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Council leaves telecom franchise unchanged after resident objections to visible pedestals
Summary
Roy City Council directed staff to keep the existing franchise terms in place and not to accept the carrier's proposed pedestal concessions after residents objected to pedestals in front yards; staff said the carrier has told the city it will omit pedestals in some zones and may proceed under the current franchise.
The Roy City Council on March 18 declined requests to modify the city's telecommunications franchise to allow additional above-ground pedestals after residents voiced opposition to visible equipment in front yards.
A carrier (identified in meeting materials as Lumen) had presented a proposal and a follow-up letter seeking flexibility on pedestal placement and counts. City staff reported the company later told the city it would not install pedestals in certain zones and therefore could proceed under the current franchise in those areas.
Council members cited a stream of resident emails objecting to pedestal installation; one council member said she received 32 email comments from residents. Several council members said they preferred to keep the franchise agreement unchanged and asked staff to hold the company to the current signed agreement rather than negotiate immediate concessions.
City staff said the carrier reached out to confirm it can proceed in the zones where pedestals are not required and that the company will conform to the franchise's terms. Residents urged underground placement wherever possible; staff said the carrier's material indicates many facilities will be buried and that pedestal requirements vary by roadway and design.
Ending: Council directed staff to keep the existing franchise terms in place and to enforce the agreement's requirements; staff will continue to coordinate with the carrier and inform residents in affected zones as work proceeds.
