A. Notice of Complete Application. Within 30 calendar days after receipt of the franchise application, the city will complete review of the application to determine whether the application required by ACC 20.06.030 is complete and can proceed with processing. If, during the 30-calendar-day review period, the public works director or designee determines that the application is incomplete, the city will issue a letter to the applicant specifying the additional information necessary to complete the application. The applicant will be given 30 calendar days to respond. Once the additional information is received by the city, an additional 14 calendar days will be allowed to determine whether the application is complete. Once the application is determined complete, written notice will be provided. If the applicant needs additional time to respond the applicant may request up to an additional 30 calendar days. If a response is not timely received, the application will be returned to the applicant with a notice that the application is rejected due to failure to provide the required information. Any new applications will require a new application fee.

B. Franchise Negotiations. When satisfied that the application is complete, the city will notify the applicant in writing that the application is complete. At such time cable franchise negotiations may commence. At a minimum, a cable franchise must provide that access to cable service will not be denied to any group of potential residential cable subscribers because of the income of the residents of the local area in which such group resides; that the public will be benefited by the granting of a franchise to the applicant; that the applicant has the requisite financial and technical resources and capabilities to build, operate and maintain a cable television system in the area; and that the applicant will provide adequate public, educational, and governmental access channel capacity, facilities, or financial support.

C. After completion of negotiations, the city will notify the applicant in writing of the schedule for consideration by the city council in accordance with RCW 35.99.030. The city council will schedule a public hearing to consider the proposed cable franchise, and the city clerk will notify the applicant in writing of the scheduled hearing. (Ord. 6798 § 3 (Exh. C), 2020.)