HomeMy WebLinkAbout4144AN ORDINANCE of the city council of the
city of Kent, Washington, granting to Astound
Broadband, and its successors and assigns, the
right, privilege, authority and nonexclusive
franchise for ten (10) years, to construct,
maintain, operate, replace, and repair a
telecommunications network, in, across, over,
along, under, through, and below certain
designated public rights-of-way of the City of Kent,
Washington.
RECITALS
1. Astound Broadband, LLC d/b/a Wave ("Franchisee") has
requested that the city council grant it a nonexclusive franchise, and
2. The city council has the authority to grant franchises for the
use of its streets and other public properties pursuant to RCW 35A.47.040.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT,
WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
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oRLOP a1M
SECTION A - Franchise Granted.
1.1 Pursuant to RCW 35A.47.040, the city of Kent, a Washington
municipal corporation (the "City"), grants to Franchisee, its successors,
legal representatives and assigns, subject to the terms and conditions set
forth below, a Franchie for a period of ten (10) years, beginning on the
effective date of this ordinance, set forth in Section 40.
1.2 This Franchise grants Franchisee the right, privilege, and authority
to construct, operate, maintain, replace, acquire, sell, lease, and use all
necessary Facilities for a telecommunications network in, under, on,
across, over, through, along or below the public Rights -of -Ways located in
the City, including such additional areas as may be subsequently included
in the corporate limits of the City during the term of this Franchise (the
"Franchise Area"), as approved pursuant to City permits issued pursuant
to Section 8.2. The phrase "Rights -of -Way" (singular "Right -of -Way") as
used in this Franchise, means the surface of, and the space above and
below, any public street, highway, freeway, bridge, land path, alley, court,
boulevard, sidewalk, way, lane, public way, drive, circle, pathways,
spaces, or other public right-of-way, and over which the City has authority
to grant permits, licenses or franchises for use thereof, or has regulatory
authority thereover, excluding railroad right-of-way, airports, harbor
areas, buildings, parks, poles, conduits, dedicated but un -opened right-of-
way, and any land, facilities, or property owned, maintained, or leased by
the City in its governmental or proprietary capacity or as an operator of a
utility. "Facilities" as used in this Franchise means one or more elements
of Franchisee's telecommunications network, with all necessary cables,
wires, conduits, ducts, pedestals, antennas, electronics, and other
necessary appurtenances, provided that new utility poles for overhead
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wires or cabling are specifically excluded. Equipment enclosures with air
conditioning or other noise generating equipment are also excluded from
"Facilities," to the extent such equipment is located in zoned residential
areas of the City.
SECTION 2, -Authority Limited to Occupation of Public Rights-of-
2.1 The authority granted by this Franchise is a limited, non-exclusive
authorization to occupy and use the City's Rights -of -Way. Franchisee
represents that it expects to provide the following services within the City.
telecommunications services, private line, internet access services, dark
fiber services and lit fiber services (the "Services"). Nothing contained
within this Franchise shall be construed to grant or convey any right, title,
or interest in the Rights -of -Way of the City to Franchisee other than for
the purpose of providing the Services. A more detailed description of
Franchisee's telecommunications system and Services is described in
Exhibit A. If Franchisee desires to expand the Services provided within
the City, it shall provide written notification of the addition of such
services prior to the addition of the service or within a reasonable time
not to exceed ninety (90) days) after such services are offered; provided,
however, that Franchisee may not offer Cable Services pursuant to Section
2.3.
2.2 As described in Section 8, construction is not authorized without the ',
appropriate permits, leases, easements, or approvals. This Franchise does
not and shall not convey any right to Franchisee to install its Facilities on,
under, over, across, or to otherwise use City owned or leased properties of
any kind outside of the incorporated area of the City or to install Facilities
on, under, over, across, or otherwise use any City owned or leased
property other than the City's Rights -of -Way, This Franchise does not
convey any right to Franchisee to install its Facilities on, under, over, or
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across any facility or structure owned by a third -party without such written
approval of the third -party. No substantive expansions, additions to, or
modifications or relocation of any of the Facilities shall be permitted
without first having received appropriate permits from the City pursuant to
Section 8.2. As of the effective date of this Franchise, Franchisee has no
owned Facilities located in the City's Rights -of -Way.
2.3 Under this Franchise, the Facilities shall not be used for Cable
Services as that term is defined in 47 U.S.C. § 522(6).
2.4 Franchisee shall have the right, without prior City approval, to offer
or provide capacity or bandwidth to its customers consistent with this
Franchise provided.
a. Franchisee at all times retains exclusive control over its
telecommunications system, Facilities and Services and remains
responsible for constructing, installing, and maintaining its Facilities
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Franchise,
b. Franchisee may not grant rights to any customer or lessee
that are greater than any rights Franchisee has pursuant to this Franchise;
c. Such customer or lessee shall not be construed to be a third -
party beneficiary under this Franchise; and
d. No such customer or lessee may use the telecommunications
system or Services for any purpose not authorized by this Franchise.
SECTION 3. -Non-Exclusive Franchise Grant. This Franchise is
granted upon the express condition that it shall not in any manner prevent
the City from granting other or further franchises in, along, over, through,
under, below, or across any Rights -of -Way. This Franchise shall in no way
prevent or prohibit the City from using any Rights -of -Way or affect its
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jurisdiction over any Rights -of -Way or any part of Right -of -Way, and the
City shall retain power to make all necessary changes, relocations, repairs,
maintenance, establishment, improvement, dedication of Right -of -Way as
the City may deem fit, including the dedication, establishment,
maintenance, and improvement of all new Rights -of -Way, thoroughfares,
and other public properties of every type and description.
SECTION 4. - Location of Telecommunications Facilities.
Franchisee is maintaining a telecommunications network consisting of
Facilities within the City. Franchisee may locate its Facilities anywhere
within the Franchise Area consistent with the City's Design and
Construction Standards and subject to the City's applicable permit
requirements. Franchisee shall not be required to amend this Franchise to
construct or acquire Facilities within the Franchise Area.
SECTION 5, -Relocation of Facilities.
5.1 Franchisee agrees and covenants to protect, support, temporarily
disconnect, relocate, or remove from any Rights -of -Way any of its
Facilities when reasonably required by the City by reason of traffic
conditions or public safety, dedications of new Rights -of -Way and the
establishment and improvement thereof, widening and improvement of
existing Rights -of -Way, street vacations, freeway construction, change or
establishment of street grade, or the construction of any public
improvement or structure by any governmental agency acting in a
governmental capacity or as otherwise necessary for the operations of the
City or other governmental entity, provided that Franchisee shall in all
such cases have the privilege to temporarily bypass in the authorized
portion of the same Rights -of -Way upon approval by the City, which
approval shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed, any Facilities
required to be temporarily disconnected or removed. Except as otherwise
provided by law, the costs and expenses associated with relocations
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ordered pursuant to this Section 5.1 shall be borne by Franchisee.
Nothing contained within this Franchise shall limit Franchisee's ability to
seek reimbursement for relocation costs when permitted by RCW
35.99.060.
5.2 Upon request of the City and in order to facilitate the design of City
street and Right -of -Way improvements, Franchisee agrees, at its sole cost
and expense, to locate, and if reasonably determined necessary by the
City, to excavate and expose its Facilities for inspection so that the
Facilities' location may be taken into account in the improvement design.
The decision as to whether any Facilities need to be relocated in order to
accommodate the City's improvements shall be made by the City upon
review of the location and construction of Franchisee's Facilities. The City
shall provide Franchisee at least fourteen (14) days' written notice prior to
any excavation or exposure of Facilities.
5.3 If the City determines that the project necessitates the relocation of
Franchisee's existing Facilities, the City shall.
a. At least forty five (45) days prior to commencing the project,
provide Franchisee with written notice requiring such relocation; provided,
however, that in the event of an emergency situation, defined for
purposes of this Franchise as a condition posing an imminent threat to
property, life, health, or safety of any person or entity, the City shall give
Franchisee written notice as soon as practicable; and
b. At least forty five (45) days prior to commencing the project,
provide Franchisee with copies of pertinent portions of the plans and
specifications for the improvement project and a proposed location for
Franchisee's Facties so that Franchisee may relocate its Facilities in other
City Rights -of -Way in order to accommodate such improvement projects
and
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c. After receipt of such notice and such plans and specifications,
Franchisee shall complete relocation of its Facilities at least ten (10) days
prior to commencement of the City's project at no charge or expense to
the City, except as otherwise provided by law. Relocation shall be
accomplished in such a manner as to accommodate the City's project.
5.4 Franchisee may, after receipt of written notice requesting a
relocation of its Facilities, submit to the City written alternatives to such
relocation. Such alternatives must be submitted to the City at least thirty
(30) days prior to commencement of the project. The City shall evaluate
the alternatives and advise Franchisee in writing if one or more of the
alternatives are suitable to accommodate the work that would otherwise
necessitate relocation of the Facilities. If so requested by the City,
Franchisee shall submit at its sole cost and expense additional information
to assist the City in making such evaluation. The City shall give each
alternative proposed by Franchisee full and fair consideration. In the
event the City ultimately determines that there is no other reasonable or
feasible alternative, Franchisee shall relocate its Facilities as otherwise
provided in this Section 5.
5.5 The provisions of this Section 5 shall in no manner preclude or
restrict Franchisee from making any arrangements it may deem
appropriate when responding to a request for relocation of its Facilities by
any person or entity other than the City, where the facilities to be
constructed by said person or entity are not or will not become City -
owned, operated, or maintained facilities, provided that such
arrangements do not unduly delay a City construction project.
5.6 Franchisee will indemnify, hold harmless, and pay the costs of
defending the City, in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.3,
against any and all claims, suits, actions, damages, or liabilities for delays
on City construction projects caused by or arising out of the failure of
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Franchisee to remove or relocate its Facilities in a timely manners
provided, that Franchisee shall not be responsible for damages due to
delays caused by circumstances beyond the control of Franchisee or the
negligence, willful misconduct, or unreasonable delay of the City or any
unrelated third party.
5.7 Whenever any person shall have obtained permission from the City
to use any Right -of -Way for the purpose of moving any building,
Franchisee, upon thirty (30) days' written notice from the City, shall raise,
remove, or relocate to another part of the Right -of -Way, at the expense of
the person desiring to move the building, any of Franchisee's Facilities that
may obstruct the removal of such building.
5.8 If Franchisee fails, neglects, or refuses to remove or relocate its
Facilities as directed by the City following the procedures outlined in
Section 5.1 through Section 5.4 the City may perform such work or cause
it to be done, and the City's costs shall be paid by Franchisee pursuant to
Section 15.3 and Section 15.4.
5.9 The provisions of this Section 5 shall survive the expiration or
termination of this Franchise during such time as Franchisee continues to
have Facilities in the Rights -of -Way.
SECTION 6. - Undergrounding of Facilities.
6.1 Except as specifically authorized by permit of the City, Franchisee
shall not be permitted to erect poles or to run or suspend wires, cables, or
other facilities on existing poles, but shall lay wires, cables, or other
facilities underground in the manner required by the City, as described in
Kent City Code Chapter 7.10. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that if
thC: City does not require the undergrounding of its Faces at the time of
a permit application, the City may, at any time in the future, require the
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conversion of Franchisee's aerial facilities to underground installation at
Franchisee's expense at such time as the City requires all other utilities,
except electrical utilities, with aerial facilities in the area to convert them
to underground installation. Unless otherwise permitted by the City,
Franchisee shall underground its Facilities in all new developments and
subdivisions where other utilities are to be constructed underground and
any development or subdivision where utilities are currently underground.
6.2 Whenever the City may require the undergrounding of the aerial
utilities in any area of the City, Franchisee shall underground its aerial
facilities in the manner specified by the City, concurrently with and in the
area of the other affected utilities. The location of any relocated and
underground utilities shall be approved by the City. Where other utilities
are present and involved in the undergrounding project, Franchisee shall
only be required to pay its fair share of common costs borne by all
utilities, in addition to the costs specifically attributable to the
undergrounding of Franchisee's own Facilities. "Common costs" shall
include necessary costs not specifically attributable to the undergrounding
of any particular facility, such as costs for common trenching and utility
vaults. "Fair share" shall be determined for a project on the basis of the
number of conduits of Franchisee's Facilities being undergrounded in
comparison to the total number of conduits of all other utility facilities
being undergrounded. This Section 6.2 shall only apply to the extent
Franchisee has existing aerial utilities in the City or is specifically
authorized to build aerial utilities by the City.
6.3 Within forty-eight (48) hours (excluding weekends and City -
recognized holidays) following a request from the City, Franchisee shall
locate underground Faces by marking the location on the ground. The
location of the underground Facilities shall be identified using orange spray
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paint, unless otherwise specified by the City, and within two (2) feet of the
actual location.
6.4 Franchisee shall be entitled to reasonable access to open utility
trenchesI provided that such access does not interfere with the City's
placement of utilities or increase the City's costs. Franchisee shall pay to
the City the actual cost to the City resulting from providing Franchisee
access to an open trench, including without limitation the pro rata share of
the costs of access to an open trench and any costs associated with the
delay of the completion of a public works project.
6.5 Franchisee shall not remove any underground cable or conduit that
requires trenching or other opening of the Rights -of -Way along the
extension of cable to be removed, except as provided in this Section 6.5.
Franchisee may remove any underground cable from the Right -of -Way
that has been installed in such a manner that it can be removed without
trenching or other opening of the Right -of -Way along the extension of
cable to be removed, or if otherwise permitted by the City. Franchisee
may remove any underground cable from the Rights -of -Way where
reasonably necessary to replace, upgrade, or enhance its Facilities, or
pursuant to Section 5. When the City determines, in the City's sole
discretion, that Franchisee's underground Facilities must be removed in
order to eliminate or prevent a hazardous condition, Franchisee shall
remove the cable or conduit at Franchisee's sole cost and expense. If
Franchisee ceases to use all or a portion of the underground cable and
conduit in the Right -of -Way, and such cable or conduit is not removed,
then it shall be deemed abandoned and title thereto shall vest in the City
at no cost to the City. Franchisee must apply and receive a permit,
pU1 suant to Section 8. 2, prior to any such removal of underground cable
or conduit from the Right -of -Way and must provide as -built plans and
maps pursuant to Section 7.1.
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6V 6 The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive the expiration,
revocation, or termination of this Franchise during such time as Franchisee
continues to have Facilities in the Rights -of -Way. Nothing in this Section 6
shall be construed as requiring the City to pay any costs of
undergrounding any of Franchisee's Facilities.
SECTION 7. -Maps and Records.
7.1 After underground construction is complete, Franchisee shall
provide the City with accurate copies of as -built plans and maps stamped
and signed by a professional land surveyor in a form and content
acceptable to the Public Works Director or his/her designee. Following any
aerial construction, Franchisee shall provide the City with accurate copies
of as -built plans and maps prepared by Franchisee's design and
installation contractors. These plans and maps shall be provided at no
cost to the City, and shall include hard copies and digital files in Autocad
or other industry standard readable formats that are acceptable to the City
and delivered electronically. Franchisee shall provide such maps within
ten (10) days following a request from the City. Franchisee shall warrant
the accuracy of all plans, maps and as-builts provided to the City.
7.2 Within thirty (30) days of a written request from the City,
Franchisee shall furnish the City with information sufficient to
demonstrate: 1) that Franchisee has complied with all applicable
requirements of this Franchises and 2) that all taxes, including but not
limited to sales, utility and/or telecommunications taxes due the City in
connection with Franchisee's Services and Facilities have been properly
collected and paid by Franchisee.
7.3 All books, records, maps, and other documents maintained by
Franchisee with respect to its Facilities within the Rights -of -Way shall be
made available for inspection by the City at reasonable times and
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intervals; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 7.3 shall be
construed to require Franchisee to violate state or federal law regarding
customer privacy, nor shall this Section 7.3 be construed to require
Franchisee to disclose proprietary or confidential information without
adequate safeguards for its confidential or proprietary nature. Unless
otherwise prohibited by State or federal law, nothing in this Section 7.3
shall be construed as permission to withhold relevant customer data from
the City that the City requests in conjunction with a tax audit or reviews
provided, however, Franchisee may redact identifying information such as
names, street addresses (excluding City and zip code), Social Security
Numbers, or Employer Identification Numbers related to any
confidentiality agreements Franchisee has with third parties.
7.4 Franchisee shall not be required to disclose information that it
reasonably deems to be proprietary or confidential in nature. The City
agrees to keep confidential any proprietary or confidential books or
records to the extent permitted by law. Franchisee shall be responsible
for clearly and conspicuously identifying the work as confidential or
proprietary, and shall provide a brief written explanation as to why such
information is confidential and how it may be treated as such under State
or federal law. In the event that the City receives a public records request
under Chapter 42.56 RCW or similar law for the disclosure of information
Franchisee has designated as confidential, trade secret, or proprietary, the
City shall promptly provide written notice of such disclosure so that
Franchisee can take appropriate steps to protect its interests. Nothing in
this Section 7.4 prohibits the City from complying with Chapter 42.56 RCW
or any other applicable law or court order requiring the, release of public
records, and the City shall not be liable to Franchisee for compliance with
any law or court order requiring the release of public records. The City
shall comply with any injunction or court order obtained by Franchisee
that prohibits the disclosure of any such confidential records; however, in
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the event a higher court overturns such injunction or court order and such
higher court action is or has become final and non -appealable, Franchisee
shall reimburse the City for any fines or penalties imposed for failure to
disclose such records as required hereunder within sixty (60) days of a
request from the City.
SECTION 8, -Work in the Rights -of --Way.
8.1 During any period of relocation, construction or maintenance, all
work performed by Franchisee or its contractors shall be accomplished in a
safe and workmanlike manner, so as to minimize interference with the
free passage of traffic and the free use of adjoining property, whether
public or private. Franchisee shall at all times post and maintain proper
barricades, flags, flaggers, lights, flares, and other measures as required
for the safety of all members of the general public and comply with all
applicable safety regulations during such period of construction as
required by the ordinances of the City or the _ laws of the State of
Washington, including RCW 39.04.180 for the construction of trench safety
systems. Franchisee shall, at its own expense, maintain its Facilities in a
safe condition, in good repair, and in a manner suitable to the City.
Additionally, Franchisee shall keep its Facilities free of debris and anything
of a dangerous, noxious, or offensive nature or which would create a
hazard or undue vibration, heat, noise, or any interference with City
services. The provisions of this Section 8 shall survive the expiration of
this Franchise during such time as Franchisee continues to have Facilities
in the Rights -of -Way.
8.2 Whenever Franchisee shall commence work in any public Rights -of- '
Way for the purpose of excavation, installation, construction, repair,
maintenance, or relocation of its cable or equipment, it shall apply to the
City for a permit to do so and, in addition, shall give the City at least ten
(10) working days prior notice of its intent to commence work in the
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Rights -of -Way. During the progress of the work, Franchisee shall not
unnecessarily obstruct the passage or proper use of the Rights -of -Way,
and all work by Franchisee in the area shall be performed in accordance
with applicable City standards and specifications and warranted for a
period of two (2) years. In no case shall any work commence within any
Rights -of -Way without a permit, except as otherwise provided in this
Franchise.
8.3 If either the City or Franchisee shall at any time plan to make
excavations in any area covered by this Franchise and as described in this
Section 8.3, the party planning such excavation shall afford the other,
upon receipt of a written request to do so, an opportunity to share such
excavation, PROVIDED THAT.
a. Such joint use shall not unreasonably delay the work of the
party causing the excavation to be made;
b. Such joint use shall be arranged and accomplished on terms
and conditions satisfactory to both parties; and
c. Either party may deny such request for safety reasons.
8.4 Except for emergency situations, Franchisee shall give at least
seven (7) days' prior notice of intended construction to residents in the
affected area. Such notice shall contain the dates, contact number, nature
and location of the work to be performed. At least twenty-four (24) hours
prior to entering private property or streets or public easements adjacent
to or on such private property, Franchisee shall physically post a notice on
the property indicating the nature and location of the work to be
performed. Door hangers are permissible methods of notifications to
residents. Franchisee shall make a good faith effort to comply with the
property owner/resident's preferences, if any, on location or placement of
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underground installations (excluding aerial cable lines utilizing existing
poles and existing cable paths), consistent with sound engineering
practices. Following performance of the work, Franchisee shall restore the
private property as nearly as possible to its condition prior to construction,
except for any change in condition not caused by Franchisee. Any
disturbance of landscaping, fencing, or other improvements on private
property caused by Franchisee's work shall, at the sole expense of
Franchisee, be promptly repaired and restored to the reasonable
satisfaction of the property owner/resident. Notwithstanding the above,
nothing herein shall give Franchisee the right to enter onto private
property without the permission of such private property owner, or as
otherwise authorized by applicable law.
8.5 Franchisee shall at all times comply with the safety requirements
contained in Section 10 and all applicable federal, State and local safety
requirements.
8.6 Franchisee may trim trees upon and overhanging on public ways,
streets, alleys, sidewalks, and other public places of the City so as to
prevent the branches of such trees from coming in contact with
Franchisee's Facilities. The right to trim trees in this Section 8.6 shall only
apply to the extent necessary to protect above ground Facilities.
Franchisee shall ensure that its tree trimming activities protect the
appearance, integrity, and health of the trees to the extent reasonably
possible. Franchisee shall be responsible for all debris removal from such
activities. Franchisee shall prepare and maintain a tree trimming schedule
to ensure compliance with this Section 8.6 and to avoid exigent
circumstances where tree cutting, trimming, or removal is necessary to
protect the public safety or continuity of service. Franchisee shall submit
the schedule to the Public Works Director or his/her designee. All
trimming, except in emergency situations, is to be done after the explicit
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prior written notification and approval of the City and at the expense of
Franchisee. Franchisee may contract for such services, however, any firm
or individual so retained must first receive City approval prior to
commencing such trimming. Nothing herein grants Franchisee any
authority to act on behalf of the City, to enter upon any private property,
or to trim any tree or natural growth not owned by the City. Franchisee
shall be solely responsible and liable for any damage to any third parties'
trees or natural growth caused by Franchisee's actions. Franchisee shall
indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City from third -party claims of
any nature arising out of any act or negligence of Franchisee with regard
to tree and/or natural growth trimming, damage, and/or removal.
Franchisee shall reasonably compensate the City or the property owner for
any damage caused by trimming, damage, or removal by Franchisee.
Except in an emergency situation, all tree trimming must be performed
under the direction of an arborist certified by the International Society of
Arboriculture, unless otherwise approved by the Public Works Director or
his/her designee.
8.7 Franchisee shall meet with the City and other franchise holders and
users of the Rights -of -Way upon written notice as determined by the City,
to schedule and coordinate construction in the Rights -of -Way. All
construction locations, activities, and schedules shall be coordinated as
ordered by the City to minimize public inconvenience, disruption, or
damages.
8.8 Franchisee acknowledges that it, and not the City, shall be
responsible for compliance with all marking and lighting requirements of
the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") and the Federal
Communications Commission ("FCC") with respect to Franchisee's
Facilities, if applicable. Franchisee shall indemnify and hold the City
harmless from any fines or other liabilities caused by Franchisee's failure
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to comply with such requirements. Should Franchisee or the City be cited
by either the FCC or the FAA because the Facilities or Franchisee's
equipment is not in compliance and should Franchisee fail to cure the
conditions of noncompliance within the timeframe allowed by the citing
agency, the City may, upon at least forty-eight (48) hours' prior written
notice to Franchisee, either terminate this Franchise immediately if the
equipment is not brought into compliance by the expiration of such notice
period or may proceed to cure the conditions of noncompliance at
Franchisee's expense, and collect all reasonable costs from Franchisee in
accordance with the provisions of Section 15.3 and Section 15.4.
SECTION 9. -One Call Locator Service. Prior to doing any work in
the Rights -of -Way, the Franchisee shall follow established procedures,
including contacting the Utility Notification Center in Washington and
comply with all applicable State statutes regarding the One Call Locator
Service pursuant to Chapter 19.122 RCW. The City shall not be liable for
any damages to Franchisee's Facilities or for interruptions in service to
Franchisee's customers that are a direct result of Franchisee's failure to
locate its Facilities within the prescribed time limits and guidelines
established by the One Call Locator Service regardless of whether the City
issued a permit.
SECTION 10. - Safety Requirements.
10.1 Franchisee shall, at all times, employ professional care and shall
install and maintain and use industry -standard methods for preventing
failures and accidents that are likely to cause damage, injuries, or
nuisances to the public. All structures and all lines, equipment, and
connections in, over, under, and upon the Rights -of -Ways, wherever
situated or located, shall at all times be kept and maintained in a safe
condition. Franchisee shall comply with all federal, State, and City safety
requirements, rules, regulations, laws, and practices, and employ all
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necessary devices as required by applicable law during the construction,
operation, maintenance, upgrade, repair, or removal of its Facilities. By
way of illustration and not limitation, Franchisee shall also comply with the
applicable provisions of the National Electric Code, National Electrical
Safety Code, FCC regulations, and Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) Standards. Upon reasonable notice to Franchisee,
the City reserves the general right to inspect the Facilities to evaluate if
they are constructed and maintained in a safe condition.
10.2 If an unsafe condition or a violation of Section 10. i is found to
exist, and becomes known to the City, the City agrees to give Franchisee
written notice of such condition and afford Franchisee a reasonable
opportunity to repair the same. If Franchisee fails to start to make the
necessary repairs and alterations within the time frame specified in such
notice (and pursue such cure to completion), then the City may make such
repairs or contract for them to be made. All costs, including
administrative costs, incurred by the City in repairing any unsafe
conditions shall be borne by Franchisee and reimbursed to the City
pursuant to Section 15.3 and Section 15.4.
10.3 Additional safety standards include:
a. Franchisee shall endeavor to maintain all equipment lines and
facilities in an orderly manner, including, but not limited to, the removal of
all bundles of unused cable on any aerial facilities.
b. All installations of equipment, lines, and ancillary facilities
shall be installed in accordance with industry -standard engineering
practices and shall comply with all federal, State, and local regulations,
ordinances, and laws.
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c. Any opening or obstruction in the Rights -of -Way or other
public places made by Franchisee in the course of its operations shall be
protected by Franchisee at all times by the placement of adequate
barriers, fences, or boarding, the bounds of which, during periods of dusk
and darkness, shall be clearly marked and visible.
10.4 Stop Work Order. On notice from the City that any work is being
performed contrary to the provisions of this Franchise, or in an unsafe or
dangerous manner as determined by the City, or in violation of the terms
of any applicable permit, laws, regulations, ordinances, or standards, the
work may immediately be stopped by the City. The stop work order shall.
site;
a. Be in writing;
b. Be given to the person doing the work or posted on the work
c. Be sent to Franchisee by overnight delivery;
d. Indicate the nature of the alleged violation or unsafe
condition; and
e. Establish conditions under which work may be resumed.
SECTION 11, - Work of Contractors and Subcontractors.
Franchisee's contractors and subcontractors shall be licensed and bonded
in accordance with State law and the City's ordinances, regulations, and
requirements. Work by contractors and subcontractors is subject to the
same restrictions, limitations, and conditions as if the work were
performed by Franchisee. Franchisee 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 Franchisee and shall
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ensure that all such work is performed in compliance with this Franchise
and applicable law.
SECTION i2, - City Conduit. Except in emergency situations,
Franchisee shall inform the Public Works Director with at least thirty (30)
days' advance written notice that it is constructing, relocating, or placing
ducts or conduits in the Rights -of -Way and provide the City with an
opportunity to request that Franchisee provide the City with additional
duct or conduit, and related structures necessary to access the conduit
pursuant to and subject to RCW 35.99.070. Such notification shall be in
addition to the requirement to apply for and obtain permits pursuant to
Section 8.2.
SECTION 13. - Restoration after Construction.
13.1 Franchisee shall, after installation, construction, relocation,
maintenance, or repair of its Facilities, or after abandonment approved
pursuant to Section 19, promptly remove any obstructions from the
Rights -of -Way and restore the surface of the Rights -of -Way to at least the
same condition the Rights -of -Way were in immediately prior to any such
installation, construction, relocation, maintenance or repair, provided
Franchisee shall not be responsible for any changes to the Rights -of -Way
not caused by Franchisee or anyone doing work for Franchisee. The Public
Works Director or his/her designee shall have final approval of the
condition of such Rights -of -Way after restoration. All concrete encased
survey monuments that have been disturbed or displaced by such work
shall be restored pursuant to federal, state (Chapter 332-120 WAC), and
local standards and specifications.
13.2 Franchisee agrees to promptly complete all restoration work and to
promptly repair any damage caused by work to the Franchise Area or
other affected area at its sole cost and expense and according to the time
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and terms specified in the construction permit issued by the City. All work
by Franchisee pursuant to this Franchise shall be performed in accordance
with applicable City standards and warranted for a period of two (2) years
and for undiscovered defects as is standard and customary for this type of
work.
13.3 If conditions (e.g. weather) make the complete restoration required
under Section 13 impracticable, Franchisee shall temporarily restore the
affected Right -of -Way or property. Such temporary restoration shall be at
Franchisee's sole cost and expense. Franchisee shall promptly undertake
and complete the required permanent restoration when conditions no
longer make such permanent restoration impracticable.
13.4 In the event Franchisee does not repair a Right -of -Way or an
improvement in or to a Right -of -Way within the time agreed to by the
Public Works Director, or his/her designee, the City may repair the
damage and shall be reimbursed its actual cost within sixty (60) days of
submitting an itemized invoice to Franchisee in accordance with the
provisions of Section 15.3 and Section 15.4. In addition, and pursuant to
Section 15.3 and Section 15.4, the City may bill Franchisee for expenses
associated with the inspection of such restoration work.
13.5 The provisions of this Section 13 shall survive the expiration or
termination of this Franchise so long as Franchisee continues to have
Facilities in the Rights -of -Way and has not completed all restoration to the
City's standards.
SECTION 14. - Emergencies.
14.1 In the event of any emergency in which any of Franchisee's
Faces located in or under any street endangers the property, life,
health, or safety of any person, entity or the City, or if Franchisee's
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construction area is otherwise in such a condition as to immediately
endanger the property, life, health, or safety of any person, entity or the
City, Franchisee shall immediately take the proper emergency measures to
repair its Facilities and to cure or remedy the dangerous conditions for the
protection of property, life, health, or safety of any person, entity or the
City, without first applying for and obtaining a permit as required by this
Franchise. However, this shall not relieve Franchisee from the
requirement of obtaining any permits necessary for this purpose, and
Franchisee shall apply for all such permits not later than the next
succeeding day during which the Kent City Hall is open for business. The
City retains the right and privilege to cut or move any Facilities located
within the Rights -of -Way of the City, as the City may determine to be
necessary, appropriate, or useful in response to any public health or safety
emergency. The City shall notify Franchisee by telephone promptly upon
learning of the emergency and shall exercise reasonable efforts to avoid
an interruption of Franchisee's operations.
14.2 Whenever the construction, installation, or excavation of Facilities
authorized by this Franchise has caused or contributed to a condition that
appears to substantially impair the lateral support of the adjoining street
or public place, an adjoining public place, street utilities, City property,
Rights -of -Way, or private property (collectively "Endangered Property") or
endangers the public, the Public Works Director or his/her designee, may
direct Franchisee, at Franchisee's own expense, to take reasonable action
to protect the Endangered Property or the public, and such action may
include compliance within a prescribed time. In the event that Franchisee
fails or refuses to promptly take the actions directed by the City, or fails to
fully comply with such directions, or if an emergency situation exists that
requires immediate action before the City can timely contact Franchisee to
request Franchisee effect the immediate repair, the City may enter upon
the Endangered Property and take such reasonable actions as are
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necessary to protect the Endangered Property or the public. Franchisee
shall be liable to the City for the costs of any such repairs in accordance
with the provisions of Sections 15.3 and 15.4.
14.3 The City shall not be liable for any damage to or loss of Facilities
within the Rights -of -Way as a result of or in connection with any public
works, public improvements, construction, grading, excavation, filling, or
work of any kind in the Rights -of -Way by or on behalf of the City, except
to the extent directly and proximately caused by the gross negligence or
willful acts of the City, its employees, contractors, or agents. The City
shall further not be liable to Franchisee for any direct, indirect, or any
other such damages suffered by any person or entity of any type as a
direct or indirect result of the City's actions under this Section 14 except
to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful acts of the City, its
employees, contractors, or agents.
SECTION 15. - Recovery of Costs.
15.1 Franchisee shall pay a grant fee an amount not to exceed Six
Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) for the City's legal costs incurred in drafting
and processing this Franchise and all work related thereto. No
construction permits shall be issued for the installation of Facilities
authorized until such time as the City has received payment of the grant
fee. Franchisee shall further be subject to all permit fees associated with
activities undertaken through the authority granted in this Franchise or
under the laws of the City. Where the City incurs costs and expenses for
review, inspection, or supervision of activities, including but not limited to
reasonable fees associated with attorneys, consultants, City Staff and City
Attorney time, undertaken through the authority granted in this Franchise
or any ordinances relating to the subject for which a permit fee is not
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established, Franchisee shall pay such costs and expenses directly to the
City in accordance with the provisions of Section 15-:3.
15.2 In addition to Section 15.1, Franchisee shall promptly reimburse the
City in accordance with the provisions of Section 15.3 and Section 15.4 for
anY and all costs the City reasonably incurs in response to any emergency
situation involving Franchisee's Facilities, to the extent said emergency is
not the fault of the City. The City agrees to simultaneously seek
reimbursement from any franchisee or permit holder who caused or
contributed to the emergency situation.
15.3 Franchisee shall reimburse the City within sixty (60) days of
submittal by the City of an itemized billing for reasonably incurred costs,
itemized by project, for Franchisee's proportionate share of all actual,
identified expenses incurred by the City in planning, constructing,
installing, repairing, altering, or maintaining any City facility as the result
of the presence of Franchisee's Facilities in the Rights -of -Way. Such costs
and expenses shall include but not be limited to Franchisee's proportionate
cost of City personnel assigned to oversee or engage in any work in the
Rights -of -Way as the result of the presence of Franchisee's Facilities in the
Rights -of -Way. Such costs and expenses shall also include Franchisee's
proportionate share of any time spent reviewing construction plans in
order to either accomplish the relocation of Franchisee's Facilities or the
routing or rerouting of any utilities so as not to interfere with Franchisee's
Facilities.
15.4 The time of City employees shall be charged at their respective rate
oT salary, including overtime if applicable, plus benefits and reasonable
overhead. Any other costs will be billed proportionately on an actual cost
basis. All billings will be itemized so as to specifically identify the costs
and expenses for each project for which the City claims reimbursement. A
charge for the actual costs incurred in preparing the billing may also be
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included in said billing. At the City's option, the billing may be on an
annual basis, but the City shall provide the Franchisee with the City's
itemization of costs, in writing, at the conclusion of each project for
information purposes.
SECTION j 6. -City's Reservation of Rights.
16.1 Franchisee represents that its Services, as authorized under this
Franchise, are a telephone business as defined in RCW 82.16.010, or that
it is a service provider as used in RCW 35.21.860 and defined in RCW
35.99.010. As a result, the City will not impose franchise fees under the
terms of this Franchise. The City reserves its right to impose a franchise
fee on Franchisee if Franchisee's Services as authorized by this Franchise
change such that the statutory prohibitions of RCW 35.21.860 no longer
apply or if statutory prohibitions on the imposition of such fees are
otherwise removed. The City also reserves its right to require that
Franchisee obtain a separate franchise for a change in use, which
franchise may include provisions intended to regulate Franchisee's
operations as allowed under applicable law. Nothing contained within this
Franchise shall preclude Franchisee from challenging any such new fee or
separate agreement under applicable federal, State, or local laws.
16.2 Franchisee acknowledges that its operation with the City constitutes
a telephone business subject to the utility tax imposed pursuant to the
Kent City Code Chapter 3.18. Franchisee understands that RCW
35.21.870 currently limits the rate of city tax upon telephone business
activities to six percent (6%) of gross income (as that term is defined in
Kent City Code Chapter 3.18), unless a higher rate is otherwise approved.
Franchisee stipulates and agrees that certain of its business activities are
subject to taxation as a telephone business and that Franchisee shall pay
to the City the rate applicable to such taxable services under Kent City
Code Chapter 3.18, and consistent with state and federal law. The parties
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agree however, that nothing in this Franchise shall limit the City's power
of taxation as may exist now or as later imposed by the City. This
provision does not limit the City's power to amend Kent City Code Chapter
3.18 as may be permitted by law.
SECTION 17. Indemnification.
17.1 Franchisee releases, covenants not to bring suit, and agrees to
indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its officers, employees,
agents, and representatives from any and all claims, costs, judgments,
awards, or liability to any person, for injury or death of any person, or
damage to property caused by or arising out of any acts or omissions of
Franchisee, its agents, servants, officers, or employees in the performance
of this Franchise and any rights granted within this Franchise.
17.2 Inspection or acceptance by the City of any work performed by
Franchisee at the time of completion of construction shall not be grounds
for avoidance by Franchisee of any of its obligations under this Section 17.
These indemnification obligations shall extend to claims that are not
reduced to a suit and any claims that may be compromised, with
Franchisee's prior written consent, prior to the culmination of any litigation
or the institution of any litigation.
17.3 The City shall promptly notify Franchisee of any claim or suit and
request in writing that Franchisee indemnify the City. Franchisee may
choose counsel to defend the City subject to this Section 17.3. City's
failure to so notify and request indemnification shall not relieve Franchisee
of any liability that Franchisee might have, except to the extent that such
failure prejudices Franchisee's ability to defend such claim or suit. In the
event that Franchisee refuses the tender of defense in any suit or any
claim, as required pursuant to the indemnification provisions within this
Franchise, and said refusal is subsequently determined by a court having
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jurisdiction (or such other tribunal that the parties shall agree to decide
the matter), to have been a wrongful refusal on the part of Franchisee,
Franchisee shall pay all of the City's reasonable costs for defense of the
action, including all expert witness fees, costs, and attorney's fees, and
including costs and fees incurred in recovering under this indemnification
provision. If separate representation to fully protect the interests of both
parties is necessary, such as a conflict of interest between the City and the
counsel selected by Franchisee to represent the City, then upon the prior
written approval and consent of Franchisee, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld, the City shall have the right to employ separate
counsel in any action or proceeding and to participate in the investigation
and defense thereof, and Franchisee shall pay the reasonable fees and
expenses of such separate counsel, except that Franchisee shall not be
required to pay the fees and expenses of separate counsel on behalf of the
City for the City to bring or pursue any counterclaims or interpleader
action, equitable relief, restraining order or injunction. The City's fees and
expenses shall include all out-of-pocket expenses, such as consultants and
expert witness fees, and shall also include the reasonable value of any
services rendered by the counsel retained by the City but shall not include
outside attorneys' fees for services that are unnecessarily duplicative of
services provided the City by Franchisee. Each party agrees to cooperate
and to cause its employees and agents to cooperate with the other party
in the defense of any such claim and the relevant records of each party
shall be available to the other party with respect to any such defense.
17.4 The parties acknowledge that this Franchise is subject to RCW
4.24.115. Accordingly, in the event of liability for damages arising out of
bodily injury to persons or damages to property caused by or resulting
from the concurrent negligence of Franchisee and the City, its officers,
officials, employees, and volunteers, Franchisee's Liability shall be only to
the extent of Franchisee's negligence
It is further specifically and
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expressly understood that the indemnification provided constitutes
Franchisee's waiver of immunity under Title 51 RCW, solely for the
pUI poses of this indemncation
negotiated by the parties.
This waiver has been mutually
17.5 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 17, Franchisee
assumes the risk of damage to its Facilities located in the Rights -of -Way
and upon City -owned property from activities conducted by the City, its
officers, agents, employees, volunteers, elected and appointed officials,
and contractors, except to the extent any such damage or destruction is
caused by or arises from any grossly negligent, willful, or criminal actions
on the part of the City, its officers, agents, employees, volunteers, or
elected or appointed officials, or contractors. Franchisee releases and
waives any and all such claims against the City, its officers, agents,
employees, volunteers, or elected or appointed officials, or contractors.
Franchisee further agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend the City
against any claims for damages, including, but not limited to, business
interruption damages and lost profits, brought by or under users of
Franchisee's Facilities as the result of any interruption of service due to
damage or destruction of Franchisee's Facilities caused by or arising out of
activities conducted by the City, its officers, agents, employees or
contractors, except to the extent any such damage or destruction is
caused by or arises from the sole negligence or any willful, or criminal
actions on the part of the City, its officers, agents, employees, volunteers,
or elected or appointed officials, or contractors.
17.6 The provisions of this Section 17 shall survive the expiration,
revocation, or termination of this Franchise.
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SECTION 18. - Insurance.
18.1 Franchisee shall procure and maintain for so long as Franchisee has
Facilities in the Rights -of -Way, insurance against claims for injuries to
persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection
with the exercise of rights, privileges and authority granted to Franchisee,
its agents representatives or employees. Franchisee shall require that
every subcontractor maintain insurance coverage and policy limits
consistent with this Section 18. Franchisee shall procure insurance from
insurers with a current A.M. Best rating of not less than A-. Franchisee
shall provide a copy of a certificate of insurance and additional insured
endorsement to the City for its inspection at the time of or prior to
acceptance of this Franchise, and such insurance certificate shall evidence
a policy of insurance that includes.
a. Automobile Liability insurance with limits no less than
$2,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury and
property damage.
b. Commercial General Liability insurance, written on an
occurrence basis with limits no less than $3,000,000 combined single limit
per occurrence and $5,000,000 aggregate for personal injury, bodily injury
and property damage. Coverage shall include but not be limited to.9
blanket contractual; premises; operations; independent contractors, stop
gap liability; personal injury; products and completed operations; broad
form property damages explosion, collapse and underground (ACU); and
employer's liability.
c. Workers' Compensation coverage as
Industrial Insurance laws of the State of Washington.
presently required for this insurance; and
required by the
No deductible is
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d. Umbrella liability policy with limits not less than $10,000,000
per occurrence and in the aggregate.
18.2 Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and
approved by the City. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed. The City acknowledges that Franchisee's current deductibles are
subject to change based on business needs and the commercial insurance
market. Payment of deductible or self-insured retention shall be the sole
responsibility of Franchisee. Additionally, Franchisee shall pay all
premiums for the insurance on a timely basis. Franchisee may utilize
primary and umbrella liability insurance policies to satisfy the insurance
policy limits required in this Section 18. Franchisee's umbrella liability
insurance policy provides "follow form" coverage over its primary liability
insurance policies.
18.3 The insurance policies, with the exception of Workers'
Compensation obtained by Franchisee shall name the City, its officers,
officials, employees, agents, and volunteers ("Additional Insureds"), as an
additional insured with regard to activities performed by or on behalf of
Franchisee. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on the scope
of protection afforded to the Additional Insureds. In addition, the
insurance policy shall contain a clause stating that coverage shall apply
separately to each insured against whom a claim is made or suit is
brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer's liability.
Franchisee shall provide to the City prior to or upon acceptance either (1)
a true copy of the additional insured endorsement for each insurance
policy required in this Section 18 and providing that such insurance shall
apply as primary insurance on behalf of the Additional Insureds or (2) a
true copy of the blanket additional insured clause from the policies.
Receipt by the City of any certificate showing less coverage than required
is not a waiver of Franchisee's obligations to fulfill the requirements.
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Franchisee's insurance shall be primary insurance with respect to the
Additional Insureds, and the endorsement should specifically state that the
insurance is the primary insurance. Any insurance maintained by the
Additional Insureds shall be in excess of Franchisee's insurance and sha
not contribute with it.
18.4 Franchisee is obligated to notify the City of any cancellation or
intent not to renew any insurance policy, required pursuant to this Section
18, thirty (30) days prior to any such cancellation. Within five (5) days
prior to said cancellation or intent not to renew, Franchisee shall obtain
and furnish to the City replacement insurance policies meeting the
requirements of this Section 18. Failure to provide the insurance
cancellation notice and to furnish to the City replacement insurance
policies meeting the requirements of this Section 18 shall be considered a
material breach of this Franchise and subject to the City's election of
remedies described in Section 21 below. Notwithstanding the cure period
described in Section 21.2, the City may pursue its remedies immediately
upon a failure to furnish replacement insurance.
18.5 Franchisee's maintenance of insurance as required by this Section
18 shall not be construed to limit the liability of Franchisee to the coverage
provided by such insurance, or otherwise limit the City's recourse to any
remedy available at law or equity. Further, Franchisee's maintenance of
insurance policies required by this Franchise shall not be construed to
excuse unfaithful performance by Franchisee.
SECTION I9. -Abandonment of Franchisee's Telecommunications
Network. Upon the expiration, termination, or revocation of the rights
granted under this Franchise, Franchisee shall remove all of its Facilities
from the Rights -of -Way within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice
from the Public Works Director or his/her designee. The Facilities, in
whole or in part, may not be abandoned by Franchisee without written
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approval by the City. Any plan for abandonment or removal of
Franchisee's Facilities must be first approved by the Public Works Director
or his/her designee, and all necessary permits must be obtained prior to
such work. Notwithstanding the above, the City may permit Franchisee's
imF rovements to be abandoned and placed in such a manner as the City
may prescribe. Upon permanent abandonment, and Franchisee's
agreement to transfer ownership of the Facilities to the City, Franchisee
shall submit to the City a proposal and instruments for transferring
ownership to the City. Any Facilities that are not permitted to be
abandoned in place and that are not removed within thirty (30) days of
receipt of City's notice shall automatically become the property of the City.
Provided, however, that nothing contained within this Section 19 shall
prevent the City from compelling Franchisee to remove any such Facilities
through judicial action when the City has not permitted Franchisee to
abandon said Facilities in place. The provisions of this Section 19 shall
survive the expiration, revocation, or termination of this Franchise.
SECTrON 20. - Bonds.
20.1 Construction Guarantees. As a condition of performing work in the
Right -of -Way, and prior to the performance of such work in the Right -of -
Way, Franchisee shall post a construction bond, and following completion
a maintenance bond in the amounts required by the Kent City Code or
Kent construction design standards, as applicable.
20.2 Franchisee shall provide City with a bond in the amount of Twenty -
Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) (Franchise Bond") running or
renewable for the term of this Franchise, in a form and substance
reasonably acceptable to City. In the event Franchisee shall fail to
substantially comply with any one or more of the provisions of this
Franchise, following written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure,
then there shall be recovered jointly and severally from Franchisee and
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the bond any actual damages suffered by City as a result thereof,
including but not limited to staff time, material and equipment costs,
compensation or indemnification of third parties, and the cost of removal
or abandonment of Facilities. Franchisee specifically agrees that its failure
to comply with the terms of this Section 20.2 shall constitute a material
breach of this Franchise, subject to the notice and cure provisions of
Section 21.2. Franchisee further agrees to replenish the Franchise Bond
within fourteen (14) days after written notice from the City that there is a
deficiency in the amount of the Franchise Bond. The amount of the
Franchise Bond shall not be construed to limit Franchisee's liability or to
limit the City's recourse to any remedy to which the City is otherwise
entitled at law or in equity.
SECTION 21. -Remedies to Enforce Compliance.
21.1 In addition to any other remedy provided in this Franchise, the City
reserves the right to pursue any remedy available at law or in equity to
compel or require Franchisee and/or its successors and assigns to comply
with the terms of this Franchise and the pursuit of any right or remedy by
the City shall not prevent the City from thereafter declaring a revocation
for breach of the conditions. In addition to any other remedy provided in
this Franchise, Franchisee reserves the right to pursue any remedy
available at law or in equity to compel or require the City, its officers,
employees, volunteers, contractors and other agents and representatives,
to comply with the terms of this Franchise. Further, all rights and
remedies provided herein shall be in addition to and cumulative with any
and all other rights and remedies available to either the City or
Franchisee. Such rights and remedies shall not be exclusive, and the
exercise of one or more rights or remedies shall not be deemed a waiver
of the right to exercise at the same time or thereafter any other right or
remedy. Provided, further, that by entering into this Franchise, it is not
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the intention of the City or Franchisee to waive any other rights, remedies,
or obligations as provided by law, equity or otherwise, and nothing
contained in this Franchise shall be deemed or construed to affect any
such waiver. The parties reserve the right to seek and obtain injunctive
relief with respect to this Franchise to the extent authorized by applicable
law and that the execution of this Franchise shall not constitute a waiver
or relinquishment of such right. The parties agree that in the event a
party obtains injunctive relief, neither party shall be required to post a
bond or other security and the parties agree not to seek the imposition of
such a requirement.
21.2 If either party violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions
of this Franchise, or a permit issued as required by Section 8.2, or should
it fail to heed or comply with any notice given to such party under the
provisions of this Franchise (the "Defaulting Party"), the other Party (the
"Non -defaulting Party") shall provide the Defaulting Party with written
notice specifying with reasonable particularity the nature of any such
breach and the Defaulting Party shall undertake all commercially
reasonable efforts to cure such breach within thirty (30) days of receipt of
notification. If the Non -defaulting Party reasonably determines the breach
cannot be cured within thirty (30) days, the Non -defaulting Party may
specify a longer cure period, and condition the extension of time on the
Defaulting Party's submittal of a plan to cure the breach within the
specified period, commencement of work within the original thirty (30) day
cure period, and diligent prosecution of the work to completion. If the
breach is not cured within the specified time, or the Defaulting Party does
not comply with the specified conditions, the Non -defaulting Party may
pursue any available remedy at law or in equity as provided in Section
20.1 above, or in the event Franchisee has failed to timely cure the
breach, the City, at its sole discretion, may elect to (1) revoke this
Franchise pursuant to Section 22, (2) claim damages of Two Hundred Fifty
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Dollars ($250.00) per day against Franchisee (and collect from the
Franchise Bond if necessary), or (3) extend the time to cure the breach if
under the circumstances additional time is reasonably required.
Liquidated damages described in this Section 21.2 shall not be offset
against any sums due to the City as a tax or reimbursement pursuant to
Section 15.
SECTION 22, - Revocation. If Franchisee willfully violates or fails
to comply with any material provisions of this Franchise, then at the
election of the Kent City Council after at least thirty (30) days written
notice to Franchisee specifying the alleged violation or failure, the City
may revoke all rights conferred and this Franchise may be revoked by the
Council after a hearing held upon such notice to Franchisee. Such hearing
shall be open to the public and Franchisee and other interested parties
may offer written and/or oral evidence explaining or mitigating such
alleged noncompliance. Within thirty (30) days after the hearing, the Kent
City Council, on the basis of the record, will make the determination as to
whether there is cause for revocation, whether the Franchise will be
terminated, or whether lesser sanctions should otherwise be imposed.
The Kent City Council may in its sole discretion fix an additional time
period to cure violations. If the deficiency has not been cured at the
expiration of any additional time period or if the Kent City Council does not
grant any additional period, the Kent City Council may by resolution
declare the Franchise to be revoked and forfeited or impose lesser
sanctions. If Franchisee appeals revocation and termination, such
revocation may be held in abeyance pending judicial review by a court of
competent jurisdiction, provided Franchisee is otherwise in compliance
with the Franchise.
SECTION 23. -Non-Waiver. The failure of either party to insist �
upon strict performance of any of the covenants and agreements of this
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Franchise or to exercise any option conferred in any one or more instances
shall not be construed to be a waiver or relinquishment of any such
covenants, agreements, or option or any other covenants, agreements or
option.
SECTION 24, -Police Powers and City Regulations. Nothing within
this Franchise shall be deemed to restrict the City's ability to adopt and
enforce all necessary and appropriate ordinances regulating the
performance of the conditions of this Franchise and the franchises of
similarly -situated entities, including any valid ordinance made in the
exercise of its police powers in the interest of public safety and for the
welfare of the public. The City shall have the authority at all times to
reasonably control by appropriate regulations, consistent with 47 U.S.C. §
253, the location, elevation, manner of construction, and maintenance of
any Facilities by Franchisee and other similarly -situated franchisees, and
Franchisee shall promptly conform with all such regulations, unless
compliance would cause Franchisee to violate other requirements of law.
The City reserves the right to promulgate any additional regulations of
general applicability as it may find necessary in the exercise of its lawful
police powers consistent with 47 U.S.C. § 253. In the event of a conflict
between the provisions of this Franchise and any other ordinance(s)
enacted under the City's police power authority, such other ordinances(s)
shall take precedence over this Franchise.
SECTION 25. -Cost of Publication. The cost of publication of this
Franchise shall be borne by Franchisee.
SECTION 26. -Acceptance. This Franchise may be accepted by
Franchisee by its ng with the City CN
of an uncononal written
acceptance, within sixty (60) days from Y execution of this
Franchise, in the form attached as Exhibit B. Failure of Franchisee to so
accept this Franchise shall be deemed a rejection by Franchisee and the
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Franchise - Astound Broadband P a g e 1 36 Astound Franchise
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rights and privileges granted shall cease. In addition, Franchisee shall file
the certificate of insurance and the additional insured endorsements
obtained pursuant to Section 18, any construction guarantees, if
applicable, pursuant to Section 20.1, the Franchise Bond required
pursuant to Section 20.2, and the costs described in Section 15.1.
SECTION 27, -Survival. All of the provisions, conditions, and
requirements of Section 5, Section 6, Section 8, Section 13, Section 17,
Section 18, Section 19, Section 20, and Section 28 of this Franchise shall
be in addition to any and all other obligations and liabilities Franchisee
may have to the City at common law, by statute, or by contract, and shall
survive this Franchise, and any renewals or extensions, to the extent
provided for in those sections. All of the provisions, conditions,
regulations, and requirements contained in this Franchise shall further be
binding upon the successors, executors, administrators, legal
representatives, and assigns of Franchisee and all privileges, as well as all
obligations and liabilities of Franchisee shall inure to its successors and
assigns equally as if they were specifically mentioned where Franchisee is
named.
SECTION 28. - Chan_ges of Ownership or Control.
28.1 This Franchise may not be directly or indirectly assigned,
transferred, or disposed of by sale, lease, merger, consolidation or other
act of Franchisee, by operation of law or otherwise, unless approved in
writing by the City, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld,
conditioned or delayed. The above notwithstanding, Franchisee may
freely assign this Franchise in whole or in part to a parent, subsidiary, or
affiliated entity, unless there is a change of control as described in Section
28.2 below, or for collateral security purposes. Franchisee shall provide
prompt, written notice to the City of any such assignment. In the case of
transfer or assignment as security by mortgage or other security
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Franchise - Astound Broadband P a g e 137 Astound Franchise
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instrument in whole or in part to secure indebtedness, such consent shall
not be required unless and until the secured party elects to realize upon
the collateral. For purposes of this Section 28, no assignment or transfer
of this Franchise shall be deemed to occur based on the public trading of
Franchisee's stocks provided, however, any tender offer, merger, or
similar transaction resulting in a change of control shall be subject to the
provisions of this Franchise.
28.2 Any transactions that singularly or collectively result in a change of
more than fifty percent (50%) of the: ultimate ownership or working
control of Franchisee, ownership or working control of the Facilities,
ownership or working control of affiliated entities having ownership or
working control of Franchisee or of the Facilities, or of control of the
capacity or bandwidth of Franchisee's Facilities, shall be considered an
assignment or transfer requiring City approval. Transactions between
affiliated entities are not exempt from City approval if there is a change in
control as described in the preceding sentence. Franchisee shall promptly
notify the City prior to any proposed change in, or transfer of, or
acquisition by any other party of control of Franchisee. Every change,
transfer, or acquisition of control of Franchisee shall cause a review of the
proposed transfer. The City shall approve or deny such request for an
assignment or transfer requiring City's consent within one -hundred twenty
(120) days of a completed application from Franchisee, unless a longer
period of time is mutually agreed to by the parties or when a delay in the
action taken by the City is due to the schedule of the City Council and
action cannot reasonably be obtained within the one hundred twenty (120)
day period. In the event that the City adopts a resolution denying its
consent and such change, transfer, or acquisition of control has been
affected, the City may revoke this Franchise, following the revocation
procedure described in Section 22 above. The assignee or transferee must
have the legal, technical, financial, and other requisite qualifications to
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own, hold, and operate Franchisee's Services. Franchisee shall reimburse
the City for all direct and indirect costs and expenses reasonably incurred
by the City in considering a request to transfer or assign this Franchise, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 15.3 and Section 15.4, and shall
pay the applicable application fee.
28.3 Franchisee may, without prior consent from the City: (i) lease the
Facilities, or any portion, to another persons (ii) grant an indefeasible right
of user interest in the Facilities, or any portion, to another persons or (iii)
offer to provide capacity or bandwidth in its Facilities to another person,
provided further, that Franchisee shall at all times retain exclusive control
over its Facilities and remain fully responsible for compliance with the
terms of this Franchise, and Franchisee shall furnish, upon request from
the City, a copy of any such lease or agreement, provided that Franchisee
may redact the name, street address (except for City and zip code), Social
Security Numbers, Employer Identification Numbers or similar identifying
information, and other information considered confidential under
applicable laws provided in such lease or agreement, and the lessee
complies, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of this Franchise
and applicable City codes. Franchisee's obligation to remain fully
responsible for compliance with the terms under this Section 28.3 shall
survive the expiration of this Franchise but only if and to the extent and
for so long as Franchisee is still the owner or has exclusive control over
the Facilities used by a third party.
SECTION 29. -Entire Agreement. This Franchise constitutes the
entire understanding and agreement between the parties as to the subject
matter within this Franchise and no other agreements or understandings,
written or otherwise, shall be binding upon the parties upon execution of
this Franchise.
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Franchise -Astound Broadband Page (39 Astound Franchise
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SECTION 30, - Eminent Domain. The existence of this Franchise
shall not preclude the City from acquiring by condemnation in accordance
with applicable law, all or a portion of Franchisee's Facilities for the fair
market value. In determining the value of such Facilities, no value shall
be attributed to the right to occupy the area conferred by this Franchise.
SECTION 31, -Vacation. If at any time the City, by ordinance and
in accordance with applicable laws, vacates all or any portion of the area
affected by this Franchise, the City shall not be liable for any damages or
loss to the Franchisee by reason of such vacation. The City shall use
reasonable efforts to reserve an appurtenant easement for public utilities
within the vacated portion of the Rights -of -Way within which Franchisee
may continue to operate existing Facilities under the terms of this
Franchise for the remaining period of the term set forth in Section 1.1.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the City shall incur no liability for
failing to reserve such easement. The City shall notify Franchisee in
writing not less than sixty (60) days before vacating all or any portion of
any such area. The City may, after sixty (60) days' written notice to
Franchisee, terminate this Franchise with respect to such vacated area.
SECTION 32. -Notice. Any notice or information required or
permitted to be given to the parties under this Franchise shall be sent to
the following addresses unless otherwise specified by personal delivery,
overnight mail by a nationally recognized courier, or by U.S. certified mail,
return receipt requested and shall be effective upon receipt or refusal of
delivery:
CITY OF KENT
Attn : City Clerk
220 Fourth Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
Telephone: 253-856-5725
Astound Broadband, LLC
401 Kirkland Parkplace, Suite 500
Kirkland, WA 98033
Attn: Steve Weed, CEO and
Jim Penney, EVP
Telephone: 425-896-1891
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SECTION 33. - Severab//ity. If any section, sentence, clause, or
phrase of this Franchise should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by
a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality
shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section,
sentence, clause, or phrase of this Franchise unless such invalidity or
unconstitutionality materially alters the rights, privileges, duties, or
obligations, in which event either party may request renegotiation of those
remaining terms of this Franchise materially affected by such court's
ruling.
SECTION 34. -Compliance wish all Applicable Laws. Each party
agrees to comply with all applicable present and future federal, state, and
local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. This Franchise is subject to
ordinances of general applicability enacted pursuant to the City's police
powers. The City reserves the right at any time to amend this Franchise
to conform to any enacted, amended, or adopted federal or state statute
or regulation relating to the public health, safety, and welfare, or relating
to roadway regulation, or a City ordinance enacted pursuant to such
federal or state statute or regulation, when such statute, regulation, or
ordinance necessitates this Franchise be amended in order to remain in
compliance with applicable laws, but only upon providing Franchisee with
thirty (30) days' written notice of its action setting forth the full text of the
amendment and identifying the statute, regulation, or ordinance requiring
the amendment. Said amendment shall become automatically effective
upon expiration of the notice period unless, before expiration of that
period, Franchisee makes a written request for negotiations regarding the
terms of the amendment. If the parties do not reach agreement as to the
terms of the amendment within thirty (30) days of the call for
negotiations, either party may pursue any available remedies at law or in
equity.
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Franchise - Astound Broadband P a g e 1 41 Astound Franchise
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SECTION 35. - Attorney Fees. If a suit or other action is instituted
in connection with any controversy arising out of this Franchise, each
party shall pay all its legal costs and attorney fees incurred in defending or
bringing such claim or lawsuit, including all appeals, in addition to any
other recovery or award provided by law; provided, however, nothing in
this section shall be construed to limit the City's right to indemnification
under Section 17 of this Franchise.
SECTION 36. - Hazardous Substances. Franchisee shall not
introduce or use any hazardous substances (chemical or waste), in
violation of any applicable law or regulation, nor shall Franchisee allow any
of its agents, contractors, or any person under its control to do the same.
Franchisee will be solely responsible for and will defend, indemnify, and
hold the City, its officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers
harmless from and against any and all claims, costs, and liabilities
including reasonable attorney fees and costs, arising out of or in
connection with the cleanup or restoration of the property to the extent
caused by Franchisee's use, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances,
whether or not intentional, and the use, storage, or disposal of such
substances by Franchisee's agents, contractors, or other persons acting
under Franchisee's control, whether or not intentional.
SECTION 37. -Licenses, Fees and Taxes. Prior to constructing any
Facilities or providing Services within the City, Franchisee shall obtain a
business or utility license from the City, if so required. Franchisee shall
pay all applicable taxes on personal property and Facilities owned or
placed by Franchisee in the Rights -of -Way and shall pay all applicable
license fees, permit fees, and any applicable tax unless documentation of
exemption is provided to the City and shall pay utility taxes and license
fees properly imposed by Y under this Franchise.
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Franchise -Astound Broadband Page l 42 Astound Franchise
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SECTION 38. - Miscellaneous.
38.1 The City and Franchisee respectively represent that their respective
signatories are duly authorized and have full right, power, and authority to
execute this Franchise on such party's behalf.
38.2 This Franchise shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Washington. The United States District Court for the Western
District of Washington, and King County Superior Court have proper venue
for any dispute related to this Franchise.
38.3 Section captions and headings are intended solely to facilitate the
reading of this Franchise. Such captions and headings shall not affect the
meaning or interpretation of the text within this Franchise.
38.4 Where the context so requires, the singular shall include the plural
and the plural includes the singular.
38.5 Franchisee shall be responsible for obtaining all other required
approvals, authorizations, and agreements from any party or entity and it
is acknowledged and agreed that the City is making no representation,
warranty, or covenant whether any of the foregoing approvals,
authorizations, or agreements are required or have been obtained by
Franchisee.
38.6 This Franchise is subject to all applicable federal, State and local
laws, regulations and orders of governmental agencies as amended,
including but not limited to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,
the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as amended and the Rules and
Regulations of the FCC. Neither the City nor Franchisee waive any rights
they may have under any such laws, rules or regulations.
38.7 There are no third party beneficiaries to this Franchise.
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38.8 This Franchise may be enforced at both law and in equity.
SECTION 39. - Corrections by City Clerk or Code Reviser. Upon
approval of the City Attorney, the City Clerk and the code reviser are
authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including the
correction of clerical errors; ordinance, section or subsection numbering;
or references to other local, state or federal laws, codes, rules, or
regulations.
SECTION 40. -Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and
be in force five (5) days from and after its passage and publication as
provided by law.
ATTEST:
CITY CrLERK
PASSED: day of � Vis° f , 2015.
APPROVED: day of , 2015.
PUBLISHED: c meday of 2015.
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Page (44
Astound Francl;
Ordinance
I hereby certify that this is a true copy of Ordinance No.
passed by the City Council of the City %J Kent, Washington, and approved
by the Mayor of the City of Kent as hereon indicated.
E, CIT' CLERK
SEAL)
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EXHIBIT A
INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF FRANCHISEE'S TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEM AND SERVICES; INCLUDING PRELIMINARY MAP
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Franchise -Astound Broadband Page � 46 Astound Franck
Ordinance
EXHIBIT B
STATEMENT OF ACCEPTANCE
Astound Broadband, LLC d/b/a Wave ("Astound") for itself, its successors
and assigns, accepts and agrees to be bound by all lawful terms,
conditions and provisions of the Franchise attached and incorporated by
this reference. Astound declares that it has carefully read the terms and
conditions of this Franchise and unconditionally accepts all of the terms
and conditions of the Franchise and agrees to abide by such terms and
conditions. Astound has relied upon its own investigation of all relevant
facts and it has not been induced to accept this Franchise and it accepts all
reasonable risks related to the interpretation of this Franchise.
Astound Broadband, LLC
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
STATE OF WASHINGTON )
)SS.
COUNTY OF®P )
I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that �
%e L is the person who appeared before me, and said person
acknowledged that he/sto signed this instrument, on oath stated that
he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as
the lolipat. of As ,LU,to be the free
and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in
the instrument.
DATED: r f
Notary Seal
D JOHANNES VON MI
NOTARY PUBLIC
STATE OF WASHINGTON
COMMISSION EXPIRES
SEPTEMBER, 06 2017
nature"of Notary)
(Legibly Print or Stamp Name of Notary)
Notary Public in and for the State of
Washington
My appointment expires: 014 06
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