2016-03-03 Council PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Thursday, March 3, 2016
7:00 pm
Mendota Heights City Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Adopt Agenda
5. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of February 16, 2016 City Council Minutes
b. Approval of February 16, 2016 City Council Workshop Minutes
c. Approval of February 17, 2016 City Council Special Meeting Minutes
d. Acknowledgement of February 10, 2016 Airport Relations Commission Minutes
e. Acknowledgement of February 23, 2016 Planning Commission Minutes
f. Adopt Resolution 2016-17, Extend Sprint Nextel Cell Tower Lease
g. Adopt Resolution 2016-18, Acknowledging Sale of Surplus Equipment
h. Adopt Resolution 2016-12, Designation of Municipal State Aid Streets
i. Denial of a Street Light Installation at Victoria Road and Douglas Road
j. Approval of a Purchase Order for Spring Street Sweeping
k. Adopt Resolution 2016-20, Calling for a Public Hearing on the MnDOT Highway 110
Rehabilitation Project and Request for Local Government Approval
l. Approval of a Right-of-Way License Agreement for the Rogers Lake Property Owners
Association to provide Landscaping Along Wagon Wheel Trail
m. Acknowledgement of January 2016 Fire Synopsis
n. Approval of January 2016 Treasurer’s Report
o. Approval of Claims List
6. Public Comments
7. Presentations
a. Recognition of Planning Commissioner Viksnins
b. Future Cities Competition – Friendly Hills Middle School Team Presentations
c. Rogers Lake Water Quality Report – Saint Thomas Academy
d. NDC4 – Proposed CenturyLink Cable Television Franchise Ordinance
8. Public Hearings - none
9. New and Unfinished Business
a. Ordinance 491, Concerning Definitions and Industrial District Uses, Planning Case
2016-04
b. Resolution 2016-19, Granting Comcast of St. Paul, Inc. a Franchise Extension to
March 31, 2017
10. Community Announcements
11. Council Comments
12. Adjourn
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights, Minnesota was held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights,
Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The following members were present:
Councilmembers Norton, Petschel, and Povolny. Absent: Councilmember Duggan.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Mayor Krebsbach presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember Povolny moved adoption of the
agenda.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Duggan)
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Krebsbach presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and
approval. Councilmember Norton moved approval of the consent calendar as presented and
authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein, pulling items f.) Adopt
Ordinance 492 No Parking on Mendota Road and l.) Approve Resolution 2016-13 Appoint Jill Smith as
alternate to Noise Oversight Committee.
a. Approval of January 19, 2016 City Council Minutes
b. Approval of January 19, 2016 Council Workshop Minutes
c. Acknowledgement of January 26, 2016 Planning Commission Minutes
d. Approval of the February 9, 2016 City Council Special Meeting Minutes
e. Approval of the February 9, 2016 City Council Workshop Minutes
f. Adopt Ordinance 492 No Parking on Mendota Road
g. Appointment of Traffic Safety Committee Members
-It was noted that Councilmember Petschel has joined this committee.
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h. Award Professional Services Contract for updating the City's Local Surface Water Management Plan
i. Authorization to Seek Professional Qualifications for Establishment of a Consultant Pool
j. Approve Resolution 2016-09 Accepting Donation for Citizens Academy
k. Approve Resolution 2016-10 Authorizing Public Use of Unclaimed Property
l. Approve Resolution 2016-13 Appoint Jill Smith as alternate to Noise Oversight Committee
m. Approve Resolution 2016-16 Amendments to the Fee Schedule
-It was noted that the City Council thoroughly reviewed the fee changes in the workshop meeting.
n. Approval of December 2015 Treasurer's Report
o. Approval of Claims List
p. Approval of January Building Activity Report
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Duggan)
PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
F) ADOPT ORDINANCE 492 NO PARKING ON MENDOTA ROAD
Public Works Director John Mazzitello explained that as part of the ongoing planning of the Mendota
Road/Warrior Drive neighborhood improvements project, which is scheduled for construction in 2016,
the City is going to utilize municipal state aid funds on the project. Mendota Road is an MSA
designated street. In order to get MnDOT’s approval of the plans for bid, the City has to codify the
proposed no parking areas along the street.
This ordinance would prohibit parking on the south side of Mendota Road from Oak Street to Delaware.
Parking would also not be allowed on the north side of Mendota Road from Oak Street to 450 feet west
of Warrior Drive, and from 950 feet east of Warrior Drive to Delaware Avenue, and 30 feet east and
west of Warrior Drive. The residents requested that parking be allowed between Knob and Warrior, and
parking between Warrior and the southeast parking lot entrance was requested by the School District.
Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt Ordinance 492 No Parking on Mendota Road.
Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Duggan)
L) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-13 APPOINT JILL SMITH AS ALTERNATE TO
NOISE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Councilmember Petschel noted that for the last year and a half she has served as the City’s primary
representative on the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC), and she has also been the chair of the NOC.
She has informed NOC that she will be stepping down from her leadership role as co-chair effective
March, 2016. She recommended that someone who is experienced in public boards, legislative
processes and relations, and in airport issues be appointed as an additional alternate to represent the City
page 4
on the NOC. She recommended Ms. Jill Smith. Ms. Smith is a former Councilmember, currently serves
on the Dakota County Planning Commission, and has a long history and knowledge of airport issues.
Councilmember Povolny moved to approve Resolution 2016-13 Appointing Jill Smith as Alternate to
Noise Oversight Committee.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Duggan)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
PRESENTATIONS
A) RECOGNITION OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER EVANS
Mayor Krebsbach presented Mr. Jackson Evans with a plaque in recognition of his years of service on
the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (2014-2016).
B) EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARD
Assistant to the City Administrator Tamara Schutta explained that at the January 19, 2016 City Council
meeting, staff awards were given out for years of service and for the Core Value Awards. Police Officer
Todd Rosse was recognized as the “Respectful” Core Value award recipient; however, he was not
recognized for his fifteen years of service to the City.
At this time, the City Council recognized Officer Todd Rosse for his fifteen years of service to the City.
PUBLIC HEARING
No items scheduled.
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) ORDINANCE 490 CONCERNING SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
PLANNING CASE 2016-03
Planner Nolan Wall explained Ordinance 490, which proposed amendments to Title 12 of the City Code,
concerning subdivision regulations. Staff identified several issues with the existing regulations; the bulk
of which were adopted in 1981 with some amendments in 2003 and 2009. The proposed amendments
included administrative and regulatory modifications for review and comment.
page 5
Staff reviewed past subdivision requests, reviewed platting guideline manuals, and consulted with the
Dakota County Surveying Department in order to identify potential amendments to the existing
subdivision regulations. Staff proposed updates to certain sections, which identified issues that needed
to be addressed.
Planner Wall briefly summarized each section of the ordinance and answered questions from Council.
No specific concerns were raised.
Councilmember Norton moved to adopt Ordinance 490 Concerning Subdivision Regulations
Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Duggan)
B) RESOLUTION 2016-14 APPOINTMENT OF
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONERS
Acting Mayor Povolny, who facilitated the interviews for the Parks and Recreation Commission
applicants, noted that Mr. Jay Miller is being recommended for appointment to the Parks and Recreation
Commission through January 2017, filling the vacancy left by Mr. Jackson Evans. Also, Clair Dunham
and Myles Bowen were recommended to be appointed as youth representatives to the Parks and
Recreation Commission for a one year term.
Commissioners Stephanie Levine, Michael Toth, and Joel Paper were also recommended for
reappointed for an additional three year term.
Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt Resolution 2016-14 Appointing Parks and Recreation
Advisory Commission Members.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Duggan)
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Assistant to the City Administrator Tamara Schutta made the following announcements:
• An Airport Relations Commission Open House is scheduled for March 9th at 7:00 p.m. at City
Hall. Representatives from MAC and the FAA will be joining the ARC to talk about the issues of
interest to Mendota Heights residents, and to provide an overview of MSP’s economic impact for
the region.
• The Mendota Heights 5K is scheduled for June 4th. Registrations are being taken.
page 6
• Due to the state precinct caucuses being held on March 1st, the City Council meeting has been
rescheduled to Thursday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Petschel noted the passing of Ms. Eunice Dietrich, who was recognized by the Council
last year on her 100th birthday.
Mayor Krebsbach recognized her neighbor for clearing away snow from the hydrant on Glenhill Road.
She reminded residents to assist in keeping the hydrants clear of snow to assist the fire department.
ADJOURN
Councilmember Petschel moved to adjourn.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Duggan)
Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
____________________________________
Sandra Krebsbach
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
page 7
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Council Workshop
Held Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a workshop of the Mendota Heights City Council was held at City
Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Acting Mayor Povolny called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Councilmembers present included Norton
and Petschel. Mayor Krebsbach and Councilor Duggan were absent. Also in attendance was City
Administrator Mark McNeill.
INTERVIEW OF COMMISSION CANDIDATES
The City Council interviewed the following candidates for Park and Recreation Commission openings:
• Clair Dunham (student representative)
• Jay Miller
• Cynthia Hesbjerg
• Thomas Clifford
• Talaia Bowen
• Stan Linnell
• Myles Bowen (student representative)
Following the interviews, the council discussed the candidates and agreed to appoint Jay Miller to the Parks
and Recreation Commission for the unexpired term of March 2016 through January 2017. Both student
representatives were recommended for appointment to the commission for one year terms.
ADJOURN
Acting Mayor Povolny adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
____________________________________
ATTEST: Mike Povolny, Acting Mayor
_______________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
page 8
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Special Meeting
Held Tuesday, February 17, 2016
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a special meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights,
Minnesota was held at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. The following members were present:
Councilmembers Petschel, Povolny, and Norton. Absent: Councilmember Duggan.
AUTHORIZE ASSIGNMENT OF LIGHT DUTY
Assistant to the Administrator Tamara Schutta explained a situation of an employee being assigned to
light duty due to a work related injury. If approved, this will be a 90 day extension of the current light
duty assignment.
Councilmember Petschel moved to approve the light duty assignment for up to an additional 90 days.
Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
REVIEW OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT STAFFING AND FUNDING
City Administrator Mark McNeill and Craig Ebeling of General Local Government Consulting
presented a report on the review of the engineering department. The overall function of the department
was reviewed, along with the staffing and funding structure.
The department currently has a staffing level of 4.5 FTE’s, which includes 3 licensed, registered
professional engineers. The work tasks of the department were reviewed, along with the funding of the
department. It was noted that the department is run as an internal service fund, meaning costs to run the
department are collected from other sources within the City. Charges for services relating to external
work are made for each hour worked by department personnel. The funding challenges of this approach
were addressed.
Performance monitoring and communications between the department and the Council were discussed.
The recommendations from the report included holding the current vacancy open, implement a
moratorium on capital projects until the Capital Improvements Program can be reviewed by an outside
consultant, if changes are to be made to the Capital Improvements Program then implement these
changes into the Financial Management Plan of the City, if long-term capital planning documents
page 9
indicated an annual program of $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 then maintain the existing Engineering
Department structure, if the Capital Improvement Program indicates there is not an ongoing program of
capital projects for each year then utilize consultants to meet the needs to implement the projects,
continue with the employee performance review system, discuss a Council policy on Council’s
interaction with staff to facilitate better communications.
Councilmember Povolny moved to accept the report, the City to proceed with the planned street
improvement projects for 2016, to hold off on filling the vacant position in the Engineering Department,
to proceed with the hiring of an Engineering Intern for the 2016 summer months, and direct staff to
move forward with a Request for Proposals for a consultant to review the current Capital Improvements
Program.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
ADJOURN
Councilmember Norton moved to adjourn.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
____________________________________
Sandra Krebsbach
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
page 10
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 10, 2016
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Mendota Heights City Hall.
Chair David Sloan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
The following commissioners were present: David, Sloan, Sally Lorberbaum, William Dunn,
Arvind Sharma, Gina Norling, and Jim Neuharth. Absent (excused) was Kevin Byrnes.
Also present: City Administrator Mark McNeill, Public Works Director John Mazzitello
Approval of Minutes
Lorberbaum asked that item 4.b of the January minutes be revised to reflect that “Mazzitello
addressed…” rather than “Mazzitello was there to address…”.
Motion by Dunn, second by Norling to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2016 Airport
Relations Commission meeting as amended. Motion carried 5-0, with Sloan abstaining.
Unfinished and New Business
4.a Election of Officers. Lorberbaum nominated David Sloan to serve as Chair for the
upcoming year. Dunn seconded. There were no other nominations. Vote results were 6-0 to
elect David Sloan as ARC Chair for the upcoming year.
Sloan nominated Sally Lorberbaum to serve as Vice-Chair, second by Sharma. There were no
other nominations. Vote results were 6-0 to have Sally Lorberbaum to serve as Vice-Chair of the
ARC for the upcoming year.
4.b The Commissioners discussed the upcoming public meeting regarding airport issues.
McNeill said that the Open House would be held in the City Council Chambers on March 9th at
7 PM. The Commissioners felt that it should be a regular meeting of the ARC, which would then
adjourn to an Open House. Each member would have an opportunity to describe what their role
is on the ARC. McNeill said that Dana Nelson and Chad Leqve of MAC, and Elaine Buckner of
the FAA have been invited to speak at the meeting.
McNeill said that he would send out a draft agenda to the ARC the following week for review.
4.c Airport Overlay Zoning District Discussion Mazzitello said that following the ARC’s
January discussion, he had contacted the cities of Bloomington, Richfield, and Eagan to see how
those cities handled the MAC airspace zoning maps, which were updated in 2004. He found
that the cities’ language in their codes were very similar—if a residential property lies within the
page 11
identified zone, noise attenuation must take place. He said that Bloomington extends their
review to properties lying one mile outside of the designated zone.
Neuharth said that similar would be manageable for the City of Mendota Heights.
Motion Dunn/ second Sloan to recommend to the City Council that it adopt the 2004 Airspace
Zones Map as shown in the MSP zoning ordinance, as the fixed boundary of the aircraft noise
overlay zone. Motion carried 6-0.
4.d McNeill referenced a City Council memo in the ARC packet. The memo recommended that
Mendota Heights resident Jill Smith to be appointed as alternate to the MAC Noise Oversite
Committee. That action had been on the City Council agenda of February 2nd to consider, but,
due to weather, that meeting had been cancelled. The action was instead to be considered on the
February 16th City Council agenda.
Chair Sloan commented on the process. Ms. Smith’s qualifications were discussed, and the ARC
Commissioners agreed that she was well qualified to serve on the NOC as alternate.
Motion Dunn/second Lorberbaum to support the nomination of Jill Smith to be a second
alternate representing Mendota Heights on the NOC. Motion carried 5-1. Commissioner
Norling cast the “no” vote, explaining that she has no problems with Ms. Smith, but instead was
concerned about the selection process.
4.e Review of Airport Operational Charts
Sloan said that he had missed the January NOC meeting, and so had no report.
Norling discussed charts for 12L and 12 R. Neuharth said that 12 R has been tending upwards
since 2009, and bears monitoring. Norling said that the normal “bell shaped curve” which
typically shows the number of complaints diminishing in the fall did not happen in 2015, due to
non-typical winds, and unusual warm weather patterns. Mazzitello said that he had met with
Dana Nelson of MAC, and distributed charts received from here for 2013-15. He said that the
unusual flight patterns would be a good item to discuss at the Open House.
Neuharth noted that all charts other than those for 12L and departures over TH 110 were trending
downward.
McNeill reviewed the discussion topics at the January 20th NOC meeting. He said that Liz
Petschel had announced that she would be stepping down as co-chair for the NOC. Noise
complaints were up 11% in November, vs the year before. and that nighttime operations were up
4.5% in 2015. He said that Elaine Buckner of the FAA discussed convergent operations at
MSP, and that there was a report on Airbus vortex generators and how those relate to noise
generation.
Sharma handed out a summary of action taken by the MAC Board at its January 19th meeting,
including information on the converging runway problems for 30R. He further reported on the
page 12
the Japan-US “Open Skies” situation, which will affect Delta’s flights to Tokyo. He provided an
overview of the MSP air service operations, and the monthly passenger operations.
Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence
These reports were reviewed and discussed.
Public Comments
There were no members of the public present.
Commissioner Comments
None
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Airport Relations Commission will be the Open House on March 9,
2016.
Adjourn
Neuharth made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Norling at 8:14 PM. All voted in favor.
Minutes Taken By:
Mark McNeill,
City Administrator
page 13
February 23, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 1
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA 2
3
PLANNING COMMISSON MINUTES 4
February 24, 2015 5
6
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, February 7
23, 2016 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 P.M. 8
9
The following Commissioners were present: Chair Litton Field, Jr., Commissioners Michael 10
Noonan, Doug Hennes, Christine Costello, and Brian Petschel. Those absent were: Howard Roston 11
and Mary Magnuson. Others present were City Planner Nolan Wall and Public Works 12
Director/City Engineer John Mazzitello. 13
14
Approval of Agenda 15
16
The agenda was approved as submitted. 17
18
Approval of January 26, 2016 Minutes 19
20
COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COSTELLO TO 21
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 26, 2016, AS PRESENTED 22
23
AYES: 5 24
NAYS: 0 25
ABSENT: 2 26
27
Planning Commission Appointments 28
29
The Commission made note that Litton Field, Jr. and Christine Costello were re-appointed for a 30
three-year term each. The Commission also recognized it newest member, Mr. Brian Petschel. 31
32
Election of Chair and Vice Chair 33
34
COMMISSIONER HENNES MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NOONAN, TO 35
ELECT LITTON FIELD, JR. AS THE CHAIR OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION 36
37
AYES: 5 38
NAYS: 0 39
ABSENT: 2 40
41
COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COSTELLO, TO 42
ELECT DOUG HENNES AS THE VICE CHAIR OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION 43
44
AYES: 5 45
NAYS: 0 46
ABSENT: 2 47
48
page 14
February 23, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 2
Public Hearings 49
50
PLANNING CASE #2016-04 51
City of Mendota Heights 52
Proposed City Code Amendments concerning Industrial Zoning District uses 53
54
Chair Field noted that this DRAFT Ordinance 491 discussion and review is a continuation from 55
the previous Planning Commission meeting and that the public hearing is still open. 56
57
City Planner Nolan Wall explained that this item was tabled at the last meeting to address feedback 58
and ideas from the Commission and to bring back additional revisions for further discussion. Items 59
included in the staff report proposed two different options dealing specifically with the existing 60
permitted uses allowed within the Industrial District. 61
62
Planner Wall summarized each of the sections and included an updated table of uses list. He shared 63
a diagram that goes through each of the proposed options for discussion by the Commission. 64
65
Commissioners asked questions and/or had discussions regarding "and similar uses” in the 66
proposed “commercial recreation” definition being a catch-all phrase and could that potentially 67
open this up for unintended uses; adding “sports training facilities” to the list of proposed 68
commercial recreational uses; the list of permitted uses versus conditional uses and prohibited 69
uses; “municipal” use versus “governmental” use; and the rationale for eliminating “use, storage, 70
and manufacturing of firearm ammunition” and adding language to include fireworks and other 71
explosives. 72
73
Once it was established that the Commission was leaning towards Option Two, Planner Wall 74
summarized the changes he had heard thus far. 75
76
COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENNES, TO 77
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING CASE 2016-04, DRAFT ORDINANCE 491, 78
OPTION TWO AS DISCUSSED AND WITH THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED 79
80
AYES: 5 81
NAYS: 0 82
ABSENT: 2 83
84
Chair Field asked Planner Wall to send the Commissioners a clean copy of DRAFT Ordinance 85
491 with the revisions discussed this evening for administrative review. 86
87
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its March 3, 2016 meeting. 88
89
COMMISSIONER COSTELLO MOVED, SECONDED THE COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL, 90
TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING 91
92
AYES: 5 93
NAYS: 0 94
ABSENT: 2 95
96
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February 23, 2016 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 3
Verbal Review 97
98
Planner Wall gave the following verbal review: 99
100
PLANNING CASE #2016-02 101
Sean Doyle, S.D. Companies, LLC., 755 Willow Lane 102
Lot Split and Wetlands Permit 103
• Approved by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission 104
105
PLANNING CASE #2016-03 106
City of Mendota Heights 107
City Code Amendments concerning Subdivision Ordinance (DRAFT Ordinance 490) 108
• Adopted by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission 109
110
Announcements 111
112
Planner Wall expressed his appreciation to the Commission for all of their work in the past year 113
and he is looking forward to working with them in the coming year. He also welcomed 114
Commissioner Petschel to the group. 115
116
Chair Field expressed his appreciation to Planner Nolan Wall, City Engineer John Mazzitello and 117
staff for the introductory session for newly-appointed Commissioner Petschel. 118
119
Adjournment 120
121
COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COSTELLO, TO 122
ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:46 P.M. 123
124
AYES: 5 125
NAYS: 0 126
ABSENT: 2 127
page 16
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016
TO: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator
FROM: Tamara Schutta, Assistant to the City Administrator/HR Coordinator
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution 2016-17 Extending Sprint Nextel Cell Tower Lease
BACKGROUND
The City of Mendota Heights entered into a Lease Agreement with Sprint Nextel on June 1,
1996. The City currently leases space to Sprint Nextel on the Mendota Heights Water Tower and
space inside the Tower located at 2431 Lexington Avenue South for the purposes of maintaining
a cell phone tower. The terms of the lease include the right to extend four (4) additional five-
year terms, for a total of twenty-five (25) years. Sprint Nextel’s third term extension is set to
expire May 31, 2016.
Sprint Nextel has appropriately notified the City its intention to renew the lease for an additional
five years. Sprint Nextel’s fourth lease extension will commence on June 1, 2016 and end May
31, 2021.
City staff and City Attorney Lehmann have reviewed the lease agreement and Sprint Nextel’s
request to extend the lease for a fourth additional five-year term and recommend approval.
BUDGET IMPACT
Sprint Nextel current monthly rent is $3,790.44.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt RESOLUTION 2016-17 TO EXTEND THE
CELL TOWER LEASE BETWEEN SPRINT NEXTEL AND THE CITY OF MENDOTA
HEIGHTS AT 2431 LEXINGTON AVENUE. The Lease will commence on June 1, 2016 and
end May 31, 2021.
page 17
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2016-17
RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE CELL TOWER LEASE BETWEEN SPRINT
NEXTEL AND THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS AT 2431 LEXINGTON AVENUE
WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights currently leases space to Sprint Nextel on the
Mendota Heights Water Tower and space inside the Tower located at 2431 Lexington Avenue
South for the purposes of maintaining a cell phone tower; and
WHEREAS, the Sprint Nextel Lease currently has a term that will expire May 31, 2016;
and
WHEREAS, Sprint Nextel notified the City its intention to renew the Lease prior to the
expiration of the term; and
WHEREAS, Sprint Nextel has the right to extend this Lease for an additional five-year
term on the same terms and conditions as set forth in the original lease agreement; and
WHEREAS, the new Sprint Nextel final lease expiration date will be May 31, 2021; and
WHEREAS, this is Sprint Nextel’s final time to extend the Lease Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mendota Heights City Council that
the Lease be extended for an additional five-year term expiring on May 31, 2021.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this third day of March 2016.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
_____________________________
Sandra Krebsbach, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
page 18
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016
TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator
FROM: John R. Mazzitello, PE, PMP, MBA – Public Works Director/City
Engineer
SUBJECT: Declaration of Surplus Equipment
COMMENT:
Introduction
The Public Works Department completed an inventory of parts and equipment in the Public
Works Garage in 2015. Several items were discovered that were no longer needed as the
vehicles and/or equipment the parts fit are no longer owned or operated by the City.
Background
In accordance with City policy, the parts were returned to the vendor from which they were
originally acquired. The vendor then, in turn, sold the parts to a third party who issued a check
directly to the City of Mendota Heights.
Discussion
State Statute requires municipal governments to declare property or equipment as surplus prior to
liquidation of said property or equipment. The following is a list of the parts/equipment:
- 2 unimount angle cylinders for pro plow
- 1 unimount power unit housing
- 1 joystick control
- 2 used joystick controls
- 2 unimount power unit cartridges
- 4 relief and poppet check kits
- 2 aftermarket unimount plow motors
The attached Resolution 2016-18 formally acknowledges these parts as surplus.
Budget Impact
The city received a check for $1,000 in exchange for the parts. This check will be deposited into
the general fund.
page 19
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mendota Heights City Council adopt the attached Resolution 2016-
18, Acknowledging the sale of Surplus Equipment.
Action Required
If Council concurs with the staff recommendation, they should pass a motion adopting
Resolution 2016-18, Acknowledging the sale of Surplus Equipment. This action requires a
simple majority vote.
page 20
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Dakota County, Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-18
RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING SALE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights completed a bench stock inventory in the
Public Works Garage, and
WHEREAS, a number of parts were identified as fitting older vehicles and equipment no
longer owned or operated by the City of Mendota Heights, and
WHEREAS, parts were returned to the vendor from which they were originally acquired
and sold to a third party vendor.
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Mendota Heights acknowledge the following vehicular and equipment parts were no longer
needed for municipal purposes and were hereby considered surplus:
- 2 unimount angle cylinders for pro plow
- 1 unimount power unit housing
- 1 joystick control
- 2 used joystick controls
- 2 unimount power unit cartridges
- 4 relief and poppet check kits
- 2 aftermarket unimount plow motors
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council acknowledge the sale of the
surplus parts and accept the $1,000 payment into the general fund.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 3rd day of March 2016.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
___________________________
Sandra Krebsbach
Mayor
ATTEST
________________________________
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
page 21
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator FROM: Ryan Ruzek, PE, Assistant City Engineer SUBJECT: System Revisions to Mendota Heights Municipal State Aid Street (MSA)
Designations
COMMENT:
Introduction
Engineering staff has been working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) on
revising streets currently being designated as MSA to maximize the city’s annual allocation and provide a
funding source for future rehabilitation.
Background
In 2010, MNDOT turned back frontage roads to Mendota Heights. Frontage roads typically have limited
assessable properties on one side of the street only. MSA funds have been used to reduce city bonds for
these streets on reconstruction projects.
Discussion
Frontage roads still not designated include Centre Point Curve, Carmen Lane and Dakota Drive. Staff is
proposing to designate Centre Pointe Curve at this time. Dakota Drive is scheduled to be added in 2017.
Currently Carmen Lane does not meet the criteria for MSA designation.
Budget Impact
Funding for MSA streets is based on city population, total street mileage and Average Annual Daily
Traffic (AADT). The proposed changes should have a minor impact (increase of around 2%) on Mendota
Heights annual allocation.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mendota Heights City Council approve the designation
Action Required
If Council concurs with the staff recommendation, they should pass a motion designating Centre Pointe
Curve as a MSA street and adopting Resolution 2016-12, ESTABLISHING MUNICIPAL STATE AID
STREETS. This action requires a simple majority vote.
page 22
City of Mendota Heights
Dakota County, Minnesota
RESOLUTION 2016 - 12
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MUNICIPAL STATE AID STREETS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights desires that the street
hereinafter described should be designated Municipal State Aid Street under the provisions of
Minnesota Law:
MSAS XXX* Centre Pointe Curve – from Trunk Highway 13 to Lexington Avenue (CSAH 43), 0.74
miles. (0.07 miles are located in the City of Mendota)
* MnDOT will designate route number upon approval
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Mendota
Heights, Minnesota, that
1. MSAS XXX, Centre Pointe Curve, as described above, be and hereby is established,
located, and designated a Municipal State Aid Street of Mendota Heights, subject to
the approval of the Commissioner of Transportation of the State of Minnesota.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to
forward two certified copies of this resolution to the Commissioner of Transportation for his
consideration, and that upon his approval of the designation of said road (MSAS XXX Centre Pointe
Curve), that same be improved and maintained as a Municipal State Aid Street of the City of Mendota
Heights.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this third day of March, 2016.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
_________________________________
Sandra Krebsbach, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
page 23
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator FROM: John R. Mazzitello, PE, PMP, MBA – Public Works Director/City
Engineer SUBJECT: Street Light Request – Victoria Road and Douglas Road
COMMENT:
Introduction
Traditionally, resident requests for street light installations have come before City Council for
approval.
Background
A resident of an adjoining neighborhood made a request of City staff to have a street light
installed at the intersection of Douglas Road and Victoria Road. Staff notified the eight property
owners immediately adjacent to the intersection and asked for responses by February 24, 2016.
Staff has received five comments opposed to the street light installation and none in favor.
Discussion
The attached map shows the property owners notified of the request and their responses.
Budget Impact
Installation of the light would be free of charge. The City would have the electrical charges
added to our monthly Xcel Energy bill. The amount of this charge would depend on
consumption, but similar lights in the City are billed at ~$9.50/ month (~$114.00 per year).
Recommendation
Given the responses of the adjacent property owners, staff recommends Council deny the request
for a street light installation at Victoria Road and Douglas Road.
Action Required
If Council wishes to enact the staff recommendation, pass a motion denying the street light
installation at Douglas Road and Victoria Road. This action requires a simple majority vote.
page 24
February 10, 2016
<< Name >>
<< Address >>
Mendota Heights, MN 551xx
RE: Resident Street Light Request – Douglas and Victoria
Dear Property Owner,
The City of Mendota Heights has received resident request for the installation of a street light at
the corner of Victoria Road and Douglas Road. Typically requests of this nature go before the
City Council for approval before the street light is installed. If approved, the light would be
installed on the existing power pole at the intersection.
Prior to hearing the request at the March 3, 2016 City Council meeting, the City would like your
opinion as a nearby and/or adjoining property owner. We ask that you please contact the Public
Works/Engineering Department to provide you thoughts and opinions on a street light being
installed at this location. In order to have all comments available in the City Council information
packet for the March 3rd meeting, your responses are welcomed through the close of business on
Wednesday, February 24th
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please contact me by calling (651) 452-1850, or via
e-mail at johnrm@mendota-heights.com.
Sincerely,
John R. Mazzitello, PE, PMP, MBA
Public Works Director/City Engineer
page 25
Victoria-Douglas Streetlight Request
Property Information
February 24, 2016
0 110 22055 ft
0 30 6015 m
1:1,200
Disclaimer: Map and parcel data are believed to be accurate, but accuracy is not guaranteed. This is not a legal document and should not be substituted for a title search,appraisal, survey, or for zoning verification.
No Response
Against
AgainstAgainst
No Response
No Response
Against
Against
page 26
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016
TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator
FROM: Terry Blum, Public Works Superintendent
SUBJECT: Annual Spring Street Sweeping Contract
COMMENT:
Introduction
Every spring the City goes out for bid to sweep the city’s streets.
Background
Requests for bids were sent out to five contractors that have been interested in bidding in the
past. We received two bids and they are as follows:
Mike McPhillps, Inc. $20,400.00 ($85.00 hour)
Pearson Bros., Inc. $19,680.00 ($82.00 hour)
Discussion
Pearson Bros., Inc. has been sweeping the streets for the past ten years. In the past couple of
years, during the spring sweeping they have had many break downs with their equipment and not
bringing the requested amount of sweepers that was required in the bid.
This year the bid specifically asked that a minimum of four sweepers be in the city each day they
are sweeping. Pearson Bros., Inc. did state on their bid they would have four sweepers per day.
In 2015, the total cost for sweeping the streets was $13,072.00 which was done in four days.
This year, staff would like to hire Pearson Bros., Inc. again to sweep the streets. With a more
stringent contract, staff believes Pearson Bros. will be able to complete the sweeping in a timely
manner.
Budget Impact
There is $32,000 in the 2016 Budget for street sweeping and striping. If it takes 172 hours (actual
hours to sweep the streets in 2015) the cost would be $14,104.00. $17,896.00 would remain in
the budget for striping and fall street sweeping.
page 27
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mendota Heights City Council approve the bid from Pearson Bros,
Inc. to sweep the streets in 2016 for the hourly bid amount of $82.00/hour.
Action Required
If Council concurs with the staff recommendation, they should pass a motion authorizing a
purchase order to Pearson Bros, Inc. for the 2016 street sweeping. This action requires a simple
majority vote.
page 28
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator FROM: John R. Mazzitello, PE, PMP, MBA – Public Works Director/City
Engineer SUBJECT: Calling for Public Hearing on MnDOT Highway 110 Rehabilitation
Project
COMMENT:
Introduction
The Minnesota State Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is planning on rehabilitating State
Trunk Highway 110 in 2017. As part of the design process, MnDOT needs to ask for local
government approval of any external access changes to the State facility.
Background
In order to properly request local government approval, there needs to be a Public Hearing before
the local governmental body; in this case, the Mendota Heights City Council. MnDOT will also
be requesting local government approval form West Saint Paul and Sunfish Lake at separate
public hearings.
Discussion
The attached Resolution 2016-20 calls for a public hearing to be held before the Mendota
Heights City Council on April 5, 2016. Setting this date for a public hearing will allow for
adequate notice to be published.
Budget Impact
No budget impact other than staff time to prepare and publish the meeting notice.
Recommendation
Staff recommends Council adopt the attached Resolution 2016-20, RESOLUTION CALLING
FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON A MINNESOTA STATE DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION PROJECT TO REHABILITATE TRUNK HIGHWAY 110 AND
REQUEST FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPROVAL.
Action Required
page 29
If Council wished to act on the staff recommendation, pass a motion adopting Resolution 2016-
20, RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON A MINNESOTA STATE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT TO REHABILITATE TRUNK
HIGHWAY 110 AND REQUEST FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPROVAL. This
action requires a simple majority vote.
page 30
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2016-20
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON A MINNESOTA STATE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT TO REHABILITATE TRUNK
HIGHWAY 110 AND REQUEST FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPROVAL
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has prepared a final layout for State
Project 1918-110 on Trunk Highway 110, from Highways 13/55 to I494 within the City of
Mendota Heights for roadway, access, signing, water resource and ADA improvements; and
seeks the approval thereof, as described in Minnesota Statutes 161.162 to 161.167: and
WHEREAS, said final layout is on file in the Metro District Minnesota Department of
Transportation office, Roseville, Minnesota, being marked as Layout #1A, S.P. 1918-110, from
R.P. 00+000 to 5+00.140.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mendota Heights City Council will
consider the Local Government Approval and a public hearing shall be held on such proposed
approval on the 5th day of April, 2016, before the City Council in the Mendota Heights City Hall
located at 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 p.m.
The City Clerk is hereby directed to give published, posted, and mailed notice of such
hearing as required by law.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 3rd day of March, 2016.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENODTA HEIGHTS
________________________________
ATTEST Sandra Krebsbach, Mayor
_________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
page 31
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator FROM: John R. Mazzitello, PE, PMP, MBA – Public Works Director/City
Engineer SUBJECT: License Agreement Request for Right-of-Way Along Wagon Wheel Trail
COMMENT:
Introduction
The Rogers Lake Property Owners Association is requesting a License Agreement so they can
provide some landscaping along Wagon Wheel Trail at the culvert that connect the north and
south parts of the lake.
Background
The attached request outlines why the RLPOA would like to utilize these particular pieces of
right-of-way. It should be noted that the Department of Natural Resources regulates fishing
activity on Minnesota lakes and has repeatedly denied requests from the City and the RLPOA to
prohibit fishing at the Rogers Lake culvert.
Discussion
The subject of public fishing at the Rogers Lake/Wagon Wheel Trail culvert has been discussed
for many years, and it is a prevailing opinion that having public fishing at the culvert is
somewhat of a safety hazard due to the proximity of passing traffic on Wagon Wheel Trail.
Fishing is available at the pier located in Rogers Lake Park.
The attached License Agreement would grant permission to the RLPOA to plant landscaping
along the Wagon Wheel Trail right-of-way, ten feet on either side of the culvert on the south side
of the road, and five feet on either side of the culvert on the north side of the road.
Budget Impact
There is no anticipated budget impact other than the staff time to process the attached License
Agreement.
Recommendation
page 32
Staff recommends Council approve the attached license agreement and authorize staff to execute
the agreement with the RLPOA.
Action Required
If Council wishes to enact the staff recommendation, pass a motion approving the attached
license agreement and authorize staff to execute the agreement with the RLPOA.
page 33
John Mazzitello, PE, PMP, MBA
Public Works Director/City Engineer
City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
February 23, 2016
Mr. Mazzitello,
On behalf of the Rogers Lake Property Owners Association, I am requesting a license
agreement from the City to restore part of the shoreline of Rogers Lake along Wagon
Wheel Trail. The area we would like to restore is the north and south parts of Rogers
Lake where Wagon Wheel Trail cuts through it. There are culverts on both sides of
Wagon Wheel Trail.
There is an area of about 5-10 feet on each side of the north culvert that has no
vegetation growing along the shoreline. On the south side the area without vegetation
is about 10-15 feet on each side of the culvert.
This lack of vegetation makes it attractive to people who want to fish in Rogers Lake.
People stand along the shore or bring chairs to sit along the shore to fish. Sometimes
they will put in and take out boats from that site. All of this activity is causing the
shoreline to erode. The fishing activity is also a safety hazard because people
(including children with poles) run back and forth across Wagon Wheel Trail to fish both
sides of the lake.
Our association would like to plant native willow, dogwood and viburnum along the
shoreline. A thriving plant community along the lake edge contributes to good water
quality. These plants filter rainwater and melting snow that drain into the lake from the
surrounding road. When that water contains pollutants, the vegetation helps purify it. It
also provides habitat for a variety of birds, amphibians, insects and mammals.
At the same time we plant the shrubs, we would like to install temporary fencing around
the planted areas to give the plants time to put down roots and become established.
The fencing would discourage fishing along the shore in that area and possibly
encourage the use of the fishing facilities in Rogers Lake Park.
I have enclosed a drawing of the area we would like to restore.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sue Light
Rogers Lake Property Owners Association
enclosure: drawing of area
page 34
page 35
LICENSE AGREEMENT
This License Agreement (the “LICENSE”) is made this ______ day of March, 2016, between THE
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, a Minnesota municipal corporation (the “CITY”) and The Rogers Lake
Property Owners Association (the “LICENSEE”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, LICENSEE is comprised of shore land property owners and other area property
owners in the vicinity of Rogers Lake; and
WHEREAS, LICENSEE is a registered 501C3 nonprofit organization; and
WHEREAS, LICENSEE has made formal request to utilize and improve a portion of CITY owned
right-of-way along Wagon Wheel Trail; and
WHEREAS, the CITY desires to allow LICENSEE to utilize the right of way for landscape
beautification until such time as the right of way is improved.
LICENSE
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions contained herein, and $1.00 and other
good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1. Grant of License. The CITY does hereby grant LICENSEE a non-exclusive revocable license to
maintain landscaping within the right-of-way of Wagon Wheel Trail in an area ten feet on either
side of culvert under Wagon Wheel Trail on the south side of the road, and five feet on either
side of the culvert on the north side of the road. Such license shall extend to LICENSEE only.
2. No Interest Created. LICENSEE certifies, represents and acknowledges that it has no title in or to
the LICENSED PREMISES, nor to any portion thereof, and has not, does not and will not claim any
such title nor any easement over said land of the CITY. LICENSEE acknowledges that is not
acquiring any easement by necessity or otherwise over the LICENSED PREMISES.
3. Improvements. Licensee shall not make any additions or improvements in or to the LICENSED
PREMISES without the CITY’s prior written consent.
4. Indemnification. LICENSEE shall hold the CITY harmless from and indemnify and defend the CITY
against any claim or liability arising in any manner from LICENSEE’s use of the LICENSED
PREMISES, or relating to the death or bodily injury to any person or damage to any personal
property present on or located in or upon the LICENSED PREMISES, including the person and
personal property of LICENSEE or LICENSEE’s employees, invitees and guests. LICENSEE agrees
to pay all sums of money in respect of any labor, service, materials, supplies or equipment
furnished or alleged to have been furnished to LICENSEE in or about the LICENSED PREMISES,
and not furnished on order of the CITY. LICENSEE may contest any lien for such services,
materials, supplies or equipment, on the condition that LICENSEE first provides to the CITY cash,
bond, or other security against such lie which the CITY reasonably determines to be sufficient.
page 36
5. Assignment or Sublicensing. LICENSEE shall not sublicense any portion of the LICENSED
PREMISES or transfer or assign this LICENSE without obtaining the prior written consent of the
CITY, which consent the CITY may grant or deny at the CITY’s sole discretion. The CITY’s consent
to any sublicensing or assignment of this LICENSE shall not be a waiver of the CITY’s right under
this Section as to any sublicensing or assignment. LICENSEE’s assignment of this LICENSE or
sublicensing of the LICENSED PREMISES shall not relieve LICENSEE from any of LICENSEE’s
obligations under this LICENSE.
6. Notices. All communications, notices and demands of any kind that either party may be
required or desires to give to or serve on the other party shall be made in writing and personally
delivered or certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested to the following addresses:
To the City:
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Attention: City Administrator
With a copy to:
Eckberg Lammers, Attorneys at Law
1809 Northwestern Avenue
Stillwater, MN 55082
Attention: Mendota Heights City Attorney
To Licensee:
Rogers Lake Property Owners Association
c/o Patrick Hickey
2303 Swan Drive
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
7. No Reliance on CITY’s Representations. Neither the CITY nor any agent or representative of the
CITY has made any warranty or other representation with respect to the LICENSED PREMISES.
8. Termination and Surrender. The CITY reserves the right to terminate this LICENSE at will and
upon termination of this LICENSE by the CITY LICENSEE shall peaceably surrender the LICENSED
PREMISES.
9. Miscellaneous.
a. Choice of Law. The laws of the State of Minnesota shall govern the validity,
performance and enforcement of this LICENSE.
page 37
b. Counterparts. This LICENSE may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which, when taken together will be deemed to be an original.
c. Amendment or Modifications. This LICENSEE may not be changed or modified orally,
but only upon written agreement signed by the party against whom enforcement of any
waiver, change, modification or discharge is sought.
d. Severability. If any term or provision in this LICENSE is deemed to be invalid or
unenforceable, the remainder of the LICENSE shall remain in effect and be enforceable
to the fullest extent permitted by law.
e. Time is of the Essences. Time is of the essence in the performance of all obligations
under this LICENSE.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the CITY and LICENSEE have caused these presents to be executed in
form and manner sufficient to bind them at law, as of the day and year first above written.
CITY: LICENSEE:
_______________________________________
Patrick Hickey, President
Rogers Lake Property Owners Association
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS,
A Minnesota municipal corporation
By: ____________________________________
Its: ____________________________________
page 38
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 1, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator FROM: Dave Dreelan, Assistant Fire Chief SUBJECT: January 2016 Fire Synopsis
COMMENT:
Introduction
Fire Calls
The Department responded to 19 calls for the month. The majority of calls were classified as false alarms
or as good intent calls. There were eight residential calls and three commercial responses for the month.
There were five utility checks, two EMS calls and one car fire.
Monthly Department Training
The department drill was a tactical drill. The drill is designed to reinforce all the tactical skills and
operations needed for a crew of five firefighters on one engine would have to address should they arrive
at a working fire and no other apparatus is expected to arrive for several minutes. This is a hands-on drill
where the crews lay a supply line from the fire hydrant, position the apparatus for fire attack, and advance
the attack line into a structure.
Monthly Squad Training
The monthly squad training focused on ice rescue. The training is conducted by squad Captains and
focused on the tactical response to emergencies on the water. The training was in a classroom setting
followed by hands-on training with the department’s water rescue equipment. The training staff cut a hole
in the ice on Rogers Lake which allowed for firefighters to participate in practical scenarios.
Action Required
There is no action required, this is for information only.
page 39
MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT
JANUARY 2016 MONTHLY REPORT
FIRE CALLS NO. 15001 -16019 NUMBER OF CALLS:19
FIRE ALARMS DISPATCHED:NUMBER STRUCTURE CONTENTS MISC.TOTALS TO DATE
ACTUAL FIRES
Structure - MH Commercial $0
Structure - MH Residential $0
Structure - Contract Areas $0
Vehicle - MH $0
Vehicle - Contract Areas $0
Grass/Brush/No Value MH
Grass/Brush/No Value Contract TOTAL MONTHLY FIRE LOSSES
MEDICAL
Assist 1 $0 $0 $0
Extrication
HAZARDOUS SITUATION FIRE LOSS TOTALS MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Spills/Leaks 1
Arcing/Shorting 1 ALL FIRES, ALL AREAS (MONTH)$0 $0
Chemical
Power Line Down MEND. HTS. ONLY STRUCT/CONTENTS $0
FALSE ALARM
Residential Malfunction 1 MEND. HTS. ONLY MISCELLANEOUS $0
Commercial Malfunction 3
Unintentional - Commercial MEND. HTS. TOTAL LOSS TO DATE $0
Unintentional - Residential 4
Criminal BILLING FOR SERVICES
GOOD INTENT
Smoke Scare 1 AGENCY THIS MONTH TO DATE
Steam Mistaken for Smoke
Other 7 MN/DOT
MUTUAL AID MILW. RR
CNR RR
TOTAL CALLS 19 OTHERS:
LOCATION OF FIRE ALARMS:TO DATE LAST YEAR
TOTALS:$0 $0
MENDOTA HEIGHTS 15 15 14
MENDOTA 2 2 0 FIRE MARSHAL'S TIME FOR MONTH
SUNFISH LAKE 0 0 1
LILYDALE 2 2 1 INSPECTIONS 38
OTHER 0 0 0
INVESTIGATIONS
TOTAL 19 19 16
RE-INSPECTION
WORK PERFORME HOURS TO DATE LAST YEAR
MEETINGS 2
FIRE CALLS 259 259 278
MEETINGS 32 32 30 ADMINISTRATION 13
DRILLS 158.5 158.5 156
WEEKLY CLEAN-UP 41.5 41.5 34 SPECIAL PROJECTS 2.5
SPECIAL ACTIVITY 138 138 133.5
ADMINISTATIVE 0 0 TOTAL 55.5
FIRE MARSHAL 0 44.5
TOTALS 629 629 676 REMARKS:SEE OTHER SIDE FOR SYNOPSIS
page 40
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Tamara Schutta, Assistant to the City Administrator/HR Coordinator
Subject: Departing Commissioner Plaque Presentation
Date: March 3, 2016
Introduction:
At the City Council meeting of March 3rd, plaques will be given to an advisory
commissioner who are leaving service to the City.
Background:
The City Council will recognize the following individual who will no longer going to be in
his position on an advisory board for the City:
Ansis Viksnins Planning Commission 2007-2016
The City expresses its appreciation to him for his service.
page 53
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator FROM: John R. Mazzitello, PE, PMP, MBA – Public Works Director/City
Engineer SUBJECT: Future Cities Competition Presentations
COMMENT:
Introduction
For the past eight years, Friendly Hills Middle School has been participating in the Future Cities
Competition sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Mendota Heights City staff
has provided mentorship to competing teams for seven of those eight years.
Background
The State competition is held each January, where teams present their cities with a model of their
city built to scale. In addition, teams are scored on a city narrative, essay, and computer model
using SimCity software. For the first time, this year’s competition was held at Dunwoody
College in Minneapolis. Once all the teams have presented, the scores are tabulated, and the top
five teams advance to compete against each other in the State finals held later the same day.
The Future Cities Competition challenges teams of 6th through 8th grade students to design a city
of the future based on a specific theme. This year’s theme was, “Waste Not, Want Not.” Teams
had to devise methods to deal with the solid waste produces by their cities; keeping in mind the 4
R’s of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. While developing this program, they also had to
consider such city staples as infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, etc.), energy production, public
safety, zoning, transportation, waste management, education, and environmental sustainability.
Discussion
Friendly Hills Middle School entered three teams in the State competition for the sixth
consecutive year. Each of the years Friendly Hills has entered teams, they have won at least one
award. This year was no exception as the “Building a World of Difference” award was given to
one of the Friendly Hills teams. While no Friendly Hills Middle School team was selected as a
State Finalist, students were able to learn about city functions by participating in the program.
Budget Impact
page 54
Staff time donated for mentorship of the teams was approximately two hours per week from
September through mid-January.
Recommendation
Staff recommends Council receive the presentation from Friendly Hills Middle School.
Action Required
No Council action is required. For information only.
page 55
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator FROM: John R. Mazzitello, PE, PMP, MBA – Public Works Director/City
Engineer SUBJECT: Rogers Lake Water Quality Report Presentation by Saint Thomas
Academy
COMMENT:
Introduction
Since 2001, Saint Thomas Academy Environmental Science Classes have been monitoring
several aspects of the water quality present in Rogers Lake.
Background
The attached historical data on the lakes’ water quality shows a trend of the water quality of
Rogers Lake improving over the past several recent years. Although this year’s data show a
minor regression, the overall trend in water quality remains positive.
Discussion
This year Mr. Tony Kinzley, Advanced Placement Environmental Sciences Instructor, has a
group of students who conducted the research and prepared a presentation for Council. Attached
is a summary sheet the students will be presenting from at tonight’s Council meeting.
Budget Impact
None.
Recommendation
Staff recommends Council receive the Rogers Lake Water Quality Report presentation from
Saint Thomas Academy.
Action Required
No Council action is required. For information only.
page 56
Which chemical
tests were
performed?
What does each
test for?
What factors affect
the readings?
What is an
acceptable
reading?
What were the Fall
2015 readings?
Dissolved Oxygen
(D.O.)
The amount of
oxygen dissolved in
the water.
Plant life increases
D.O., organic waste
inputs (pet waste,
grass clippings,
leaves) lowers D.O.
5-12 ppm 7.1 ppm
(7.7 in 2014)
Worse but acceptable
Fecal Coliform Levels of bacteria
associated with
pathogenic bacteria
and viruses in the
water
Goose and pet
waste. Faulty septic
systems and sewer
lines.
0 colonies/100ml is
safe to drink.
200 colonies/100ml
or less is safe for
swimming
5.0 col/100ml
(9.1 in 2014)
Better
pH The acidity or
basicity of the water
Acid rain is the
typical cause of
acidification of
lakes
6.5-8.5 pH units
(slightly basic) 7.7 units
(7.5 in 2014)
~Same
Biochemical
Oxygen Demand
(BOD 5 )
How much oxygen
is being used by
bacteria in the lake
that decompose
organic waste put
into the water.
Organic waste
inputs (leaves, grass
clippings, or animal
waste) and algal
blooms from
fertilizer runoff
0-5 ppm 2.9 ppm
(1.8 in 2014)
Worse but acceptable
∆ Temperature
(Change In Temp.)
The difference in
temperature
between 2 testing
sites on the lake
Sun/shade
differences,
industrial thermal
pollution, removal
of trees/shade
0-1 °C 1.0 °C
(1.0 in 2014)
Same
Nitrate Measure of the
amount of Nitrates
in the water
Animal waste, grass
clippings, leaves,
fertilizers. Faulty
septic systems and
sewer lines
0.1-3 ppm
(Low levels needed
for proper aquatic
plant growth)
0.6 ppm
(0.9 in 2014)
Better
Total Phosphates Measure of the
amount of various
phosphates in the
water
Soil runoff, animal
waste, grass
clippings, leaves,
some fertilizers.
Faulty sewer lines
and septic systems.
0.1-1 ppm
(Low levels needed
for proper aquatic
plant growth)
1.0 ppm
(0.5 in 2014)
Worse but acceptable
Turbidity Amount of
suspended solids in
the water. A
measure of water
clarity
Soil erosion,
organic waste input
1-40 JTU 15.5 JTU
(8.6 in 2014)
Worse but acceptable
Total Solids Amount of
suspended and
dissolved solids in
water
Road salt, soil
erosion, organic
waste input.
1-300 mg/L 276.7 mg/L
(280.3 in 2014)
Better
Overall Rating
A composite score
of all 9 chemical
tests.
The 9 chemical tests Excellent: 90-100
Good: 70-89.9
Medium: 50-69.9
80.2
(80.8 in 2014)
Worse but acceptable
page 57
Fall 2015 Chemical Assessment of Rogers Lake
Performed by Saint Thomas Academy
A. P. Environmental Science Program
page 58
Thank you for allowing us the time to share our findings with the
Mendota Heights City Council. Fifty students again participated in
the program this year and were required to prepare a formal group
presentation for the City Council. The winning group will present on
Thursday, March 3. This is a genuine learning opportunity for all
fifty students, especially the winning group.
This document reviews the chemical water quality monitoring
program used by the A.P. Environmental Science students at Saint
Thomas Academy for the Mayor, Council Members, and Staff.
Rogers Lake continues to be a healthy lake. The actual data, analysis
of the data, areas in need of improvement, and possible solutions will
be further discussed at the council meeting.
Please direct any questions to Mr. Tony Kinzley, A.P. Environmental
Science Teacher, at tkinzley@cadets.com.
page 59
Rogers Lake Historical Data 2001-2015 (9 Parameters and Overall Rating)
Blank cells indicate that data is not available
Bold values indicate data collected using probeware
Dissolved Oxygen Fecal Coliform pH BOD5 Δ Temperature Phosphate Nitrate Turbidity Total Solids Overall
Season (ppm)(col./100ml)(units)(ppm)(Degrees C)(ppm)(ppm)(JTU)(mg/L)(0-100)
Fall 2001 6.9 7.8 4.6 1.8 1.3 0.7 40.0 62.5
Spring 2002 5.9 8.0 4.0 2.0 2.2 0.1 24.1 68.0
Fall 2002 5.9 8.2 3.6 1.7 1.7 1.1 22.2 233.1 65.1
Spring 2003 6.3 7.7 2.7 0.9 1.4 1.0 21.2 68.2
Fall 2003 4.8 7.5 1.7 1.4 1.0 0.3 27.2 409.6 64.9
Spring 2004 3.2 7.6 2.2 1.6 1.1 0.4 22.0 440.3 59.0
Fall 2004 69.8
Spring 2005 71.0
Fall 2005 4.9 37.9 7.2 2.4 1.0 1.1 0.4 11.6 307.5 70.9
Spring 2006 2.7 1.9 7.6 1.5 2.0 1.2 0.7 11.8 318.5 72.8
Fall 2006 7.9 49.5 7.6 2.6 1.5 1.1 1.0 10.1 74.6
Spring 2007 7.9 11.2 8.2 2.5 1.5 0.7 0.6 11.3 301.8 78.4
Fall 2007 7.8 25.9 7.6 2.8 1.1 0.6 0.3 9.0 477.2 76.7
Spring 2008 8.0 0.0 7.6 4.7 0.9 0.5 0.4 12.4 321.2 74.3
Fall 2008 6.4 34.2 7.9 3.8 1.2 1.1 0.4 17.5 451.3 72.1
Spring 2009 8.0 3.1 7.0 2.5 0.9 1.0 0.4 12.6 344.6 77.9
Fall 2009 7.2 11.6 6.2 2.1 1.0 1.0 0.6 8.8 290.5 75.6
Fall 2010 6.8 9.9 6.2 2.4 1.0 0.9 0.2 18.6 293.2 70.8
Fall 2011 8.1 34.0 7.5 4.5 0.8 1.0 0.4 16.5 298.7 75.5
Fall 2012 7.7 28.9 7.7 3.0 1.1 1.0 0.4 14.4 296.1 75.9
Fall 2013 7.6 10.8 7.6 2.5 0.9 0.8 0.4 9.2 300.0 78.6
Fall 2014 7.7 9.1 7.5 1.8 1.0 0.5 0.9 8.6 280.3 80.8
Fall 2015 7.1 5.0 7.7 2.9 1.0 1.0 0.6 15.5 276.7 80.2
Average 6.6 18.2 7.5 2.9 1.3 1.1 0.5 16.4 331.8 72.3
page 60
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016
TO: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator
FROM: Tamara Schutta, Assistant to the City Administrator/HR Coordinator
SUBJECT: Proposed CenturyLink Cable Television Franchise Ordinance Presentation
BACKGROUND
The Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (“NDC4”) manages the
City’s cable franchises on behalf of City. On February 23, 2016, NDC4 adopted Resolution 2-
23-16 recommending that each member city grant a cable communications franchise to
CenturyLink.
NDC4 Executive Director Jodie Miller and Brian Grogan, legal counsel for NDC4 will provide a
brief presentation of the draft franchise ordinance and agreement.
The City Council will conduct the cable franchise public hearing and consider adopting the
proposed Cable Television Franchise Ordinance with CenturyLink at its meeting on March 15,
2016.
ATTACHED
• 022516 Memo, Finds of Fact and Resolution from Brian Grogan, Esq. Moss & Barnett
• Exhibit 1 - Proposed Cable Television Franchise Ordinance for Qwest Broadband
Services, Inc. D/B/A
• Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission Resolution No. 2-23-16,
Recommendation to Member Cities to Grant a Cable Communications Franchise to
Century Link
• Competitive Franchising PowerPoint Presentation
RECOMMENDATION
NDC4 presentation. No action required.
page 61
MEMORANDUM
To: Member Cities of the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission
From: Brian Grogan, Esq.
Date: February 25, 2016
Re: Competition in Cable Communications Franchising
Executive Summary
Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (“Commission”) consists of
the cities of Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Sunfish Lake, South St.
Paul, and West St. Paul, Minnesota (“Member Cities”). The Commission and its Member Cities are
considering the grant of a competitive cable franchise to Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a
CenturyLink (“CenturyLink”) in a service area for which Comcast holds an existing franchise. This
memorandum is intended to assist the Commission and its Member Cities consider the proposed
CenturyLink Cable Television Franchise Ordinance (“CenturyLink Franchise”) by summarizing the
legal issues surrounding its terms that relate to competition in the cable communications industry.
Details
The Commission previously conducted a public hearing regarding CenturyLink’s application
and qualifications to provide cable communications services to residents of the Member Cities.
Commission staff was thereafter directed to negotiate with CenturyLink to seek mutually
acceptable terms for the CenturyLink Franchise. Those negotiations are now complete and have
resulted in the proposed CenturyLink Franchise enclosed as Exhibit 1. Commission staff has also
prepared suggested written “findings of fact,” enclosed as Exhibit 2, setting forth the factual and
page 62
legal basis for the grant of the CenturyLink Franchise and the impact of relevant State and federal
competitive cable franchise laws and regulations.
Build-out
To help promote competition in and minimize unnecessary regulatory burdens on the cable
communications industry, the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended by the Cable
Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 and Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the
“Cable Act”) prohibits local franchising authorities from granting exclusive cable communications
franchises or unreasonably refusing to award an additional franchise to a qualified applicant.1 The
Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), which administers the Cable Act, addressed
competitive cable franchising in its 2007 Report and Order and Further Notice of Rulemaking
(generally referred to as the “621 Order” after its subject, Section 621 of the legislation that
became the Cable Act). The 621 Order explained that an unreasonable refusal in contravention of
the Cable Act could occur not only by outright denial of a franchise application, but also by creating
conditions that operate as de facto denials.
One variety of de facto denial addressed by the 621 Order is the imposition of
unreasonable build out requirements that act as a barrier for an additional cable provider to enter
a market with an existing franchise:
Build-out requirements deter market entry because a new entrant generally must
take customers from the incumbent cable operator . . . . Because the second
provider realistically cannot count on acquiring a share of the market similar to the
incumbent’s share, the second entrant cannot justify a large initial deployment.
Rather, a new entrant must begin offering service within a smaller area to
determine whether it can reasonably ensure a return on its investment before
expanding.2
1 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(1).
2 621 Order at ¶ 35.
page 63
The 621 Order did not prohibit all build out requirements, but instead provided examples of
unreasonable build out requirements - and of reasonable ones, such as a small initial deployment
and required expansion triggered by market success.3
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 238, which establishes statewide cable communications
requirements, also addresses build out by requiring “a provision in initial franchises identifying . .
. a schedule showing: . . . that construction throughout the authorized franchise area must be
substantially completed within five years of the granting of the franchise.”4 CenturyLink takes the
position that Minnesota’s five-year build out requirement is unreasonable under the 621 Order and
is therefore preempted by the federal law. Comcast disagrees and points to the FCC’s recent
reaffirmation that the 621 Order’s rulings “were intended to apply only to the local franchising
process and not to franchising laws and decisions at the state level.”5
The CenturyLink Franchise addresses this issue by requiring a modest initial deployment
(at least 15% of the service area within two years) and linking build out requirements to
market-success benchmarks that CenturyLink must use its best efforts to meet, but granting the
Commission and Member Cities sole discretion to determine, at the end of five years, whether
CenturyLink has fulfilled its build out obligations to qualify for renewal of the franchise.6
Competitive Equity
The Minnesota cable communications statutes also contain a general level-playing-field
(i.e., “competitive equity”) provision that requires that an additional franchise include no terms or
conditions “more favorable or less burdensome than those in the existing franchise pertaining to:
(1) the area served; (2) public, educational, or governmental access requirements; or (3) franchise
3 Id. at ¶ 89-90.
4 Minn. Stat. § 238.084, subd. 1(m).
5 621 Order at ¶ 7, cited in letter dated April 15, 2015
6 CenturyLink Franchise §§ 2.8 and 2.10.
page 64
fees.”7 Minnesota courts have interpreted this provision as requiring “substantially similar” - rather
than identical - terms.8 Several attempts have been made to ensure that the CenturyLink
Franchise is substantially similar to Comcast’s existing franchise: first, the Comcast franchise
served as the base document for negotiation of the CenturyLink Franchise; second, the franchise
fee percentage required by the CenturyLink Franchise is identical to that required by Comcast’s
franchise; third, the geographic area (after complete build-out) of the CenturyLink Franchise
matches the area specified in Comcast’s franchise; and fourth, the CenturyLink Franchise requires
CenturyLink to require substantially similar—if not greater—public, educational, and governmental
access.
Findings of Fact
As previously indicated, whether the Commission and Member Cities ultimately grant or
deny the proposed CenturyLink Franchise, it must examine all of the evidence presented to it,
weigh the facts, and apply the correct legal standards. Enclosed as Exhibit 2 are draft findings of
fact generally supporting a decision to approve the CenturyLink Franchise. With the caveat that
best practices dictate that the final findings of fact should respond to any evidence or argument
against approval, the attached findings of fact may serve as a useful starting point if a Member City
elects to grant the CenturyLink Franchise.
3161614v2
7 Minn. Stat. § 238.08, subd. 1(b).
8 See WH Link, LLC v. City of Otsego, 664 N.W.2d 390, 396 (Minn. Ct. App. 2003).
page 65
EXHIBIT 1
CenturyLink Franchise
page 66
EXHIBIT 2
Findings of Fact
page 67
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO.
Regarding an Ordinance Granting a Competitive Cable Franchise
to Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota makes the following
FINDINGS OF FACT:
1. In February 2015, Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink, Inc.
(“CenturyLink”) requested that the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota (“City”)
initiate proceedings to consider awarding it a franchise to provide cable
communications services in the City (“Service Territory”).
2. Comcast of St. Paul, Inc. (“Comcast”) holds a non-exclusive cable communications
franchise for the Service Territory (“Comcast Franchise”).
3. The Comcast Franchise, which the City last renewed on or about April 1, 2000, is
currently the only cable communications franchise for the Service Territory.
4. The monopoly held by a sole cable communication provider in a particular market
is a barrier to entry for additional providers, which does not have a captive market
but must instead “win” every subscriber.1
5. The presence of a second cable operator in a market improves the quality of service
offerings and drives down prices by approximately fifteen percent (15%).2
6. On March 8, 2015 and March 15, 2015, the Northern Dakota County Cable
Communications Commission (“Commission”), which the City is a member of,
published a Notice of Intent to Franchise a Cable Communications System
(“Notice”) in the South-West Review, a newspaper of general circulation in the
Service Territory.
7. The Notice indicated that the Commission was soliciting franchise applications and
provided information regarding the application process, including that applications
were required to be submitted on or before March 31, 2015 and that a public
hearing to hear proposals from applicants would be held by the Commission on
April 15, 2015 at 7:00 PM.
8. The Commission also mailed copies of the Notice and application materials to
CenturyLink and Comcast.3
1 In the Matter of Section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as amended by the
Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, Report and Order and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, MB Docket No. 05-311, at ¶ 138 (Rel. Mar. 5, 2007) (“621 Order”). 2 Id. at ¶¶ 2, 50.
page 68
9. On March 31, 2015, the Commission received an application from CenturyLink
(the “CenturyLink Application”). The Commission did not receive any other
applications.
10. As provided by the Notice, on April 15, 2015 the Commission held a public hearing
during the Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting to consider CenturyLink’s
application and qualifications.
11. On April 15, 2015, Comcast submitted a letter to the City setting forth its position
regarding the CenturyLink Application (“Comcast Letter”).4
12. The Comcast Letter expresses concern about CenturyLink’s proposal and how
CenturyLink will be held to particular provisions of the existing Comcast
Franchise.5
13. The Comcast Letter also summarizes Comcast’s position regarding build-out
requirements and other proposed terms related to competition in the cable
industry.6
14. During the April 15, 2015 hearing, CenturyLink presented its proposal and all other
interested parties were provided an opportunity to speak and present information to
the Commission regarding the CenturyLink Application.
15. Following the hearing, the law firm of Moss & Barnett, a Professional Association
prepared a report, dated May 29, 2015 (“Franchise Report”), reviewing and
analyzing the applicable franchising procedures, the CenturyLink Application and
other information provided by CenturyLink in connection with the April 15, 2015
public hearing.7
16. The Franchise Report identifies and discusses federal and state legal requirements
relevant to the City’s consideration of the CenturyLink Application, including laws
pertaining to franchising procedures and competition between providers.8
17. The Franchise Report also analyzes information provided by CenturyLink to
establish its qualifications to operate a cable communications franchise in the
Service Territory.9
3 Notice by the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission of Its Intent to Consider An
Application for a Franchise and Request for Proposals - Official Application Form. 4See, April 15, 2015 letter from Emmett V. Coleman to Jodie Miller, Executive Director for the Commission,
regarding CenturyLink Video Franchise Application. 5 Id. at 2. 6 Id. at 1-2. 7 Report to the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission Regarding Qwest Broadband
Services, Inc. d/b/a/ CenturyLink – Proposal for a Cable Communication Franchise, May 29, 2015. 8 Franchise Report at 2-9. 9 Id. at 11-12.
page 69
18. At its meeting on June 3, 2015, the Commission considered the Franchise Report,
along with the information and documentation it had received regarding the
CenturyLink Application, and adopted a resolution finding and concluding that the
CenturyLink Application complied with the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 238.081
and that CenturyLink is legally, technically, and financially qualified to operate a
cable communications system within the Service Territory.
19. As a result of its determination that CenturyLink complied with all application
requirements and is a qualified applicant, the Commission authorized Commission
staff to negotiate with CenturyLink to attempt to reach mutually acceptable terms
for such a franchise.
20. On February 23, 2016 the Commission considered and recommended an ordinance
granting a cable communications franchise to CenturyLink and authorized
Commission staff to provide the recommended franchise to the Commission’s
Member Cities for consideration and action.
21. In Minnesota, both State and federal law govern the terms and conditions of an
additional cable communications franchise in an already-franchised service area.1 0
22. The franchising authority may not grant an exclusive franchise or unreasonably
refuse to award an additional competitive franchise.1 1
23. The franchising authority must allow an applicant reasonable time to become
capable of providing cable service to all households in the service area.1 2
24. The franchising authority may grant an additional franchise in an
already-franchised service area if the terms and conditions of the additional
franchise are not “more favorable or less burdensome than those in the existing
franchise” regarding the area served, the PEG access requirements, and franchise
fees.1 3
25. The additional franchise must also include, among other things, “a schedule
showing . . . that the construction throughout the authorized franchise area must be
substantially completed within five years of the granting of the franchise.”14
26. In order to ensure that any additional franchise granted to CenturyLink would
contain substantially similar service area, PEG access requirements, and franchise
fees to the Comcast Franchise, the Commission used the Comcast Franchise as the
base document for its negotiations.
10 See 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(1); Minn. Stat. §§ 238.08, .084; see also Franchise Report at 2-8. 11 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(1). 12 47 U.S.C. § 541(a)(4). 13 Minn. Stat. § 238.08, subd. 1(b). 14 Minn. Stat. § 238.84, subd. 1(m).
page 70
27. On [__date__], the City Council gave notice that it intended to introduce an
ordinance granting a cable communications franchise to CenturyLink.
28. Copies of the CenturyLink Franchise were made available to the public, including
Comcast, on [__date__].
29. On [__date__], the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 493, an Ordinance of
the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota Granting a Cable Communications
Franchise to Qwest Broadband Services, Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink (“CenturyLink
Franchise”).
30. The CenturyLink Franchise encompasses the same Service Territory encompassed
by the Comcast Franchise.1 5
31. The franchise fee percentage required by the CenturyLink Franchise is identical to
that required by the Comcast Franchise.1 6
32. The PEG access requirements in the CenturyLink Franchise mandate certain
obligations, such as HD channel capacity for all PEG channels that go beyond the
commitments made in the Comcast franchise.1 7
33. The City recognizes that CenturyLink, which currently offers no cable
communications services in the Service Territory, cannot justify a large initial
deployment because it “realistically cannot count on acquiring a share of the
market similar to Comcast’s share . . . [and] must begin offering service within a
smaller area to determine whether it can reasonably ensure a return on its
investment before expanding.”1 8
34. The CenturyLink Franchise therefore requires CenturyLink’s initial deployment to
be capable of serving at least fifteen percent (15%) of the living units in the Service
Territory within two (2) years. CenturyLink is further required to commit a
significant portion of its initial investment to areas below the median income within
the City.1 9
35. The CenturyLink Franchise permits the City to monitor CenturyLink’s progress
and compliance with build-out requirements via quarterly meeting and accelerates
the build-out schedule if CenturyLink has market success, with the goal and
expectation that build-out will be substantially complete before the CenturyLink
Franchise’s five (5) year term expires.20
15 CenturyLink Franchise §2.7; Comcast Franchise § 2.8. 16 CenturyLink Franchise §8.3; Comcast Franchise § 8.3. 17 CenturyLink Franchise §6 and Exhibit A; Comcast Franchise § 6 and Exhibit B. 18 621 Order at ¶ 35. 19 CenturyLink Franchise §2.8. 20 CenturyLink Franchise §2.9- 2.10.
page 71
36. During its regularly scheduled meeting on [__date__], the City Council will hold a
public hearing at which all interested parties are provided an opportunity to speak
and present information regarding the proposed CenturyLink Franchise.
WHEREAS, the City has considered these facts and the cable-related needs and interests
of the community:
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council for the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota
hereby resolves as follows:
1. The foregoing findings are adopted as the official findings of the City Council and
made a part of the official record.
2. The City has authority to adopt an ordinance granting a cable communications
franchise to CenturyLink for the Service Territory.
3. The City may not unreasonably refuse to award a competitive cable
communications franchise to CenturyLink.
4. The City and its residents will benefit from adoption of the CenturyLink Franchise,
which will introduce facilities-based competition into the cable communications
market in the Service Territory and thereby reduce costs to consumers and increase
the quality and availability of services.
5. CenturyLink is legally, technically, and financially qualified to operate a cable
communications system in the Service Territory and has complied with all
application requirements.
6. The City has complied with all franchise application requirements imposed by
State and federal law, including those identified herein or in the Franchise Report.
7. The terms and conditions of the CenturyLink Franchise pertaining to service area, a
PEG access requirement, and franchise fees are not more favorable or less
burdensome than the corollary terms of the Comcast Franchise.
8. The CenturyLink Franchise’s initial deployment requirement of fifteen percent
(15%) within two (2) years and five (5) year timeline for substantially completing
build-out provides a reasonable period of time for CenturyLink to become capable
of reaching full deployment and is therefore consistent with both State and federal
law.
9. The Ordinance Granting a Cable Communications Franchise for Qwest Broadband
Services, Inc., d/b/a CenturyLink is formally and finally adopted.
10. The City finds and concludes that its actions are appropriate, reasonable, and
consistent in all respects with the mandates set forth in Chapter 238 of Minnesota
Statutes and applicable provisions of federal law, including 47 U.S.C. § 541(a).
page 72
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session of the City Council of the City of Mendota
Heights, Minnesota this day of , 2016.
Mayor of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Printed Name
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Printed Name
page 73
3161836v1
CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE ORDINANCE
FOR
QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES, INC. D/B/A
CENTURYLINK INC.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNEOSTA
February 23, 2016
page 74
i
3161836v1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND DEFINITIONS ............................................................... 2
SECTION 2. GRANT OF AUTHORITY AND GENERAL PROVISIONS .......................... 7
SECTION 3. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS .................................................................. 13
SECTION 4. DESIGN PROVISIONS ................................................................................... 17
SECTION 5. SERVICE PROVISIONS ................................................................................. 20
SECTION 6. LOCAL CHANNELS AND NETWORK DROP PROVISIONS ................... 25
SECTION 7. INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK (I-NET) PROVISIONS ................................ 28
SECTION 8. OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS ............................. 28
SECTION 9. GENERAL FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE PROVISIONS ....................... 30
SECTION 10. SALE, ABANDONMENT, TRANSFER AND REVOCATION OF
FRANCHISE .................................................................................................... 35
SECTION 11. PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS ................................................... 39
SECTION 12. UNAUTHORIZED CONNECTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS ................... 39
SECTION 13. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS ................................................................ 39
SECTION 14. PUBLICATION EFFECTIVE DATE; ACCEPTANCE AND EXHIBITS .... 42
EXHIBIT A GRANTEE COMMITMENT TO PEG ACCESS FACILITIES AND
EQUIPMENT
EXHIBIT B SERVICE TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS
EXHIBIT C FRANCHISE FEE PAYMENT WORKSHEET
EXHIBIT D INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
page 75
1
3161836v1
ORDINANCE NO. __________
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES,
INC. D/B/A CENTURYLINK (“GRANTEE”) TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, AND
MAINTAIN A COMPETITVE CABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IN THE CITY
OF_______________, MINNESOTA SETTING FORTH CONDITIONS ACCOMPANYING
THE GRANT OF THE FRANCHISE; PROVIDING FOR REGULATION AND USE OF THE
SYSTEM AND THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY; AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR
THE VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS HEREIN;
The City Council of the City of __________, Minnesota ordains:
STATEMENT OF INTENT AND PURPOSE
The City intends, by the adoption of this Franchise, to bring about the consumer, business and
economic development benefits of facilities based competition in the Cable Communications
market place. Such competition can contribute significantly to the communication needs and
desires of the residents and citizens of the City and the public generally. Further, the City may
achieve better utilization and improvement of public services and enhanced economic
development with the development and operation of a competitive Cable System.
Adoption of this Franchise is, in the judgment of the City Council, in the best interests of the
City and its residents.
FINDINGS
In the review of the request for a competitive franchise by Grantee and negotiations related
thereto, and as a result of a public hearing, the City Council makes the following findings:
1.Grantee’s technical ability, financial condition, legal qualifications, and character were
considered and approved in a full public proceeding after due notice and a reasonable
opportunity to be heard;
2.Grantee’s plans for operating the Cable System were considered and found adequate and
feasible in a full public proceeding after due notice and a reasonable opportunity to be heard;
3. The Franchise granted to Grantee by the City complies with the existing applicable
Minnesota Statutes, federal laws and regulations;
4. The City has exercised its authority under Minnesota law to enter into a Joint and
Cooperative Agreement, and an Amended Joint and Cooperative Agreement, with other cities
authorized to grant a cable communications franchise, and has delegated authority to the
Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission to make recommendations to the
City regarding this Franchise and to be responsible for the ongoing administration and
enforcement of this Franchise as herein provided; and
5. The Franchise granted to Grantee is nonexclusive.
page 76
2
3161836v1
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND DEFINITIONS
1.Short Title. This Franchise Ordinance shall be known and cited as the CenturyLink
Cable Television Franchise Ordinance.
2.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 in the singular number include the plural number. The word “shall” is
always mandatory and not merely directory. The word “may” is directory and
discretionary and not mandatory.
a.“Affiliate” shall mean any Person controlling, controlled by or under common
control of Grantee.
b.“Applicable Laws” means any law, statute, charter, ordinance, rule, regulation,
code, license, certificate, franchise, permit, writ, ruling, award, executive order,
directive, requirement, injunction (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent),
judgment, decree or other order issued, executed, entered or deemed applicable to
Grantee by any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction.
c.“Basic Cable Service” means any service tier which includes the lawful
retransmission of local television broadcast signals and any public, educational,
and governmental access programming. Basic Cable Service as defined herein
shall not be inconsistent with 47 U.S.C. § 543(b)(7).
d.“Cable Service” or “Service” means (A) the one-way transmission to Subscribers
of (i) Video Programming or (ii) Other Programming Service, and (B) Subscriber
interaction, if any, which is required for the selection or use of such Video
Programming or Other Programming Service. Cable Service or Service as
defined herein shall not be inconsistent with the definition set forth in 47 U.S.C. §
522(6).
e.“Cable System” or “System” means a system of antennas, cables, wires, lines,
towers, waveguides, or other conductors, converters, equipment, or facilities
located in the City and designed and constructed for the purpose of producing,
receiving, transmitting, amplifying, or distributing audio, video, and data. System
as defined herein shall not be inconsistent with the definition set forth in 47
U.S.C. § 522(7). Unless otherwise specified, it shall in this document refer to the
Cable System utilized by the Grantee in the City under this Franchise.
f.“Channel” or “Cable Channel” means a portion of the electromagnetic frequency
spectrum which is used in a Cable System and which is capable of delivering a
television Channel as defined by the Federal Communications Commission.
g.“City” means the City of __________, a municipal corporation, in the State of
Minnesota, acting by and through its City Council, or its lawfully appointed
designee.
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h.“City Code” means the Municipal Code of the City of ____________, Minnesota,
as may be amended from time to time.
i.“City Council” means the governing body of the City of __________, Minnesota.
j.“Commission” means the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications
Commission or its successors or delegations, including representatives of the
Member Cities as may exist pursuant to a then valid and existing Joint and
Cooperative Agreement and Amended Joint and Cooperative Agreement between
Member Cities.
k.“Commission Office” or “Commission Facility” means the facility located at
5845 Blaine Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55076-1401 or alternative
location established in the Commission’s sole discretion.
l.“Day” unless otherwise specified shall mean a calendar day.
m.“Demarcation Point” means the mutually agreed upon physical point at which the
Cable System enters a Subscriber’s home or building.
n.“Drop” means the cable that connects the ground block on the Subscriber’s
residence or institution to the nearest feeder cable of the System.
o.“Effective Date” shall mean ________ __, 201_.
p.“FCC” means the Federal Communications Commission and any legally
appointed, designated or elected agent or successor.
q.“Franchise” or “Cable Franchise” means this ordinance and the regulatory and
contractual relationship established hereby.
r.“Franchise Area” means the entire geographic area within the City as it is now
constituted or may in the future be constituted.
s.“Franchise Fee” shall mean the fee assessed by the City to Grantee, in
consideration of Grantee’s right to operate the Cable System within the City’s
streets and Rights-of-Way, determined in amount as a percentage of Grantee’s
Gross Revenues and limited to the maximum percentage allowed for such
assessment by federal law. The term Franchise Fee does not include the
exceptions noted in 47 U.S.C. §542(g)(2)(A-E).
t.“FTTH” (“Fiber to the Home”) means fiber directly to the household.
u.“FTTN” (“Fiber to the Neighborhood”) means fiber directly to the neighborhood
terminating at Remote Terminals.
v.“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as promulgated and
defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Emerging Issues
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Task Force (“EITF”) and/or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”).
w. “Grantee” means Qwest Broadband Services, Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink, its agents,
employees, lawful successors, transferees or assignees.
x. “Gross Revenue” means any and all compensation in whatever form, from any
source, directly or indirectly earned by Grantee or any Affiliate of Grantee or any
other Person who would constitute a cable operator of the Cable System under the
Cable Act, derived from the operation of the Cable System to provide Cable
Service within the City. Gross Revenues include, by way of illustration and not
limitation, monthly fees charged Subscribers for Cable Services including Basic
Cable Service, any expanded tiers of Cable Service, optional premium or on-
demand services; pay-per-view services; Pay Services, installation, disconnection,
reconnection and change-in-service fees, leased access Channel fees, other service
fees such HD fees, convenience fees, broadcaster fees, bill payment fees and
related charges imposed by Grantee regarding the provision of Cable Services; all
Cable Service lease payments from the Cable System to provide Cable Services in
the City, late fees and administrative fees, payments or other consideration
received by Grantee from programmers for carriage of programming on the Cable
System and accounted for as revenue under GAAP; revenues from rentals or sales
of Set Top Boxes or any other Cable System equipment; advertising sales
revenues booked in accordance with Applicable Law and GAAP; revenues from
program guides and electronic guides, additional outlet fees, Franchise Fees
required by this Franchise, revenue from Interactive Services to the extent they
are considered Cable Services under Applicable Law; revenue from the sale or
carriage of other Cable Services, revenues from home shopping and other
revenue-sharing arrangements. Grantee agrees that Gross Revenues shall include
all commissions paid to any Affiliate of the Grantee, or their successors,
associated with sale of advertising on the Cable System within the City allocated
according to this paragraph using total Cable Service Subscribers reached by the
advertising. Copyright fees or other license fees paid by Grantee shall not be
subtracted from Gross Revenues for purposes of calculating Franchise Fees.
Gross Revenues shall include revenue received by any entity other than Grantee
where necessary to prevent evasion or avoidance of the obligation under this
Franchise to pay the Franchise Fees.
Gross Revenues shall not include any taxes on services furnished by Grantee,
which taxes are imposed directly on a Subscriber or user by a city, county, state or
other governmental unit, and collected by Grantee for such entity. The Franchise
Fee is not such a tax. Gross Revenues shall not include amounts which cannot be
collected by Grantee and are identified as bad debt; provided that if amounts
previously representing bad debt are collected, then those amounts shall be
included in Gross Revenues for the period in which they are collected. Gross
Revenues shall not include payments for PEG Access support. The City
acknowledges and accepts that Grantee shall maintain its books and records in
accordance with GAAP.
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y.“Installation” means the connection, by or on the behalf of the Grantee, of the
System from feeder cable to the point of connection with the Subscriber Set Top
Box or other terminal equipment.
z.“Institutional Network” or “I-Net” means a communications network which is
described in Section 7 herein and which is generally available only to Subscribers
who are not residential Subscribers.
aa. “Interactive Services” are those services provided to Subscribers whereby the
Subscriber either (a) both receives information consisting of either television or
other signal and transmits signals generated by the Subscriber or equipment under
his/her control for the purpose of selecting what information shall be transmitted
to the Subscriber or for any other purpose or (b) transmits signals to any other
location for any purpose.
bb. “Living Unit” means a distinct address as tracked in the QC network inventory,
used by Grantee to identify existing or potential Subscribers. This includes, but is
not limited to, single family homes, multi-dwelling units (e.g., apartment
buildings and condominiums) and business locations.
cc. “Lockout Device” means an optional mechanical or electrical accessory to a
Subscriber’s terminal which inhibits the viewing of a certain program, certain
channel, or certain channels provided by way of the Cable Communication
System.
dd. “Local Origination” means programming produced by the Grantee, the
Commission, or the City staff regarding issues and events affecting the Member
Municipalities of the Commission. Local origination programming may include
public, education, and government access programming.
ee. “Member Cities” or “Member Municipalities” means those cities that are parties
to a then valid and existing joint powers agreement which, at the time of granting
this Franchise, include Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota
Heights, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul.
ff. “Mosaic Channel” means a Channel which displays miniaturized media screens
and related information for a particular group of Channels with common themes.
The Mosaic Channel serves as a navigation tool for Subscribers, which displays
the group of Channels on a single Channel screen and also provides for easy
navigation to a chosen Channel.
gg. “Normal Business Hours” means those hours during which most similar
businesses in the City are open to serve customers. In all cases, “Normal
Business Hours” shall include some evening hours at least one night per week
and/or some weekend hours.
hh. “Normal Operating Conditions” means those service conditions which are within
the control of Grantee. Those conditions which are not within the control of
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Grantee include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, civil disturbances, power
outages, telephone network outages, and severe or unusual weather conditions.
Those conditions which are ordinarily within the control of Grantee include, but
are not limited to, special promotions, pay-per-view events, rate increases, regular
peak or seasonal demand periods, and maintenance or upgrade of the System.
ii. “Other Video Programming” means information that a cable operator makes
available to all Subscribers generally.
jj. “Pay Service” means programming (such as certain on-demand movie channels or
pay-per-view programs) offered individually to Subscribers on a per-channel, per-
program or per-event basis.
kk. “PEG” means public, educational and governmental.
ll. “Person” is any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or
other legal entity.
mm. “QC” means Qwest Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of CenturyLink, Inc.
and an Affiliate of Grantee.
nn. “Qualified Living Unit” means a Living Unit which meets the minimum technical
qualifications defined by Grantee for provision of Cable Service. A Living Unit
receiving a minimum of 25 Mbps downstream will generally be capable of
receiving Cable Service subject to Grantee performing certain network grooming
and conditioning.
oo. “Remote Terminal” means a facility that is located in a neighborhood, which
houses the electronics used to support the provision of Cable Services.
pp. “Right-of-Way” or “Rights-of-Way” means the area on, below, or above any real
property in the City, in which the City has an interest, including, but not limited to
any street, road, highway, alley, sidewalk, parkway, park, skyway, or any other
place, area, or real property owned by or under the control of the City, including
other dedicated Rights-of-Way for travel purposes and utility easements.
qq. “Right-of-Way Ordinance” means any ordinance codifying requirements
regarding regulation, management and use of Rights-of-Way in the City,
including registration and permitting requirements.
rr. “Set Top Box” means an electronic device which converts signals to a frequency
acceptable to a television receiver of a Subscriber and by an appropriate selector
permits a Subscriber to view all Subscriber signals included in the Subscriber’s
service.
ss. “Signal” means any digital electrical or light impulses carried on the Cable
System, whether one-way or bi-directional.
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tt. “Subscriber” means any Person who lawfully receives Cable Service via the
Cable System. In the case of multiple office buildings or multiple dwelling units,
the “Subscriber” means each lessee, tenant or occupant, not the building owner.
uu. “Video Programming” means programming provided by, or generally considered
comparable to programming provided by, a television broadcast station.
vv. “Wireline MVPD” means a multichannel video programming distributor that
utilizes the streets to install cable or fiber and is engaged in the business of
making available for purchase, by Subscribers, multiple Channels of Video
Programming in the City.
SECTION 2. GRANT OF AUTHORITY AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Grant of Franchise.
a. The City hereby authorizes Grantee to occupy or use the City’s Rights -of-Way
subject to: 1) the provisions of this non-exclusive Franchise to provide Cable
Service within the City; and 2) all applicable provisions of the City Code. Said
Franchise shall constitute both a right and an obligation to provide Cable Services
as required by the provisions of this Franchise. Nothing in this Franchise shall be
construed to prohibit Grantee from: (1) providing services other than Cable
Services to the extent not prohibited by Applicable Law; or (2) challenging any
exercise of the City’s legislative or regulatory authority in an appropriate forum.
The City hereby reserves all of its rights to regulate such other services to the
extent not prohibited by Applicable Law and no provision herein shall be
construed to limit or give up any right to regulate.
b. Grantee promises and guarantees, as a condition of exercising the privileges
granted by this Franchise, that any Affiliate of the Grantee involved in the
offering of Cable Service in the City, or directly involved in the ownership,
management or operation of the Cable System in the City, shall also comply with
all obligations of this Franchise. However, the City and Grantee acknowledge
that QC will be primarily responsible for the construction and installation of the
facilities in the Rights-of-Way which will be utilized by Grantee to provide Cable
Services. So long as QC does not provide Cable Service to Subscribers in the
City, QC will not be subject to the terms and conditions contained in this
Franchise. QC’s installation and maintenance of facilities in the Rights-of-Way is
governed by applicable local, state and federal law. To the extent Grantee
constructs and installs facilities in the Rights-of-Way, such installation will be
subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Franchise. Grantee is
responsible for all provisions in this Franchise related to: 1) its offering of Cable
Services in the City; and 2) the operation of the Cable System regardless of what
entity owns or constructs the facilities used to provide the Cable Service. The
City and Grantee agree that to the extent QC violates any Applicable Laws, rules,
and regulations, the City shall first seek compliance directly from QC. In the
event the City cannot resolve these violations or disputes with QC then the City
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may look to Grantee to ensure such compliance. Failure by Grantee to ensure
QC’s or any other Affiliate’s compliance with Applicable Laws, including the
terms of this Franchise, shall be deemed a material breach of this Franchise by
Grantee.
2.Grant of Nonexclusive Authority.
a.The Grantee shall have the right and privilege, subject to the permitting and other
lawful requirements of the City Code, to construct, erect, and maintain, in, upon,
along, across, above, over and under the Rights-of-Way in the City a Cable
System and shall have the right and privilege to provide Cable Service. The
System constructed and maintained by Grantee or its agents shall not interfere
with other uses of the Rights-of-Way. Grantee shall make use of existing poles
and other above and below ground facilities available to Grantee to the extent it is
technically and economically feasible to do so.
b. Notwithstanding the above grant to use Rights-of-Way, no Right-of-Way shall be
used by Grantee if the City determines that such use is inconsistent with the
terms, conditions, or provisions by which such Right-of-Way was created or
dedicated, or with the present or reasonably anticipated future use of the Right-of-
Way.
c.This Franchise shall be nonexclusive, and the City reserves the right to grant a use
of said Rights-of-Way to any Person at any time during the period of this
Franchise for the provision of Cable Service. Such additional grants shall not
operate to materially modify, revoke, or terminate any rights previously granted to
Grantee other than as described herein. At a minimum, the City shall comply
with Minn. Stat. § 238.08, subd. 1(b) and subd. 1(c) when granting such
additional franchise.
d. Before granting an additional cable television franchise, the City shall give
written notice to the Grantee of any other proposal to service all or part of the
Franchise Area, identifying the applicant for such additional franchise and
specifying the date, time, and place at which the City shall consider and/or
determine whether such additional cable television franchise should be granted.
3.Lease or Assignment Prohibited. No Person may lease any portion of Grantee’s
System for the purpose of providing Cable Service until and unless such Person shall
have first obtained and shall currently hold a valid franchise or other lawful authorization
from the City. Any assignment of rights under this Franchise shall be subject to and in
accordance with the requirements of Section 10, Paragraph 5.
4.Franchise Term. This Franchise shall be in effect for a term of five (5) years from the
date of acceptance by Grantee, unless terminated sooner as hereinafter provided. Six (6)
months prior to the expiration of the initial five (5) year term, if the City determines that
Grantee is in compliance with all other material terms of this Franchise including the
build out obligations set forth in this Franchise as required by Applicable Law, the City
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shall have the unilateral right to extend the Franchise for an additional five (5) year term
and notify Grantee in writing.
5.Compliance with Applicable Laws and the City Code.
a.The terms of this Franchise shall define the contractual rights and obligations of
Grantee with respect to the provision of Cable Service and operation of the
System in the City. However, Grantee shall at all times during the term of this
Franchise be subject to all lawful exercise of the police power, statutory rights,
and eminent domain rights of the City. This Franchise may be modified or
amended with the written consent of Grantee and the City as provided in Section
13, Paragraph 3 herein.
b. Grantee shall comply with the terms of the City Code, including any Right-of-
Way Ordinance, which may have the effect of superseding, modifying or
amending the terms of Section 3 and/or Section 8 herein, except that Grantee shall
not, through application of such City Code requirement or regulation of Rights-of-
Way, be subject to additional burdens with respect to usage of Rights-of-Way
which conflict with federal law or exceed burdens on similarly situated Rights-of-
Way users.
c.In the event of any conflict between Section 3 and/or Section 8 of this Franchise
and any lawful and generally applicable City Code provision which addresses
usage of the Rights-of-Way, the conflicting terms in Section 3 and/or Section 8 of
this Franchise shall be superseded by such City Code provision, except that
Grantee shall not, through application of such City ordinance or regulation of
Rights-of-Way, be subject to additional burdens with respect to usage of Rights-
of-Way which conflicts with federal law or exceeds burdens on similarly situated
Rights-of-Way users.
d. In the event any lawfully and generally applicable City Code provision which
addresses usage of the Rights-of-Way adds to, modifies, amends, or otherwise
differently addresses issues addressed in Section 3 and/or Section 8 of this
Franchise, Grantee shall comply with such City Code provision regardless of
which requirement was first adopted except that Grantee shall not, through
application of such City ordinance or regulation of Rights-of-Way, be subject to
additional burdens with respect to usage of Rights-of-Way which conflicts with
federal law or exceeds burdens on similarly situated Rights-of-Way users.
e.In the event Grantee cannot determine how to comply with any Right-of-Way
requirement of the City, whether pursuant to this Franchise or other requirement,
Grantee shall immediately provide written notice of such question, including
Grantee’s proposed interpretation, to the City, in accordance with Section 2,
Paragraph 14. The City shall provide a written response within seventeen (17)
Days of receipt indicating how the requirements cited by Grantee apply. Grantee
may proceed in accordance with its proposed interpretation in the event a written
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response is not received within seventeen (17) Days of mailing or delivering such
written question.
f.Except as otherwise set forth in Section 2, Paragraph 5 (a-e), in the event of a
conflict with the City Code, the terms of this Franchise shall govern.
6.Rules of Grantee. Grantee shall have the authority to promulgate such rules,
regulations, terms and conditions governing the conduct of its business as shall be
reasonably necessary to enable said Grantee to exercise its rights and perform its
obligations under this Franchise and to assure uninterrupted service to each and all of its
Subscribers; provided that such rules, regulations, terms and conditions shall not be in
conflict with Applicable Laws.
7.Franchise Area. The Grantee is hereby authorized to provide Cable Services over a
Cable System within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City, including any areas
annexed by the City during the term of this Franchise. The parties acknowledge that
Grantee is not the first entrant into the wireline video market in the City. The Grantee
acknowledges that the City desires wireline competition throughout the entire City so all
residents may receive the benefits of competitive Cable Services. Grantee aspires to
provide Cable Service to all households within the City by the end of the five (5) year
term of this Franchise. Grantee agrees that its deployment of Cable Service in the City
will be geographically dispersed throughout the City, and shall be made available to
diverse residential neighborhoods of the City without discrimination.
8.Initial Build out. No later than the second anniversary of the Effective Date of this
Franchise, Grantee shall: (i) be capable of serving a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of
the City’s households with Cable Service, provided, however, Grantee will make its best
efforts to complete such deployment within a shorter period of time; and (ii) activate at
least one (1) Remote Terminal capable of offering Cable Service in each of the seven (7)
Member Cities. This initial minimum build-out commitment shall include a significant
number of households below the medium income in the City. Nothing in this Franchise
shall restrict Grantee from serving additional households in the City with Cable Service.
9.Quarterly Meetings. In order to permit the Commission to monitor and enforce the
provisions of this section and other provisions of this Franchise, the Grantee shall, upon
demand, promptly make available to the Commission maps and other documentation
showing exactly where within the City the Grantee is currently providing Cable Service
through FTTN and FTTH. Grantee shall meet with the Commission, not less than once
quarterly, to demonstrate Grantee’s compliance with the provisions of this section
concerning the deployment of Cable Services in each Member City including, by way of
example, the provision of this section in which Grantee commits that a significant portion
of its initial investment will be targeted to areas below the median income within the
City, and the provisions of this section that prohibit discrimination in the deployment of
Cable Services to certain Member Cities on the basis of the income level of the residents
of those Member Cities. In order to permit the Commission and the City to monitor and
enforce the provisions of this section and other provisions of this Franchise, the Grantee
shall, commencing ninety (90) Days after the Effective Date, and continuing throughout
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the term of this Franchise, meet quarterly with the Commission and provide reports and
make available maps showing the Commission the following information:
a.The total number of Living Units throughout the City;
b. The total number of Qualified Living Units; and
c.Information demonstrating Grantee’s commitment that a significant portion of
Grantee’s initial investment and Grantee’s deployment of Cable Services in the
City has been targeted to households below the City’s median household income.
10.Additional Build-Out Based on Market Success. If, at any quarterly meeting, Grantee
is actually serving twenty seven and one-half percent (27.5%) of the households capable
of receiving Cable Service from Grantee, then Grantee agrees the minimum build-out
commitment shall increase to include all of the households then capable of receiving
Cable Service plus an additional fifteen (15%) of the total households in the City, which
Grantee agrees to serve within two (2) years from the quarterly meeting; provided,
however, the Grantee shall make its best efforts to complete such deployment within a
shorter period of time. For example, if, at a quarterly meeting with the Commission,
Grantee shows that it is capable of serving sixty percent (60%) of the households in the
City with Cable Service and is actually serving thirty percent (30%) of those households
with Cable Service, then Grantee will agree to serve an additional fifteen percent (15%)
of the total households in the City no later than two (2) years after that quarterly meeting
(a total of 75% of the total households). This additional build-out based on market
success shall continue until every household in the City is served.
11.Nondiscrimination. Grantee shall provide Cable Service under non-discriminatory rates
and reasonable terms and conditions to all Living Units in the City where the Grantee is
capable of providing Cable Service. Grantee shall not arbitrarily refuse to provide Cable
Services to any Living Unit where the Grantee is capable of providing Cable Service.
Grantee shall provide information to the City clearly identifying all Qualified Living
units in the City. Grantee shall not deny Cable Services to any group of Living Units
based upon the income level of residents of the local area in which such group resides,
nor shall Grantee base decisions about construction or maintenance of its Cable System
or facilities based upon the income level of residents of the local area in which such
group resides. Grantee shall provide such service at non-discriminatory monthly rates for
residential Subscribers, consistent with Applicable Law. Grantee shall not discriminate
between or among any individuals in the availability of Cable Service based upon income
in accordance and consistent with 47 U.S.C. Section 541(a)(3), or based upon race or
ethnicity.
12.Standard Installation. Except as otherwise provided in this Franchise, where Grantee is
capable of providing Cable Service, Grantee shall provide Cable Services at its Standard
Installation rates within seven (7) Days of a request by any Qualified Living Unit. A
request shall be deemed made on the date of signing a service agreement, receipt of funds
by Grantee or receipt by Grantee of a verified verbal or written request.
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13.Multiple Dwelling Units. Grantee shall ensure that rates charged by Grantee to residents
of multiple dwelling unit buildings do not exceed the charges paid by residents of single
family homes. Grantee may not condition provision of services to multiple dwelling unit
buildings on any requirement not imposed on other Subscribers. Grantee may not
condition provision of services to multiple dwelling unit buildings on an exclusive
service agreement with Grantee. Grantee may offer a building owner the option of a
long-term agreement in return for installation of internal wiring or other
telecommunications improvements unique to the building, but Grantee must offer the
alternative of a no term agreement to building owners who wish to contract directly for
installation by a contractor approved by Grantee and in accordance with Grantee’s
generally applicable technical standards. The foregoing does not restrict, condition, or
inhibit Grantee’s ability to negotiate longer-term right of entry agreements prior to
offering service to multiple dwelling unit building residents for the purpose of
maintaining Grantee’s on-site signal and facilities. For purposes of this section, a "right
of entry agreement" means an agreement that permits Grantee access to the building to
extend its distribution cable from the Cable System in the Right-of-Way or public
easement to the utility closet or other Demarcation Point in the multiple dwelling unit
building.
14.Written Notice. All notices, reports, or demands required to be given in writing under
this Franchise shall be deemed to be given when delivered personally to any officer of the
Grantee or the City’s administrator of this Franchise during Normal Business Hours or
forty-eight (48) hours after it is deposited in the United States mail in a sealed envelope,
with registered or certified mail postage prepaid thereon, addressed to the party to whom
notice is being given, as follows:
If to City: City Administrator
City of
If to Commission: Executive Director
Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission
5845 Blaine Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
If to Grantee: CenturyLink
Attn: Public Policy
200 S 5th Street 21st Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402
With a courtesy
copy to: CenturyLink
Attn: Public Policy
1801 California St. Room 1000
Denver, CO 80202
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Recognizing the widespread usage and acceptance of electronic forms of communication,
emails will be acceptable as formal notification related to the conduct of general business
amongst the parties to this contract, including but not limited to programming and price
adjustment communications. Such communication should be addressed and directed to
the Person of record as specified above.
Such addresses may be changed by either party upon notice to the other party given as
provided in this section.
SECTION 3. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
1.Registration, Permits, Construction Codes, and Cooperation.
a.Grantee agrees to obtain a permit as required by the City prior to removing,
abandoning, relocating or reconstructing, if necessary, any portion of its facilities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City understands and acknowledges there may
be instances when Grantee is required to make repairs, in compliance with federal
or state laws, that are of an emergency nature. Grantee shall notify the City prior
to such repairs, if practicable, and shall obtain the necessary permits in a
reasonable time after notification to the City.
b. Generally applicable fees and reimbursement paid through the permitting process
is separate, and in addition to, any other fees included in the Franchise.
c.Failure to obtain permits or comply with permit requirements shall be grounds for
revocation of this Franchise, or any lesser sanctions provided herein or in any
other Applicable Law.
d. Grantee shall not open or disturb the surface of any Rights-of-Way or public place
for any purpose without first having obtained a permit to do so in the manner
provided by law. All excavation shall be coordinated with other utility excavation
or construction so as to minimize disruption to the public.
2.Use of existing poles or conduits.
a.Grantee shall utilize existing poles, conduits and other facilities whenever
commercially and technologically feasible, and shall not construct or install any
new, different or additional poles whether on public property or on privately-
owned property until the written approval of the City is obtained. No location or
any pole or wire-holding structure of Grantee shall be a vested interest, and any
Grantee poles or structures shall be removed or modified by Grantee at its own
expense whenever the City determines that the public convenience would be
enhanced thereby.
b. The facilities of Grantee shall be placed underground where all utility lines are
placed underground.
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3.Minimum Interference.
a.Grantee shall use its best efforts to give reasonable prior notice to any adjacent
private property owners who will be negatively affected or impacted by Grantee’s
work in the Rights-of-Way.
b. All transmission and distribution structures, lines and equipment maintained by
Grantee shall be located so as to cause minimum interference with the
unencumbered use of Rights-of-Way and other public places except for normal
and reasonable obstruction and interference which might occur during
construction and to cause minimum interference with the rights and reasonable
convenience of property owners who adjoin any of the Rights-of-Way and public
places.
4.Disturbance or damage. Any and all Rights-of-Way, or public or private property,
which are disturbed or damaged during the repair, replacement, relocation, operation,
maintenance, expansion, extension or reconstruction of the Grantee’s System shall be
promptly and fully restored by Grantee, at its expense, to substantially the same condition
as that prevailing prior to Grantee’s work, as determined by the City. If Grantee shall fail
to promptly perform the restoration required herein, after written request of the City and
reasonable opportunity to satisfy that request, the City shall have the right to put the
Rights-of-Way, public, or private property back into substantially the same condition as
that prevailing prior to Grantee’s work. In the event the City determines that Grantee is
responsible for such disturbance or damage and fails to restore as set forth in this section,
Grantee shall be obligated to fully reimburse the City for such restoration within thirty
(30) Days after its receipt of the City’s invoice therefor.
5.Temporary Relocation.
a.At any time during the period of the Franchise, Grantee shall, at its own expense,
protect, support, temporarily disconnect, relocate or remove any of its property
when, in the opinion of the City, (i) the same is required by reason of traffic
conditions, public safety, Rights-of-Way vacation, the City freeway or Rights-of-
Way construction, the City alteration to or establishment of any Rights-of-Way or
any facility within the Rights-of-Way, sidewalk, or other public place, including
but not limited to, installation of sewers, drains, waterlines, power lines, traffic
signal lines or transportation facilities; or (ii) a City project or activity makes
temporary disconnection, removal, or relocation necessary or less expensive for
the City.
b. Grantee shall, on request of any Person holding a permit to move a building,
temporarily raise or lower its wires to permit the movement of such buildings.
The actual expense of such temporary removal or raising or lowering of wires
shall be paid by the Person requesting the same, and Grantee shall have the
authority to require such payment in advance. Grantee shall be given not less than
ten (10) Days advance written notice from such Person holding a permit to
arrange such temporary wire alterations.
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6. Emergency. Whenever, in case of fire or other emergency, it becomes necessary in the
judgment of the city administrator, police chief, fire chief, or their delegates, to remove or
damage any of Grantee’s facilities, no charge shall be made by Grantee against the City
for restoration, repair or damages. Notwithstanding the above, Grantee reserves the right
to assert a right of reimbursement or compensation from any responsible party.
7. Tree Trimming. Grantee shall have the authority to trim trees on public Rights-of-Way
at its own expense as may be necessary to protect its wires and facilities, subject to any
required supervision and direction by the City. Trimming of trees on private property
shall require consent of the property owner. Any trimming of trees by the Grantee in the
Rights-of-Way shall be subject to such generally applicable regulation as the city
administrator or other authorized official may establish to protect the public health, safety
and convenience.
8. Protection of Facilities. Nothing contained in this section shall relieve any Person from
liability arising out of the failure to exercise reasonable care to avoid damaging Grantee’s
facilities while performing any work connected with grading, regrading or changing the
line of any Rights-of-Way or public place or the construction or reconstruction of any
sewer or water system.
9. Installation Records. Grantee shall keep accurate installation records, maps or
diagrams, of the location of its facilities in the Rights-of-Way and public ways and
furnish them to the City upon request. Grantee shall cooperate with the City to furnish, if
possible, such information in an electronic mapping format compatible with the then-
current City electronic mapping format. At the commencement of this Franchise and
upon completion of any further construction or relocation of underground facilities in the
Rights-of-Way and public ways, Grantee shall provide the City, if possible, with
installation records in an electronic format compatible with the then-current City
electronic mapping format showing the location of the underground and above ground
facilities.
10. Locating Facilities.
a. If, during the design process for public improvements, the City discovers a
potential conflict with proposed construction, Grantee shall either: (a) locate and,
if necessary, expose its facilities in conflict or (b) use a location service under
contract with the City or State to locate or expose its facilities. Grantee is
obligated to furnish the location information in a timely manner, but in no case
longer than thirty (30) Days.
b. The City reserves the prior and superior right to lay, construct, erect, install, use,
operate, repair, replace, remove, relocate, regrade, widen, realign, or maintain any
Rights-of-Way, aerial, surface, or subsurface improvement, including but not
limited to water mains, traffic control conduits, sanitary or storm sewers,
subways, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, or any other public construction within the
Rights-of-Way of the City limits.
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11. City’s Rights. Nothing in this Franchise shall be construed to prevent the City from
constructing, maintaining, repairing or relocating sewers; grading, paving, maintaining,
repairing, relocating and/or altering any Right-of-Way; constructing, laying down,
repairing, maintaining or relocating any water mains; or constructing, maintaining,
relocating, or repairing any sidewalk or other public work.
12. Interference with the City Facilities. The installation, use and maintenance of
Grantee’s facilities within the Rights-of-Way and public ways authorized herein shall be
in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with the City’s placement, construction,
use and maintenance of its Rights-of-Way and public ways, Rights-of-Way lighting,
water pipes, drains, sewers, traffic signal systems or other City systems that have been, or
may be, installed, maintained, used or authorized by the City.
13. Interference with Utility Facilities. Grantee agrees not to install, maintain or use any of
its facilities in such a manner as to damage or unreasonably interfere with any existing
facilities of a utility located within the Rights-of-Way and public ways of the City.
Nothing in this section is meant to limit any rights Grantee may have under Applicable
Laws to be compensated for the cost of relocating its facilities from the utility that is
requesting the relocation.
14. Collocation. To maximize public and employee safety, to minimize visual clutter of
aerial plant, and to minimize the amount of trenching and excavation in and along the
City Rights-of-Way and sidewalks for underground plant, Grantee shall make every
commercially reasonable effort to collocate compatible facilities within the Rights-of-
Way subject to the engineering requirements of the owners of utility poles and other
facilities, in the case that relocation or extension of Grantee’s facilities is approved or
required by the City.
15. Safety Requirements.
a. Grantee shall at all times employ ordinary and reasonable care and shall install,
maintain, and use nothing less than commonly accepted methods and devices for
preventing failures and accidents which are likely to cause damage or injuries.
b. Grantee shall install and maintain its System and other equipment in accordance
with the City Code and the requirements of the National Electric Safety Code and
all other applicable FCC, state and local regulations, and in such manner that they
will not interfere with the City’s communications technology related to health,
safety and welfare of the residents.
c. Cable System structures, lines, equipment and connections in, over, under and
upon the Rights-of-Way of the City, wherever situated or located, shall at all
times be kept and maintained in good condition, order, and repair so that the same
shall not menace or endanger the life or property of the City or any Person.
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SECTION 4. DESIGN PROVISIONS
1. System Description.
a. The Cable System shall have a bandwidth capable of providing the equivalent of a
typical 750 MHz Cable System. Recognizing that the City has limited authority
under federal law to designate the technical method by which Grantee provides
Cable Service, as of the Effective Date of this Franchise, Grantee provides its
Cable Service utilizing two (2) different architectures. First, using a passive
optical network (“PON”) platform, the Grantee provides Cable Service to some
Qualified Living Units by connecting fiber directly to the household (“FTTH”).
Second, the Grantee provides Cable Service to some Qualified Living Units by
deploying fiber into the neighborhoods to Remote Terminals and using the
existing copper infrastructure to increase broadband speeds (“FTTN”). In both
the FTTH and FTTN footprint, a household receiving a minimum of 25 Mbps
shall be generally capable of receiving Cable Service after Grantee performs
certain network grooming and conditioning. Grantee shall determine in its
discretion where to upgrade its network to convert these households to Qualified
Living Units.
b. Grantee shall use equipment used in high-quality, reliable, modern Cable Systems
of similar design. The System shall be designed such that at a minimum all
technical specifications of this Franchise are met. The System shall be designed
such that no noticeable degradation in signal quality will appear at the Subscriber
terminal.
c. All final programming decisions remain the discretion of Grantee in accordance
with this Franchise, provided Grantee notifies the City and Subscribers in writing
thirty (30) Days prior to any Channel additions, deletions, or realignments in the
manner and to the extent required by federal law and subject to Grantee’s signal
carriage obligations hereunder and pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 531-536 and to the
City’s rights pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 545. Location and relocation of the PEG
Channels shall be governed by Section 6 and Exhibit A.
2. Interruption of Service. To the extent within Grantee’s control in the ordinary course of
business, Grantee shall interrupt service only for good cause and for the shortest time
possible. Such interruption shall occur during periods of minimum use of the System
rebuttably presumed to be between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. local time. If
service is interrupted for a total period of more than twenty-four (24) continuous hours to
one or more Subscribers in any thirty (30) Day period, those Subscribers shall, upon
request, be credited pro rata for such interruption.
3. Technical Standards. The technical standards used in the operation of the System shall
comply, at minimum, with the applicable technical standards promulgated by the FCC
relating to Cable Systems pursuant to Title 47, Section 76, Subpart K of the Code of
Federal Regulations, as may be amended or modified from time to time, which
regulations are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The Cable System shall be
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designed, constructed, routinely inspected, and maintained to guarantee that the Cable
System meets or exceeds the requirements of the most current editions of the National
Electrical Code (NFRA 70) and the National Electrical Safety Code (ANSI C2). In all
matters requiring interpretation of either of these codes, the City’s interpretation shall
control over all other sources and interpretations.
4. Special Testing.
a. Throughout the term of this Franchise, the City shall have the right to inspect all
construction or installation work performed pursuant to the provisions of the
Franchise. In addition, the City may require special testing of a location or
locations within the System if there is a particular matter of controversy or
unresolved complaints regarding such construction or installation work or
pertaining to such location(s). Demand for such special tests may be made on the
basis of complaints received or other evidence indicating an unresolved
controversy or noncompliance. Such tests shall be limited to the particular matter
in controversy or unresolved complaints. The City shall endeavor to so arrange
its request for such special testing so as to minimize hardship or inconvenience to
Grantee or to the Subscribers caused by such testing.
b. Before ordering such tests, Grantee shall be afforded thirty (30) Days following
receipt of written notice to investigate and, if necessary, correct problems or
complaints upon which tests were ordered. The City shall meet with Grantee
prior to requiring special tests to discuss the need for such and, if possible,
visually inspect those locations which are the focus of concern. If, after such
meetings and inspections, the City wishes to commence special tests and the thirty
(30) Days have elapsed without correction of the matter in controversy or
unresolved complaints, the tests shall be conducted at Grantee’s expense by a
qualified engineer selected by the City and Grantee shall cooperate in such
testing.
5. Drop Testing and Replacement. To the extent applicable, Grantee shall insert a 750
MHz carrier or equivalent at a level l0db below the video carriers that shall be measured
and recorded by Grantee as a normal procedure during all service and installation calls.
In addition, the Drops and related passive equipment may be inspected to assure that the
Drop and passive equipment can pass the full 750 MHz System capacity. In the event
measurement of the carrier or the inspection demonstrates that a Drop or associated
passive equipment does not pass the full 750 MHz, the Subscriber address will be
recorded by Grantee, and Grantee shall provide the City and the Commission, or their
designees, upon request, a report indicating the addresses where Drops or associated
passive equipment have failed. Grantee shall replace all failing Drops and/or associated
passive equipment at the time the address upgrades service to a level which requires a
signal above the 550 MHz spectrum at no separate charge to the individual Subscriber.
6. FCC Reports. The results of any tests required to be filed by Grantee with the FCC or
placed in Grantee’s public inspection file as required by FCC rules, shall also be made
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available to the City or its designee upon request within ten (10) Days of the date of
request.
7. Annexation. Upon the annexation of any additional land area by the City, the annexed
area shall thereafter be subject to all the terms of this Franchise immediately upon
notification to Grantee of the annexation by the City.
8. Line Extension.
a. Grantee shall construct and operate its Cable System to as to provide service to all
parts of its Franchise Area as provided in this Franchise and having a density
equivalent to seven (7) dwelling units per one-quarter (1/4) mile of feeder cable as
measured from the nearest active plant if the extension is to be constructed using
aerial plant, and ten (10) dwelling units per one-quarter (1/4) mile of feeder cable
as measured from the nearest active plant if the extension is to be constructed
using underground plant. The City, for its part, shall endeavor to exercise
reasonable efforts to require developers and utility companies to provide the
Grantee with at least fifteen (15) Days advance notice of an available open trench
for the placement of necessary cable.
b. Where the density is less than that specified above, Grantee shall inform Persons
requesting service of the possibility of paying for installation or a line extension
and shall offer to provide them with a free written estimate of the cost, which
shall be provided within fifteen (15) working days of such a request. The charge
for installation or extension for each Person requesting service shall not exceed a
pro rata share of the actual cost of extending the service and Grantee shall not be
obligated to extend its System until seventy-five percent (75%) of the Persons
requesting service in such area have prepaid their pro rata share of the extension.
c. Any residential unit located within one-hundred twenty-five (125) feet of the
nearest active plant on Grantee’s System shall be connected to the System at no
charge other than the Standard Installation charge. Grantee shall, upon request by
any potential Subscriber residing in the City beyond the one hundred twenty-five
(125) foot limit, extend service to such Subscriber provided that the Subscriber
shall pay the net additional Drop costs.
d. Under Normal Operating Conditions, if Grantee cannot perform installations
within the times specified in applicable customer standards, the Subscriber may
request and is entitled to receive a credit equal to the charge for a Standard
Installation. For any installation that is not a free installation or a Standard
Installation, Grantee shall provide the Subscriber with a written estimate of all
charges within twelve (12) Days of a request by the Subscriber. Failure to
comply will subject Grantee to appropriate enforcement actions. This section
does not apply to the introduction of new products and services when Grantee is
utilizing a phased introduction.
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e. Grantee shall not have a line extension obligation until the first date by which
Grantee is providing Cable Service to more than fifty percent (50%) of all
Subscribers receiving facilities based Cable Service from both the Grantee and
any other provider(s) of Cable Service within the City. At that time, the City, in
its reasonable discretion and after meeting with Grantee, shall determine the
timeframe to complete deployment to the remaining households in the City,
including the density requirements set forth in Section 4, Paragraph 8 (a-d) above.
9. Nonvoice Return Capability. Grantee is required to use cable and associated
electronics having the technical capacity for nonvoice return communications.
10. Lockout Device. Upon the request of a Subscriber, Grantee shall make available a
Lockout Device in accordance with Applicable Law.
11. Home Wiring. In order to ensure consumer choice for all Wireline MVPDs, Grantee
shall fully cooperate with all Wireline MVPDs. Grantee shall further, upon request,
provide all Wireline MVPDs immediate access to all “home run” wiring in a multiple
dwelling unit, provided however, that if the equipment is owned by Grantee, the
competitive provider shall, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 238.25, and
upon request, reimburse Grantee its pro rata cost of the home run wiring and installation,
reduced to the extent of cumulative depreciation of the home run wiring at the time the
competitive provider begins providing service.
SECTION 5. SERVICE PROVISIONS
1. Regulation of Service Rates. The City may regulate rates for the provision of Cable
Service, equipment, or any other communications service provided over the System to the
extent allowed under Applicable Laws. The City and the Commission reserve the right to
regulate rates for any future services to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws. Any
rate regulation undertaken by the City shall at all times comply with the rate regulations
of the FCC at 47 C.F.R. §76.900 et. seq., as may from time to time be amended.
2. Sales Procedures. Grantee shall not exercise deceptive sales procedures when marketing
any of its services within the City. In its initial communication or contact with a
prospective Subscriber and in all general solicitation materials marketing the Grantee or
its services as a whole, Grantee shall inform the prospective Subscriber of all levels of
service available, including the lowest priced service tiers. Grantee shall have the right to
market door-to-door during reasonable hours consistent with Applicable Laws.
3. Consumer Protection and Service Standards. Grantee shall at all times comply with
all of the standards and requirements for customer service set forth in this Section 5,
Paragraph 3 (c-f) below during the term of this Franchise. During the term of the
Franchise the Grantee shall comply with one (1) of the following requirements, a or b
below.
a. Grantee shall maintain one (1) or more convenient local customer service and bill
payment business office locations within the Commission Franchise Area (i.e.
within one (1) or more of the Member Cities’ Franchise Areas) for matters such as
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receiving Subscriber payments, handling billing questions, equipment drop-off,
pick up or replacement and customer service information. The Grantee shall
maintain a business office or offices for the purpose of receiving and resolving all
complaints regarding the quality of service, equipment malfunctions and
replacement, billing disputes, property or service restoration issues and similar
customer service matters. The office must be reachable by a local, toll-free
telephone call.
b. Grantee shall maintain convenient local Subscriber service and bill payment
locations for the purpose of receiving Subscriber payments or equipment returns.
Unless otherwise requested by the Subscriber, Grantee shall deliver equipment
directly to the Subscriber at no cost to the Subscriber. The Grantee shall maintain
a business office or offices for the purpose of receiving and resolving all
complaints regarding the quality of service, equipment malfunctions and
replacement, billing disputes, property or service restoration issues and similar
customer service matters. The office must be reachable by a local, toll-free
telephone call, and Grantee shall provide the City with the name, address and
telephone number of an office that will act as the Grantee’s agent to receive
complaints, regarding quality of service, equipment malfunctions, billings, and
similar matters. At a minimum Grantee shall also provide the following:
i. Multiple third party commercial locations within the Commission’s
Franchise Area (such as grocery stores or check cashing establishments,
e.g. Western Union) at which Subscribers can remit payments and receive
immediate receipts and transaction activation numbers allowing them to
expeditiously maintain or restore Cable Service.
ii. Grantee will provide a service technician to any Qualified Living Unit in
the City, free of charge to the Subscriber, where necessary to repair,
replace or troubleshoot equipment issues.
iii. Subscribers shall be able to return and receive equipment, free of charge,
via national overnight courier service (such as FedEx or UPS) if a service
technician is not required to visit the Subscriber’s Qualified Living Unit.
iv. In the event Grantee provides Cable Service to a minimum of thirty
percent (30%) of the total number of Cable Service Subscribers within
Commission Franchise Area served by cable operators franchised within
the Commission Franchise Area, the Grantee shall then be required to
comply with the requirements of Section 5, Paragraph 3 (a) above.
c. Grantee shall comply with the following consumer protection standards:
Cable System office hours and telephone availability:
i. Grantee will maintain a local, toll-free or collect call telephone access line
which will be available to its Subscribers twenty-four (24) hours a day,
seven (7) days a week.
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1. Trained Grantee representatives will be available to respond to
customer telephone inquiries during Normal Business Hours.
2. After Normal Business Hours, the access line may be answered by
a service or an automated response system, including an answering
machine. Inquiries received after Normal Business Hours must be
responded to by a trained Grantee representative on the next
business day.
ii. Under Normal Operating Conditions, telephone answer time by a
customer representative, including wait time, shall not exceed thirty (30)
seconds when the connection is made. If the call needs to be transferred,
transfer time shall not exceed thirty (30) seconds. These standards shall
be met no less than ninety percent (90%) of the time under Normal
Operating Conditions, measured on a quarterly basis.
iii. Grantee shall provide the Commission and the City with the name, address
and telephone number of an office that will act as the Grantee’s agent to
receive complaints, regarding quality of service, equipment malfunctions,
billings, and similar matters. Grantee will maintain an “escalated
complaint process” to address unresolved complaints from Subscribers. A
team of specifically identified employees of Grantee shall be available to
the City and the Commission via email and telephone for reporting
issues. These specifically identified employees of Grantee will have the
ability to take actions to resolve Subscriber complaints relating to billing,
property or service restoration, technical appointments, or any other
Subscriber matters when necessary. Grantee will follow-up with the City
or the Commission in writing by email (and by phone when necessary)
with a summary of the results of the complaint(s).
iv. The Grantee shall utilize such equipment and software and keep such
records as are necessary or required to enable the City to determine
whether the Grantee is complying with all telephone answering standards
required by applicable customer service regulations and laws, as amended
from time to time.
v. Under Normal Operating Conditions, the customer will receive a busy
signal less than three percent (3%) of the time.
vi. Customer service center and bill payment locations will be open at least
during Normal Business Hours. Payment drop boxes shall be emptied at
least once a day, Monday through Friday, with the exception of legal
holidays, and payments shall be posted to Subscribers’ accounts within
forty-eight (48) hours of pick-up. Subscribers shall not be charged a late
fee or otherwise penalized for any failure by the Grantee to empty a drop
box as specified herein, or to properly credit a Subscriber for a payment
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timely made. Grantee shall provide Subscribers with notice regarding
drop box payment, pick up and posting procedures.
d. Installations, outages and service calls. Under Normal Operating Conditions,
each of the following four (4) standards will be met no less than ninety-five
percent (95%) of the time measured on a quarterly basis:
i. Standard Installations will be performed within seven (7) business days
after an order has been placed. “Standard” Installations are those that are
to a Qualified Living Unit.
ii. Excluding conditions beyond the control of Grantee, Grantee will begin
working on “service interruptions” promptly and in no event later than
twenty-four (24) hours after the interruption becomes known. Grantee
must begin actions to correct other service problems the next business day
after notification of the service problem.
iii. The “appointment window” alternatives for Installations, service calls, and
other Installation activities will be either a specific time or, at maximum, a
four-hour time block during Normal Business Hours. (Grantee may
schedule service calls and other Installation activities outside of Normal
Business Hours for the express convenience of the customer.)
iv. Grantee may not cancel an appointment with a customer after the close of
business on the business day prior to the scheduled appointment.
v. If Grantee’s representative is running late for an appointment with a
customer and will not be able to keep the appointment as scheduled, the
customer will be contacted. The appointment will be rescheduled, as
necessary, at a time which is convenient for the customer.
vi. For purposes of determining conditions beyond the control of Grantee
under this section, power outages of Grantee’s power supplies or
telephone system may be within the control of Grantee.
e. Communications between Grantee and Subscribers:
i. Notifications to Subscribers:
1. Grantee shall provide written information on each of the following
areas at the time of Installation of service, at least annually to all
Subscribers, and at any time upon request:
a. Products and services offered;
b. Prices and options for all levels, including free
programming services and conditions of subscription to
programming and other services;
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c. Installation and service maintenance policies;
d. Instructions on how to use the Cable Service;
e. Channel positions of the programming carried on the
System; and
f. Billing and complaint procedures, including the address
and telephone number of the Commission's office.
2. Customers will be notified of any changes in rates, programming
services or Channel positions as soon as possible in writing.
Notice must be given to Subscribers a minimum of thirty (30)
Days in advance of such changes if the changes are within the
control of Grantee. In addition, the Grantee shall notify
Subscribers thirty (30) Days in advance of any significant changes
in the other information required by Section 5, Paragraph 3(e)(i)(1)
above. Grantee shall not be required to provide prior notice of any
rate changes as a result of a regulatory fee, Franchise Fee, or other
fees, tax, assessment or charge of any kind imposed by any federal
agency, state or franchising authority on the transaction between
the operator and the Subscriber.
ii. Billing:
1. Bills will be clear, concise and understandable. Bills must be fully
itemized, with itemizations including, but not limited to, basic and
premium service charges and equipment charges. Bills will also
clearly delineate all activity during the billing period, including
optional charges, rebates and credits.
2. In case of a billing dispute, Grantee must respond to a written
complaint from a Subscriber within thirty (30) Days.
iii. Refunds: Refund checks will be issued promptly, but no later than either:
1. The customer’s next billing cycle following resolution of the
request or thirty (30) Days, whichever is earlier, or
2. The return of the equipment supplied by Grantee if service is
terminated.
iv. Credits: Credits for service will be issued no later than the customer’s next
billing cycle following the determination that a credit is warranted.
f. Grantee shall provide the City with a quarterly customer service compliance
report which shall, at a minimum, demonstrate Grantee’s compliance with the
terms and provisions of this Section 5, Paragraph 3 and any additional customer
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service requirements contained in this Franchise, FCC Customer Service
Obligations, and other Applicable Laws, and include a summary by category of
Subscriber complaints summarizing the number and nature of such complaints.
4. Subscriber Contracts. Grantee shall file with Commission any standard form
Subscriber contract utilized by Grantee. If no such written contract exists, Grantee shall
file with the City a document completely and concisely stating the length and terms of the
Subscriber contract offered to customers. The length and terms of any Subscriber
contract(s) shall be available for public inspection during Normal Business Hours.
5. Refund Policy. In the event a Subscriber establishes or terminates service and receives
less than a full month’s service, Grantee shall prorate the monthly rate on the basis of the
number of days in the period for which service was rendered to the number of days in the
billing.
6. Late Fees. Fees for the late payment of bills shall not be assessed by Grantee until after
the service has been fully provided and, then, only if the bill remains unpaid after the
Subscriber is notified of a delinquent balance. Grantee shall comply with Applicable
Laws with respect to any assessment, charge, cost, fee or sum, however characterized,
that Grantee imposes upon a Subscriber for late payment of a bill. The City reserves the
right to enforce Grantee’s compliance with Applicable Laws to the maximum extent
legally permissible.
SECTION 6. LOCAL CHANNELS AND NETWORK DROP PROVISIONS
1. Grantee Support for PEG Access. Grantee shall provide the following support for PEG
access within the Franchise Area:
a. Provision of the Channels designated in Exhibit A of this Agreement for PEG
access programming at no charge in accordance with the requirements of Exhibit
A.
b. Financial support of PEG access and Local Origination programming to the extent
specified in Exhibit A of this Agreement.
c. Continuing technical assistance and support for all PEG Channels, including line
checks, tests, audio/video adjustments, live feeds, and any other technical issues
related to the PEG Channels.
2. Subscriber Network Drops to Designated Buildings.
a. Service to Commission. Grantee will provide the Commission, free of charge and
at no cost to the Commission, complimentary service with the highest level of
standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) Cable Service offered by
Grantee, excluding pay-per-view, pay per channel (premium) programming, high-
speed data services or newly created non-video Cable Services (“Complimentary
Commission Service”). However, Grantee must provide the Commission any
platform that includes the PEG Channels. In addition, the Grantee will also
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provide the Commission, free of charge and at no cost to the Commission, any
equipment necessary to receive these services at a minimum of seven (7)
television sets, which shall include SD, HD, video on demand (VOD), and new
platforms, boxes, devices, remotes, and digital television adapters (DTAs). If
changes in the technology used by the Grantee require additional equipment for
reception of PEG Channels the Grantee shall make such equipment available at to
up to seven (7) television sets free of charge and at no cost to the Commission.
b. Service to City Halls. Grantee shall, free of charge and at no cost to any Member
City or Commission, provide to each Member City’s City Hall Complimentary
Commission Service as defined in Section 6, Paragraph 2.(a) above. The
Complimentary Commission Service for the City Halls shall include all necessary
SD and HD reception equipment for to up to seven (7) television sets at each
Member City’s City Hall (if no City Hall exists, then the location used by the City
as City Hall) as identified on Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Exhibit B may be modified by the Commission from time to time to
accommodate changes in the City/Commission facilities locations. Grantee shall
provide the Complimentary Commission Service so long as these addresses in
Exhibit B are designated as a Qualified Living Unit. Grantee shall comply with
the obligations of this Section 6, Paragraph 2(b) even if the City Hall is served by
another franchised cable communications provider, so long as the City Hall is a
Qualified Living Unit. In the event Grantee is obligated to provide the fiber optic
links required by Exhibit A, Section 11, Grantee agrees it shall simultaneously
complete whatever additional work may be required to ensure that the City Halls
referenced herein are Qualified Living Units.
c. Service to Designated Public Buildings. Grantee shall , free of charge and at no
cost to any Member City or Commission, provide SD Cable Service (currently
Prism Essentials) which, at a minimum, shall include a package of Channels
including all Broadcast and PEG Channels and at least one hundred (100)
additional commercial channels (but not including pay-per-view or premium
Channels, (“Complimentary Public Building Service”) including all necessary SD
and HD reception equipment for to up to three (3) television sets at all other
government buildings, schools and public libraries identified on Exhibit B
attached hereto and made a part hereof. Exhibit B may be modified by the
Commission from time to time to accommodate changes in
city/school/community facilities locations. Grantee shall provide the
Complimentary Public Building Service so long as these addresses in Exhibit B
are designated as a Qualified Living Unit and no other franchised cable
communications provider is providing complimentary service at such location.
However, the City/Commission may determine to disconnect the other franchised
cable communications provider and require Grantee to meet the Complimentary
Public Building Service obligations set forth herein, as determined in the
City’s/Commission’s sole discretion provided the selected location is a Qualified
Living Unit. For purposes of this Section 6, Paragraph 2 (c), “school” means all
State-accredited K-12 public and private schools. Complimentary Public Building
Service provided in accordance with this subsection may be used to distribute
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Cable Services throughout such buildings provided such distribution can be
accomplished without causing Cable System disruption and general technical
standards are maintained. Such outlets may only be used for lawful purposes. If
requested by any buildings receiving Complimentary Public Building Service
under this Section 6, Paragraph 2 (c), Grantee shall provide HD service, at the
difference between the lowest retail rate offered by Grantee in the market for HD
minus the rate for SD service. At such time Grantee no longer offers
programming in standard definition to Subscribers in Commission Franchise
Area, the Grantee shall include high definition service in the Complimentary
Public Building Service free of charge and at no cost to any Member City,
Commission or designated public buildings.
d. Grantee agrees that if any broadband service is required in order to receive the
Complimentary Public Building Service or Complimentary Commission Service
obligations set forth in this Section 6, Paragraph 2 (a, b and c), Grantee will
provide such broadband service free of charge for the sole purpose of facilitating
the provision free Cable Service required by Section 6, Paragraph 2. Grantee
agrees that it will not offset, deduct or reduce its payment of past, present or
future Franchise Fees required as a result of its obligations required by Section 6,
Paragraph 2.
e. Additional Subscriber network Drops and/or outlets in any of the locations
identified on Exhibit B will be installed by Grantee at the lowest actual cost of
Grantee’s time and material consistent with Applicable Law (“Actual Cost”).
Grantee shall provide the Commission with a complete and detailed cost estimate
which shall include Grantee’s Actual Costs for any additional Subscriber network
Drop and/or outlets. Within no more than ninety (90) Days thereafter, the
Commission shall work with institution requesting the additional Subscriber
network Drop and/or outlets and provide Grantee with written approval, if
applicable, to move forward with the additional Subscriber network Drop and/or
outlets. Grantee shall only begin work on construction of the additional
Subscriber network Drop and/or outlets once final approval is received from the
Commission, and Grantee shall complete construction within thirty (30) Days
from the date of approval. Grantee shall bill the institution requesting the
additional Subscriber network Drop and/or outlets its Actual Costs in accordance
with the agreed upon estimate. The terms and conditions of such payment shall
be between the Grantee and the institution. Alternatively, said institutions may
add outlets at their own expense, as long as such Installation meets Grantee’s
standards and approval which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Grantee shall have three (3) months from the date of the City designation to
complete construction of the Drop and/or outlets unless weather or other
conditions beyond the control of Grantee requires more time.
f. Grantee agrees that it will not offset or reduce its payment of past, present or
future Franchise Fees required pursuant to Section 8, Paragraph 3 of this
Franchise, as a result of its obligation to provide the services listed in Section 6,
Paragraph 2 and Exhibit B of this Franchise.
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SECTION 7. INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK (I-NET) PROVISIONS
1. Institutional Network Facilities and Capacity.
a. Grantee acknowledges that the franchise held by the existing franchised cable
communications provider within the Commission Franchise Area includes
obligations for an Institutional Network for the benefit of the Member Cities and
other institutions and to facilitate PEG uses of the I-Net. The Grantee and the
City acknowledge that the public interest would not be served by duplicating
existing I-Net obligations provided under other Cable Service franchises.
b. Grantee agrees that if any other franchised cable communications provider within
the Commission Franchise Area provides additional I-Net obligations as a
condition of a Cable Service franchise, and such condition results in additional
costs incurred by such other franchised cable communications provider, the
Grantee shall meet with the Commission upon request of the Commission to
determine a fair and equitable contribution by the Grantee to proportionately
match said I-Net obligations. If the Commission and Grantee are not able to
reach mutual agreement to resolve this issue, the Grantee and Commission agree
to enter into binding mediation to determine a fair and equitable contribution by
the Grantee to proportionately match (on a per month, per subscriber basis) said I-
Net obligations.
SECTION 8. OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS
1. Delegated-Authority. The City may delegate to any other body or Person authority to
administer the Franchise and to monitor the performance of Grantee pursuant to the
Franchise. Grantee shall cooperate with any such delegates of the City.
2. Administration of Franchise. Commission or any designee thereof shall have
continuing regulatory jurisdiction and supervision over the System and Grantee’s
operation under the Franchise. Commission, or its designee, may issue such reasonable
rules and regulations concerning the construction, operation and maintenance of the
System as are consistent with the provisions of the Franchise and Applicable Law.
3. Franchise Fee.
a. During the term of the Franchise, Grantee shall pay quarterly to the City or its
delegates a Franchise Fee in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of its quarterly
Gross Revenues.
b. Any payments due under this provision shall be payable quarterly. The payments
shall be made on April 30th (1st qtr.) July 31st (2nd qtr.) October 31st (3rd qtr.) and
January 31st (4th qtr.), together with a report showing the basis for the
computation in form and substance substantially the same as Exhibit C attached
hereto.
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c. All amounts paid shall be subject to audit and recomputation by the City and
acceptance of any payment shall not be construed as an accord that the amount
paid is in fact the correct amount.
d. Any Franchise Fees owing pursuant to this Franchise which remain unpaid after
the due dates specified herein shall be delinquent and shall thereafter immediately
begin to accrue interest at twelve percent (12%) per annum or two percent (2%)
above prime lending rate as quoted by the Wall Street Journal, whichever is
greater.
4. Not Franchise Fees.
a. Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Franchisee Fees payable by Grantee to
the City pursuant to this section shall take precedence over all other payments,
contributions, services, equipment, facilities, support, resources or other activities
to be provided or performed by Grantee pursuant to this Franchise and that the
Franchise Fees provided for in this section of the Franchise shall not be deemed to
be in the nature of a tax, and shall be in addition to any and all taxes of general
applicability and other fees and charges which do not fall within the definition of
a Franchise Fee under 47 U.S.C. § 542.
b. Grantee shall not apply or seek to apply or make any claim that all or any part of
the Franchise Fees or other payments or contributions to be made by Grantee to
the City pursuant to this Franchise shall be deducted from or credited or offset
against any taxes, fees or assessments or general applicability levied or imposed
by the City or any other governmental authority, including any such tax, fee or
assessment imposed on both utilities and cable operators or their services that
does not fall within the definition of a Franchise Fee under 47 U.S.C. § 542.
c. Grantee shall not apply or seek to apply all or any part of any taxes, fees or
assessments of general applicability levied or imposed by the City or any other
governmental authority (including any such tax, fee or assessment imposed on
both utilities and cable operators or their services) that do not fall within the
definition of a Franchise Fee under 47 U.S.C. § 542 as a deduction or other credit
from or against any of the Franchise Fees or other payments or contributions to be
paid or made by Grantee to the City pursuant to this Franchise which shall be
deemed to be separate and distinct obligations of Grantee.
5. Access to Records. The City shall have the right to inspect, upon reasonable notice and
during Normal Business Hours, or require Grantee to provide within a reasonable time,
copies of any records maintained by Grantee which relate to System operations including
specifically Grantee’s accounting and financial records related to Cable Service.
6. Reports and Maps to be Filed with the City.
a. Grantee shall prepare and furnish to the City, at the times and in the form
prescribed, such other reasonable reports with respect to Grantee’s operations
pursuant to this Franchise as the City may require.
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b. Subject to reasonable confidentiality protections pursuant to Section 13,
Paragraph 10 herein, Grantee shall, if required by Commission, make available to
the Commission maps, plats, and records of the location and character of all
facilities constructed, including underground facilities, and Grantee shall make
available to the Commission updates of such maps, plats and records annually if
changes have been made in the System.
7. Periodic Evaluation.
a. The City may require evaluation sessions at any time during the term of this
Franchise, but in no event more than once per calendar year, upon thirty (30)
Days written notice to Grantee.
b. Topics which may be discussed at any evaluation session may include, but are not
limited to, application of new technologies, System performance, programming
offered, access Channels, facilities and support, Subscriber rates, customer
complaints, amendments to this Franchise, judicial rulings, FCC rulings, and any
other topics the City deems relevant.
c. As a result of a periodic review or evaluation session, upon notification from the
City, Grantee shall meet with the City and undertake good faith efforts to reach
agreement on changes and modifications to the terms and conditions of the
Franchise which are legally, economically and technically feasible.
SECTION 9. GENERAL FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE PROVISIONS
1. Performance Bond.
a. Upon the Effective Date of this Franchise and at all times thereafter, the City
reserves the right to impose on Grantee an obligation to file with Commission, on
behalf of all Member Cities, a bond in the amount of One Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($100,000.00) in a form and with such sureties as reasonably acceptable
to Commission. This bond will be conditioned upon the faithful performance by
the Grantee of its Franchise obligations and upon the further condition that in the
event Grantee shall fail to comply with any law, ordinance or regulation
governing the Franchise, there shall be recoverable jointly and severally from the
principal and surety of the bond any damages or loss suffered by the City as a
result, including the full amount of any compensation, indemnification or cost of
removal or abandonment of any property of Grantee, plus a reasonable allowance
for attorneys’ fees and costs, up to the full amount of the bond, and further
guaranteeing payment by the Grantee of claims, liens and taxes, due the City
which arise by reason of the construction, operation, or maintenance of the
System. The rights reserved by the City with respect to the bond are in addition
to all other rights the City may have under the Franchise or any other law. The
City may, from year to year, in its sole discretion, reduce the amount of the bond.
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b. The City shall provide Grantee thirty (30) Days written notice of its intent to draw
on the performance bond together with the reason for such draw. Grantee shall
have the right to cure or petition for additional time.
c. The time for Grantee to correct any violation or liability, shall be extended by the
City if the necessary action to correct such violation or liability is, in the sole
determination of the City, of such a nature or character as to require more than
thirty (30) Days within which to perform, provided Grantee provides written
notice that it requires more than thirty (30) Days to correct such violations or
liability, commences the corrective action within the thirty (30) Day period and
thereafter uses reasonable diligence to correct the violation or liability.
d. In the event this Franchise is revoked by reason of default of Grantee in
accordance with the procedure set forth in Section 10, the City shall be entitled to
collect from the performance bond that amount which is attributable to any
damages sustained by the City as a result of said default or revocation.
e. Grantee shall be entitled to the return of the performance bond, or portion thereof,
as remains sixty (60) Days after the expiration of the term of the Franchise or
revocation for default thereof, provided the City has not notified Grantee of any
actual or potential damages incurred as a result of Grantee’s operations pursuant
to the Franchise or as a result of said default.
f. The rights reserved to the City with respect to the performance bond are in
addition to all other rights of the City whether reserved by this Franchise or
authorized by law, and no action, proceeding or exercise of a right with respect to
the performance bond shall affect any other right the City may have.
2. Security Fund.
a. Within thirty (30) Days of the Effective Date, Grantee shall provide a letter of
credit in the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) as a common security
fund for the faithful performance by it of all the provisions of this Franchise and
all other franchises which combine to make up the System (hereinafter “Security
Fund”). In compliance with all orders, permits and directions, of any Member
City or Commission and the payment by Grantee of any claim, liens and taxes due
the City which arise by reason of the construction, operation or maintenance of
the System. Interest accrued on this deposit shall be paid to Grantee on a
quarterly basis provided that all requirements of this section have been complied
with by Grantee. Provisions shall be made to permit the Commission to withdraw
funds from the security fund. Grantee shall not use the security fund for other
purposes and shall not assign, pledge, or otherwise use the security fund as
security for any purpose.
b. In addition to recovery of any monies owed by Grantee to the City or any Person
or damages to the City or any Person as a result of any acts or omissions by
Grantee pursuant to the Franchise, the City in its sole discretion, subject to the
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procedure set forth in Section 9, Paragraph 2(d) may charge to and collect from
the security fund the following penalties:
i. For failure to comply with Section 2, Paragraphs 8, 9, 10 and 12 related to
system build out, unless the City approves the delay, the penalty shall be
$500.00 per Day for each Day, or part thereof, such failure occurs or
continues.
ii. For failure to provide data, documents, reports or information or to
cooperate with the City during an application process or system review or
as otherwise provided herein, the penalty shall be $250.00 per Day for
each Day, or part thereof, such failure occurs or continues.
iii. Fifteen (15) Days following notice from the City of a failure of Grantee to
comply with construction, operation or maintenance standards, the penalty
shall be $500.00 per Day for each Day, or part thereof, such failure occurs
or continues.
iv. For failure to provide the services Grantee has proposed, including, but
not limited to, the implementation and the utilization of the PEG Channels
and the maintenance and/or replacement of the equipment and other
facilities, the penalty shall be $500.00 per Day for each Day, or part
thereof, such failure occurs or continues.
v. For Grantee’s breach of any written contract or agreement with or to the
City or its designee, the penalty shall be $500.00 per Day for each Day, or
part thereof, such breach occurs or continues.
vi. For failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Franchise, or other
Applicable Laws for which a penalty is not otherwise specifically
provided pursuant to this Paragraph (b), the penalty shall be $250.00 per
Day for each Day, or part thereof, such failure occurs or continues.
c. Each violation of any provision of this Franchise shall be considered a separate
violation for which a separate penalty can be imposed.
d. Whenever the City finds that Grantee has violated one or more terms, conditions
or provisions of this Franchise, or for any other violation contemplated in
Subparagraph b. above, a written notice shall be given to Grantee informing it of
such violation. At any time after thirty (30) Days (or such longer reasonable time
which, in the sole determination of the City, is necessary to cure the alleged
violation) following local receipt of notice, provided Grantee remains in violation
of one or more terms, conditions or provisions of this Franchise, in the sole
opinion of the City, the City may draw from the security fund all penalties and
other monies due the City from the date of the local receipt of notice.
e. Grantee may, within seven (7) Days of receipt of such written notice, notify the
City in writing that there is a dispute as to whether a violation or failure has in
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fact occurred. Such written notice by Grantee to the City shall specify with
particularity the matters disputed by Grantee. The City shall hear Grantee’s
dispute within sixty (60) Days and render a final decision within sixty (60) Days
thereafter.
f. If Grantee does not dispute the alleged violation or upon the determination of the
City that a violation has taken place, subject to Grantee’s right to seek any
applicable judicial review, the City may draw from the security fund an amount to
cover any failure of Grantee to pay penalties accrued but unpaid after seven (7)
Days written notice of such final determination.
g. If said security fund or any subsequent security fund delivered pursuant thereto
expires prior to thirty (30) months after the expiration of the term of this
Franchise, it shall be renewed or replaced during the term of this Franchise to
provide that it will not expire earlier than thirty (30) months after the expiration of
this Franchise. The renewed or replaced security fund shall be of the same form
and with a bank authorized herein and for the full amount stated in Paragraph a. of
this section.
h. If the City draws upon the security fund or any subsequent security fund delivered
pursuant hereto, in whole or in part, Grantee shall replace or replenish to its full
amount the same within ten (10) Days and shall deliver to the City a like
replacement security fund or certification of replenishment for the full amount
stated in Paragraph (a) of this section as a substitution of the previous security
fund. This shall be a continuing obligation for any draws upon the security fund.
i. If any security fund is not so replaced or replenished, the City may draw on said
security fund for the whole amount thereof and use the proceeds as the City
determines in its sole discretion. The failure to replace or replenish any security
fund may also, at the option of the City and/or Commission, be deemed a default
by Grantee under this Franchise. The drawing on the security fund by the City,
and use of the money so obtained for payment or performance of the obligations,
duties and responsibilities of Grantee which are in default, shall not be a waiver or
release of such default.
j. The collection by the City of any damages, monies or penalties from the security
fund shall not affect any other right or remedy available to the City, nor shall any
act, or failure to act, by the City pursuant to the security fund, be deemed a waiver
of any right of the City pursuant to this Franchise or otherwise.
3. Liability Insurance.
a. Upon the Effective Date, Grantee shall, at its sole expense take out and maintain
during the term of this Franchise public liability insurance with a company
licensed to do business in the state of Minnesota with a rating by A.M. Best & Co.
of not less than “A” that shall protect Grantee, Commission, the City and the
Commission’s and the City’s officials, officers, directors, employees and agents
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from claims which may arise from operations under this Franchise, whether such
operations be by Grantee, its officials, officers, directors, employees and agents or
any subcontractors of Grantee. This liability insurance shall include, but shall not
be limited to, protection against claims arising from bodily and personal injury
and damage to property, resulting from Grantee’s vehicles, products and
operations. The amount of insurance for single limit coverage applying to bodily
and personal injury and property damage shall not be less than Three Million
Dollars ($3,000,000.00). The following shall be included in the certificate:
i. The policy shall provide coverage on an “occurrence” basis.
ii. The policy shall cover personal injury as well as bodily injury.
iii. Broad form property damage liability shall be afforded.
The following endorsements shall be attached to the liability policy:
i. The City shall be listed as an additional insured on the policy.
ii. An endorsement shall be provided which states that the coverage is
primary insurance subject to the indemnification clause and that no other
insurance maintained by the Grantee will be called upon to contribute to a
loss under this coverage.
iii. Standard form of cross-liability shall be afforded.
iv. An endorsement stating that the policy shall not be canceled without thirty
(30) Days’ notice of such cancellation given to the City.
b. Grantee shall submit to the City documentation of the required insurance,
including a certificate of insurance signed by the insurance agent and companies
named, as well as all properly executed endorsements.
4. Indemnification.
a. Grantee shall indemnify, defend and hold the City and Commission, its officers,
boards, commissions, agents and employees (collectively the “Indemnified
Parties”) harmless from and against any and all lawsuits, claims, causes or action,
actions, liabilities, demands, damages, judgments, settlements, disability, losses,
expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and disbursements of counsel) and
costs of any nature that any of the Indemnified Parties may at any time suffer,
sustain or incur arising out of, based upon or in any way connected with the
Grantee’s operations, the exercise of the Franchise, the breach of Grantee of its
obligations under this Franchise and/or the activities of Grantee, it subcontractor,
employees and agents hereunder. Grantee shall be solely responsible for and shall
indemnify, defend and hold the Indemnified Parties harmless from and against
any and all matters relative to payment of Grantee’s employees, including
compliance with Social Security and withholdings.
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b. The indemnification obligations of Grantee set forth in this Franchise are not
limited in any way by the amount or type of damages or compensation payable by
or for Grantee under Workers’ Compensation, disability or other employee
benefit acts, acceptance of insurance certificates required under this Franchise or
the terms, applicability or limitations of any insurance held by Grantee.
c. The City and/or Commission does not, and shall not, waive any rights against
Grantee which it may have by reason of the indemnification provided for in this
Franchise, because of the acceptance by the City, or the deposit with the City by
Grantee, of any of the insurance policies described in this Franchise.
d. The indemnification of the City and Commission by Grantee provided for in this
Franchise shall apply to all damages and claims for damages of any kind suffered
by reason of any of Grantee’s operations referred to in this Franchise, regardless
of whether or not such insurance policies shall have been determined to be
applicable to any such damages or claims for damages.
e. Grantee shall not be required to indemnify the City and Commission for
negligence or misconduct on the part of the City and the Commission or its
officials, boards, commissions, agents, or employees, including any loss claims
related to public access Channels in which the City and/or Commission
participate subject to applicable state and federal statutory limitations.
f. Grantee shall contemporaneously with this Franchise execute an Indemnity
Agreement in a form acceptable to the City, attached hereto as Exhibit D, which
shall indemnify, defend and hold the City harmless for any claim for injury,
damage, loss, liability, cost or expense, including court and appeal costs and
reasonable attorneys’ fees or reasonable expenses arising out of the actions of the
City in granting this Franchise. This obligation includes any claims by another
franchised cable operator against the City that the terms and conditions of this
Franchise are less burdensome than another franchise granted by the City or that
this Franchise does not satisfy the requirements of applicable federal, state, or
local law(s).
5. Grantee’s Insurance. Grantee shall not commence any Cable System reconstruction
work or permit any subcontractor to commence work until all insurance required under
this Franchise has been obtained. Said insurance shall be maintained in full force and
effect until the expiration of this Franchise.
SECTION 10. SALE, ABANDONMENT, TRANSFER AND REVOCATION OF
FRANCHISE
1. City’s Right to Revoke.
a. In addition to all other rights which the City has pursuant to law or equity, the
City reserves the right to commence proceedings to revoke, terminate or cancel
this Franchise, and all rights and privileges pertaining thereto, if it is determined
by the City that:
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i. Grantee has violated material provisions(s) of this Franchise; or
ii. Grantee has attempted to evade any of the provisions of the Franchise; or
iii. Grantee has practiced fraud or deceit upon the City.
b. The City may revoke this Franchise without the hearing otherwise required herein
if Grantee is adjudged to be bankrupt.
2. Procedures for Revocation.
a. The City and/or Commission shall provide Grantee with written notice of a cause
for revocation and the intent to revoke and shall allow Grantee thirty (30) Days
subsequent to receipt of the notice in which to correct the violation or to provide
adequate assurance of performance in compliance with the Franchise. In the
notice required therein, the City and/or Commission shall provide Grantee with
the basis of the revocation.
b. Grantee shall be provided the right to a public hearing affording due process
before the City Council and/or Commission prior to the Effective Date of
revocation, which public hearing shall follow the thirty (30) Day notice provided
in subparagraph (a) above. The City and/or Commission shall provide Grantee
with written notice of its decision together with written findings of fact
supplementing said decision.
c. Only after the public hearing and upon written notice of the determination by the
City to revoke the Franchise may Grantee appeal said decision with an
appropriate state or federal court or agency.
d. During the appeal period, the Franchise shall remain in full force and effect unless
the term thereof sooner expires or unless continuation of the Franchise would
endanger the health, safety and welfare of any Person or the public.
3. Abandonment of Service. Grantee may not abandon the System or any portion thereof
without having first given three (3) months written notice to the City and/or Commission.
Grantee shall at all times comply with Minnesota Rules Chapter 7819 regarding any
abandonment of the System. Grantee may not abandon the System or any portion thereof
without compensating the City for damages resulting from the abandonment, including
all costs incident to removal of the System.
4. Removal after Abandonment, Termination or Forfeiture.
a. In the event of termination or forfeiture of the Franchise or abandonment of the
System, the City shall have the right to require Grantee to remove all or any
portion of the System, used exclusively for the provision of Cable Service, from
all Rights-of-Way and public property within the City consistent with Minnesota
Rules Chapter 7819.
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b. If Grantee has failed to commence removal of System, if used exclusively for the
provision of Cable Service, or such part thereof as was designated by the City,
within thirty (30) Days after written notice of the City’s demand for removal
consistent with Minnesota Rules Chapter 7819, is given, or if Grantee has failed
to complete such removal within twelve (12) months after written notice of the
City’s demand for removal is given, the City shall have the right to apply funds
secured by the security fund and performance bond toward removal and/or
declare all right, title, and interest to the System, to the extent it is used
exclusively for the provision of Cable Service, to be held by the City with all
rights of ownership including, but not limited to, the right to operate the System
or transfer the System to another for operation by it.
5. Sale or Transfer of Franchise.
a. No sale or transfer of the Franchise, or sale, transfer, or fundamental corporate
change of or in Grantee, including, but not limited to, a fundamental corporate
change in Grantee’s parent corporation or any entity having a controlling interest
in Grantee, the sale of a controlling interest in the Grantee’s assets, a merger,
including the merger of a subsidiary and parent entity, consolidation, or the
creation of a subsidiary or Affiliate entity, shall take place until a written request
has been filed with the City requesting approval and such approval has been
granted or deemed granted; provided, however, that said approval shall not be
required where Grantee grants a security interest in its Franchise and/or assets to
secure an indebtedness.
b. Any sale, transfer, exchange or assignment of stock in Grantee, or Grantee’s
parent corporation or any other entity having a controlling interest in Grantee, so
as to create a new controlling interest therein, shall be subject to the requirements
of this Section 10, Paragraph 5. The term “controlling interest” as used herein is
not limited to majority stock ownership, but includes actual working control in
whatever manner exercised.
c. The Grantee shall file, in addition to all documents, forms and information
required to be filed by Applicable Law, the following:
i. All contracts, agreements or other documents that constitute the proposed
transaction and all exhibits, attachments, or other documents referred to
therein which are necessary in order to understand the terms thereof
(Confidential, trade, business, pricing or marketing information, or
information not otherwise publicly available may be redacted) pursuant to
the Procedures for Handling Trade Secret and Privileged Data to be
adopted by the Commission.
ii. A list detailing all documents filed with any state or federal agency related
to the transaction including, but not limited to, the MPUC, the FCC, the
FTC, the FEC, the SEC or MNDOT. Upon request, Grantee shall provide
the City with a complete copy of any such document.
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d. The City shall have such time as is permitted by federal law in which to review a
transfer request.
e. Grantee shall reimburse the City for all reasonable legal, administrative, and
consulting costs and fees associated with the City’s review of any request to
transfer. Nothing herein shall prevent Grantee from negotiating partial or
complete payment of such costs and fees by the transferee. Grantee may not
itemize any such reimbursement on Subscriber bills, but may recover such
expenses in its Subscriber rates if permitted by Applicable Laws.
f. In no event shall a sale, transfer, corporate change, or assignment of ownership or
control pursuant to this Section 10, Paragraph 5 (a) or (b), be approved without
the transferee becoming a signatory to this Franchise and assuming all rights and
obligations thereunder, and assuming all other rights and obligations of the
transferor to the City including, but not limited to, any adequate guarantees or
other security instruments provided by the transferor.
g. In the event of any proposed sale, transfer, corporate change, or assignment
pursuant to this Section 10, Paragraph 5 (a) or (b), the City shall have the right to
purchase the System for the value of the consideration proposed in such
transaction. The Cit y’s right to purchase shall arise upon the City’s receipt of
notice of the material terms of an offer or proposal for sale, transfer, corporate
change, or assignment, which Grantee has accepted. Notice of such offer or
proposal must be conveyed to the City in writing and be separate from any
general announcement of the transaction.
h. The City shall be deemed to have waived its right to purchase the System
pursuant to this section only in the following circumstances:
i. If the City does not indicate to Grantee in writing, within sixty (60) Days
of receipt of written notice of a proposed sale, transfer, corporate change,
or assignment as contemplated in Section 10, Paragraph 5 (g) above its
intention to exercise its right of purchase; or
ii. It approves the assignment or sale of the Franchise as provided within this
section.
i. No Franchise may be transferred if the City determines Grantee is in
noncompliance with the Franchise unless an acceptable compliance program has
been approved by the City. The approval of any transfer of ownership pursuant to
this section shall not be deemed to waive any rights of the City to subsequently
enforce noncompliance issues relating to this Franchise even if such issues
predated the approval, whether known or unknown to the City.
j. Upon notice to Commission, Grantee may undertake legal changes necessary to
consolidate the corporate or partnership structures of its Minnesota Systems
provided there is no change in the controlling interests which could materially
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alter the financial responsibilities for the Grantee and such changes do not
otherwise trigger review under Minnesota Statutes Section 238.083.
SECTION 11. PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS
1. Discriminatory Practices Prohibited. Grantee shall not deny service, deny access, or
otherwise discriminate against Subscribers or general citizens on the basis of race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, age, status as to public assistance, or disability. Grantee
shall comply at all times with all other Applicable Laws relating to nondiscrimination.
2. Subscriber Privacy. Grantee shall, at all times, comply with Applicable Laws regarding
Subscriber privacy, including but not limited to 47 U.S.C. § 551.
SECTION 12. UNAUTHORIZED CONNECTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS
1. Unauthorized Connections or Modifications Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any
firm, Person, group, company, corporation, or governmental body or agency, without the
express consent of the Grantee, to make or possess, or assist anybody in making or
possessing, any unauthorized connection, extension, or division, whether physically,
acoustically, inductively, electronically or otherwise, with or to any segment of the
System or receive services of the System without Grantee’s authorization.
2. Removal or Destruction Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any firm, Person, group,
company, or corporation to willfully interfere, tamper, remove, obstruct, or damage, or
assist thereof, any part or segment of the System for any purpose whatsoever, except for
any rights the City and the Commission may have pursuant to this Franchise or its police
powers.
SECTION 13. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
1. Franchise Renewal. Any renewal of this Franchise shall be performed in accordance
with Applicable Law. The term of any renewed Franchise shall be limited to a period no
longer than allowed by Applicable Law.
2. Work of Contractors and Subcontractors. Work by contractors and subcontractors is
subject to the same restrictions, limitations and conditions as if the work were performed
by Grantee. Grantee shall be responsible for all work performed by its contractors and
subcontractors, and others performing work on its behalf as if the work were performed
by it and shall ensure that all such work is performed in compliance with this Franchise,
the City Code and other Applicable Law, and shall be jointly and severally liable for all
damages and correcting all damage caused by them. It is Grantee’s responsibility to
ensure that contractors, subcontractors or other Persons performing work on Grantee’s
behalf are familiar with the requirements of this Franchise, the City Code and other
Applicable Laws governing the work performed by them.
3. Amendment of Franchise Ordinance. Grantee and the City may mutually agree, from
time to time, to amend this Franchise. Such written amendments may be made
subsequent to a review session pursuant to Section 8, Paragraph 7 or at any other time if
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the City and Grantee agree that such an amendment will be in the public interest or if
such an amendment is required due to changes in federal, state or local laws; provided,
however, nothing herein shall restrict the City’s exercise of its police powers.
4. Force Majeure. In the event that either party is prevented or delayed in the performance
of any of its obligations, under this Franchise by reason of acts of God, floods, fire,
hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other unavoidable casualties, insurrection, war,
riot, vandalism, strikes, sabotage, or any other similar event beyond the reasonable
control of that party, it shall have a reasonable time under the circumstances to perform
such obligation under this Franchise, or to procure a substitute for such obligation to the
reasonable satisfaction of the other party.
5. Compliance with Federal, State and Local Laws.
a. The terms of this Franchise shall govern Grantee’s performance under this
Franchise except where federal or state laws or regulation preempt such local
regulation. In such cases the applicable federal or state laws or regulations shall
govern Grantee’s performance under this Franchise.
b. If any federal or state law or regulation shall require or permit the City or Grantee
to perform any service or act or shall prohibit the City or Grantee from
performing any service or act which may be in conflict with the terms of this
Franchise, then as soon as possible following knowledge thereof, either party
shall notify the other of the point in conflict believed to exist between such law or
regulation. Grantee and the City shall conform to state laws and rules regarding
cable communications not later than one (1) year after they become effective,
unless otherwise stated, and conform to federal laws and regulations regarding
cable as they become effective.
c. If the Commission and Grantee do not agree that a material provision of this
Franchise is affected by such federal or state law or regulation, then either the
Commission or Grantee shall have the right to seek review of the provision in
question as permitted by Applicable Laws.
d. If any term, condition or provision of this Franchise or the application thereof to
any Person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be held to be invalid or
unenforceable, the remainder hereof and the application of such term, condition or
provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to whom it shall be held
invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby, and this Franchise and all
the terms, provisions and conditions hereof shall, in all other respects, continue to
be effective and complied with provided the loss of the invalid or unenforceable
clause does not substantially alter the agreement between the parties. In the event
such law, rule or regulation is subsequently repealed, rescinded, amended or
otherwise changed so that the provision which had been held invalid or modified
is no longer in conflict with the law, rules and regulations then in effect, said
provision shall thereupon return to full force and effect and shall thereafter be
binding on Grantee and the City.
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6. Non-enforcement by the City. Grantee shall not be relieved of its obligations to comply
with any of the provisions of this Franchise by reason of any failure or delay of the City
to enforce prompt compliance. The City may only waive its rights hereunder by
expressly so stating in writing. Any such written waiver by the City of a breach or
violation of any provision of this Franchise shall not operate as or be construed to be a
waiver of any subsequent breach or violation.
7. Rights Cumulative. All rights and remedies given to the City by this Franchise or
retained by the City herein shall be in addition to and cumulative with any and all other
rights and remedies, existing or implied, now or hereafter available to the City, at law or
in equity, and such rights and remedies shall not be exclusive, but each and every right
and remedy specifically given by this Franchise or otherwise existing or given may be
exercised from time to time and as often and in such order as may be deemed expedient
by the City 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.
8. Grantee Acknowledgment of Validity of Franchise.
a. Grantee acknowledges that it has had an opportunity to review the terms and
conditions of this Franchise and that under current law Grantee believes that said
terms and conditions are not unreasonable or arbitrary, and that Grantee believes
the City has the power to make the terms and conditions contained in this
Franchise. Except as provided in Section 13, Paragraph 4 of this Franchise,
Grantee agrees that it will not, at any time, set up against the City or the
Commission in any claim or proceeding, any condition or term of the Franchise as
unreasonable, arbitrary, void as of the Effective Date of this Franchise or that the
City or the Commission had no power or authority to make such term or
condition.
b. In the case of any dispute or question as to the meaning, interpretation, or
application of any term, provision, or condition of this Franchise, the City, in its
reasonable discretion, shall promptly resolve such dispute or question.
9. Commission. In the event the City lawfully withdraws from the Commission, any reference
to the Commission in this Franchise shall thereafter be deemed a reference to the City and the
rights and obligations related thereto shall, where possible, accrue to the City pursuant to a
transition agreement to be negotiated at such time by and between the City and the
Commission.
10. Confidential and Trade Secret Information. The Commission shall follow, all
Applicable Laws and procedures for protecting any confidential and trade secret
information of Grantee that may be provided to Commission. Grantee shall not be
relieved of its obligation to provide information or data required under this Franchise
simply because the Commission may not be able to guarantee its confidentiality. Grantee
acknowledges that the Commission shall at all times comply with the Minnesota Data
Practices Act (“MDPA”) related to the release of information and nothing herein shall be
read to modify the Commission’s obligations under the MDPA.
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SECTION 14. PUBLICATION EFFECTIVE DATE; ACCEPTANCE AND
EXHIBITS
1. Publication, Effective Date. This Franchise shall be published in accordance with
applicable local and Minnesota law. The Effective Date of this Franchise shall be the
date set forth in the definition Section 1, Paragraph 2 (o).
2. Acceptance.
a. Grantee shall accept this Franchise within thirty (30) Days of its enactment by the
City Council, unless the time for acceptance is extended by the City. Such
acceptance by the Grantee shall be deemed the grant of this Franchise for all
purposes. In the event acceptance does not take place, or should all ordinance
adoption procedures, timelines and payments not be completed, this Franchise and
any and all rights granted hereunder to Grantee shall be null and void. The
Commission’s “Notice of Intent to Consider an Application for a Franchise”
(“Notice”) provided, consistent with Minn. Stat. 238.081 subd. 8, that applicants
would be required to reimburse the Commission for all necessary costs of
processing a cable communications franchise. Grantee submitted an application
fee with its application to the Commission. The Notice further provided that any
unused portion of the application fee would be returned and any additional fees
required to process the application and franchise, beyond the application fee,
would be assessed to the successful applicant. The Grantee shall therefore submit
to the Commission at the time of acceptance of this Franchise, a check made
payable to the Commission for all additional fees and costs incurred by the
Commission. Within thirty (30) Days of each Member Cities’ approval, the
Commission shall provide Grantee with a letter specifying such additional costs.
The Commission shall provide Grantee with a letter specifying such additional
costs following approval of this Franchise by each Member City.
b. Upon acceptance of this Franchise, Grantee and the City shall be bound by all the
terms and conditions contained herein.
c. Grantee shall accept this Franchise in the following manner:
i. This Franchise will be properly executed and acknowledged by Grantee
and delivered to the City.
ii. With its acceptance, Grantee shall also deliver any grant payments,
performance bond and insurance certificates, and guaranties, as required
herein that have not previously been delivered.
Passed and adopted this_____ day of ____________, 2016.
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ATTEST: CITY OF ___________, MINNESOTA
By: By:
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
Name: Name:
PRINTED/TYPED NAME PRINTED/TYPED NAME
Its: Its:
TITLE TITLE
[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK;
SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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ACCEPTED: This Franchise is accepted, and we agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.
QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES, INC.
D/B/A CENTURYLINK
Date: , 2016 By: SIGNATURE
Name: PRINTED/TYPED
Its: TITLE
SWORN TO BEFORE ME this
___ day of ___________, 2016.
NOTARY PUBLIC
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EXHIBIT A
GRANTEE COMMITMENT TO PEG ACCESS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
1. Public, Educational and Government (PEG) Access Channels.
a. Upon the Effective Date of this Franchise, Grantee shall make seven (7) video
Channels available exclusively for noncommercial PEG use (“PEG Channels”).
The PEG Channels shall be dedicated for PEG use for the term of the Franchise.
SD PEG Channels shall be carried on Channels 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 on
Grantee’s Cable System unless the parties mutually agree to PEG Channel
relocation.
b. Grantee shall configure the Cable System to allow PEG programming on the PEG
Channels to be discretely distributed (Narrowcast) to individual Member Cities
via designated node sites. The City and Grantee acknowledge that programming
may not be discretely distributed to one hundred percent (100%) of the City due
to the location of particular node sites and configuration of the Cable System.
c. PEG Channels will be grouped with like Channels (for example SD Channel line-
up and HD Channel line-up) in the lowest cost SD and HD tier, and will be
located adjacent to broadcast channels and other basic mainstream cable/satellite
Channels.
d. After January 1, 2016 and with at least one hundred eighty (180) Day advance
written notice to Grantee, the City shall have the right to require that Grantee
carry one (1) of the PEG Channels in both SD and HD format equivalent to the
broadcast channels and commercial cable/satellite Channels carried by the
Grantee on its Cable System. The City shall have the sole discretion to determine
which of its Channels will be provided in HD without the addition of mandates or
content restrictions imposed by Grantee. HD resolution will be equivalent to the
resolution used in Grantee’s HD tier. Grantee will continue to carry the PEG
Channels in SD format in addition to HD format as long as there are SD Channels
in Grantee’s Basic Cable Service tier. If Grantee discontinues carriage of SD
Channels, all of the PEG Channels shall be carried in HD format.
e. After January 1, 2017 and with at least one hundred eighty (180) Day advance
written notice to Grantee (which notice may be sent no sooner than July 1, 2016),
the City shall have the right to require that Grantee carry up to two (2) additional
PEG Channels (for a total of three (3) PEG Channels) in both SD and HD in
accordance with the technical and other requirements of subparagraph 1 (d)
above.
f. After January 1, 2018 and with at least one hundred eighty (180) Day advance
written notice to Grantee (which notice may be sent no sooner than July 1, 2017),
the City shall have the right to require that Grantee carry up to two (2) additional
PEG Channels (for a total of five (5) PEG Channels) in both SD and HD in
accordance with the technical and other requirements of subparagraph (d) above.
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g. After January 1, 2019 and with at least one hundred eighty (180) Day advance
written notice to Grantee (which notice may be sent no sooner than July 1, 2018),
the City shall have the right to require that Grantee carry up to two (2) additional
PEG Channels (for a total of seven (7) PEG Channels) in both SD and HD in
accordance with the technical and other requirements of subparagraph (d) above.
2. NDC4 Mosaic Channel Alternative. In lieu of the requirements set forth in this Exhibit
A paragraph 1 (a-g) above, Grantee may instead elect to comply with the following
requirements which shall be met no later than one hundred twenty (120) Days from the
date the Commission adopts a resolution recommending approval of the Franchise by the
Member Cities.
a. Grantee shall provide seven (7) PEG Channels in both HD and SD and shall not
reduce the number of PEG Channels unless directed by the Commission.
b. Grantee shall use designated Channels in its Channel lineup as a means to provide
ease of access by Subscribers to the group of PEG Channels placed consecutively
on Channel numbers as agreed upon herein. This use of one (1) or more Channels
to access the group of seven (7) PEG Channels required under this Franchise shall
be referred to as the “NDC4 Mosaic Channel.” The NDC4 Mosaic Channel shall
display the group of PEG Channels on a single Channel screen and serve as a
navigation tool for Subscribers. The NDC4 Mosaic Channel shall allow
Subscribers to navigate directly from a designated Channel to any of the seven (7)
PEG Channels requested in a single operation (with one click, or, in one step)
without any intermediate steps to a chosen PEG Channel in the group.
c. Grantee shall use Channel 31 as the SD NDC4 Mosaic Channel and Channel 1031
as the HD NDC4 Mosaic Channel to access the PEG Channels required under this
Franchise. The group of seven (7) consecutive PEG Channels residing at higher
Channel numbers will retain Channel names and identity numbers 14-21 for
marketing purposes, unless approved by the Commission, and will have the final
two (2) digits matching with the current Basic Cable Service tier Channels 14-21.
The designated Channels shall be as follows: 8414, 8415, 8416, 8418, 8419, 8420,
and 8421 for SD PEG Channels and 8914, 8915, 8916, 8918, 8919, 8920, and
8921 for HD PEG Channels. Grantee shall not include any other programming or
Channels on the NDC4 Mosaic Channel unless the Commission provides advance
written consent.
d. When using the NDC4 Mosaic Channel, Subscribers shall be directed to the
requested PEG Channel in HD format if appropriate to the Subscriber’s level of
service; otherwise, the Subscriber shall be directed to the SD PEG Channel.
e. Grantee shall consult with the Commission to determine how the PEG Channel
information is displayed on the NDC4 Mosaic Channel. The NDC4 Mosaic
Channel shall have the same video and audio Signal strength, Signal quality, and
navigational functionality equivalent to every other commercial Mosaic Channel
carried by the Grantee on its Cable System.
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f. As the Grantee innovates and improves the functionality and interactivity and/or
adds capability for personalization of the Mosaics, the Grantee will provide the
same navigational, interactive and personalization features for the NDC4 Mosaic
Channel as are available to Subscribers for every other commercial Mosaic
Channel. (For example, if a Subscriber has the capability to add selected sports or
news Channels to the Sports or News Mosaics, then the Subscriber shall also be
able to add a PEG Channel to any of the Mosaics.)
g. If through technology changes or innovation in the future, the Grantee
discontinues the use of Mosaic presentations for other Channels including
broadcast channels and commercial cable/satellite Channels (such as the News
Mosaic, the Sports Mosaic, and/or the Children’s Mosaic), then Grantee will
either continue to support the NDC4 Mosaic Channel as determined in the
Commission’s sole discretion or reach mutual agreement with the Commission
regarding how to accommodate the NDC4 Mosaic Channel to ensure PEG
Channels are treated no less favorably than commercial channels provided by
Grantee. In all cases Grantee shall maintain Channels 31and 1031 for use by the
Commission for PEG purposes.
3. PEG Technical Quality.
a. The City may not request additional Channel capacity beyond the seven (7) PEG
Channels in both SD and HD except in accordance with Applicable Laws. The
City shall be responsible for all programming requirements, including but not
limited to scheduling, playback, training, staffing, copyright clearances, and
equipment, maintenance and repair, on the PEG Channels.
b. The Grantee shall provide all PEG Channels on the Basic Cable Service tier or the
lowest cost tier of service throughout the life of the Franchise. Grantee shall at all
times provide the PEG Channels to any Person who subscribes to any level of
cable Video Programming service, and otherwise in accordance with Applicable
Laws. The Grantee shall not charge for use of the PEG Channels, equipment,
facilities or services.
c. The City shall establish rules and procedures for PEG Channel scheduling in
accordance with Section 611 of the Cable Act (47 U.S.C. § 531).
d. Grantee will deliver PEG Channels to Subscribers with video and audio Signal
strength, signal quality, and functionality equivalent to every other broadcast
channel and commercial cable/satellite channels carried by the Grantee on its
Cable System. Grantee agrees that Subscribers will not be required to obtain or
pay for any additional equipment required solely to receive the PEG Channels.
e. Grantee shall carry all components of the SD and HD PEG access signals
provided by the City and Commission, including but not limited to, closed
captioning, multichannel television sound, Channel recording or DVR capability,
last Channel capability, active format description, and any captioning or text
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signals which are inserted by Commission or passed-through by Commission on
its PEG Channels and other elements associated with the PEG programming.
Grantee shall not be required to carry a PEG Channel in a higher quality format
than that of the signal delivered to Grantee, but Grantee shall distribute all PEG
Channels without degradation.
f. The Commission shall provide PEG Channels audio and video signals to the
Grantee in a format approved by Commission. Grantee shall obtain PEG
Channels at point of origin chosen and approved by Commission (currently the
master control room located at 5845 Blaine Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN).
g. All PEG Channels must be receivable by Subscribers without special expense in
addition to the expense paid to receive commercial services the Subscriber
receives. The City and Commission acknowledge that HD programming may
require the viewer to have special viewer equipment (such as an HDTV and an
HD-capable digital device/receiver), but any Subscriber who can view an HD
signal delivered via the Cable System at a receiver shall also be able to view the
HD PEG Channels at that receiver, without additional charges or equipment. By
agreeing to make PEG Channels available in HD format, Grantee is not agreeing
to provide free HD equipment to Subscribers, or to modify its equipment or
pricing policies in any manner. The City and Commission acknowledge that not
every Subscriber may be able to view HD PEG programming (for example,
because they do not have an HDTV in their home or have chosen not to take an
HD-capable receiving device from Grantee or other equipment provider) or on
every television in the home. Grantee agrees that any Subscriber shall be able to
view all PEG Channels in SD on any equipment that is not HD capable.
4. Metro Cable Network Channel 6. In addition to the seven (7) PEG Channels Grantee is
required to provide herein, Grantee shall also designate the standard VHF Channel 6 for
uniform regional Channel usage as currently provided by “Metro Cable Network Channel
6” to the extent and under the terms required by Minn. Stat. § 238.43.
5. PEG Operations. The Commission and the City may, in their sole discretion, negotiate
agreements with neighboring jurisdictions served by the same Cable System, educational
institutions or others to share the expenses of supporting the PEG Channels.
6. Title to PEG Equipment. The City shall retain title to all PEG equipment and facilities
purchased or otherwise acquired by the City.
7. PEG Equipment. The Grantee shall provide, at the Grantee's sole cost and expense, all
modulators and any other necessary equipment to permit full and practical utilization
from the Grantee's headend downstream, by conventional technical means, of each PEG
Channel.
8. Relocation of PEG Channels.
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a. Grantee shall not relocate any PEG Channel to a different Channel number unless
specifically required by Applicable Laws or unless otherwise agreed to in writing
by the Commission. Grantee shall provide at least sixty (60) Days prior written
notice of such relocation to Subscribers and the Commission. In the event the
Commission agrees in writing to a PEG Channel relocation, the PEG Channels
will be located within reasonable proximity to other broadcast Channels,
excluding pay-per-view programming offered by Grantee in the City.
b. Grantee agrees not to encrypt the PEG Channels differently than other
commercial Channels available on the Cable System.
c. Grantee shall reimburse the Commission for reasonable costs caused by such
relocation, including (1) logo, business card or signage changes, (2) equipment
modifications necessary to effect the change at the programmer’s production or
receiving facility, or (3) reasonable constituency notification costs.
9. Promotion of PEG Access. During the term of the Franchise the Grantee shall comply
with one of the following requirements, (a) or (b) below. Grantee shall at all times
comply with all of the standards and requirements set forth in this paragraph 9 (c-g)
below during the term of this Franchise.
a. Upon sixty (60) Days’ notice from the Commission, the Grantee shall twice
annually, free of charge and at no cost to the Commission, print and mail a post
card promoting the PEG programming to Grantee’s Subscribers in the
Commission Franchise Area. The post card shall be designed by the Commission
and shall conform to the Grantee's standards and policies for size and weight. Any
post card denigrating the Grantee, its service or its programming is not permitted.
b. Grantee shall allow Commission to place bill stuffers in Grantee’s Subscriber
statements at a cost to Commission not to exceed Grantee’s actual cost (with no
markup), no less frequently than twice per year upon the written request of
Commission and at such times that the placement of such materials would not
materially and adversely affect Grantee’s cost for the production and mailing of
such statements. Commission agrees to pay Grantee in advance for the actual cost
of such bill stuffers.
c. Grantee shall distribute, free of charge and at no cost to Commission, through
advertising insertion equipment, thirty (30) second promotional and awareness
commercial spots, on a “run of schedule” basis in unsold time slots, produced at
Commission’s cost and submitted by Commission once each month in a format
compatible with such advertising insertion equipment. Grantee shall provide
monthly ad insertion affidavits in the same format provided to commercial
advertising clients.
d. Grantee shall use its best efforts to make available PEG access information
provided by Commission in Subscriber packets at the time of Installation and at
the counter in the Grantee’s business office serving the Franchise Area.
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e. If the Grantee offers localized information on its website specific to the Twin
Cities or the Commission Franchise Area, then the Grantee will allow the
Commission to place its web link and/or other information about Commission
PEG programming and PEG Channels on Grantee’s website in a format mutually
acceptable to the Commission and the Grantee.
f. Grantee shall include the PEG Channels and programming information in any
electronic/interactive program guide, program listings, search options, record and
DVR options, navigation systems and search functions accessible through
Grantee’s Set Top Box and remote controls, or their successor technologies,
provided to its Subscribers, including, but not limited to on-screen, print and on-
line program guides which include channel and program listings of any local
broadcast channels. Grantee shall bear all capital, implementation and operating
costs to include the basic programming information in the programming guides
for the PEG Channels, free of charge and at no cost to the City or Commission.
The City and Commission shall have the right to pay for more enhanced program
information to be made available on the programming guides including the
Channel name and logo/icon, program titles scheduled in thirty (30) minute time
blocks, program descriptions, information needed for search & record features,
and any other information similarly provided for other broadcast channels and
commercial cable/satellite Channels. Grantee shall, to the maximum extent
possible, make available to the City and Commission any price discounts Grantee
may have in place with third party vendors that offer such programming guide
services.
g. Throughout the term of the Franchise, and as the term may be extended, Grantee
shall provide the Commission high speed internet service with a modem and up to
five (5) static IP addresses, with Grantee’s highest available upstream bandwidth
(“Commission Broadband Service”), which may be used by the Commission for
public use and various PEG purposes as determined in Commission’s sole
discretion. The Commission Broadband Service shall be provided by Grantee free
of charge and at no cost to the Commission for both the monthly service and
equipment.
10. PEG Support. In addition to satisfying the other requirements of this Franchise, Grantee
is required to provide the following additional PEG support funding to the Commission:
a. The PEG fee shall be One and 77/100 Dollars ($1.77) per Subscriber per month
commencing on the Effective Date and continuing for the duration of this
Franchise (“PEG Fee”). Payments pursuant to this subsection shall be payable
quarterly to the Commission (or its designated access entity), on the same
schedule as Franchise Fee payments. The PEG Fee may be unilaterally increased
no more than once each calendar year in the Commission’s sole discretion, upon
sixty (60) Days advance written notice to Grantee, annually compounded from the
Effective Date of this Franchise, based on the increase from the Minneapolis/St.
Paul Consumer Price Index for all consumers and/or three percent (3%) each year,
whichever is lower. In no event shall the PEG Fee paid by Grantee be in excess
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of the per Subscriber, per month fee paid by the existing cable communications
provider.
b. Upon sixty (60) Days’ written notice to Grantee, Commission may elect to
unilaterally change the PEG Fee to a different dollar amount per Subscriber per
month or change the format to a percentage of Gross Revenues up to two and one-
half percent (2.5%) of Gross Revenues. In no event shall the PEG Fee be
assessed in an amount or manner different from that imposed upon the existing
cable communications provider. In the event the existing cable communications
provider agrees to a higher, or lower, PEG Fee, Grantee will increase, or decrease,
its PEG Fee upon sixty (60) Days’ written notice from the Commission. The PEG
Fee may be used for operational or capital support of PEG programming as
determined in the Commission’s sole discretion. In no event shall the PEG Fee
paid by Grantee be in excess of the per Subscriber, per month fee paid by the
existing cable communications provider.
c. Any PEG support amounts owing pursuant to this Franchise which remain unpaid
after the dates specified herein shall be delinquent and shall thereafter accrue
interest at twelve percent (12%) per annum or the prime lending rate as quoted by
the Wall Street Journal on the day the payment was due plus two percent (2%),
whichever is greater.
d. Grantee agrees that financial support for PEG arising from or relating to the
obligations set forth in this section shall in no way modify or otherwise affect
Grantee's obligations to pay Franchise Fees to Commission. Grantee agrees that
although the sum of Franchise Fees plus the payments set forth in this section may
total more than five percent (5%) of Grantee's Gross Revenues in any twelve (12)
month period, the additional commitments shall not be offset or otherwise
credited in any way against any Franchise Fee payments under this Franchise.
Grantee and the City agree that the PEG Fee referenced in this Exhibit A will not
be deemed to be “Franchise Fees” within the meaning of Section 622 of the Cable
Act (47 U.S.C. §542), and such obligations shall not be deemed to be (i)
“payments in kind” or any involuntary payments chargeable against the Franchise
Fees to be paid to the City by Grantee pursuant to Section 8 hereof or (ii) part of
the Franchise Fees to be paid to the City by Grantee pursuant to Section 8 hereof.
11. Technical Support.
a. Throughout the Franchise term, playback from the PEG Channels must be
configured so that the Commission or its designated entity is able to use its own
independent automated playback facilities, located at the premises of its choice.
Any master control that Grantee intends to use for its operations must be located
outside the space occupied by a designated entity, unless the parties agree
otherwise. The playback facility must be configured so as to permit the
designated entity to program all Channels for which it is responsible for content,
on a live or pre-recorded basis. Grantee shall continue to have access to the
designated entity’s master control so that it can conduct necessary maintenance
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and repair affecting Grantee’s network or equipment upon reasonable notice or at
any time in the event of emergencies, at no cost to the City or Commission.
b. Grantee shall provide a local (Twin Cities) response phone number, cell number,
and e-mail address for local (Twin Cities) technical support staff who are trained
to effectively respond to and resolve PEG related issues, who will respond to
urgent tech-support requests within fifteen (15) minutes and non-urgent tech
support requests within three (3) hours or forty-eight (48) hours, depending upon
the response time needed. Commission technical staff will determine what
requests are urgent or non-urgent. Commission agrees to use best efforts to verify
that the issue is not on the Commission’s side of the demarcation point before a
call is made to Grantee.
c. Grantee shall provide, at no cost to Commission, six (6) live feeds (SD or HD as
determined by the Commission) per year from the Commission’s offices to the
offices of Metro Cable Network Channel 6. Such feeds shall connect directly to
Metro Cable Network Channel 6 master control. Grantee shall have the option to
meet this obligation via the interconnection obligations set forth in Section 13 of
this Exhibit A to the extent the interconnection reaches the Metro Cable Network
Channel 6 playback location.
d. Grantee and the Commission shall, on or before June 1, 2016, meet to mutually
agree on two locations to televise live PEG programming from two (2) locations,
to provide live remote feeds back to the Commission’s master control and other
PEG related uploads/downloads and data transfer. Grantee shall provide two (2)
locations sufficient capacity to transmit live, uncompressed SD and HD audio and
video signals back to the Commission’s master control. No more than once
annually, upon ninety (90) Days advance written notice to Grantee, the
Commission shall have the right to request modification to the locations (a total of
no more than five (5) modifications within a five (5) year term) provided that
Grantee and Commission mutually agree upon such new location(s).
e. To the extent technically feasible on Grantee’s System, Grantee shall: 1) provide,
free of charge and at no cost to Commission, live feeds for PEG access and Local
Origination programming from any location in the Commission’s Franchise Area
that is passed by the Grantee’s fiber optic network. The Commission shall
provide a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours advance notice to Grantee of the
need for such live feeds and shall endeavor to provide a minimum seven (7) Days
advance notice when possible; and 2) upon two (2) weeks prior notice by
Commission, work with Commission to accommodate one time programming via
live feeds from areas not passed by the Grantee’s fiber optic network. Such live
feeds shall be under Grantee’s direct supervision and on a frequency designated
by Grantee.
f. Grantee shall also feed the Local Origination and PEG Channels provided in the
City of St. Paul into the Commission’s master control for potential simulcasting
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on the PEG Channels required pursuant to this Franchise. Determination
regarding the simulcasting of such PEG Channels and Local Origination signals
from St. Paul shall be in the sole discretion of the Commission. Grantee shall
have the option to meet this obligation via the interconnection obligations set
forth in Section 13 of this Exhibit A to the extent the interconnection reaches St.
Paul, or its designated access entity (currently St. Paul Neighborhood Network -
SPNN), playback location.
g. In the event Grantee provides Cable Service to a minimum of thirty percent (30%)
of the total number of Cable Service Subscribers within Commission Franchise
Area served by cable operators franchised within the Commission Franchise Area,
the Grantee shall then be required to also comply with the requirements of this
Section 11(f) of this Exhibit A in the following manner: Grantee shall provide
regular satellite feeds from Grantee’s headend facility and/or hub site locations to
be fed directly to the Commission’s master control facility. At a minimum,
Grantee shall provide six (6) such satellite feeds. By way of example, the thirty
percent (30%) threshold shall be calculated in the following manner: Company A
and Company B both hold franchises to provide Cable Service in the City.
Company A has 12,000 Cable Service Subscribers and Company B has 8,000
Cable Service Subscribers - for a total of 20,000 Cable Service Subscribers in the
City. Under this example, Company A has 60% of the total Cable Service
Subscribers and Company B has 40% of the total Cable Service Subscribers.
h. Grantee shall provide twenty-six (26) live feeds, free of charge, each year from
Grantee’s headend facility (presently located in Golden Valley) to and from, other
municipalities where Grantee holds a franchise in the Twin Cities to allow for the
sharing of local programming such as high school sports and/or other programs
with shared audiences. Grantee shall have the option to meet this obligation via
the interconnection obligations set forth in Section 13 of this Exhibit A provided
that such other municipal franchises require Grantee to provide access to the
interconnection network (i.e. Section 13 of this Exhibit A).
i. To the extent required for Grantee to receive PEG programming, Grantee shall
provide free fiber optic links, including internal wiring to Drop points and
required commercial-grade equipment to the West St. Paul City Hall, South St.
Paul City Hall, Inver Grove Heights City Hall, Mendota Heights City Hall and
Lilydale City Hall, as well as to the Commission’s facility within ninety (90)
Days of request by the Commission. These fiber optic connections will permit the
above-referenced Member Cities to cablecast live governmental meetings on the
PEG Channels, free of charge.
j. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Grantee shall at all times maintain, free of charge
and at no cost to Commission or the City, all existing fiber return paths, existing
origination paths and transmission equipment in place as of the Effective Date
throughout the term of this Franchise.
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12. Video on Demand.
a. During the term of its Franchise, for as long as the Grantee makes video on
demand (“VOD”) available on its Cable System, Grantee will include in its VOD
offerings twenty-five (25) hours of either SD or HD PEG programming, or a
combination of both, per Member City of the Commission, or such greater
amount as may be mutually agreed to by the parties, as designated and supplied
by the Commission or a Member City to the Grantee. The Commission’s or
Member Cities’ content may be electronically transmitted and/or transferred and
shall be stored on the Grantee’s VOD system. The Commission or Member City
VOD PEG programming will be available to Subscribers twenty-four (24) hours
per day, seven (7) days per week. Any Commission or Member City PEG
programming placed on VOD shall be available to Subscribers free of charge.
The Grantee will provide, upon Commission or the City’s request, any aggregate
data regarding Subscriber use of the City’s programming on the VOD platform, if
available to Grantee. PEG programming content shall have the same viewing
quality and features (including program descriptions and search function) as all
other free VOD content on Grantee’s Cable System. Programming submitted for
placement on the VOD system shall be placed on and available for viewing from
the VOD system as soon as possible from time of receipt of said programming
and Grantee will make best efforts to provide a 24-hour turn-around, and in no
case longer than seventy-two (72) hours from receipt of said programming.
Grantee agrees to treat PEG VOD programming in a nondiscriminatory manner as
compared to other similarly situated providers of VOD content.
b. The Commission or the City shall have the sole discretion to select the content of
such PEG VOD programming and shall be responsible for such content. The
Commission’s VOD programming will be located on Grantee’s On-demand menu
pages on the second page or higher on a button labeled “Town Square Television”
(or the Commission’s choice of label). The Commission’s PEG VOD
programming will be available in the Commission’s Franchise Area, or more
broadly distributed at Grantee’s option.
c. To the extent permitted, Grantee shall authorize Commission to obtain from
Grantee’s third party vendor, free of charge and at no cost to the Commission,
monthly viewership/traffic reports showing statistics for PEG VOD programs, or
Grantee shall provide (or require its third party vendor to provide) the
Commission with access to online dashboard analytics allowing Commission staff
to directly access traffic information.
13. Interconnection. Grantee shall provide a discrete, non-public, video interconnect
network, from an agreed upon Demarcation Point at the Commission's master control
facility at the Commission's office, to Grantee's headend. The video interconnect
network shall provide not less than 50 Mbps of allocated bandwidth, allowing PEG
operators that have agreed with Grantee to share (send and receive) live and recorded
programming for playback on their respective systems. Where available the Grantee
shall provide the video interconnect network and the network equipment necessary, for
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the high-priority transport of live multicast HD/SD video streams as well as lower-
priority file-sharing. Grantee shall provide a minimum of 50 Mbps bandwidth for each
participating PEG entity to send its original programming, receive at least two (2)
additional multicast HD/SD streams from any other participating PEG entity, and allow
the transfer of files. Each participating PEG entity is responsible for encoding its own
SD/HD content in suitable bit rates to be transported by the video interconnect network
without exceeding the 50 Mbps of allocated bandwidth. The System servicing the
Commission and its Member Cities shall be completely interconnected. In addition,
Grantee shall make available for Interconnection purposes one (1) Channel for forward
video purposes, one (1) six (6) MHz Channel for return video purposes, one (1) Channel
for forward data or other purposes, and one (1) Channel for return data or other purposes
between all Cable Systems adjacent to the Commission’s Cable System and under
common ownership with Grantee. This commitment may be satisfied through the
provision of the Twin Cities Metro PEG Interconnect Network, provided Grantee agrees
to allow all cities adjacent to the Commission Franchise Area to participate.
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EXHIBIT B
SERVICE TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS
Cable Commission Office & PEG Studio/Master Control
Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission
and Town Square Television, its designated access entity
5845 Blaine Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076-1401
City of Inver Grove Heights
Inver Grove Heights City Hall Inver Grove Heights Police Department
8150 Barbara Avenue 8150 Barbara Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
IGH Fire Station #3 IGH Fire Station #1
2059 Upper 55th Street E 7015 Clayton Avenue East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
IGH Public Works Inver Wood Golf Course
8168 Barbara Avenue 1850 70th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Veterans Memorial Community Center IGH Water Treatment Plant
8055 Barbara Avenue 2015 75th Street
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
IGH Future Fire Station
(Address not determined yet)
Inver Grove Heights, MN
City of Lilydale
Lilydale City Hall
1011 Sibley Memorial Hwy
Lilydale, MN 55118
City of Mendota
Sites to be determined
City of Mendota Heights
Mendota Heights City Hall Mendota Heights Police Department
1101 Victoria Curve 1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
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Mendota Heights Fire Department Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course
2121 Dodd Road 1695 Dodd Road
Mendota Heights, MN 55120 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Mendota Heights Public Works Building
2431 Lexington Avenue
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
City of South St. Paul
South St. Paul City Hall South St. Paul Police Department
125 3rd Avenue 125 3rd Avenue
South St. Paul, MN 55075 South St. Paul, MN 55075
Doug Woog Civic Arena Fleming Field Airport
141 East 6th Street 1720 Henry Avenue
South St. Paul, MN 55075 South St. Paul, MN 55075
SSP Municipal Service Center Central Square Community Center
400 Richmond St. W. 110 7th Avenue North
South St. Paul, MN 55075 South St. Paul, MN 55075
South Metro Fire Department Station #2 South St. Paul Public Library
310 Marie Avenue 106 3rd Avenue N.
South St. Paul, MN 55075 South St. Paul, MN 55075
City of Sunfish Lake
Sites to be determined
City of West St. Paul
West St. Paul City Hall West St. Paul Police Department
1616 Humboldt Avenue 1616 Humboldt Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118 West St. Paul, MN 55118
South Metro Fire Station #1 West St. Paul Regional Athletics Center (Dome)
1616 Humboldt Avenue 1655 Livingston Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118 West St. Paul, MN 55118
West St. Paul Municipal Pool John V. Hoene Ice Arena
92 West Orme Avenue 60 West Emerson Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118 West St. Paul, MN 55118
Thompson Oaks Golf Course West St. Paul Public Works
1555 Oakdale Avenue 403 Marie Avenue East
West St. Paul, MN 55118 West St. Paul, MN 55118
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Dakota County
Facilities Located In NDC4 Area
Northern Service Center Inver Glen Library
1 West Mendota Road 8098 Blaine Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Wentworth Library Thompson Park Activity Center
199 East Wentworth Avenue 1200 Stassen Lane
West St. Paul, MN 55118 West St. Paul, MN 55118
Dakota County Historical Society &
Lawshe Memorial Museum
130 3rd Avenue North
South St. Paul, MN 55075
Independent School District #199
(Inver Grove Heights Schools)
Simley Senior High School Inver Grove Middle School
2920 East 80th Street 8167 Cahill Avenue East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
ISD #199 District Office Pine Bend Elementary School
2990 80th Street East 9875 Inver Grove Trail
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Hilltop Elementary School Salem Hills Elementary School
3201 East 68th Street 5899 East Babcock Trail
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Tri-District Community Ed. – IGH Office Inver Grove Elementary School
2925 Buckley Way 4100 East 66th Street
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Early Learning Center
3203 68th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Independent School District #197
(Mendota Heights / West St. Paul Schools)
Henry Sibley High School/District Office Friendly Hills Middle School
1897 Delaware Avenue 701 Mendota Heights Road
Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
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Heritage E-STEM Magnet School Somerset Elementary School
121 West Butler Avenue 1355 Dodd Road
West St. Paul, MN 55118 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Mendota Elementary School Moreland Arts & Health Sciences Magnet School
1979 Summit Lane 217 West Moreland Avenue
Mendota Heights, MN 55118 West St. Paul, MN 55118
Garlough Environmental Magnet School Tri-District Community Ed.- ISD 197 Office
1740 Charlton Street 1897 Delaware Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Special School District 6
(South St. Paul Schools)
South St. Paul Secondary School Tri-District Community Education
700 2nd St. North South St. Paul Office & Kid Connections
South St. Paul, MN 55075 1541 5th Avenue South
South St. Paul, MN 55075
South St. Paul Schools District Office Lincoln Center Elementary
104 5th Ave. South 357 9th Ave. North
South St. Paul, MN 55075 South St. Paul, MN 55075
Kaposia Education Center SSP Community Learning Center
1225 1st Ave. South 151 6th St. East
South St. Paul, MN 55075 South St. Paul, MN 55075
South St. Paul Early Childhood Family Education
1515 5th Avenue South
South St. Paul, MN 55075
Private Schools
Convent of the Visitation School St. Thomas Academy
2455 Visitation Drive 949 Mendota Heights Road
Mendota Heights, MN 55120 Mendota Heights, MN 55120
St. Croix Lutheran School Community of Saints Catholic School
1200 Oakdale Avenue 335 E. Hurley Street
West St. Paul, MN 55118 West St. Paul, MN 55118
St. Joseph's School Holy Trinity School
1138 Seminole Avenue 745 - 6th Avenue South
West St. Paul, MN 55118 South St. Paul, MN 55075
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Crown of Life Lutheran School
115 Crusader Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Colleges
Inver Hills Community College
2500 East 80th Street
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
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EXHIBIT C
FRANCHISE FEE PAYMENT WORKSHEET
Month/Year Month/Year Month/Year Total
A la Carte Cable Services
Audio Services
Basic Cable Services
Expanded Basic Cable Services
Pay Services
Premium Services
Video-On-Demand Services
Pay-per-view Services
Installation Charges
Activation/Disconnection
Charges
Technician Service Call
Charges
Equipment Charges
DTA Equipment Charges
Wireless Set-Top Box
DVR Charges
Additional Outlets
Guide Revenue
Bulk Revenue
Advertising Revenue
Home Shopping Revenue
Inside Wiring / Service
Protection Plan
Other Revenue
Processing Fees
Franchise Fee Revenue
Late Fees
Bad Debt
TOTAL REVENUE
Franchise Fee Factor: 5%
Franchise Fee Remitted
PEG Fee Factor 2.5% [if percentage formula is used]
PEG Fee Remitted
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PEG FEE PAYMENT WORKSHEET [if fee per Subscriber is used]
Month/Year Month/Year Month/Year Total
Number of Subscribers Inver Grove Heights
Number of Subscribers Lilydale
Number of Subscribers Mendota
Number of Subscribers Mendota Heights
Number of Subscribers South St. Paul
Number of Subscribers Sunfish Lake
Number of Subscribers West St. Paul
TOTAL SUBSCRIBERS
Current Monthly PEG Fee $1.77 per month
per Subscriber
PEG Fee Remitted
Nothing in this Franchise Fee Payment Worksheet shall serve to modify the definition of
“Gross Revenues” set forth in the Franchise.
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EXHIBIT D
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT made this ____ day of _____________________, 2016,
by and between Qwest Broadband Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, party of the first part,
hereinafter called “CenturyLink,” and the City of , a Minnesota
Municipal Corporation, party of the second part, hereinafter called “City.”
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the City of has awarded to Qwest Broadband
Services, Inc. a franchise for the operation of a cable communications system in the City of
; and
WHEREAS, the City has required, as a condition of its award of a cable communications
franchise, that it be indemnified with respect to all claims and actions arising from the award of
said franchise,
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing promises and the mutual
promises contained in this agreement and in consideration of entering into a cable television
franchise agreement and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, CenturyLink hereby agrees, at its sole cost and expense, to fully indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the City, its officers, boards, commissions, employees and agents
against any and all claims, suits, actions, liabilities and judgments for damages, cost or expense
(including, but not limited to, court and appeal costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and
disbursements assumed or incurred by the City in connection therewith) arising out of the actions
of the City in granting a franchise to CenturyLink. This includes any claims by another
franchised cable operator against the City that the terms and conditions of the CenturyLink
franchise are less burdensome than another franchise granted by the City or that the CenturyLink
Franchise does not satisfy the requirements of applicable federal, state, or local law(s). The
indemnification provided for herein shall not extend or apply to any acts of the City constituting
a violation or breach by the City of the contractual provisions of the franchise ordinance, unless
such acts are the result of a change in applicable law, the order of a court or administrative
agency, or are caused by the acts of CenturyLink.
The City shall give CenturyLink reasonable notice of the making of any claim or the
commencement of any action, suit or other proceeding covered by this agreement. The City shall
cooperate with CenturyLink in the defense of any such action, suit or other proceeding at the
request of CenturyLink. The City may participate in the defense of a claim, but if CenturyLink
provides a defense at CenturyLink’s expense then CenturyLink shall not be liable for any
attorneys’ fees, expenses or other costs that the City may incur if it chooses to participate in the
defense of a claim, unless and until separate representation is required. If separate representation
to fully protect the interests of both parties is or becomes necessary, such as a conflict of interest,
in accordance with the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct, between the City and the
counsel selected by CenturyLink to represent the City, CenturyLink shall pay, from the date such
separate representation is required forward, all reasonable expenses incurred by the City in
defending itself with regard to any action, suit or proceeding indemnified by CenturyLink.
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Provided, however, that in the event that such separate representation is or becomes necessary,
and the City desires to hire counsel or any other outside experts or consultants and desires
CenturyLink to pay those expenses, then the City shall be required to obtain CenturyLink’s
consent to the engagement of such counsel, experts or consultants, such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that the City may
utilize at any time, at its own cost and expense, its own City Attorney or outside counsel with
respect to any claim brought by another franchised cable operator as described in this agreement.
The provisions of this agreement shall not be construed to constitute an amendment of the
cable communications franchise ordinance or any portion thereof, but shall be in addition to and
independent of any other similar provisions contained in the cable communications franchise
ordinance or any other agreement of the parties hereto. The provisions of this agreement shall not
be dependent or conditioned upon the validity of the cable communications franchise ordinance
or the validity of any of the procedures or agreements involved in the award or acceptance of the
franchise, but shall be and remain a binding obligation of the parties hereto even if the cable
communications franchise ordinance or the grant of the franchise is declared null and void in a
legal or administrative proceeding.
It is the purpose of this agreement to provide maximum indemnification to the City under
the terms set out herein and, in the event of a dispute as to the meaning of this Indemnity
Agreement, it shall be construed, to the greatest extent permitted by law, to provide for the
indemnification of the City by CenturyLink. This agreement shall be a binding obligation of and
shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their successor's and assigns, if any.
QWEST BROADBAND SERVICES, INC.
Dated: , 2016 By:
SIGNATURE
Name:
PRINTED/TYPED NAME
Its:
TITLE
STATE OF LOUISIANA )
) SS
)
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of 2016,
by , the of Qwest
Broadband Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, on behalf of the corporation.
Notary Public
Commission Expires
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CITY OF
By:
SIGNATURE
Name:
PRINTED/TYPED NAME
Its:
TITLE
SWORN TO BEFORE ME this
___ day of ___________, 2016
NOTARY PUBLIC
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Competitive Franchising
Mendota Heights, Minnesota
March 3, 2016
1
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Federal Cable Act
One of the stated purposes of the Cable Act is to:
“promote competition in cable communications and
minimize unnecessary regulation that would impose
an undue economic burden on cable systems.”
See 47 U.S.C. § 521 (6) – emphasis added
2
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Federal Cable Act
A franchising authority may award one or more
franchises within its jurisdiction:
“except that a franchising authority may not grant an
exclusive franchise and may not unreasonably refuse
to award an additional competitive franchise.”
See 47 U.S.C. § 541 (a)(1) - emphasis added
- codified in the Cable Act as Section 621
3
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Background
Comcast Franchise
April 2000
Comcast of St. Paul, Inc. granted
•“non-exclusive” cable franchise
•2012
Comcast requests renewal of its franchise
Commission completes needs assessment
•2014
Comcast proposes transfer of franchise
•2015
Comcast agrees to one year franchise extension
Informal renewal negotiations
•2016
Proposed extension of Comcast franchise to 3/31/17
4
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CenturyLink Background
February 2015
Qwest Broadband Services, Inc.
d/b/a CenturyLink, Inc. (“CenturyLink”)
requests cable franchise
March 2015
•Commission issues
notice of intent to franchise
CenturyLink submits application
April 2015
•Commission holds hearing
To consider CenturyLink application
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CenturyLink Background
May 2015
•Commission receives qualifications report
June 2015
•Commission finds CenturyLink qualified
•Authorizes staff to negotiate franchise
•Commission provides CTL mark-up of
Comcast renewal draft franchise
July 2015 – February 2016
•Commission staff and CTL negotiations
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CenturyLink (CTL) Franchise
Negotiations
Commission/Member City Goals
•Substantially similar franchise terms
for CTL and Comcast
•Including renewal “needs and interests”
Renewal with Comcast yet to be completed
•Proposed extension date
March 31, 2017
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QBSI v. QC
Qwest Broadband Services, Inc.
•DBA CenturyLink (CTL)
•Content provider
•Sells and provides “Cable Service”
Qwest Corporation
•Owns the facilities in the ROW
•Owns, maintains the “Cable System”
QBSI to ensure QC compliance
•See Section 2.1(b)
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Franchise Term
5 year franchise term
City has unilateral right to
•5 year extension of term
‒If triggered – 10 year term
Term tied to system build out
•Allows the City to consider whether Cable
System “substantially constructed”
‒During initial 5 year term
‒If not, franchise may not be renewed
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Living Units
Franchise references “Living Units”
•Households = Living units
‒a distinct address in the QC network
•single family homes
•multi-dwelling units
apartment buildings and condominiums
•business locations
•Qualified Living Units
‒meets minimum technical qualifications
‒Generally a minimum of 25 Mbps downstream
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System Build Out
CTL authorized to provide cable service
•Throughout entire City
•Within 2 years CTL will serve minimum of
‒15% of Living Units in City
•A significant portion of CTL investment
‒will be targeted to areas below the median income in City
‒Nondiscrimination mandate
Quarterly meetings
•Verify compliance with build obligations
•Confidential Maps made available by CTL
Market success requirement
•27.5% of the households capable of receiving Cable Service
•Additional 15% requirement
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System Build Out
•Quarterly meetings - CTL shows
It is capable of serving 60% of households
Actually serving 30% of those households
•CTL will agree to serve an additional 15% of the
total households in the City
•No later than 2 years after quarterly meetings
•A total of 75% of the total households
•This additional build-out based on market
success continues until every household
within the City is served
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Mosaic Channel
Displays miniaturized media screens
•Related information
For PEG channels
•Navigation tool for subscribers
‒Displays PEG Channels on a single channel
‒Navigation to higher channel numbers
CTL will provide all metro PEG channels
•To every cable subscriber in City
‒Over 150 PEG channels
13
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Mosaic Channel
CTL will provide 2 NDC4 Mosaic Channels to
access 7 PEG channels
•SD = Channel # 31
•HD = Channel # 1031
Existing Comcast PEG Chs = 14-21
•CenturyLink SD PEG Channels
8414, 8415, 8416, 8418, 8419, 8420 and 8421
•CenturyLink HD PEG Channels
8914, 8915, 8916, 8918, 8919, 8920 and 8921
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PEG Channels
Video on Demand (VOD)
•25 hours of SD or HD PEG programming
SD and HD for all PEG channels
•Based on subscriber equipment in home
PEG fee of $1.77 per subscriber
•Matches Comcast
•CPI increases allowed annually
Not to exceed 2.5% of gross revenues
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Complimentary Commission Service
CTL to provide complimentary service
•Service to Commission
Highest level of SD and HD service
Equipment necessary to receive service at 7 TV sets
•Service to City Halls
Highest level of SD and HD service
Equipment necessary to receive service at 7 TV sets
City Halls served if they are Qualified Living Units
•Service to Designated Public Buildings
SD Cable service
Equipment necessary to receive service at 3 TV sets
CTL won’t duplicate Comcast served buildings
•Commission can elect provider to serve
•Buildings must be QLU
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Indemnification
CTL to indemnify the City
•Same indemnification obligations as Comcast
•Added agreement to indemnify City
‒If Comcast challenges City franchise award to
CTL
18
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NDC4 Staff and
Legal Counsel Recommendation
Approve recommended
•Findings of fact
•CenturyLink cable franchise
19
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20
Brian T. Grogan, Esq.
Moss & Barnett, A Professional Association
150 South Fifth Street, Suite 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 877-5340 phone / (612) 877-5031 facsimile
E-mail: Brian.Grogan@lawmoss.com
Web site: www.lawmoss.com
Questions
page 163
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator FROM: Nolan Wall, AICP
Planner SUBJECT: Ordinance 491 Adopting Proposed Code Amendments Concerning Definitions
and Industrial District Uses
COMMENT:
Introduction
The City is considering amendments to various sections of Title 12, Chapter 1, Articles B and G of the City
Code concerning definitions and industrial district uses.
Background
The Industrial District Redevelopment Plan’s implementation strategy was discussed at the January 4 City
Council goal setting workshop. Subsequently, staff was directed to proceed with proposing potential
revisions or additions to the uses allowed in the Industrial District. The attached staff reports include various
options considered by the Planning Commission. The attached DRAFT Ordinance incorporates the
Commission’s comments. The Planning Commission conducted public hearings at the January 26 and
February 23 meetings; there were no public comments.
As proposed, DRAFT Ordinance 491 includes the following recommended amendments and rationale:
Section 1:
Title 12-1G-1-A contains permitted uses under the following guidelines:
Within any I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used except for the conducting of a process,
fabrication, storage, manufacturing or wholesaling of one or more of the following uses…
1. Eliminate the existing list of permitted manufacturing uses.
The existing list of permitted manufacturing uses is outdated and could be simplified to accomplish
a similar intent.
2. Add “manufacturing, when conducted within a completely enclosed building” as a permitted use.
Title 12-1B-2 defines “manufacturing” as follows and does not permit a use that has “objectionable
influences” on surrounding properties:
MANUFACTURING: All uses which include the compounding, processing, packaging, treatment,
or assembly of products and materials, provided such use will not generate objectionable
influences that extend beyond the lot on which the use is located.
page 164
3. Revise the existing permitted “auto repair” use to include both major and minor uses, and reclassify
as a permitted use, under the following existing definitions:
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR, MAJOR: General repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of engines,
motor vehicles or trailers, including bodywork, framework, and major painting service.
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR, MINOR: The replacement of any part or repair of any part which
does not require the removal of the engine head or pan, engine, transmission or differential;
incidental body and fender work, minor painting and upholstering service when said service
above stated is applied to passenger automobiles and trucks not in excess of a three-quarter
(3/4) ton rating.
Based on the existing definitions, it is likely that any “major automobile repair” use would also be
completing “minor repairs.”
4. Reclassify “bus terminals and maintenance garages” as a permitted use.
5. Add “governmental buildings and structures” as a permitted use to address the existing public
works garage.
6. Eliminate “trade schools” as a conditional use and incorporate the existing trade school definition
into the use category in order to recognize all post-secondary education options without using the
outdated term.
7. Add “distribution” to the existing permitted “warehousing” use, in order to recognize that the uses
are often co-dependent on each other.
8. Eliminate “water softening units” as a permitted nonmanufacturing use since it is covered under
the proposed permitted “manufacturing” use.
9. Move the following permitted nonmanufacturing uses into a new permitted use section:
a. Business and professional offices.
b. Landscaping and building design and construction.
c. Railroad spurs and sidings.
d. Scientific research, investigation, testing and experimentation, including laboratories.
Section 2:
Eliminate section 12-1G-1-B concerning permitted nonmanufacturing uses, as it is incorporated into section
12-1G-1-A above.
Section 3:
Title 12-1G-2 contains conditional uses.
1. Eliminate the following conditional uses:
Adult daycare
Athletics, participative, which is incorporated into #2 below.
Trade schools, colleges, and universities with accessory housing for the students of the
school only
2. Add “Commercial recreation, when conducted within a completely enclosed building” as a
conditional use.
page 165
The intent is to allow for additional uses that may be able to utilize existing vacant warehouse space and/or
repurpose a building to meet their needs. There has been interest in trampoline and gymnastics uses in the
past within the Industrial District. Section 5 includes a proposed revised definition to specify qualifying
uses.
3. Reclassify the following manufacturing uses from “permitted” to “conditional” uses:
Batteries
Laundries
Metal polishing and plating
Paper products from previously processed paper
Rubber and synthetic rubber products
Sheet metal work, ornamental iron, welding, and stamping
4. Revise “massage therapy” conditional use to eliminate the reference to “trade school,” which is
proposed to be eliminated from the Code.
5. Add “motor fuel station convenience stores” to the existing conditional use category.
Currently, the Code contains separate definitions for “motor fuel convenience store” and “motor
fuel station”:
MOTOR FUEL CONVENIENCE STORE: A store operated in conjunction with a motor
fuel station or truck stop for the purpose of offering for sale goods not essential for the
operation of motor vehicles.
MOTOR FUEL STATION: A retail place of business engaged primarily in the sale of
motor fuels, but also may be engaged in supplying goods and services generally required
in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles. These may include the sale of
petroleum products and the sale and servicing of tires, batteries, automotive accessories,
replacement items, lubrication services, and the performance of minor automotive
maintenance and repair.
Both uses are allowed as conditional uses in the B-2 and B-3 zones, however only “motor fuel
stations” are allowed by in the B-4 and Industrial zones. Based on feedback from the surveys
completed as part of the Redevelopment Plan, the area needs additional support services for the
existing workforce. By not allowing for a convenience store option, a stand-alone motor fuel
station does not address the demonstrated need for additional services.
Section 4:
Title 12-1G-3 contains accessory uses.
Eliminate the following accessory uses:
1. Guesthouses owned and operated in conjunction with a permitted or principal use
2. Residential structures and related residential uses necessary for security and safety reasons in
relation to a principal use.
Section 5:
Title 12-1B-2 contains definitions.
1. Eliminate “trade school” definition.
As in Section 2, the existing definition would essentially be included within the applicable
permitted use category.
page 166
2. Revise the existing “commercial recreation” definition to limit certain uses allowed by conditional
use permit.
Section 6:
Title 12-1G-2-2 is established. As proposed, most manufacturing uses would still be allowed under the
proposed permitted use category, as long as they are compliant with the existing definition. Therefore, staff
recommends that the Industrial District be amended to include “prohibited uses.” The proposed list came
from reviewing example ordinances, but can certainly be expanded.
Discussion
The City is using its legislative authority when considering action on a code amendment request and has
broad discretion; the only limitations are that actions must be constitutional, rational, and in some way
related to protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
The proposed amendments are limited to the existing permitted, conditional, and accessory uses. Potential
amendments to the additional standards could be considered as part of a different amendment process.
Budget Impact
N/A
Recommendation
The Planning Commission recommended approval of DRAFT Ordinance 491, as described in Planning
Case 2016-04. If the City Council desires to implement the recommendation, pass a motion adopting
ORDINANCE 491 CONCERNING DEFINITIONS AND USES IN THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT.
Action Required
This matter requires a simple majority vote.
page 167
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 1
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA 2
3
ORDINANCE NO. 491 4
5
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 12, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLES B AND G OF THE CITY 6
CODE OF THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, DAKOTA COUNTY, 7
CONCERNING DEFINITIONS AND USES IN THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT 8
9
10
The City Council of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, does hereby ordain: 11
12
Section 1. 13
14
Title 12-1G-1-A is hereby amended as follows: 15
16
Within any I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used except for the conducting of a process, 17
fabrication, storage, manufacturing or wholesaling of one or more of the following uses: 18
19
Aeronautic and automotive testing equipment. 20
Apparel. 21
Appliances. 22
Artificial limbs. 23
Automobile painting, upholstering, tire recapping and major repair when conducted within a completely 24
enclosed building. 25
Bakery goods. 26
Batteries. 27
Boats. 28
Bus terminals and maintenance garage. 29
Cabinet shops. 30
Camera and photographic supplies. 31
Canvas products. 32
Ceramic products using kilns fired only by electricity or gas. 33
Cigarettes and tobacco products. 34
Clocks, watches and jewelry. 35
Cork and cork products. 36
Drugs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and toiletries. 37
Electric motors, generators, transformers and other electric components. 38
Electronic products. 39
Engraving and printing. 40
Furniture. 41
Heating, washing, cooling, drying, cleaning appliances. 42
Ice, cold storage plants, bottling works. 43
Laundries. 44
Machine shops. 45
Metal polishing and plating. 46
Monument works. 47
Musical instruments. 48
Office equipment. 49
Paint manufacturing. 50
Paper products from previously processed paper. 51
Research laboratories. 52
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Ord. 491 – 02.23.16 DRAFT for City Council Review Page 2 of 4
Rubber and synthetic rubber products. 53
Sheet metal work, ornamental iron, welding, and stamping. 54
Shoes, boots, footwear. 55
Sporting equipment. 56
Television, radio. 57
Tools, hardware and small metal products. 58
Video equipment. 59
60
12-1G-1: PERMITTED USES 61
62
Within any I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used except for the following uses: 63
64
Automobile repair, major or minor, when conducted completely within an enclosed building. 65
66
Bus terminals and maintenance garages. 67
68
Business and professional offices. 69
70
Landscaping and building design and construction. 71
72
Manufacturing, when conducted within a completely enclosed building, excluding the manufacturing uses 73
in section 12-1G-2 and prohibited uses in section 12-1G-2-2. 74
75
Governmental buildings and structures. 76
77
Railroad spurs and sidings. 78
79
Scientific research, investigation, testing and experimentation, including laboratories. 80
81
Trade schools and cColleges, or universities, or post-secondary, skill-based educational institutions which 82
offer programs that issue certificates, degrees, or certified training to full and/or part-time students. 83
without accessory housing. 84
85
Warehousing and distribution. 86
87
Water softening units. 88
89
Section 2. 90
91
Title 12-1G-1-B is hereby removed. 92
93
Section 3. 94
95
Title 12-1G-2 is hereby amended as follows: 96
97
Adult daycare, provided that the proposed facility meets the following conditions: 98
A. Clients are brought to the site primarily through the use of group transportation, such as vans 99
or buses. 100
B. A separate exterior entrance is available to the facility for clients and staff. 101
C. The facility will require parking space at a rate no greater than that of an office tenant for staff, 102
clients, and visitors. 103
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Ord. 491 – 02.23.16 DRAFT for City Council Review Page 3 of 4
D. If located in a multi-tenant building, the daycare facility is found to be compatible with the 104
other uses that are allowed on the property under the applicable zoning regulations. 105
E. Outdoor activities on or around the property in question, if part of the program, are accessible 106
via adequate pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks or trails. 107
F. The daycare facility is properly licensed by the state of Minnesota under applicable statutory 108
requirements for clients ages eighteen (18) and over. 109
110
Athletics, participative. 111
112
Commercial recreation, when conducted within a completely enclosed building. 113
114
Manufacturing, when conducted within a completely enclosed building, of one or more of the following 115
uses: 116
A. Batteries. 117
B. Laundries. 118
C. Metal polishing and plating. 119
D. Paper products form previously processed paper. 120
E. Rubber and synthetic rubber products. 121
F. Sheet metal work, ornamental iron, welding, stamping. 122
123
Massage therapy services to the general public for purposes of a teaching program accredited by the 124
National Certification Board For Therapeutic Massage And Bodywork and the Accrediting Commission 125
Of Career Schools And Colleges Of Technology as an accessory use to trade schools, colleges, and 126
universities, and permitted post-secondary institutions in which no fee is charged for the services. 127
128
Motor fuel stations and motor fuel station convenience stores subject to the requirements of section 12-129
1D-13-3 of this chapter. 130
131
Trade schools, colleges, and universities with accessory housing for the students of the school only. 132
133
Section 4. 134
135
Title 12-1G-3 is hereby amended as follows: 136
137
Guesthouses owned and operated in conjunction with a permitted or principal use. 138
139
Residential structures and related residential uses necessary for security and safety reasons in relation to a 140
principal use. 141
142
Section 5. 143
Title 12-1B-2 is hereby amended as follows: 144
145
TRADE SCHOOL: A postsecondary, skill based educational institution which offers programs that issue 146
certificates, degrees, or certified training to full and/or part time students such as those in technical, 147
mechanical, services and computing fields. 148
149
RECREATION, COMMERCIAL: Recreational instruction and participative athletic uses, including 150
Bowling alley, cart track, jump/trampoline center, golf range/simulator, fitness center, sports training 151
facilities, pool hall, vehicle racing or amusement, dance hall, skating, tavern, theater, firearms range, 152
recreational instruction (such as martial arts schools, dance schools, etc.) and similar uses. 153
154
155
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Section 6. 156
157
Title 12-1G-2-2 is hereby added: 158
159
12-1G-2-2: PROHIBITED USES: 160
161
Within the I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used for one or more of the following uses: 162
163
Acid manufacturing. 164
Asphalt plants, as a principal use. 165
Creosote treatment or manufacture. 166
Junkyards. 167
Landfills. 168
Manufacturing of hazardous chemicals, as a principal use. 169
Mining of any type. 170
Petroleum refineries. 171
Permanent or temporary storage of hazardous waste, as a principal use. 172
Personal self-storage facility. 173
Sludge disposal. 174
Use, storage, or manufacture of firearm ammunition, explosives, or fireworks. 175
176
Section 7. 177
178
This Ordinance shall be in effect from and after the date of its passage and publication. 179
180
Adopted and ordained into an Ordinance this XXX day of Month, 2016. 181
182
CITY COUNCIL 183
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 184
185
186
187
Sandra Krebsbach, Mayor 188
ATTEST 189
190
191
___________________________ 192
Lorri Smith, City Clerk 193
page 171
City of Mendota Heights - Table of Uses P = PERMITTED USE
Industrial Zoning District C = CONDITIONAL USE
I = INTERIM USE
As of March 2016, for discussion as part of proposed Ordinance 491 A = ACCESSORY USE
N= NOT PERMITTED
MANUFACTURING USES:Existing Proposed
Aeronautic and automotive testing equipment P P
Apparel P P
Appliances P P
Artificial limbs P P
Automobile painting, upholstering, tire recapping and major repair when conducted inside (revised
and reclassified as non-manufacturing)P N
Bakery goods P P
Batteries P C
Boats P P
Bus terminals and maintenance garage (reclassified as non-manufacturing)P N
Cabinet shops P P
Camera and photographic supplies P P
Canvas products P P
Ceramic products using kilns fired only by electricity or gas P P
Cigarettes and tobacco products P P
Clocks, watches and jewelry P P
Cork and cork products P P
Drugs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and toiletries P P
Electric motors, generators, transformers and other electric components P P
Electronic products P P
Engraving and printing P P
Furniture P P
Heating, washing, cooling, drying, cleaning appliances P P
Ice, cold storage plants, bottling works P P
Laundries P C
Machine shops P P
Metal polishing P C
Monument works P P
Musical instruments P P
Office equipment P P
Paint manufacturing P P
Paper products from previouls processed paper P C
Research laboratories P P
Rubber and synthetic rubber products P P
Sheet metal work, ornamental iron, welding, and stamping P C
Shoes, boots, footwear P P
Sporting equipment P P
Television, radio P P
Tools, hardware and small metal products P P
Video equipment P P
Manufacturing (new proposed use category)P P
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NON-MANUFACTURING USES Existing Proposed
Automobile repair, major or minor (new proposed use/reclassifed as non-manufacturing)N P
Bus terminals and maintenance garage (reclassified as non-manufacturing)N P
Business and professional offices P P
Governmental buildings and structures (new proposed use)N P
Landscaping and building design and construction P P
Railroad spurs and sidings P P
Scientific research, investigation, testing and experimentation, including laboratories P P
Trade schools and colleges or universities, without accessory housing P N
Colleges, universities, or post-secondary, skill-based educational institutions which offer programs
that issue certificates, degrees, or certified training to full and/or part-time students (new proposed
use)
N P
Warehousing (combined with distribution)P N
Warehousing and distribution (new proposed use)N P
Water softening units (reclassified as a manufacturing use)P N
Accessory, enclosed retail sales C C
Adult daycare C N
Airports, truck and freight terminals, team tracks and open sales lots C C
Athletics, participative (incorporated into commercial recreation use/definition)C N
Automobile and other vehicles of transportation sales C C
Commercial recreation (new proposed use)N C
Essential service structures C C
Massage therapy services to the general public for purposes of an accredited teaching program C C
Motel and hotel C C
Motor fuel stations (combined with motor fuel station convenience stores)C N
Motor fuel stations and motor fuel station convenience stores (new proposed use)N C
Outdoor storage and display of materials and equipment accessory to landscaping and building
design C C
Radio, television or tranmission towers C C
Ready mix concrete and concrete product plants C C
Restaurants (full dining service, not drive-in or convenience/fast food type)C C
Retail sales and service complexes C C
Solar energy systems that are accessory to the principal use of the land and are designed to supply
energy to on-site uses C C
Trade schools, colleges, and universities with accessory housing C N
Uses permitted which involve the storage or use of materials which decompose by detonation C C
Off leash dog area I I
Fences A A
Guesthouses owned and operated in conjunction with a permitted or principal use A N
Off street parking and loading A A
Residential structures and related residential uses for security/safety reasons in relation to a
principal use A N
Signs A A
page 173
PROHIBTED USES (new proposed uses)Existing Proposed
Acid manufacturing N N
Asphalt plants N N
Creosote treatment or manufacture N N
Junkyards N N
Landfills N N
Manufacturing of hazardous materials as a principal use N N
Mining of any type N N
Petroleum refineries N N
Permanent or tempory storage of hazardous waste as a principal use N N
Personal self-storage facility N N
Sludge disposal N N
Use, storage, or manufacture of firearm ammunition, explosives, or fireworks N N
page 174
ARTICLE G. I INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
12-1G-1: PERMITTED USES:
A. Within any I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used except for the conducting
of a process, fabrication, storage, manufacturing or wholesaling of one or more of the
following uses:
Aeronautic and automotive testing equipment.
Apparel.
Appliances.
Artificial limbs.
Automobile painting, upholstering, tire recapping and major repair when conducted within
a completely enclosed building.
Bakery goods.
Batteries.
Boats.
Bus terminals and maintenance garage.
Cabinet shops.
Camera and photographic supplies.
Canvas products.
Ceramic products using kilns fired only by electricity or gas.
Cigarettes and tobacco products.
Clocks, watches and jewelry.
Cork and cork products.
Drugs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and toiletries.
Electric motors, generators, transformers and other electric components.
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Electronic products.
Engraving and printing.
Furniture.
Heating, washing, cooling, drying, cleaning appliances.
Ice, cold storage plants, bottling works.
Laundries.
Machine shops.
Metal polishing and plating.
Monument works.
Musical instruments.
Office equipment.
Paint manufacturing.
Paper products from previously processed paper.
Research laboratories.
Rubber and synthetic rubber products.
Sheet metal work, ornamental iron, welding, and stamping.
Shoes, boots, footwear.
Sporting equipment.
Television, radio.
Tools, hardware and small metal products.
Video equipment. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010)
B. The following nonmanufacturing uses:
Business and professional offices.
Landscaping and building design and construction.
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Railroad spurs and sidings.
Scientific research, investigation, testing and experimentation.
Trade schools and colleges or universities, without accessory housing.
Warehousing.
Water softening units. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010; amd. Ord. 457, 11-19-2013)
12-1G-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
Within the I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used for the following uses except
by conditional use permit:
Accessory, enclosed retail sales, provided that:
A. Accessory Use: The retail sales portion of the business shall be an accessory use to
the existing permitted or conditionally permitted use in the I industrial district.
B. Site Requirements: The retail sales portion of the business shall be conducted within
the same building as the principal use.
C. Building Requirements: The retail sales portion of the business shall not constitute
more than five percent (5%) of the gross floor area of the principal use.
D. Building Design: The building design shall be in compliance with subsection 12-1D-13-
2C of this chapter.
E. Parking: Adequate off street parking and off street loading shall be provided and shall
be in compliance with the provisions of section 12-1G-5 of this article and section 12-
1D-16 of this chapter.
F. Signage: All signage shall be in compliance with the provisions of section 12-1D-15 of
this chapter. Separate wall signage may be considered at the retail entrance, but no
separate freestanding signage shall be considered.
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G. Landscaping: All landscaping shall be in compliance with subsection 12-1D-13-2D of
this chapter, section 12-1G-6 of this article and section 12-1I-9 of this chapter.
H. Screening: All screening shall be in compliance with subsection 12-1D-13-2E of this
chapter, section 12-1G-6 of this article and section 12-1I-9 of this chapter.
I. Hours Of Operation: The hours of operation of the retail sales portion of the business
shall be limited from eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. to seven o'clock (7:00) P.M. on
weekdays and eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. to five o'clock (5:00) P.M. on Saturdays and
Sundays.
Accessory structures.
Adult daycare, provided that the proposed facility meets the following conditions:
A. Clients are brought to the site primarily through the use of group transportation, such
as vans or buses.
B. A separate exterior entrance is available to the facility for clients and staff.
C. The facility will require parking space at a rate no greater than that of an office tenant
for staff, clients, and visitors.
D. If located in a multi-tenant building, the daycare facility is found to be compatible with
the other uses that are allowed on the property under the applicable zoning
regulations.
E. Outdoor activities on or around the property in question, if part of the program, are
accessible via adequate pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks or trails.
F. The daycare facility is properly licensed by the state of Minnesota under applicable
statutory requirements for clients ages eighteen (18) and over.
Airports, truck and freight terminals, team tracks and open sales lots.
Athletics, participative.
Automobile and other vehicles of transportation sales when conducted entirely within a
building.
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Essential service structures.
Massage therapy services to the general public for purposes of a teaching program
accredited by the National Certification Board For Therapeutic Massage And Bodywork and
the Accrediting Commission Of Career Schools And Colleges Of Technology as an
accessory use to trade schools, colleges, and universities in which no fee is charged for the
services.
Motel and hotel.
Motor fuel stations subject to the requirements of section 12-1D-13-3 of this chapter.
Outdoor storage and display of materials and equipment accessory to landscaping and
building design and construction, provided that:
A. The site shall be occupied by a principal building of no less than fifteen thousand
(15,000) square feet.
B. All storage and display is located in the rear or side yard of the property and behind
the front building line of the principal building, and shall not be located in a yard that
abuts any local public street.
C. No storage and display shall be located on any parcel that is within one thousand five
hundred feet (1,500') from any residentially zoned property, measured from the closest
point of the lot lines.
D. The storage and display area shall not be open to retail sales, and shall be utilized
only for stock and supply for clients of the landscape or building design and
construction business.
E. All storage and display is located on paved surfaces, which shall be properly
maintained to prevent deterioration.
F. The storage and display area shall occupy no more than sixty percent (60%) of the
total lot area.
G. The storage and display area shall be set back from all lot lines no less than ten feet
(10').
H. The storage and display area shall be screened from surrounding property by fencing,
walls, and/or landscaping.
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I. All storage and display shall be located under three (3) sided, covered structures, with
the exception of landscape plant materials and trucks or equipment as shown on a
specific and detailed site plan.
J. Trucks and equipment kept within the storage and display area shall be located within
designated striped parking spaces and shall not be used for storage.
K. Fencing utilized for screening purposes shall be constructed of wood or other
materials as approved by the city council.
L. Circulation and water service on the property shall meet the requirements of the city's
fire chief for access and fire protection.
M. Covered structures used to protect stored materials or equipment shall meet the
following requirements:
1. Structures greater than eight feet (8') in height shall be designed and constructed of
materials consistent with the requirements of section 12-1D-13-2 of this chapter.
2. Structures of eight feet (8') in height or less may be constructed of alternative
materials as approved by the city council, provided such structures are not visible
from surrounding property or public streets.
3. All structures shall comply with applicable building and fire codes.
Radio, television or transmission towers.
Ready mix concrete and concrete products plants.
Restaurants (full service dining, not drive-in or convenience/fast food type).
Retail sales and service complexes, provided that:
A. Site Requirements: The retail sales and service complex must be located adjacent to
an interstate highway and within three hundred feet (300') of an interchange entrance
or exit ramp with such highway. The site may be comprised of more than one lot but
the lot area for any retail site shall be limited to one acre or less.
B. Mix Of Uses: A retail sales and service complex may include any service uses which
are listed as permitted or conditional in the I district as well as retail uses listed as
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permitted or conditional uses in the B-2 zoning district. Any retail building must contain
a minimum of two (2) tenants. As part of the conditional use permit application,
applicants may propose to include a drive-in or fast food restaurant as defined in
section 12-1D-13-4 of this chapter, provided that no single restaurant exceeds two
thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet in size.
C. Parking: Sufficient access and parking shall be provided. If the retail sales and service
complex includes more than one lot, cross parking and cross access may be permitted
and the required number of parking spaces may be reduced. The size of the parking
stalls may be reduced to nine feet (9') in width and eighteen feet (18') in length.
Parking areas may be set back ten feet (10') from a front property line or side property
line abutting a street.
D. Building Requirements: Notwithstanding the height requirements of the I district, any
hotel or motel in the retail sales and service complex may be a maximum of four (4)
stories or fifty feet (50') in height. Notwithstanding the floor area ratio requirements of
the I district, the floor area ratio of the retail sales and service complex may be a
maximum of sixty percent (60%).
E. Flexibility In Site Setbacks: Building setbacks may be reduced to thirty five feet (35')
from a front property line or side property line. Building setbacks may be reduced to
forty feet (40') from a rear property line. Setbacks to interior side property lines (not
abutting a street) may be reduced to zero.
F. Architectural Controls: Applicants for a conditional use permit must provide samples of
exterior finishes which shall be approved as part of the conditional use permit process.
G. Landscaping: At least twenty five percent (25%) of the land area shall be landscaped
with grass, approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees. All lots within the proposed
retail sales and service complex development may be calculated together to meet the
twenty five percent (25%) requirement.
H. Signage: Approved signage shall be based on the overall size of the retail sales and
service complex but flexibility may be granted to allow more than one sign on a
particular lot that is part of the retail sales and service complex. Freestanding or pylon
signs may be located at least ten feet (10') from a front property line or side yard
abutting a public street and interior side property lines. Pylon signage may be
permitted provided that signage included in any retail sales and service complex
located along I-494 shall be no higher than nine hundred fifteen feet (915') above
mean sea level.
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I. Remaining Standards: All other standards of the I industrial district and other applicable
zoning standards shall apply.
Solar energy systems that are accessory to the principal use of the land and are designed to
supply energy to on site uses, as regulated by section 12-1D-18 of this chapter.
Trade schools, colleges, and universities with accessory housing for the students of the
school only.
Uses which are permitted under section 12-1I-8 of this chapter which involve the storage or
use of materials which decompose by detonation. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010; amd. Ord. 446, 3-5-
2013; Ord. 457, 11-19-2013; Ord. 485, 9-15-2015)
12-1G-2-1: INTERIM USES:
Within the I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used for the following uses except
by interim use permit:
Off leash dog area, provided that:
A. The minimum parcel size shall be five (5) acres, which may include a combination of
adjoining lots under control by the city.
B. No structures shall be located on the lot(s).
C. Proper fencing shall be installed around the entire off leash area with height and
materials approved by the city council.
D. Adequate off street and/or on street parking shall be supplied, as determined by the
city council.
E. Hours of operation shall be limited to between seven o'clock (7:00) A.M. and nine
o'clock (9:00) P.M.
F. Fixed lighting structures are prohibited.
G. All dogs shall be appropriately licensed.
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H. All dogs shall be kept on leash at all times except within the designated off leash area.
I. No dog(s) shall be left unattended within the off leash area.
J. Dog waste receptacles shall be provided and all dog waste shall be properly disposed
of on site by the user or removed immediately. (Ord. 484, 8-4-2015)
12-1G-3: PERMITTED ACCESSORY USES:
Within the I district, the following uses shall be permitted accessory uses:
Fences as regulated by this chapter.
Guesthouses owned and operated in conjunction with a permitted or principal use.
Off street parking and loading as regulated in this chapter.
Residential structures and related residential uses necessary for security and safety reasons
in relation to a principal use.
Signs as regulated in this chapter. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010)
12-1G-4: BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:
No development of any lot or combination of lots in the I district shall be commenced and no
building permit will be issued therefor until all of the following requirements have been met:
A. Plans And Specifications:
1. Site Plan And Building Plans And Specifications: A complete site plan and building
plans and specifications shall be submitted as prepared by a registered architect. The
architect shall certify that the plans were prepared specifically for the subject site. The
site plan shall include location of buildings, driveways, driveway intersections with
streets, parking areas, loading areas, sidewalks, curbs, and screening as required by
this chapter.
2. Grading Plans: Site grading plans shall be submitted indicating existing and proposed
grades and provisions for surface drainage.
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3. Signs: Proposed design, location, size and lighting of all signs, if any, shall be
submitted.
4. Landscaping Plans: Detailed landscaping plans prepared and signed by a landscape
architect shall be submitted.
5. Additional Materials: Plans and specifications shall include any additional material
required by the city to ascertain compliance with the performance standards specified
in this chapter and any other requirements of this chapter.
B. Bond: A bond or bonds guaranteeing performance of construction elements required to
comply with this chapter shall be given in amounts determined by the city to be sufficient
to reasonably ensure compliance with the provisions of this article. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010)
12-1G-5: OFF STREET PARKING:
Off street parking shall be supplied to meet the minimum number of spaces and location of
space requirements for the type of use proposed as specified in section 12-1D-16 of this
chapter. In addition to those requirements:
A. Off street parking shall be supplied in sufficient quantity to provide parking for employees,
customers, and visitors in accordance with projected needs for the proposed occupancy.
B. All parking areas shall be surfaced with a hard, all weather, durable material with an
approved curb or bumper stops defining the edge of all parking areas and driveways. All
parking areas containing more than six (6) spaces facing a public street or residential
zoned property shall have a solid screen, wall or fence not less than four feet (4') nor
more than six feet (6') high.
C. No parking spaces or aisles serving parking spaces shall be less than twenty feet (20')
from any public right of way nor less than ten feet (10') from a building or lot line. (Ord.
429, 8-3-2010)
12-1G-6: LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING1:
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A. Landscaping Plans: All areas of any lot or combination of lots which comprise the site for
one or more buildings, except those areas used for parking or buildings, shall be
landscaped with grass, trees, shrubs, or other planted ground cover, in accordance with
detailed landscaping plans prepared and signed by a landscape architect.
B. Bond: A bond in an amount not to exceed one and one-half (11/2) times the cost of
landscaping and screening shall be required to guarantee the placement and
construction thereof as required in this chapter.
C. Maintenance Required: In addition, the owner shall have a continuing responsibility to
maintain such landscaping and any required screening in reasonable condition at all
times. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010)
12-1G-7: SITE AND STRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS:
A. Building Coverage: Not more than fifty percent (50%) of the lot area shall be occupied by
buildings.
B. Structure Height: No structure shall exceed forty five feet (45') in height except as
provided in section 12-1D-13-1 of this chapter.
C. Side Yards Abutting A Street On A Corner Lot: Side yard abutting a street on a corner lot
shall be not less than forty feet (40') in width.
D. Yards Where Railroad Tracks Abut A Lot: Where a lot has a railroad trackage abutting the
interior side lot line or rear lot line, there shall be no side or rear yard requirement
abutting the trackage in providing a railroad loading facility.
E. Fences For I Districts Abutting R Districts: Whenever an I district abuts an R district, a
fence shall be erected along the property line and is allowed to be one hundred percent
(100%) opaque and not to exceed six feet (6') in height.
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F. Floor Area Ratio: Floor area ratio shall not exceed 0.5.
G. Minimum Lot Requirements: The following minimum requirements shall be observed
subject to the additional requirements, exceptions and modifications as set forth in this
article and in section 12-1D-13-1 of this chapter:
Lot area 1 acre
Lot width 100 feet
Front yard 40 feet
Side yard:
Interior 30 feet
Abutting a street 40 feet
Rear yard: 50 feet
Abutting an R district 100 feet
H. General Requirements: General requirements as specified in section 12-1D-13-2 of this
chapter. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010)
12-1G-8: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
The manufacture, compounding, processing, packaging, treatment, assembly, or storage of
products shall comply with the performance standards outlined in article I of this chapter.
(Ord. 429, 8-3-2010)
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DATE: January 26, 2016
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Nolan Wall, AICP
Planner
SUBJECT: Planning Case 2016-04
Proposed Code Amendments – Industrial District Uses
APPLICANT: City of Mendota Heights
PROPERTY ADDRESS: N/A
ZONING/GUIDED: N/A
ACTION DEADLINE: N/A
DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUEST
The City is considering amendments to Title 12, Chapter 1, Article G of the City Code concerning uses in
the Industrial Zoning District.
BACKGROUND
The City is in the process of finalizing the Industrial District Redevelopment Plan and is proceeding with
implementing several recommendations included in the Plan. The recommendations were developed as a
result of the following planning process:
• Survey of property owners/managers, tenants, and brokers
• Market analysis from a commercial real estate firm
• Planning Commission/City Council joint workshop
• City Council presentations/discussions
The Plan’s implementation strategy was discussed at the January 4 City Council goal setting workshop.
Subsequently, staff was directed to proceed with exploring potential revisions or additions to the uses
allowed in the Industrial District.
ANALYSIS
The City’s zoning authority is created and regulated by statutes and court decisions. The zoning regulations
should be continually reviewed to ensure they are consistent with the goals and visions for the community.
When drafting and amending zoning regulations, the city is utilizing its legislative (law-making) authority.
When using its legislative authority, the only limits on the city’s zoning authority are that actions must be
constitutional, rational, and in some way related to protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the
public. This is commonly known as the “rational basis standard” and is generally an easy standard to meet.
page 187
Permitted Uses
Permitted uses are allowed by right in a given zoning district, subject to the applicable regulations and any
required building permits. To the extent the use meets the applicable requirements, it must be permitted.
As a result, it is prudent for the city to review and scrutinize permitted uses to ensure they fit current needs
and are compatible with the city’s vision for the area. Certain uses could be stricken or reclassified as
conditional uses, where conditions may be imposed to prevent any negative secondary effects.
Title 12-1G-1-A and B of the City Code include the following permitted uses within the Industrial District:
A. Within any I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used except for the conducting of a
process, fabrication, storage, manufacturing or wholesaling of one or more of the following uses:
Aeronautic and automotive testing equipment.
Apparel.
Appliances.
Artificial limbs.
Automobile painting, upholstering, tire recapping and major repair when conducted within a completely
enclosed building.
Bakery goods.
Batteries.
Boats.
Bus terminals and maintenance garage.
Cabinet shops.
Camera and photographic supplies.
Canvas products.
Ceramic products using kilns fired only by electricity or gas.
Cigarettes and tobacco products.
Clocks, watches and jewelry.
Cork and cork products.
Drugs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and toiletries.
Electric motors, generators, transformers and other electric components.
Electronic products.
Engraving and printing.
Furniture.
page 188
Heating, washing, cooling, drying, cleaning appliances.
Ice, cold storage plants, bottling works.
Laundries.
Machine shops.
Metal polishing and plating.
Monument works.
Musical instruments.
Office equipment.
Paint manufacturing.
Paper products from previously processed paper.
Research laboratories.
Rubber and synthetic rubber products.
Sheet metal work, ornamental iron, welding, and stamping.
Shoes, boots, footwear.
Sporting equipment.
Television, radio.
Tools, hardware and small metal products.
Video equipment. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010)
B. The following nonmanufacturing uses:
Business and professional offices.
Landscaping and building design and construction.
Railroad spurs and sidings.
Scientific research, investigation, testing and experimentation.
Trade schools and colleges or universities, without accessory housing.
Warehousing.
Water softening units. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010; amd. Ord. 457, 11-19-2013)
page 189
Conditional Uses
Generally, conditional uses are not appropriate without conditions that ensure the use is compatible with
the surrounding area and conforms to the zoning regulations and comprehensive plan. By requiring a use
by conditional use permit (CUP), the city has more flexibility in administering the zoning regulations by
including rational conditions on the use. Once a CUP is granted, the property interests run with the land as
long as compliance with the approved conditions is maintained.
Title 12-1B-2 of the City Code includes the following definition:
CONDITIONAL USE: Either a public or private use which, because of its unique characteristics, cannot
be properly classified as a permitted use in any particular district or districts.
Title 12-1G-2 of the City Code includes the following conditional uses within the Industrial District:
Within the I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used for the following uses except by
conditional use permit:
Accessory, enclosed retail sales, provided that:
A. Accessory Use: The retail sales portion of the business shall be an accessory use to the
existing permitted or conditionally permitted use in the I industrial district.
B. Site Requirements: The retail sales portion of the business shall be conducted within the same
building as the principal use.
C. Building Requirements: The retail sales portion of the business shall not constitute more than
five percent (5%) of the gross floor area of the principal use.
D. Building Design: The building design shall be in compliance with subsection 12-1D-13-2C of
this chapter.
E. Parking: Adequate off street parking and off street loading shall be provided and shall be in
compliance with the provisions of section 12-1G-5 of this article and section 12-1D-16 of this
chapter.
F. Signage: All signage shall be in compliance with the provisions of section 12-1D-15 of this
chapter. Separate wall signage may be considered at the retail entrance, but no separate
freestanding signage shall be considered.
G. Landscaping: All landscaping shall be in compliance with subsection 12-1D-13-2D of this
chapter, section 12-1G-6 of this article and section 12-1I-9 of this chapter.
H. Screening: All screening shall be in compliance with subsection 12-1D-13-2E of this chapter,
section 12-1G-6 of this article and section 12-1I-9 of this chapter.
I. Hours Of Operation: The hours of operation of the retail sales portion of the business shall be
limited from eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. to seven o'clock (7:00) P.M. on weekdays and eight o'clock
(8:00) A.M. to five o'clock (5:00) P.M. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Accessory structures.
Adult daycare, provided that the proposed facility meets the following conditions:
A. Clients are brought to the site primarily through the use of group transportation, such as vans
or buses.
B. A separate exterior entrance is available to the facility for clients and staff.
C. The facility will require parking space at a rate no greater than that of an office tenant for
staff, clients, and visitors.
D. If located in a multi-tenant building, the daycare facility is found to be compatible with the
other uses that are allowed on the property under the applicable zoning regulations.
E. Outdoor activities on or around the property in question, if part of the program, are accessible
via adequate pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks or trails.
F. The daycare facility is properly licensed by the state of Minnesota under applicable statutory
requirements for clients ages eighteen (18) and over.
page 190
Airports, truck and freight terminals, team tracks and open sales lots.
Athletics, participative.
Automobile and other vehicles of transportation sales when conducted entirely within a building.
Essential service structures.
Massage therapy services to the general public for purposes of a teaching program accredited by the
National Certification Board For Therapeutic Massage And Bodywork and the Accrediting Commission
Of Career Schools And Colleges Of Technology as an accessory use to trade schools, colleges, and
universities in which no fee is charged for the services.
Motel and hotel.
Motor fuel stations subject to the requirements of section 12-1D-13-3 of this chapter.
Outdoor storage and display of materials and equipment accessory to landscaping and building design
and construction, provided that:
A. The site shall be occupied by a principal building of no less than fifteen thousand (15,000)
square feet.
B. All storage and display is located in the rear or side yard of the property and behind the front
building line of the principal building, and shall not be located in a yard that abuts any local
public street.
C. No storage and display shall be located on any parcel that is within one thousand five hundred
feet (1,500') from any residentially zoned property, measured from the closest point of the lot
lines.
D. The storage and display area shall not be open to retail sales, and shall be utilized only for
stock and supply for clients of the landscape or building design and construction business.
E. All storage and display is located on paved surfaces, which shall be properly maintained to
prevent deterioration.
F. The storage and display area shall occupy no more than sixty percent (60%) of the total lot
area.
G. The storage and display area shall be set back from all lot lines no less than ten feet (10').
H. The storage and display area shall be screened from surrounding property by fencing, walls,
and/or landscaping.
I. All storage and display shall be located under three (3) sided, covered structures, with the
exception of landscape plant materials and trucks or equipment as shown on a specific and
detailed site plan.
J. Trucks and equipment kept within the storage and display area shall be located within
designated striped parking spaces and shall not be used for storage.
K. Fencing utilized for screening purposes shall be constructed of wood or other materials as
approved by the city council.
L. Circulation and water service on the property shall meet the requirements of the city's fire
chief for access and fire protection.
M. Covered structures used to protect stored materials or equipment shall meet the following
requirements:
1. Structures greater than eight feet (8') in height shall be designed and constructed of
materials consistent with the requirements of section 12-1D-13-2 of this chapter.
2. Structures of eight feet (8') in height or less may be constructed of alternative
materials as approved by the city council, provided such structures are not visible from
surrounding property or public streets.
3. All structures shall comply with applicable building and fire codes.
page 191
Radio, television or transmission towers.
Ready mix concrete and concrete products plants.
Restaurants (full service dining, not drive-in or convenience/fast food type).
Retail sales and service complexes, provided that:
A. Site Requirements: The retail sales and service complex must be located adjacent to an
interstate highway and within three hundred feet (300') of an interchange entrance or exit ramp
with such highway. The site may be comprised of more than one lot but the lot area for any retail
site shall be limited to one acre or less.
B. Mix Of Uses: A retail sales and service complex may include any service uses which are listed
as permitted or conditional in the I district as well as retail uses listed as permitted or conditional
uses in the B-2 zoning district. Any retail building must contain a minimum of two (2) tenants. As
part of the conditional use permit application, applicants may propose to include a drive-in or
fast food restaurant as defined in section 12-1D-13-4 of this chapter, provided that no single
restaurant exceeds two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet in size.
C. Parking: Sufficient access and parking shall be provided. If the retail sales and service
complex includes more than one lot, cross parking and cross access may be permitted and the
required number of parking spaces may be reduced. The size of the parking stalls may be reduced
to nine feet (9') in width and eighteen feet (18') in length. Parking areas may be set back ten feet
(10') from a front property line or side property line abutting a street.
D. Building Requirements: Notwithstanding the height requirements of the I district, any hotel or
motel in the retail sales and service complex may be a maximum of four (4) stories or fifty feet
(50') in height. Notwithstanding the floor area ratio requirements of the I district, the floor area
ratio of the retail sales and service complex may be a maximum of sixty percent (60%).
E. Flexibility In Site Setbacks: Building setbacks may be reduced to thirty five feet (35') from a
front property line or side property line. Building setbacks may be reduced to forty feet (40') from
a rear property line. Setbacks to interior side property lines (not abutting a street) may be
reduced to zero.
F. Architectural Controls: Applicants for a conditional use permit must provide samples of
exterior finishes which shall be approved as part of the conditional use permit process.
G. Landscaping: At least twenty five percent (25%) of the land area shall be landscaped with
grass, approved ground cover, shrubbery and trees. All lots within the proposed retail sales and
service complex development may be calculated together to meet the twenty five percent (25%)
requirement.
H. Signage: Approved signage shall be based on the overall size of the retail sales and service
complex but flexibility may be granted to allow more than one sign on a particular lot that is part
of the retail sales and service complex. Freestanding or pylon signs may be located at least ten
feet (10') from a front property line or side yard abutting a public street and interior side
property lines. Pylon signage may be permitted provided that signage included in any retail sales
and service complex located along I-494 shall be no higher than nine hundred fifteen feet (915')
above mean sea level.
I. Remaining Standards: All other standards of the I industrial district and other applicable
zoning standards shall apply.
Solar energy systems that are accessory to the principal use of the land and are designed to supply
energy to on site uses, as regulated by section 12-1D-18 of this chapter.
Trade schools, colleges, and universities with accessory housing for the students of the school only.
Uses which are permitted under section 12-1I-8 of this chapter which involve the storage or use of
materials which decompose by detonation. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010; amd. Ord. 446, 3-5-2013; Ord. 457, 11-
19-2013; Ord. 485, 9-15-2015)
page 192
Interim Uses
Interim uses must conform to the zoning regulations and can be terminated based on a date or event that
can be identified with certainty. As a result, they are effective tools for redevelopment planning by allowing
for certain temporary uses of property without jeopardizing a long-range plan. The City Code was amended
in 2015 to include interim uses, as in Ordinance 479.
Title 12-1B-2 of the City Code includes the following definition:
INTERIM USE: A temporary use of property until a particular date, until the occurrence of a particular
event, or until zoning regulations no longer permit the use.
Title 12-1G-2-1 of the City Code includes the following interim uses within the Industrial District:
Within the I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used for the following uses except by interim
use permit:
Off leash dog area, provided that:
A. The minimum parcel size shall be five (5) acres, which may include a combination of adjoining
lots under control by the city.
B. No structures shall be located on the lot(s).
C. Proper fencing shall be installed around the entire off leash area with height and materials
approved by the city council.
D. Adequate off street and/or on street parking shall be supplied, as determined by the city
council.
E. Hours of operation shall be limited to between seven o'clock (7:00) A.M. and nine o'clock
(9:00) P.M.
F. Fixed lighting structures are prohibited.
G. All dogs shall be appropriately licensed.
H. All dogs shall be kept on leash at all times except within the designated off leash area.
I. No dog(s) shall be left unattended within the off leash area.
J. Dog waste receptacles shall be provided and all dog waste shall be properly disposed of on
site by the user or removed immediately. (Ord. 484, 8-4-2015)
Accessory Uses
Accessory uses are located on the same lot, but are subordinate or incidental to a permitted use. Accessory
uses are still subject to applicable zoning regulations and required building permits. They often include
uses that enhance the use of the property, but do not change the primary permitted use.
Title 12-1G-3 of the City Code includes the following accessory uses within the Industrial District:
Within the I district, the following uses shall be permitted accessory uses:
Fences as regulated by this chapter.
Guesthouses owned and operated in conjunction with a permitted or principal use.
Off street parking and loading as regulated in this chapter.
Residential structures and related residential uses necessary for security and safety reasons in relation to
a principal use.
Signs as regulated in this chapter. (Ord. 429, 8-3-2010)
page 193
Proposed Amendments
Based on discussions during the planning process, staff has included proposed amendments concerning
certain uses for review and recommendation by the Planning Commission. It is not intended at this time to
propose any new uses, which has historically been a process driven by a proposed request. Also, the impacts
of eliminating or reclassifying certain uses should be considered as it relates to any existing uses that operate
within the Industrial District.
Ultimately, the City Council may consider any amendments necessary to ensure the city’s land use goals
and policies within the Industrial District are implemented appropriately.
ALTERNATIVES
Following the public hearing and further discussion, the Planning Commission may consider the following
actions:
1. Recommend approval of DRAFT Ordinance 491, as presented or as amended by the Commission.
OR
2. Recommend denial of DRAFT Ordinance 491.
OR
3. Table the request, pending additional information and revisions from staff.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Planning Commission discuss the proposed code amendment concerning certain uses
in the Industrial District. If acceptable to the Commission, action can be taken at this month’s meeting.
Staff would propose to bring back any substantial revisions for review and further discussion at a future
meeting prior to making a recommendation to the City Council.
MATERIALS INCLUDED FOR REVIEW
1. DRAFT Ordinance 491
2. Industrial Zoning District maps
3. Implementation Framework
4. Planning application, including supporting materials
page 194
MEETING DATE: February 23, 2016
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Nolan Wall, AICP
Planner
SUBJECT: Planning Case 2016-04
Proposed Code Amendments – Industrial District Uses
APPLICANT: City of Mendota Heights
PROPERTY ADDRESS: N/A
ZONING/GUIDED: N/A
ACTION DEADLINE: N/A
DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUEST
The City is considering amendments to Title 12, Chapter 1, Article G of the City Code concerning uses in
the Industrial Zoning District.
BACKGROUND
DRAFT Ordinance 491 was reviewed and discussed by the Planning Commission at the January meeting.
As a result of the Commission’s comments, staff has revised the proposed amendments for continued
review and discussion.
ANALYSIS
The City is using its legislative authority when considering action on a code amendment request and has
broad discretion; the only limitations are that actions must be constitutional, rational, and in some way
related to protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
Based on the discussion at last month’s meeting, staff is proposing two options for review and discussion
by the Planning Commission. A summary of the proposed amendments contained in DRAFT Ordinance
491 includes the following:
OPTION 1
Section 1
Title 12-1G-1-A contains permitted uses under the following guidelines:
Within any I industrial district, no structure or land shall be used except for the conducting of a process,
fabrication, storage, manufacturing or wholesaling of one or more of the following uses…
page 195
1. Revise the existing “auto repair” use to include both major and minor uses, under the following
existing definitions:
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR, MAJOR: General repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of engines,
motor vehicles or trailers, including bodywork, framework, and major painting service.
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR, MINOR: The replacement of any part or repair of any part which
does not require the removal of the engine head or pan, engine, transmission or differential;
incidental body and fender work, minor painting and upholstering service when said service
above stated is applied to passenger automobiles and trucks not in excess of a three-quarter
(3/4) ton rating.
Based on the existing definitions, it is likely that any “major automobile repair” use would also be
completing “minor repairs.”
2. Reclassify the following manufacturing uses from “permitted” to “conditional”:
Batteries
Laundries
Metal polishing and plating
Paper products from previously processed paper
Rubber and synthetic rubber products
Sheet metal work, ornamental iron, welding, and stamping
Section 2
Title 12-1G-1-B contains permitted “nonmanufacturing” uses.
1. Add “municipal buildings and structures” to include the existing public works garage.
2. Eliminate “trade schools” and incorporate the existing trade school definition into the use category
in order to recognize all post-secondary education options without using the outdated term.
3. Add “distribution” to the existing “warehousing” use, in order to recognize that the uses are often
co-dependent on each other.
Section 3
Title 12-1G-2 contains conditional uses.
1. Add the uses reclassified from permitted uses in Section 1.
2. Eliminate the following uses:
Adult daycare
Athletics, participative
Trade schools, colleges, and universities with accessory housing for the students of the
school only
3. Add “Commercial recreation, when conducted within a completely enclosed building” as a
conditional use.
The intent is to allow for additional uses that may be able to utilize existing vacant warehouse space
and repurpose the building to meet their needs. There has been interest in trampoline and
page 196
gymnastics uses in the past within the Industrial District. Section 5 includes a proposed revised
definition to specify qualifying uses.
4. Revise “massage therapy” use to eliminate the reference to “trade school,” which is proposed to be
eliminated from the Code.
5. Add “motor fuel station convenience stores” to the existing use category.
Currently, the Code contains separate definitions for “motor fuel convenience store” and “motor
fuel station.”
MOTOR FUEL CONVENIENCE STORE: A store operated in conjunction with a motor fuel station
or truck stop for the purpose of offering for sale goods not essential for the operation of motor
vehicles.
MOTOR FUEL STATION: A retail place of business engaged primarily in the sale of motor fuels,
but also may be engaged in supplying goods and services generally required in the operation and
maintenance of motor vehicles. These may include the sale of petroleum products and the sale and
servicing of tires, batteries, automotive accessories, replacement items, lubrication services, and
the performance of minor automotive maintenance and repair.
Both uses are allowed as conditional uses in the B-2 and B-3 zones, however only “motor fuel
stations” are allowed by in the B-4 and Industrial zones. Based on feedback from the surveys
completed as part of the Redevelopment Plan, the area needs additional support services for the
existing workforce. By not allowing for a convenience store option, a stand-along motor fuel
station does not address the demonstrated need for additional services.
Section 4
Title 12-1G-3 contains accessory uses.
1. Eliminate the following uses:
Guesthouses owned and operated in conjunction with a permitted or principal use
Residential structures and related residential uses necessary for security and safety reasons
in relation to a principal use.
Section 5
Title 12-1B-2 contains definitions.
1. Eliminate “trade school” definition.
As in Section 2, the existing definition would essentially be included within the applicable
permitted use category.
2. Revise the existing “commercial recreation” definition to limit certain uses allowed by conditional
use permit.
OPTION 2
Upon recommendation by the Commission, staff reviewed sample ordinances from surrounding suburban
communities to determine additional options for classifying industrial district uses. The Industrial District
in Mendota Heights is unique when compared to other communities due to its diversity of allowed uses and
no differentiation between heavy and light industrial uses.
page 197
Section 1
Title 12-1G-1-A contains permitted uses. The existing list of permitted manufacturing uses is outdated and
could be simplified to accomplish a similar intent.
1. Eliminate the existing list of permitted manufacturing uses.
2. Add “manufacturing, when conducted within a completely enclosed building.”
Title 12-1B-2 defines “manufacturing” as follows:
MANUFACTURING: All uses which include the compounding, processing, packaging, treatment,
or assembly of products and materials, provided such use will not generate objectionable
influences that extend beyond the lot on which the use is located.
As written, a proposed use that has “objectionable influences” on surrounding properties is not
permitted.
3. Reclassify “automobile repair, major or minor, when conducted completely within an enclosed
building” as a permitted use.
4. Reclassify “bus terminals and maintenance garages” as a permitted use.
5. Add “municipal buildings and structures” to address the existing public works garage.
6. Eliminate “trade schools” and incorporate the existing trade school definition into the use category
in order to recognize all post-secondary education options without using the outdated term.
7. Add “distribution” to the existing “warehousing” use, in order to recognize that the uses are often
co-dependent on each other.
8. Eliminate “water softening units,” since it is covered under the proposed “manufacturing” use.
9. Move the following permitted nonmanufacturing uses in to new permitted use section:
Business and professional offices.
Landscaping and building design and construction.
Railroad spurs and sidings.
Scientific research, investigation, testing and experimentation, including laboratories.
Section 2
1. Eliminate 12-1G-1-B, as it is incorporated into 12-1G-1-A above.
Section 3 (see Option 1, Section 3 for rationale)
Title 12-1G-2 contains conditional uses.
1. Eliminate the following uses:
Adult daycare
Athletics, participative
Trade schools, colleges, and universities with accessory housing for the students of the
school only
page 198
2. Add “Commercial recreation, when conducted within a completely enclosed building” as a
conditional use.
3. Revise “massage therapy” use to eliminate the reference to “trade school,” which is proposed to be
eliminated from the Code.
4. Add “motor fuel station convenience stores” to the existing use category.
Section 4 (same as Option 1, Section 4)
Title 12-1G-3 contains accessory uses.
1. Eliminate the following uses:
Guesthouses owned and operated in conjunction with a permitted or principal use
Residential structures and related residential uses necessary for security and safety reasons
in relation to a principal use.
Section 5 (same as Option 1, Section 5)
Title 12-1B-2 contains definitions.
1. Eliminate “trade school” definition.
2. Revise the existing “commercial recreation” definition to limit certain uses allowed by conditional
use permit.
Section 6
As proposed, most manufacturing uses would still be allowed under the permitted use category, as long as
they are compliant with the existing definition. Therefore, staff recommends that the Industrial District be
amended to include “prohibited uses.” The proposed list came from reviewing example ordinances, but
can certainly be expanded.
ALTERNATIVES
Following the public hearing and further discussion, the Planning Commission may consider the following
actions:
1. Recommend approval of DRAFT Ordinance 491, as presented or as amended by the Commission.
OR
2. Recommend denial of DRAFT Ordinance 491.
OR
3. Table the request, pending additional information and revisions from staff.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Planning Commission discuss the proposed code amendment concerning certain uses
in the Industrial District. If acceptable to the Commission, action can be taken at this month’s meeting.
Staff would propose to bring back any substantial revisions for review and further discussion at a future
meeting prior to making a recommendation to the City Council.
page 199
MATERIALS INCLUDED FOR REVIEW
1. DRAFT Ordinance 491 (2 options)
2. City Code Title 12, Chapter 1, Article G – Industrial District
3. Industrial District Use Table
4. Planning application, including supporting materials
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I-494
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Planning Case 2016-04Industrial Zoning District City of
Mendota
Heights01,000
SCALE IN FEETDate: 1/12/2016
GIS Map Disclaimer:This data is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for a true title search, property appraisal, plat,survey, or for zoning verification. The City of Mendota Heights assumes no legal responsibility for the information containedin this data. The City of Mendota Heights, or any other entity from which data was obtained, assumes no liability for any errorsor omissions herein. If discrepancies are found, please contact the City of Mendota Heights.
Contact "Gopher State One Call" at 651-454-0002 for utility locations, 48 hours prior to any excavation.
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BACKGROUND MENDOTA HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN 15
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Redevelopment Plan 12/8/2015
0 1,000 2,000 Feet
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Public Works
Source: Dakota County October 2015
City of
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Building Type
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Figure 6
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IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
The following table outlines an implementation strategy and timeline for the fifteen recommendations for the Industrial District.
Recommendation Potential Task(s)Timeline
(1)Keep the area guided and zoned for office, industrial and related uses; don’t make significant
changes that would interfere with its success as a business park.
• No action required at this time Ongoing
(2)Explore potential revisions or additions to the uses allowed in the park by scrutinizing and revising if
necessary the list of permitted and conditional uses in the zoning code.
• Review the permitted/conditional uses in the Industrial Zoning District
• Propose amendments as deemed necessary and recommended by the
planning commission
2016
(3)Explore reguiding and rezoning all or some of the front tier of properties between Mendota
Heights Road and I-494 to office – most are office, not industrial uses. The area may benefit from a
designation that encourages and allows more intense uses.
• Review the existing uses
• Review the existing permitted and conditional uses in the B-zones
• Determine if rezoning and code amendments are practical
5 years
(4)Explore ways to capitalize on the new Vikings facility in Eagan to the advantage of the Mendota
Heights Industrial District.
• Keep monitoring the development process in cooperation with the City of
Eagan
5-10 years depending
on build-out scenarios
(5)Preserve and improve the area’s roadway network as opportunities arise, avoiding changes that
would diminish its access to the regional and local network.
• Analyze any impacts to the area from future projects Ongoing
(6)Study traffic and circulation in the vicinity of Pilot Knob Road and Northland Drive to determine if
there are changes or improvements to that area that would allow more intense use of the currently
vacant parcel in the southeast quadrant of that intersection.
• Engage United Properties in discussions of the SE corner of Pilot Knob Rd/
Northland Drive intersection.
• Collaborate with Dakota County and United Properties on a potential area-wide
traffic study prior to 2017 County improvement project.
2016
(7)Continue to discuss and explore improvements to transit service in the park. This might include discus-
sions with Metro Transit and Dakota County about long-term transit service in the area; sidewalk con-
nections to bus shelters; a circulator route to other transit stops; increased Metro Transit bus service; or
long-term discussions of BRT or LRT along I-494.
• Contact MetroTranist, MVTA, and Dakota County to discuss the issues and
potential solutions.
• Monitor the Metropolitan Council’s long-term transportation/transit planning
efforts.
5 years
(8)Conduct a bicycle/pedestrian study to identify improvements and connections for bicyclists and
pedestrians to the park and nearby parks, trails and open space.
• Explore pursuing a SHIP grant to update the Trail Improvement and Maintenance
Plan.
2916
(9)Review the city’s parking standards in the zoning code and study parking needs in the park, to insure
that city code keeps in line with changes in office or other uses in the park.
• As opportunities arise or requests come forward from users, further analyze the
issues.
10 years
(10)Stay current on changes in the requirements of industrial and office uses generally and adjust the
city’s policies and regulations as needed to respond to new developments.
• Staff and consulting planner will monitor.Ongoing
(11)Promote the opportunity for Industrial land use on the City-owned Bourne Lane site, and only
encourage other uses if the market warrants it.
• Discuss the vision for this property to inform interested development partners.2016
(12)Continue to work cooperatively with Industrial Park owners, managers and tenants to keep the park
successful.
• Engage property owners, investors, and tenants as necessary as issues arise.Ongoing
(13)Study broadband and other technology infrastructure needs and consider investments as necessary
to ensure the area is competitive and serves the business needs.
• Work with Dakota County Broadband Initiative and NDC4 as appropriate.5 years
(14)Consider city policies toward redevelopment incentives to potentially implement on future projects.• Discuss economic incentives/tools (i.e. TIF, tax abatement, business subsidies,
revolving loans, bonds, etc.)
• Determine appropriate review process for developers seeking financial
assistance.
2016
(15)Explore ways to communicate, brand, and promote the Industrial District.• Engage Greater MSP regarding business retention and expansion opportunities.
• Work with the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce to promote
existing businesses and development opportunities.
2016
IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK MENDOTA HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN 34
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MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016
TO: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator
FROM: Tamara Schutta, Assistant to the City Administrator/HR Coordinator
SUBJECT: Approve Resolution 2016-19, Granting Comcast a Franchise Extension
BACKGROUND
The Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (“NDC4”) manages the
City’s cable franchise held by Comcast of St. Paul, Inc. (Comcast). Comcast requested a renewal
of the Franchise and the initial term was extended by the City of Mendota Heights on March 3,
2015. The City Council adopted Resolution 2015-20 extending the term of the Franchise until
March 31, 2016.
NDC4 Cable Commission is currently negotiating with Comcast representatives on a franchise
renewal document. On behalf of NDC4 Cable Commission, Executive Director Jodie Miller is
requesting the City of Mendota Heights adopt Resolution 2016-19 granting Comcast a Franchise
Extension to March 31, 2017.
ATTACHED
• Resolution 2016-19, Granting Comcast of St. Paul, Inc. A Franchise Extension to March
31, 2017.
RECOMMENDATION
NDC4 Cable Commission recommends approval of Resolution 2016-19. If Council desires to
implement the recommendation, pass a motion authorizing the Mayor to sign Resolution No.
2016-19, GRANTING COMCAST OF ST. PAUL, INC. A FRANCHISE EXTENSION TO
MARCH 31, 2017.
page 209
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-19
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
GRANTING COMCAST OF ST. PAUL, INC. A FRANCHISE
EXTENSION TO MARCH 31, 2017
WHEREAS, on or about April 1, 2000, the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota granted
Cable Television Franchise Ordinance (“Franchise”) which is currently held by Comcast of St.
Paul, Inc. (“Comcast”); and
WHEREAS, Comcast has requested renewal of the Franchise; and
WHEREAS, the initial term of the Franchise was extended by the City on March 3, 2015
when the City adopted Resolution No. 2015-20 which extended the term of the Franchise until
March 31, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Comcast executed Resolution No. 2015-20 and agreed to continue
complying with the Franchise, as amended; and
WHEREAS, both the City and Comcast desire to reserve all of their respective rights
under state and federal law regarding the franchise renewal process, specifically all rights
provided by 47 U.S.C. 546.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota hereby resolves as
follows:
1. The Franchise is hereby amended by extending the term of the Franchise from
April 1, 2016 through and including March 31, 2017.
2. Except as specifically modified hereby, the Franchise shall remain in full force
and effect.
3. The City and Comcast hereby agree that neither party waives any rights either
may have under the Franchise or applicable law.
4. This Resolution shall become effective upon the occurrence of both of the
following conditions: (1) The Resolution being passed and adopted by the City; and (2)
page 210
Comcast’s acceptance of this Resolution.
Adopted by the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, this third day of March, 2016.
ATTEST: CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
By: By:
Its:
page 211
ACCEPTANCE AND AGREEMENT
Comcast of St. Paul, Inc. hereby accepts this Resolution No.
(“Resolution”) and hereby accepts the terms, provisions and recitals of the Resolution and
agrees to be bound by the Franchise.
Dated this day of , 2016.
COMCAST OF ST. PAUL, INC.
By:
Its:
SWORN TO BEFORE ME this
___ day of ___________, 2016.
NOTARY PUBLIC
page 212