City officials told the Board of Aldermen that recent broadband construction and utility work in Harrisonville has created a heavy workload for public-works crews and raised concerns about damaged utilities and repeated yard disturbances.

The city administrator said public works averages about 30 locates per week for city projects while broadband and cable contractors are doing "185 to 300 a week," forcing staff to divert crews from planned projects. "It's just a huge problem," the administrator said, explaining crews are being pulled from water, electric and street work to mark and monitor private-contractor digs. The administrator also said crews have encountered safety and quality problems in the field, including contractors leaving dirt mounds, using hydrovac methods that can leave settling depressions, and sometimes failing to return to restore sites.

Officials reported examples of contractors striking sewer services and gas lines. The administrator warned that sewer strikes, particularly to older clay services, may not be obvious immediately and may surface later as costly repairs. He said private contractors are often paid by the foot and work quickly, creating a disconnect between management direction and field crews. City staff have set standing weekly meetings with each company to address recurring issues; the administrator singled out Public Works Supervisor Matt Carver for managing much of the response.

The city also noted related infrastructure activity: two abandoned aircraft at the municipal airport have been sold and removed; the Blueberry project is installing 42-inch and 36-inch water pipes and relocating lines; the asphalt street program is planned for mid-to-late September; and MoDOT has an appraiser working with 11 property owners on a Highway 2 project. The administrator also said recent state legislation has limited municipal control over right-of-way franchise fees, reducing the fee cap the city can charge to telecoms and complicating enforcement and staffing costs.

City staff did not propose a formal ordinance at the meeting; the material was presented as an update and discussion item. Staff asked residents to flag installations that block sightlines or create hazards so the city can require corrections.