§ 138-61. Initial and renewal application for franchise; application fee.

A. 

For MCS providers classified as cable operators, the Town Board shall follow all applicable rules of the PSC with respect to the submission and processing of initial and renewal applications for a franchise, other agreement, license or permit.

B. 

For other MCS providers, the Town Board may develop rules with respect to the submission and processing of initial and renewal applications for a franchise, other agreement, license or permit. Such rules and regulations shall primarily be aimed at determining the legal, financial, technical, and character qualifications of the applicant for a franchise, other agreement, license or permit, as well as other matters deemed of importance that are not prohibited by applicable federal law.

C. 

Unless prohibited by the state or the PSC, an applicant shall pay an initial application fee which shall be no greater than the administrative and consulting costs associated with processing an initial application for a franchise, other agreement, license or permit. The total application fee must be paid, unless waived by the Town Board.

D. 

The applicant shall submit to the Town, simultaneously with the application or request, a check in the amount of $15,000.

E. 

In the event that the total actual cost of processing the application, in accordance with Subsection C of this section, is less than $15,000, the Town shall promptly return any unused portion to the applicant upon conclusion of the process.