§ 5.1-5. Franchise term.

(a)

Any franchise granted pursuant hereto shall terminate, if not sooner provided for in a franchise agreement, fifteen (15) years from date of grant, and may be renewed and/or extended at the discretion of the board for successive five-year terms on the same terms or conditions as contained herein, or such different or additional terms and conditions as may be lawfully required by the board, and consistent with the requirements of any then-applicable rules and regulations of the FCC. In determining whether to renew or extend the franchise pursuant to this section, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors will not act arbitrarily or capriciously in exercising its discretion. In making determinations to extend or renew the franchise, the county shall be guided by reasonableness, industry standards as applicable to the cable television industry, and/or generally accepted legal, financial and technical principals. Prior to action by the Franklin County Board of Supervisors to revoke or not renew this franchise, the grantee shall be given reasonable notice of the meeting at which said revocation or nonrenewal shall be considered in an opportunity to be heard at such meeting. Any franchise so granted shall be binding upon the county board of supervisors and any successor authorized during the specified term of the franchise and so long as the grantee conforms to the conditions and restrictions of the franchise as set forth herein.

(b)

It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate or construct a cable television system in the county, except pursuant to a franchise awarded by the Franklin County Board of Supervisors pursuant to this chapter.

(c)

Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor. The board of supervisors may bring suit in the circuit court of the county to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prevent the violation of this section.

(Ord. of 2-16-88, § 5)

(Ord. of 2-16-88, § 5)