City staff presented a proposal to restrict pavement cuts on newly constructed or newly resurfaced streets and to require more stringent, wider repairs when cuts are approved.

Public works staff explained the measure aims to protect recent street investments and reduce the accelerated deterioration caused by narrow utility trenches. Under the proposal, a moratorium period (staff described a five-year limit) would prevent routine cuts into newly completed pavement; waivers could be granted by the public-works director when utility connections are necessary, but any permitted cuts would require full-depth, wider restoration to preserve pavement integrity.

Staff noted the change will increase repair costs for developers or utility permittees who seek an exception; the waiver process itself would not cost the applicant, but the restoration standard will be more expensive than narrow trench patches. The council asked whether the moratorium applies to all streets and how streets would be tracked; staff said a publicly maintained list will mark new streets and their moratorium expiration dates.

No formal action was taken; staff will finalize proposed ordinance language and an implementation process, including a public list of streets and waiver procedures, and return to the council for adoption.