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Residents complain of yards and driveways damaged during Connex fiber work; city points to bond and inspections
Summary
Neighbors told the Willard City Council Connex subcontractor crews cut irrigation, lifted concrete and damaged cable while installing underground conduit; the city said contractors carry a bond and final inspections and a centralized damage report will be used to track repairs.
Residents from the 300 East / 600 South area told the Willard City Council on Jan. 9 that underground work by a subcontractor for Connex (sometimes referred to in the meeting as Rojas/Rojas concrete crews) has damaged lawns, driveways and cable connections.
"They broke their underground machine right underneath my driveway," Trace Hanzoka said, describing an area where a recently poured concrete driveway had been lifted and left with a hole. Kirk, a neighbor, showed photos to staff and asked how the contractor was selected and what liabilities exist for repairs.
City staff said Connex holds a franchise agreement with the city and that the city required a bond before construction began. City planning staff asked residents to submit damage reports and photos to the city office so staff can create a centralized list and follow up with final inspections and contractor repair requirements. "Probably best to just send that to call into the city office, but so that we're getting a centralized list," a city staff member said.
Residents said service interruptions persisted: in one block, an Internet provider installed temporary lines after the contractor severed existing cable; the temporary fixes had been in place since Thanksgiving, they said. Residents also raised easement questions after crews marked 10 feet inside a private property line; staff pledged to check recorded easements and to follow up.
City staff confirmed that Connex remains ultimately responsible for its subcontractor’s work and that final inspections and a bond claim process exist to secure repairs if the contractor does not finish adequate restoration. The planner said staff would take photos sent by residents and requested that residents email documentation to the planning office.
What residents asked for
- Clear communication on construction schedules and routes so residents can take before-and-after photos. - A reliable contact for reporting damage and confirmation that the city will monitor contractor repairs. - Assurance that underground water and irrigation lines, sprinkler systems and newly poured concrete will be repaired to match pre-construction condition.
What the city said it will do
- Maintain a centralized list of reported damages and conduct final inspections. - Use the contractor bond to require or pay for repairs if the contractor does not complete them. - Provide a contact point in the planning office for residents; staff asked residents to email photos and addresses to the city.
The issue prompted several residents to ask for a public schedule of upcoming street work; staff said Connex had submitted a permit for Center Street work and that the city would issue an email blast and Facebook post to inform residents of the next work areas.
No formal action was taken by the council on Jan. 9; staff said they will follow up with residents and Connex and will return to the council with unresolved claims if necessary.
