and sworn as correct by LS Networks.
C. Every such transfer as heretofore described, whether voluntary or
involuntary, shall be deemed void and of no effect unless LS Networks shall, within sixty (60)
days after such transfer has been made, file such certified copy as is required.
D. The requirements of this Section shall not be deemed to prohibit the use
of property owned by LS Networks as collateral for security in financing the construction or
acquisition of all or part of the Telecommunications System franchised hereunder. However,
such financing shall be subject to the provisions of this Franchise.
E. The City reserves the right to invoke any or all provisions of this
Franchise upon successors or assigns of LS Networks, judgment creditors or distributees of
facilities or property used in enjoyment of privileges conferred herein, whether or not stated
elsewhere, all without waiver of the right to withhold consent not expressly given of any such
transfer and /or require a new franchise.
2.14 Other Codes and Ordinances. Nothing in this Franchise shall be deemed to
waive the requirements of the other lawful codes and ordinances of the City regarding permits,
fees to be paid, or manner of construction.
® 2.15 Survival of Terms. Sections 4.9, 6, and 9 of this Franchise shall continue in
effect as to LS Networks notwithstanding any expiration, forfeiture or revocation of this
Franchise.
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SECTION 3 - ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION BY THE CITY
3.1 City Jurisdiction and Supervision. The City, through its Community
Relations Division (or its successor(s)), shall have continuing regulatory jurisdiction and
supervision over the operation and enforcement of this Franchise and may from time to time
adopt such reasonable rules and regulations as it may deem necessary for the conduct of the
business contemplated herein. All questions of application, interpretation, conflict or
ambiguity arising out of or in connection with this Franchise are to be determined by the
manager of the Community Relations Division (or his/her successor(s)), except only where
otherwise specifically stated, or in the event that a different person or body may be designated
by the City through written notice to LS Networks.
3.2 Grantee to Have No Recourse. Subject to state and federal law, LS Networks
shall have no recourse and be awarded no monetary recovery whatsoever other than non -
monetary declaratory or injunctive relief against the City for any loss, cost, expense or damage
arising out of any provision or requirement of this Franchise, nor from the City's regulation
under this Franchise, nor from the City's exercise of its authority to grant additional
franchises.
3.3 Acceptance of Power and Authority of City. LS Networks expressly
acknowledges by acceptance of this Franchise that:
(1) It has relied upon its own investigation and understanding of the power
and authority of the City to grant and enforce this Franchise and that it has no
objection to the exercise of the City's power and authority therein;
(2) It has not been induced to enter into this Franchise arrangement by any
understanding or promise or other statement, whether verbal or written, by or on
behalf of the City concerning any term or condition of this Franchise that is not
specifically included herein;
(3) It has carefully read the terms and conditions contained herein and LS
Networks is willing to and does accept all the obligations of such terms and conditions
to the extent not inconsistent with state or federal law; and
(4) The matters contained in the initial application by LS Networks and all
subsequent applications or proposals for renewals of this Franchise, and as stated in
any and all other presentations to the City, except as inconsistent with law, regulations
or local ordinance, are incorporated into this Franchise as though set out verbatim.
3.4 Acts Discretionary, Reservation of Authority. All City acts undertaken
pursuant to this Franchise shall be deemed discretionary, guided by the provisions of this
Franchise and considerations of the public health, safety, aesthetics and convenience. LS
Networks stipulates and agrees that this Franchise is subject to any lawful provisions
contained within the City Charter of the City of Yakima. LS Networks understands the
Charter's provisions are incorporated herein, where applicable. LS Networks agrees that the
City reserves all municipal powers now or hereafter granted by law, including without
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limitation, the power to tax and license, regulate activities of land use, protect the public
410 health and safety, and regulate and control use of public rights -of -way.
3.5 Delegation of Authority to Regulate. The City reserves the right to delegate
its regulatory authority wholly or in part to the federal government, state government, and /or
to agents of the City, including but not limited to an agency which may be formed to regulate
several City franchises.
SECTION 4 - OPERATION IN STREETS AND RIGHTS -OF -WAY
4.1 Use of Streets. LS Networks may, subject to terms of this Franchise, erect,
install, construct, repair, replace, reconstruct and retain in, on, over, under, upon, across and
along the City streets and rights -of -way such lines, cables, conductors, ducts, conduits, vaults,
utility access covers, amplifiers, appliances, pedestals, attachments and other property and
equipment as are necessary and appurtenant to the operation of a Telecommunications System
within the City. All installation, construction, alteration and /or maintenance of any and all
Telecommunications System Facilities within City streets and rights -of -way incident to
provision of Telecommunications Services by LS Networks shall, regardless of who performs
installation, construction, alteration and /or maintenance, be and remain the responsibility of
LS Networks.
4.2 Construction or Alteration.
4.2.1 Permits. LS Networks shall in all cases comply with all lawful City
ordinances and regulations regarding the acquisition of permits and other such items as may
be reasonably required in order to install, construct, alter and maintain the
Telecommunications System. LS Networks shall apply for and obtain all permits necessary
for installation, construction, alteration and /or maintenance of any such Facilities, and for
excavation and laying of any Telecommunications System Facilities within City streets and
rights -of -way. LS Networks shall pay all applicable fees due for any such permits.
4.2.2 Schedule and Maps.
A. Prior to beginning installation, construction, alteration or maintenance
of the Telecommunications System, LS Networks shall provide the City with an initial work
schedule for work to be conducted in City streets and rights -of -way and the estimated total
cost of such work. LS Networks shall, upon request, provide information to the City
regarding its progress in completing or altering the Telecommunications System.
B. Upon completion of construction or alteration of the
Telecommunications System, LS Networks shall provide the City with a map showing the
location of its installed Telecommunications System, as built. Such "as- built" maps shall be
in a form acceptable to the City.
4.2.3 Good Engineering.
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A. LS Networks promises all of its property and facilities shall be
constructed, operated and maintained in good order and condition in accordance with good
engineering practice. In connection with the civil works of the LS Networks
Telecommunications System, such as, but not limited to, trenching, paving, compaction and
locations, LS Networks promises to comply with the edition of the American Public Works
Association Standard Specifications which is in current or future use by the City, together
with the City's Supplemental Specifications thereto, all as now or hereafter amended.
B. LS Networks promises that the Telecommunications System shall
comply with the applicable federal, state and local laws, the National Electric Safety Code and
the Washington Electrical Construction Code, where applicable.
4.3 Facilities Placement.
4.3.1 General Standards. The Telecommunications System shall be
constructed and maintained in such manner as not to obstruct, hinder, damage or otherwise
interfere with sewers, water pipes, other utility fixtures or any other property of the City, or
any other pipes, wires, conduits or other facilities that may have been installed in City streets
or rights -of -way by or under the City's authority. LS Networks shall maintain a minimum
underground horizontal separation of five (5) feet from City water facilities and ten (10) feet
from above - ground City water facilities; PROVIDED, that for development in new areas, the
City, together with LS Networks and other utility purveyors or authorized users of City streets
or rights -of -way, will develop and follow the City's determination of a consensus for
guidelines and procedures for determining specific utility locations, subject additionally to this
Franchise.
4.3.2 Limited Access. The City reserves the right to limit or exclude access
by LS Networks to a specific route, right -of -way or other location when there is inadequate
space, a pavement cutting moratorium, potential for unnecessary damage to public property,
public expense, inconvenience, interference with City utilities, or for any other reason
determined by the City.
4.3.3 Consistency with Designated Use. Notwithstanding the grant to use
City streets and rights -of -way contained in this Franchise, no street or rights -of -way shall be
used by LS Networks if the City, in its sole opinion, determines that such use is inconsistent
with the terms, conditions or provisions by which such street or rights -of -way were created or
dedicated or presently used under state and local laws.
4.3.4 Non- Interference. LS Networks shall exert its best efforts to construct
and maintain the Telecommunications System so as not to interfere with other uses of City
streets or rights -of -way. LS Networks shall, where possible in the case of aboveground lines,
make use of existing poles and other facilities available to LS Networks. LS Networks shall
individually notify all residents affected by any proposed installation, construction, alteration
or maintenance of the Telecommunications System of such work where and when such
notification is reasonably possible.
4.3.5 Undergrounding. The City finds that overhead lines and aboveground
wire facilities and installations in the streets or rights -of -way and other franchised areas
adversely impact upon the public use and enjoyment of property in the City, including an
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aesthetic impact. Therefore, LS Networks shall place underground all of its transmission lines
41P that are located or are to be located above or within City streets or rights -of -way in the
following cases where:
(1) All existing utilities are located underground;
(2) Transmission or distribution facilities of the local exchange carrier
and /or the electric utility are underground or hereafter placed underground;
(3) Statute, ordinance, policy or other regulation of the City requires
utilities to be placed underground;
(4) LS Networks is unable to obtain pole clearance;
(5) Underground easements are obtained from developers of new
residential areas; or
(6) Utilities are overhead but residents prefer same to be located
underground (such undergrounding to be provided at residents' expense).
LS Networks hereby states it is familiar with RCW Ch. 19.122, Washington
State's "Underground Utilities" statute, and understands local procedures, custom and practice
relating to the one - number locator service program. Consistent with any general municipal
undergrounding policy or program now or hereafter developed, the City may require LS
1 Networks to participate in municipally imposed undergrounding or related requirements as a
condition of the installation or continued maintenance by LS Networks of overhead facilities
authorized under this Franchise. LS Networks hereby agrees to coordinate its underground
installation and planning activities with the City's underground plan and policies.
4.4 Coordination with Other Users. LS Networks shall coordinate its activities
with other utilities and users of City streets and rights -of -way to avoid unnecessary cutting,
damage or disturbance of such streets and rights -of -way and shall conduct its planning,
design, installation, construction, alteration and maintenance of the Telecommunications
System at all times so as to maximize the life and usefulness of the paving and municipal
infrastructure. In addition, the City may determine with respect to franchised uses, in the
exercise of reasonable discretion, when and where reasonable accommodation shall be made
by LS Networks to the City for public needs or, where requested, other third party needs, how
such accommodation should be made and a reasonable apportionment of any expenses of
same; PROVIDED, that this Franchise creates no third party beneficial interests or
accommodation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it remains the responsibility of LS Networks
to anticipate and avoid conflicts with other City streets or rights -of -way occupants or users,
other utilities, franchisees or permittees. The City assumes no responsibility for such
conflicts. Further, LS Networks shall give appropriate notices to any other City streets or
rights -of -way occupants or users, other utilities, franchisees, permittees, divisions of the City
or other units of government owning or maintaining facilities which may be affected by the
planning, design, installation, construction, alteration or maintenance of the LS Networks
Telecommunications System.
4.5 Relocation.
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A. The City shall have the right during the term of this Franchise, as it may
be extended, renewed or otherwise altered in accordance with this Franchise, to require LS
Networks to change the location of its Telecommunications System within City streets and
rights -of -way when the public convenience requires such change. If 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, wire conduit, towers, antenna, pipe, line, pole, wireholding
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, LS Networks shall,
upon request, except as otherwise hereinafter provided, at no expense to the City, remove or
relocate as necessary its poles, wires, cables, underground conduits, vaults, pedestals, utility
access covers and any other facilities which it has installed.
B. If the City requires LS Networks to remove or relocate its facilities
located within City streets or rights -of -way, the City will make a reasonable effort to provide
LS Networks with an alternate location for its facilities within City streets or rights -of -way.
C. The City shall provide LS Networks with the standard notice given
under the circumstances to other franchisees, licensees or permittees.
D. In an instance in which LS Networks had paid the cost of relocation of
its facilities at the request of the City within the previous five (5) years, the share of the cost of
relocation of LS Networks will be paid by the City if relocation of the same facilities is
subsequently requested by the City, except in an emergency as determined by the City.
E. If during the term of this Franchise, as it may be extended, renewed or
otherwise altered in accordance with this Franchise, another entity which holds a franchise or
any utility requests LS Networks to remove or relocate its Telecommunications System
Facilities to accommodate the construction, maintenance or repair of the requesting party's
facilities, or the more efficient use of such facilities, or to "make ready" the requesting party's
facilities for use by others, or because LS Networks is using a facility which the requesting
party has a right or duty to remove, and the City has determined that such removal or
relocation serves the best interests of the City in the management of its rights -of -way, then LS
Networks shall remove or relocate its Telecommunications System Facilities at the requesting
party's sole expense. LS Networks may request payment in advance from such third party
prior to any preparation for any removal or relocation. The City shall not be liable for any
such cost(s).
F. Any person requesting LS Networks to remove or relocate its facilities
shall give LS Networks no less than one hundred eighty (180) days advance written notice
advising LS Networks of the date or dates removal or relocation is to be undertaken.
G. If LS Networks fails, neglects or refuses to remove or relocate its
facilities as directed by the City, the City may do such work or cause it to be done and the
cost, including all direct, indirect and /or consequential costs and expenses incurred by the City
due to the failure, neglect or refusal by LS Networks thereof, shall be paid solely by LS
Networks.
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H. If LS Networks causes any damage to private property or public
41101 property in the process of removing or relocating its facilities, LS Networks shall pay the
owner of the property for such damage.
I. LS Networks does hereby promise to protect and save harmless the
City, its officers, agents and employees from any customer or third party claims for service
interruption or other losses in connection with any removal or relocation of
Telecommunications System Facilities.
4.6 Movement of Buildings. LS Networks shall, upon request by any person
holding a building permit, franchise or other approval issued by the City, temporarily remove,
raise or lower its transmission or other wires appurtenant to the Telecommunications System
to permit the movement of buildings. The expense for such removal, raising or lowering shall
be paid by the person requesting the same and LS Networks shall be authorized to require
such payment in advance. The City shall require all building movers to provide not less than
thirty (30) business days notice to LS Networks for such temporary wire changes.
4.7 Tree Trimming. LS Networks, with twenty -four (24) hour notice to the
property owner, shall have the authority to trim or cause to have trimmed trees upon and
overhanging streets, alleys, sidewalks and rights -of -way so as to prevent the branches of such
trees from coming in contact or otherwise interfering with the Telecommunications System;
PROVIDED, that the cost for such trimming of trees shall be paid solely by LS Networks.
1 4.8 Restoration.
A. Whenever LS Networks damages or disturbs any area in or near City
streets, rights -of -way, paved area or public improvement, LS Networks shall, at its sole cost,
expense and liability, restore such area in or near City streets, rights -of -way, paved area or
public improvement to its prior condition to the satisfaction of the City.
B. Whenever any opening is made by LS Networks in a hard surface
pavement in any City street or rights -of -way, LS Networks shall refill, restore, patch and
repave entirely all surfaces opened as determined necessary by the City in order to maintain
and preserve the useful life thereof.
C. For pavement restorations, any patch or restoration shall be thereafter
properly maintained in good condition and repair by LS Networks until such time as the area
is resurfaced or reconstructed.
D. The City hereby reserves the right, after providing reasonable notice to
LS Networks, to remove and /or repair any work done by LS Networks which, in the
determination of the City, is inadequate. The cost thereof, including the cost of inspection and
supervision, shall be paid solely by LS Networks.
E. Should LS Networks fail, neglect, refuse or delay in performing any
obligation here or elsewhere stated, or where the City deems necessary to protect public
rights -of -way or to avoid liability, risk or injury to the public or the City, after reasonable
notice to LS Networks, the City may proceed to perform or cause to have performed such
obligation, including any remedial or preventative action deemed necessary, at the sole
15
expense of LS Networks. Prior to undertaking corrective effort, the City shall make a
reasonable effort to notify LS Networks, except no notice is needed if the City declares an
emergency or determines a need for expedient action. This remedy is supplemental and not
alternative to any other municipal right.
F. Whenever LS Networks damages or disturbs any area in or near City
streets, rights -of -way, paved area or public improvement, LS Networks stipulates that the City
may, without limitation:
(1) Require LS Networks to repave an entire lane or greater affected area
within any cut or disturbed location if the integrity of such area has
been severely compromised by LS Networks; and /or
(2) Require LS Networks to common trench with any other underground
installation in City streets or rights -of -way, with cost sharing to be
negotiated between the parties involved, or in the absence of agreement,
as directed by the City.
G. All work performed by LS Networks under this Section shall be done in
strict compliance with all applicable rules, regulations and ordinances of the City.
H. LS Networks shall perform all restoration work promptly.
4.9 City Right to Require Removal of Property.
A. At the expiration of the term for which this Franchise is granted,
providing no extension or renewal is granted by the City, or upon the forfeiture or revocation
of this Franchise, as provided for in this Franchise, the City shall have the right to require LS
Networks to remove, at the sole expense of LS Networks, all or any part of the
Telecommunications System from all City streets and rights -of -way within the Franchise
Service Area, where the abandoned Facilities interfere with reasonable uses of City streets and
rights -of -way. If LS Networks fails to do so, the City may perform the work or cause such
work to be performed and collect the cost thereof from LS Networks. The actual cost thereof,
including direct and indirect administrative costs, shall be a lien upon all plant and property of
LS Networks effective upon filing of the lien with the Yakima County Auditor.
B. Any order by the City Council to remove any of the LS Networks
Telecommunications System Facilities shall be mailed to LS Networks not later than thirty
(30) calendar days following the date of expiration of this Franchise. LS Networks shall file
written notice with the Clerk of the City Council not later than thirty (30) calendar days
following the date of expiration or termination of this Franchise of its intention to remove any
Telecommunications System Facilities intended to be removed and a schedule for removal by
location. The schedule and timing of removal shall be subject to approval and regulation by
the City. Removal shall be completed not later than twelve (12) months following the date of
expiration of this Franchise.
C. LS Networks shall not remove any underground Facilities which
require trenching or other opening of City streets or rights -of -way along the extension of the
Facilities to be removed, except as hereinafter provided. LS Networks may voluntarily
remove any underground Facilities from City streets and rights -of -way which have been
16
installed in such a manner that they can be removed without trenching or other opening of
411P City streets and rights -of -way along the extension of the Facilities to be removed.
D. Subject to applicable law, LS Networks shall remove, at its sole cost
and expense, any underground Facilities by trenching or opening City streets and rights -of-
way along the extension thereof or otherwise which is ordered to be removed by the City
Council based upon a determination, in the sole discretion of said Council, that removal is
required in order to eliminate or prevent a hazardous condition. Underground Facilities in
City streets and rights -of -way that are not removed shall be deemed abandoned and title
thereto shall be vested in the City.
4.10 Emergency Repairs. In the event that emergency repairs to the
Telecommunications System are necessary, LS Networks shall notify the City of the need for
such repairs. LS Networks may immediately initiate such emergency repairs and shall apply
for appropriate permits the next business day following discovery of the emergency.
4.11 City Right of Inspection. The City shall have the right to inspect and approve
all installation, construction, alteration or maintenance work performed by LS Networks
within the Franchise Service Area and to make such tests as it deems necessary to ensure
compliance with the terms and conditions of this Franchise and other pertinent provisions of
law, the cost thereof to be paid solely by LS Networks, but no action or inaction by the City
shall create any duty or obligation by the City to inspect, test or approve any installation,
construction, alteration or maintenance work performed by LS Networks.
4.12 After - Acquired Facilities. LS Networks expressly acknowledges and agrees,
by acceptance of this Franchise, that any Telecommunications System Facilities located within
City streets or rights -of -way which are subsequently acquired by LS Networks or upon
addition or annexation to the City of any area in which LS Networks retains or acquires any
such Facilities (if acquired prior to this original Franchise grant) and which would have been
subject to this Franchise and the permitting authority related thereto shall immediately be
subject to the provisions of this Franchise and all permits related thereto.
4.13 Information. LS Networks hereby promises to maintain and supply to the
City, at the sole expense of LS Networks, any information requested by the City to coordinate
municipal functions with the activities of LS Networks within City streets and rights -of -way.
LS Networks shall provide such information, upon request, either in hard copy and /or
electronic format compatible with the City's data base system, as now or hereafter existing,
including the City's geographic information service (GIS) data base. LS Networks shall keep
the City informed of its long -range plans so as to allow coordination with the City's long -
range plans.
SECTION 5 - SYSTEM DESIGN AND STANDARDS
5.1 Technical Standards. The technical standards used in the design,
construction, alteration, maintenance and operation of the Telecommunications System shall
comply, at a minimum, with the applicable technical standards promulgated by the Federal
Communications Commission ( "FCC ") or the Washington Utilities and Transportation
Commission ( "WUTC "), as now or hereafter constituted or amended, and any and all other
applicable federal, state or local law, regulations or technical standards which may currently
17
or may subsequently concern any services which LS Networks provides or may provide using
the Telecommunications System. The City may establish reasonable technical standards for
the performance of the Telecommunications System if the FCC or WUTC permit it to do so or
if the FCC or WUTC standards are repealed in whole or in part.
5.2 General Minimum Standards. LS Networks shall, throughout the term of
this Franchise, at a minimum, make available to all customers all signals and /or services that
are required to be made available as federal, state or local law provides.
5.3 Performance Testing. LS Networks shall perform all tests of the
Telecommunications System as required by and at the intervals as required by the FCC and /or
any and all federal, state and local law or regulations.
SECTION 6 - COMPENSATION AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
6.1 Taxes and Fees.
6.1.1 City Occupation Tax on Utilities.
A. LS Networks and the City understand and agree that RCW 35.21.860,
as of the effective date of this Franchise, prohibits a municipal franchise fee for permission to
use the right -of -way for telephone business purposes. LS Networks agrees if this prohibition
is removed or in the event LS Networks should add or modify the services it offers so that the
prohibition against franchise fees did not apply, the City may assess a reasonable franchise
fee. LS Networks and the City agree a reasonable amount would be no less than five percent
(5 %) of gross receipts from the business activities of LS Networks within the City.
B. LS Networks and the City further understand and agree that RCW
35.21.870, as of the effective date of this Franchise, limits the rate of City tax upon telephone
business activities as defined in Yakima Municipal Code ( "YMC ") Section 5.50.050 to six
percent (6 %) of gross receipts, unless a higher rate is approved by a vote of the people.
However, LS Networks and the City agree that nothing in this Franchise shall limit the City's
power of taxation, as may now or hereafter exist.
C. LS Networks hereby stipulates that all of its business activities in the
City as identified in Section 1.19, A through F, Section 2.4, and Section 2.5, A of this
Franchise are taxable activities subject to the six percent (6 %) rate to be included in gross
receipts received, as imposed under the City's occupation taxes on utilities, adopted in Yakima
Municipal Code Section 5.50.050. Therefore, throughout the term of this Franchise, LS
Networks shall include all revenue received from all of its business activities within the City
as taxable activities, subject to the six percent (6 %) rate imposed under the City's occupation
taxes on utilities as adopted in Yakima Municipal Code Section 5.50.050.
6.1.2 Other Fees.
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A. LS Networks shall pay the City all reasonable costs of granting,
enforcing or reviewing the provisions of this Franchise as ordered by the City manager or
designee, whether as a result of accrued in -house staff time or out -of- pocket expenses or
administrative costs, as well as expenses of retaining independent technical, legal, financial or
other consultants or advisors. Such obligation further includes municipal fees related to
receiving and approving permits, licenses or other required approvals, inspecting plans and
construction, or relating to the preparation of a detailed statement pursuant to RCW 43.21C.
B. Upon request of LS Networks, the City will submit proof of any
charges or expenses incurred as defined in Section 6.1.2, A of this Franchise. Said charges or
expenses shall be paid by LS Networks no later than thirty (30) days after receipt by LS
Networks of the City's billing thereof.
C. LS Networks shall pay all other taxes and fees applicable to its
operations and activities within the City, all such obligations also being a condition of this
Franchise. Such payments shall not be deemed franchise fees or payments in lieu thereof.
- 6.2 Payments.
A. LS Networks shall make all required payments in the form, intervals
and manner requested by the City director of budget and finance and shall furnish the City any
and all information related to the City's revenue collection functions reasonably requested.
B. As provided for in Section 5.50.090 of the Yakima Municipal Code,
City occupation tax on utilities payments shall be transmitted by LS Networks monthly by
electronic funds transfer to such City of Yakima bank account as may be designated by the
City director of budget and finance. Said payments shall be received by the City no later than
the 25th of each month for the preceding calendar month. Not later than the date of each
payment, LS Networks shall file with the City a written statement signed by the
Telecommunication System manager of LS Networks which identifies in detail the sources
and amounts of gross revenues earned by LS Networks during the month for which payment is
made, in accordance with Section 8.1 of this Franchise. No acceptance of any payment by the
City 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 Franchise.
C. Neither current nor previously paid utility taxes may be subtracted from
the gross revenue amount upon which utility tax payments are calculated and due for any
period. Nor shall any license fee(s) paid by LS Networks be subtracted from gross revenues
for purposes of calculating utility tax payments.
D. Any utility taxes owing pursuant to this Franchise which remain unpaid
for more than ten (10) 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 major Seattle banks, whichever is greater.
6.3 Financial Records.
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A. LS Networks shall manage all of its operations in accordance with a
policy of keeping books and records open and accessible to the City. The City shall have the
right, as necessary or desirable for effectively administering and enforcing this Franchise, to
inspect at any time during normal business hours upon reasonable notice, all books, records,
maps, plans, financial statements, service complaint logs, performance test results, records
required to be kept by LS Networks and /or any parent company of LS Networks pursuant to
the rules and regulations of the FCC, WUTC and other regulatory agencies, and other like
materials LS Networks and /or any parent company of LS Networks which directly relate to the
operation of this Franchise.
B. Access to the aforementioned records referenced in Section 6.3 A shall
not be denied by LS Networks to representatives of the City on the basis that said records
contain "proprietary" information. However, to the extent allowed by Washington law, the
City shall protect the trade secrets and other confidential information of LS Networks and /or
any parent company of LS Networks.
C. LS Networks hereby agrees to meet with a representative of the City
upon request to review its methodology of record keeping, financial reporting, computing
utility tax payments and other procedures, the understanding of which the City deems
necessary for understanding the meaning of such reports and records.
D. The City agrees to request access to only those books and records, in
exercising it rights under this Franchise, which it deems reasonably necessary for the
enforcement and administration of this Franchise.
6.4 Auditing.
A. The City or its authorized agent may at any time conduct an
independent audit of the revenues of LS Networks in order to verify the accuracy of utility tax
payments made to the City. LS Networks and each parent company of LS Networks shall
cooperate fully in the conduct of such audit. In case of audit, the City director of budget and
finance may require LS Networks to furnish a verified statement of compliance with the
obligations of LS Networks or in response to any questions. Said certificate may be required
from an independent certified public accountant at the sole expense of LS Networks. All
audits will take place on the premises of LS Networks or at offices furnished by LS Networks,
which shall be a location within the City of Yakima. LS Networks agrees, upon request of the
City director of budget and finance, to provide copies of all documents filed with any federal,
state or local regulatory agency, to mail to the City on the same day as filed, postage prepaid,
affecting any facilities or business operations of LS Networks in the State of Washington.
B. In the event it is determined, as a result of an audit conducted by the
City or its authorized agent, that LS Networks has underpaid City utility taxes by five percent
(5 %) or more than was due the City for any given period, then LS Networks shall reimburse
the City for the entire cost of such audit and any back utility taxes with interest accrued at
twelve percent (12 %) per annum or two percent (2 %) above prime lending rate as quoted by
major Seattle banks, whichever is greater, within thirty (30) days of the completion and
acceptance of the audit by the City.
63 Insurance.
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6.5.1 Coverages. LS Networks shall maintain, throughout the term of this
411P Franchise, liability insurance insuring LS Networks, its officers, employees and
agents, with regard to all claims and damages specified in Section 6.5 herein,
in the minimum amounts as follows: -
(1) Commercial Liability Insurance.
On or before the date this Franchise is fully executed by the parties, LS
Networks shall provide the City with a certificate of insurance as proof of commercial
liability insurance with a minimum liability limit of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000)
combined single limit bodily injury and property damage per occurrence and Two
Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate. This coverage will have ' Washington
stop gap coverage. Said certificate of insurance shall clearly state who the provider is,
the amount of coverage, the policy number and when the policy and provisions
provided are in effect and shall contain a clause that the insurer will not cancel or
change the insurance without first giving the City thirty (30) calendar days prior
written notice. Said policy shall be in effect for the duration of this Franchise. The
policy shall name the City, its elected officials, officers, agents and employees as
additional insureds. The insurance shall be with an insurance company or companies
rated A -VII or higher in Best's Guide and authorized to conduct business in the State
of Washington. If LS Networks uses any contractors and /or subcontractors to perform
any of the work referenced in this Franchise, such contractors and /or . subcontractors
shall maintain the same minimum limits of liability and comply with all other
provisions discussed above in this subsection entitled "Commercial Liability
Insurance."
(2) Business Automobile Liability Insurance.
On or before the date this Franchise is fully executed by the parties, LS
Networks shall provide the City with a certificate of insurance as proof of business
automobile liability insurance with a minimum liability limit of One Million Dollars
($1,000,000) combined single limit bodily injury and property damage. Said
certificate of insurance shall clearly state who the provider is, the amount of coverage,
the policy number and when the policy and provisions provided are in effect and shall
contain a clause that the insurer will not cancel or change the insurance without first
giving the City thirty (30) calendar days prior written notice. Said policy shall be in
effect for the duration of this Franchise. The policy shall name the City, its elected
officials, officers, agents and employees as additional insureds. The insurance shall be
with an insurance company or companies rated A -VII or higher in Best's Guide and
authorized to conduct business in the State of Washington. If LS Networks uses any
contractors -and /or subcontractors to perform any of the work referenced in this
Franchise, such contractors and /or subcontractors shall maintain the same minimum
limits of liability and comply with all other provisions discussed above in this
subsection entitled "Business Automobile Liability Insurance."
(3) Umbrella Liability Insurance.
LS Networks and its contractors and /or subcontractors shall maintain umbrella
liability insurance coverage, in an occurrence form, over underlying commercial
liability and automobile liability. On or before the date this Franchise is fully executed
by the parties, LS Networks shall provide the City with a certificate of insurance as
proof of umbrella coverage with a minimum liability limit of Five Million Dollars
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($5,000,000). The insurance shall be with an insurance company or companies rated
A -VII or higher in Best's Guide and authorized to conduct business in the State of
Washington.
Providing coverage in the amounts as set forth above shall not be construed to relieve LS
Networks from liability in excess of those limits.
6.5.2 Proof of Insurance. LS Networks shall file with the City copies of all
certificates of insurance showing up -to -date coverages, additional insured coverages and
evidence of payment of premiums as set forth above. LS Networks shall file a certificate of
insurance along with written evidence of payment of the required premiums with the manager
of the City Community Relations Division or his or her designee.
6.5.3 Alteration of Insurance. Insurance coverages, as required by this
Franchise, shall not be changed, cancelled or otherwise altered without approval of the City.
LS Networks shall provide the City no less than thirty (30) days prior written notice of any
such proposed change, cancellation or other alteration. The City may, at its option, review all
insurance coverages. If it is determined by the City that circumstances require and that it is
reasonable and necessary to increase insurance coverage and liability limits above such
coverage and limits as are set forth in this Franchise, in order to adequately cover the risks of
the City, LS Networks and the officers, agents and employees of LS Networks, the City may
require additional insurance to be acquired by LS Networks. Should the City exercise its right
to require additional insurance, the City will provide LS Networks with no less than thirty (30)
days prior written notice.
6.5.4 Failure to Procure. LS Networks acknowledges and agrees, by
acceptance of this Franchise, that failure to procure and maintain the insurance coverages as
detailed in Section 6.5.1 of this Franchise shall constitute a material breach of this Franchise,
as provided for in Section 2.10, B, 3) of this Franchise. In the event of such failure to procure
the City may immediately suspend all operations of LS Networks under this Franchise,
terminate or otherwise revoke this Franchise and /or, at its discretion, procure or renew such
insurance in order to protect the City's interests and be reimbursed by LS Networks for all
premiums in connection therewith.
6.6 Performance Bond. Prior to the effective date of this Franchise, LS Networks
shall furnish to the City proof of the posting of a performance bond running to the City, with
surety rated A -VII or higher in Best' Guide in the penal sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000), conditioned that LS Networks shall well and truly observe, fulfill and perform each
term and condition of this Franchise. LS Networks shall pay all premiums charged for said
bond. Said bond shall be effective to continue obligation for the term of this Franchise,
including any extensions, and thereafter until LS Networks or any successor or assign of LS
Networks has liquidated all of its obligations with the City that may have arisen from the
acceptance of this Franchise by LS Networks or from its exercise of any privilege herein
granted. Said bond shall contain a provision stating that said bond shall not be terminated or
otherwise allowed to expire without thirty (30) days prior written notice having been provided
to the City. LS Networks shall provide said bond to the City and said bond shall be kept on
file at the City Community Relations Division office or its successor(s). Neither the
provisions of this Section nor any performance bond accepted by the City pursuant thereto,
nor any damages or other amounts recovered by the City thereunder, shall be construed to
22
excuse faithful performance by LS Networks or to limit liability of LS Networks under this
• Franchise either to the full amount of the performance bond or otherwise, except as otherwise
provided herein.
6.7 Waiver, Indemnity, No Estoppel, No Duty.
A. LS Networks hereby waives all claims, direct or indirect, for loss or
liability against the City arising out of the franchised or permitted operations of LS Networks.
B. LS Networks shall, at its sole expense, protect, defend, indemnify and
, hold harmless the City, its elected officials, and in their capacity as such, the officials, agents,
officers and employees of the City from any and all claims, lawsuits, demands, actions,
accidents, damages, losses, liens, liabilities, penalties, fines, judgments, awards, costs and
expenses arising directly or indirectly from or out of, relating to or in any way connected with
the performance or non - performance, by reason of any intentional or negligent act, occurrence
or omission of LS Networks, whether singularly or jointly with others, its representatives,
permittees, employees, contractors or subcontractors, whether or not such acts or omissions
were authorized or contemplated by this Franchise or applicable law, including but not limited
to the construction, installation, maintenance, alteration or modification of the
Telecommunication System; arising from actual or alleged injury to persons or property,
including the loss of use of property due to an occurrence, whether or not such property is
physically damaged or destroyed; arising out of or alleged to arise out of any claim for
damages for invasion of privacy by LS Networks, defamation of any person, firm or
8 corporation, or the violation or 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 the failure by LS Networks to comply with any and all provisions of any
statute, regulation or resolution of the United States, State of Washington or any local agency
applicable to LS Networks and its business. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent the
parties indemnified and held harmless herein from participating in the defense of any
litigation by their own counsel at such parties' expense. Such participation shall not under
any circumstances relieve LS Networks from its duty of defense against liability or of paying
any judgment entered against such party.
C. LS Networks hereby waives immunity under Title 51 RCW and affirms
that the City and LS Networks have specifically negotiated this provision, as required by
RCW 4.24.115, to the extent that it may apply.
D. Whenever any judgment is recovered against the City or any other
indemnitee for any such liability, costs, or expenses, such judgment shall be conclusive
against LS Networks, not only as to the amount of such damage, but as to its liability,
provided LS Networks has reasonable notice or actually knew, or should have known, of the
pendency of such suit. Under such circumstances, LS Networks may also request the
opportunity to defend or participate in the suit with legal counsel of its choice, at its expense,
said request not to be unreasonably denied.
E. No action, error or omission, or failure to act by the City, its agents,
0 officers, officials or employees, in connection with administering its rights, duties or
regulatory functions related to this Franchise shall be asserted by LS Networks, directly,
indirectly or by way of seeking indemnification or as an assertion that the City has waived or
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is estopped to assert any municipal right hereunder, against the City, its boards, departments,
divisions, officers, officials or employees.
F. It is not the intent of this Franchise to acknowledge, create, imply or lb
expand any duty or liability of the City with respect to its role as a franchising authority, in the
exercise of its police powers or for any other purpose. Any City duty nonetheless deemed
created shall be a duty to the general public and not to any specific party, group or entity.
SECTION 7 — REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
All reports required under Section 7 of this Franchise may be requested by the City to be
provided by LS Networks in hard copy and /or electronic format compatible with City
databases, including, but not limited to, the GIS system.
7.1 Monthly Reports. As provided for in Section 5.50.090 of the Yakima
Municipal Code, within twenty-five (25) calendar days after the end of the previous month,
LS Networks shall submit to the City a completed form reporting any and all revenues and
customer counts by categories for the previous month. Said reports shall be verified by an
officer or other authorized representative of LS Networks. Said reports shall contain an
accurate statement in summarized form, as well as in detail, of the gross revenues of LS
Networks and the computation basis and method. These reports shall be in a form reasonably
required by the City. The City may, from time to time, make such reasonable amendments to
the forms as are required to ensure that all gross revenues are reported clearly and accurately.
7.2 Additional Reports. LS Networks shall prepare and furnish to the City or any
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other entity exercising lawful regulatory authority in connection with this Franchise, at the
times and in the form prescribed by such regulatory authority.
7.3 Preservation of Confidential Information. The City shall protect
information provided to the City by LS Networks designated as confidential or proprietary by
LS Networks, given such information had been so designated at the time it was provided to
the City, to the maximum extent permissible under Chapter 42.17 RCW, or as provided by
other state law as it may now or hereafter exist.
SECTION 8 — REMEDIES AND PROCEDURE FOR REMEDYING
FRANCHISE VIOLATIONS
8.1 Remedies for Franchise Violations.
A. In addition to the remedies set forth elsewhere in this Franchise, the
City shall have the right to assert any or all of the following remedies in the event LS
Networks violates or defaults on, as determined by the City, any provision of this Franchise:
(1) Drawing upon or foreclosing all or any part of any security provided
under this Franchise, including without limitation the Faithful Performance Bond
provided for under Section 6.6 herein; PROVIDED, however, such drawing or
el
foreclosure shall be only in such a manner and in such amount as the City reasonably
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determines is necessary to remedy the violation or default. Should the City take such
• action as described herein, LS Networks shall be responsible for all direct and actual
costs related to such action, including, but not limited to, legal and administrative costs
incurred by the City;
(2) Commence an action at law for monetary damages or seek other
equitable relief;
(3) In the case of substantial violation or default, as determined by the City,
of a material provision of this Franchise, declare this Franchise to be revoked;
(4) Seek specific performance of any provision of this Franchise, which
reasonably lends itself to such remedy, as an alternative to seeking damages.
B. In determining which remedy or remedies, as set forth herein, are
appropriate, the City shall take into consideration the nature and extent of the violation or
default, the remedy needed to prevent such violations or defaults from occurring 'in the future,
whether LS Networks has a history of previous violations of the same or similar kind and such
other considerations as are appropriate under the circumstances.
8.2 Procedure for Remedying Franchise Violations.
8.2.1 Notice of Violation. In the event the City determines LS Networks has
not complied with any term or condition of this Franchise, the City shall notify LS Networks
of the exact nature of the alleged noncompliance.
8.2.2 The Right of LS Networks to Cure or Respond. LS Networks shall
have thirty (30) days from receipt of notice by the City of any alleged noncompliance with any
term or condition of this Franchise to:
(1) Respond to the City contesting the assertion of noncompliance; or
(2) Cure such violation or default or, in the event that by the nature of the
violation or default such violation or default cannot be cured within a thirty (30) day
period, initiate reasonable steps to remedy such violation or default and notify the City
of the steps being taken and the projected date such remedy will be completed.
8.3 Enforcement. In the event the City, after such hearing as described in
subsection 8.2.3 of this Franchise has been conducted, upholds its determination that LS
Networks has violated or defaulted on any provision of this Franchise, the City may impose
any of the remedies set out in Section 8.1, A of this Franchise.
8.4 Failure to Enforce. LS Networks shall not be relieved of any of its
obligations to comply promptly with any provision of this Franchise by reason of any failure
of the City to enforce prompt compliance, and the City's failure to enforce shall not constitute
a waiver of rights or acquiescence of conduct by LS Networks.
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8.5 Acts of Nature. LS Networks shall not be held in violation, default or
noncompliance with the provisions of this Franchise, nor suffer any enforcement or penalty
related thereto, where such violation, default or noncompliance is caused by acts of nature,
power outages or other events reasonably beyond its ability to control. However, LS
Networks shall take all reasonable steps necessary to provide service despite such
occurrences.
8.6 Alternative Remedies. Nothing in this Franchise shall be deemed to bar the
right of the City to seek or obtain judicial relief from any violation of this Franchise or any
rule, regulation, requirement or directive promulgated thereunder. Neither the existence of
other remedies identified in this Franchise nor the exercise thereof shall be deemed to bar or
otherwise limit the right of the City to recover monetary damages for such violation by LS
Networks, or to seek and obtain judicial enforcement of the obligations of LS Networks under
this Franchise by means of specific performance, injunctive relief or mandate, or any other
judicial remedy at law or in equity.
SECTION 9 — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
9.1 Posting and Publication. LS Networks 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 the filing of acceptance by LS Networks of this Franchise.
9.2 Service of Notice. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any
notice required or permitted to be given under this Franchise shall be deemed sufficient if
provided in writing and when (1) delivered personally to the following addressee(s) or
deposited with the United States Postal Service, postage paid, certified or registered mail;
(2) sent by overnight or commercial air courier; or (3) sent by facsimile transmission
addressed as follows, or to such other address as the receiving party hereafter shall specify in
writing:
Notices to the City shall be addressed to the following:
Randy Beehler, Community Relations Manager
City of Yakima Community Relations Division
124 South 2 Street
Yakima, WA 98901
Facsimile Number: (509) 576 -6380
Notices to LS Networks shall be addressed to the following:
LS Networks
Robin Smith
Legal & Compliance Director
921 SW Washington St. Suite 370
Portland, OR 97205
Phone — 503- 414 -0479
Fax — 503- 227 -8585
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9.3 Compliance with Laws. LS Networks shall comply with all federal and state
• laws and regulations, including regulations of any administrative agency thereof, as well as
the lawful general ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations of the City, pursuant to the
City's lawful authority, heretofore or hereafter adopted or established during the entire term of
this Franchise. In the event any valid and superior law, rule or regulation of any governing
authority or agency having jurisdiction contravenes the provisions of this Franchise
subsequent to its adoption, then the provisions of this Franchise shall be superseded only to
the limited extent that the provisions hereof are in conflict and contrary to any such law, rule
or regulation. Nothing in this Franchise shall limit the City's right of eminent domain under
state law. Nothing in this Franchise shall be deemed to waive the requirements of any lawful
code or resolution of the City regarding permits, fees to be paid or manner of construction.
9.4 Governing Law and Venue. This Franchise shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, and venue for any litigation
arising out of or in connection with privileges extended herein is stipulated to be in Yakima
County. In case of conflict or ambiguity between this document and the request of LS
Networks, this document shall be controlling. In any action or suit to enforce any right or
remedy under this Franchise, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its cost, including
without limitation attorney's fees.
9.5 Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of
this Franchise is for any reason declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void,
invalid or unenforceable, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent
provision and such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.
In such event, the City and LS Networks shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Franchise
as may be necessary to meet the requirements of the law and /or to effectuate the intention of
this Franchise. In the event that such modifications are barred by any legal requirements
governing any party, the City and LS Networks shall use their best efforts to otherwise avoid
prejudice to the respective parties' interests and to implement changes to effectuate the intent
in entering into this Franchise.
9.6 Guarantee of Performance. LS Networks hereby agrees that it enters into
this Franchise voluntarily and in order to secure and in consideration of the grant from the
City of a ten (10) year franchise.
9.7 Force Majeure.
A. For the purposes of this Section, the term "Force Majeure" shall mean
acts of God, landslides, earthquakes, lightning, fires, hurricanes, volcanic activity, storms,
floods, washouts, droughts, civil disturbances, acts of terrorism or of the public enemy, partial
or entire failure of utilities, strikes, explosions, lockouts or other industrial disturbances,
insurrections, public riots or other similar events which are not reasonably within in the
control of the parties hereto.
B. If LS Networks is wholly or partially unable to carry out its obligations
under this Franchise as a result of a Force Majeure, LS Networks shall provide the City
prompt notice of such Force Majeure, describing the same in reasonable detail, and the
obligations of LS Networks under this Franchise, other than for payment of moneys due, shall
not be deemed in violation or default for the duration of the Force Majeure. LS Networks
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agrees to use its best efforts to remedy as soon as possible, under the circumstances, the
inability by LS Networks, by reason of Force Majeure, to carry out its responsibilities and
duties under this Franchise.
9.8 Consent. Wherever the consent or approval of either LS Networks or the City
is specifically required in this Franchise, such consent or approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
9.9 No Third Party Beneficiaries. There shall be no third party beneficiaries of
this Franchise.
9.10 Franchise Ordinance Acceptance. LS Networks shall execute and return to
the City, within sixty (60) days after the date of adoption of the Franchise Ordinance by the
Yakima City Council, three (3) original Franchise Agreements, by which LS Networks
acknowledges that it has carefully read the terms and conditions of the Franchise Ordinance
and accepts all of the terms and conditions of the Franchise Ordinance and this Franchise and
agrees to abide by the same. In accepting this Franchise, LS Networks shall indicate that it
has relied upon its own investigation of all relevant facts, that it has had the assistance of
counsel, that it was not induced to accept this Franchise, that the Franchise Ordinance
represents the entire agreement between LS Networks and the City and that LS Networks
accepts all reasonable risks related to the interpretation of the Franchise Ordinance and this
Franchise. The executed Franchise Agreements shall be returned to the City accompanied by
evidence of insurance as required in Sections 6.5.1 and 6.5.2 of this Franchise. In the event
LS Networks fails to submit a Franchise Agreement as provided for herein, or fails to provide
the required accompanying documents, this Franchise shall be null and void.
9.11 Previous Rights Abandoned. This Franchise supersedes any and all other
rights, privileges, powers, immunities and authorities owned, possessed, controlled or
exercisable by LS Networks pursuant to any previous franchise in the City.
9.12 Effective Date. This Franchise and the Franchise Ordinance shall be effective
thirty (30) days after its adoption; PROVIDED, however, that if LS Networks does not accept
this Franchise pursuant to Section 9.10 of this Franchise and comply with all conditions for
such acceptance set forth herein within sixty (60) days after the adoption of the Franchise
Ordinance, this Franchise and the Franchise Ordinance shall be null and void.
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do
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this day of , 2012.
CITY OF YAKIMA LightSpeed Networks, Inc.
Micah Cawley, Mayor By:
Its:
Attest:
City Clerk
City Contract No:
Ordinance No:
II I State of )
)ss.
County of )
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I hereby certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that
is the person who appeared before me, and said person
acknowledged that he /she signed this instrument, and on oath stated that he /she was
authorized to execute the instrument on behalf of LightSpeed Networks, Inc., and
acknowledged it as the of LightSpeed Networks,
Inc., to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in this
instrument.
Dated this day of , 2012.
Print Name: ,
NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of
, residing at
My commission expires:
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