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Commission approves Comcast agreement after debate about defunct poles and franchise responsibilities
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a new Comcast master services agreement. Commissioners and staff pressed Comcast and city departments about so-called defunct utility poles and which franchisees are responsible for relocating attachments when FPL replaces poles.
Sarasota commissioners unanimously approved a master services agreement with Comcast on Oct. 6 after a series of questions about responsibilities for moving attachments from decommissioned utility poles.
Vice Mayor Trice moved approval of the contract and commissioners discussed public comments and staff concerns about situations where Florida Power & Light (FPL) replaces a pole but other franchise holders (for example Comcast, Verizon or others) do not promptly move their attachments to the new pole. IT Director Emilio Rodriguez told the commission Comcast indicated it could commit staff resources and local investments; Tom Colby of Comcast said the company plans major local investment and said, “we're highly motivated.”
Public Works Director Nick Patel and city staff explained the typical sequence: FPL relocates its conductors, then franchisees are expected to move attachments at their expense; if they do not, the city reopens permits with FPL to push relocation. Staff and commissioners asked whether FPL or the city could impose stronger incentives to force franchisees’ relocation; staff said they would continue to press franchisees and work via permits and coordination.
City Manager’s office staff said citizen complaints have identified revealed clusters of defunct attachments in neighborhoods including IBSSA and Alta Vista. Commissioner Allrich and others said the city would monitor vendor performance in future franchise and procurement decisions. Comcast’s representative told commissioners the company is prepared to coordinate and meet with city staff to resolve outstanding pole relocations. The Comcast contract passed by unanimous vote.
