City staff: private utilities have authority to work in city right-of-way; residents urged to report restoration issues

City staff and the public service department told the Xenia City Council on Sept. 11 that private utilities such as Alta Fiber and AT&T are permitted by Ohio law to install facilities in dedicated public right-of-way, but that the city expects those utilities to restore disturbed properties and to secure equipment to avoid safety hazards.

Mister Merriman (city staff) said the Public Utilities Commission regulates private utilities and that "we can't prevent them from doing it," but the city can hold them accountable where property has been disturbed. Merriman said work crews have sometimes left tools and equipment unsecured and that public-service staff are working to correct issues. He urged residents to report problems; when residents reported a 4-foot hole in a front yard, the utility's service line responded and filled the hole, Merriman said.

The city noted the consumer benefit of additional broadband competition, and Merriman said Alta Fiber's work may expand choices in outlying neighborhoods and offer cost-effective rates to some households. Council members and staff asked residents to call the utility's service number or notify the city when restoration or safety problems occur.

Why it matters

Residents reported yard damage, unsecured tools and temporary safety hazards tied to private broadband installation. The city cannot stop utilities from working in the right-of-way but has a regulatory and enforcement role after work is done. Clear contact information and follow-up are important for timely repairs and public safety.

Provenance

City staff discussed the issue during appointed-officials reports; the topic appears in council remarks and staff updates at roughly the 37- to 40-minute mark of the meeting recording.