Resident asks Stayton to require Comcast to place utility pedestal underground at no cost

A Stayton resident said an above-ground Comcast utility pedestal installed in front of her home conflicts with established underground utilities in the neighborhood, blocks her planned driveway work and may reduce her property value. She asked the city to require Comcast to relocate the pedestal into an underground vault at no cost to residents.

The nut graf: The resident said she followed city process but was not given an opportunity to request an underground vault and that Comcast and the city have communicated that residents may have to pay about $250 for underground installation. City staff said the pedestal sits within the public utility easement and that Comcast generally requires payment to place pedestals underground when the request is aesthetic rather than functional.

In public comment, the resident (identifying herself as Britney) said she was told by a crew member that crews would be on her property and that the city manager informed her residents were offered a choice about box type; she said she was not contacted. She added that moving the pedestal underground was being offered but at a cost to residents and criticized placing the pedestal where it blocks driveway expansion and safe trailer access.

Staff told council the pedestals provide access to underground utilities and are typically placed above ground unless they block driveways or access. The city manager said some in-the-field requests to Comcast have been accommodated in other locations but that the utility ultimately determines installation and that the city’s right-of-way and public utility easement (PUE) apply. Staff said they will reach out to Comcast to clarify options and pricing and to improve communication with residents.

Ending: Councilors asked staff to follow up with Comcast and report back; no formal ordinance or change in city policy was adopted at the meeting.