South Lyon council approves EZ Fiber Metro Act right-of-way permit; moves into closed session on bargaining

The South Lyon City Council on Aug. 11 voted to approve a Metro Act right-of-way permit allowing EZ Fiber Texas LLC to place underground fiberoptic cable across the city, then later recessed into a closed session for collective-bargaining strategy.

Council member Rebecca Hanson moved to approve the EZ Fiber right-of-way permit; Council member Kibble seconded the motion. City Manager Paul Zelnick presented the application and said the company’s route map requests permission to place approximately 244,000 linear feet of underground fiber and cable “throughout the city as indicated.” The Metro Act requires municipalities to approve applications that are complete, Zelnick said. City Attorney Kristen (last name not given) and Zelnick were present to answer questions.

Council members raised multiple concerns during discussion. Council member Bogart asked how EZ Fiber would work on private drives; the city attorney said contractors would need easements from private associations unless existing public-utility easements already exist. Council member Kurzweil questioned a contract clause on “overlashing,” and Zelnick and the attorney explained overlashing language can…