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Contractor vows improved quality after past complaints; council approves amended contract
Summary
Unwired representatives told council they have replaced personnel, added inspectors and will improve sidewalk and yard restoration; council approved an amended contract with the contractor after public complaints about previous workmanship and a discussion about reimbursements for damaged property.
Unwired representative Scott Smith told the council his company has replaced internal staff, hired daily inspectors and installed procedures to improve safety and record keeping on the city’s broadband project. Smith said the contractor will oversee daily preconstruction checks and focus on safety and quality control.
Residents and councilors raised repeated complaints about previous work under an earlier contractor: instances of poor sidewalk restoration, unfinished backfill in yards, damage to private property and slow follow-up on resident claims. Smith and city staff said property owners who reported damage should contact Unwired directly; the company said claims from the prior contractor are being addressed and that Unwired will add supervisors to oversee single‑family and multi‑dwelling installations.
Council also discussed the placement of handholes and flower‑pot infrastructure versus yard disturbances; Unwired said new micro‑trenching equipment will reduce the need for open trenches into yards and that the company will better coordinate with city inspections.
After discussion the council approved an amended contract with the provider (motion seconded and adopted; roll call recorded four yes votes, one absent). Councilmembers asked staff to ensure the public knows how to submit claims and to coordinate continued inspection oversight.
Separately, council approved a subsequent agenda motion to amend the contractor contract language (vote 4–0, 1 absent).
