[Ord. No. 3574 §2, 6-26-2008; Ord.
No. 4515, 11-9-2023]
A.
Definitions. The words and phrases used in this Section shall have
the meaning as set forth in Section 67.2677, RSMo., or, if not defined
therein, shall have such meanings as established by City Code.
B.
Franchise Fee. Pursuant to Section 67.2689, RSMo., and as partial
compensation for use of the City's public rights-of-way, each
video services provider or other person providing cable services or
video services within the City shall, to the extent permitted by law,
pay to the City a fee of four and one-half percent (4.5%) of the gross
revenues from such video services provided in the geographic area
of the City. Beginning August 28, 2024, the fee will be four percent
(4%) of the gross revenues from such video services provided in the
geographic area of the City. Beginning August 28, 2025, the fee will
be three and one-half percent (3.5%) of the gross revenues from such
video services provided in the geographic area of the City. Beginning
August 28, 2026, the fee will be three percent (3%) of the gross revenues
from such video services provided in the geographic area of the City.
Beginning August 28, 2027, the fee will be two and one-half percent
(2.5%) of the gross revenues from such video services provided in
the geographic area of the City. Such payment shall be made as required
by Section 67.2689, RSMo. The City shall have the right to audit any
video services provider as authorized by Section 67.2691, RSMo. Late
payments shall accrue interest due to the City compounded monthly
at one and one-half percent (1.5%) or such other maximum rate as may
be established by law.
C.
Customer Service Requirements. All video services providers providing
service within the City shall adopt and comply with the minimum customer
service requirements set forth in Section 67.2692, RSMo. Notice or
receipt of this Section by a video services provider shall be deemed
notice of the City invoking such customer service requirements.
D.
Rights-Of-Way Regulation — Indemnification — Permits And Compliance With Other Laws. Video service providers shall comply with the requirements of Sections 67.2707, 67.2709, RSMo., and all applicable ordinances and regulations consistent with Sections 67.1830 to 67.1846, RSMo., relating to use of the City's rights-of-way. Each video services provider shall indemnify and hold harmless the City and its officers, employees and agents from any loss or damage, including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees, as provided in such ordinances or regulations, but in no event less than the obligation on video services providers set forth in Section 67.2695, RSMo. The City may require documentation of such indemnification by written agreement or other instrument to the extent permitted by law. In addition, video services providers shall be subject to and comply with such supplementary provisions relating to placement, screening and location of facilities as provided in Section 405.145 of this Code, whether on public or private property, and such other applicable laws of the City, except as may be otherwise validly pre-empted. Notwithstanding any other ordinance to the contrary, no facilities to be used for video services shall be installed without obtaining a permit from the City authorizing the location and plans for such facilities; provided that this provision shall not apply to installation of otherwise lawful and authorized poles or wires.
E.
Public, Educational And Governmental Channels. Each video services
provider shall designate a number of channels for public, educational
and governmental programming consistent with Section 67.2703, RSMo.;
provided that any greater number of channels as may be required in
the incumbent cable franchise or franchise ordinance shall be required
pursuant to Section 67.2703.2, RSMo. The City shall bear no cost relating
to the transmission, availability or maintenance of such channels
unless expressly authorized by the City in writing and approved by
the Governing Body. Incumbent cable operators and other video services
providers shall provide support for such public, educational and governmental
channels consistent with Section 67.2703.8, RSMo.
F.
Continued Obligations. The obligations of a cable service provider
or video services provider as set forth in any existing cable services
or video services franchise or ordinance shall also continue to apply
to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
G.
Reservation Of Rights. The City retains all rights in Sections 67.2675
through 67.2714, RSMo., inclusive, and may take any and all actions
permitted by law to exercise such rights or to enforce such obligations
on providers of video services.
H.
Notice. A copy of this Section shall be delivered to each video services
provider operating in the City after notice to the City that such
provider is authorized to provide service within the City; provided
that the provisions of this Section shall, to the extent permitted
by law, not be affected by any claimed or actual failure of a service
provider to have received delivery of a copy of this Section.
