Unwired and Telcon apologize for construction disruptions, outline corrective steps for Parlier fiber project

Representatives from Unwired/Amaior Broadband updated Parlier's City Council on problems that occurred during the early stages of the citywide fiber build and described corrective measures they said will reduce further disruption.

Jerry Stevens, Unwired's director of fiber, opened the presentation by apologizing for performance that fell short of expectations and asked the council to allow the company to restart work. He introduced members of the team and the construction partner, Telcon.

Jeff Schambler, Telcon's VP of engineering, described operational steps the company will take: additional on-site personnel and inspectors during construction, daily predrill "pothole" walks to expose and verify utility locations, and a public daily schedule so residents can see where crews will be working. He said the project will use a safety profile of about 36 inches under existing utilities when trenching near other lines.

"Our intention is to build a robust broadband network for the people of Parlier and not to cause any more, distress than what we already have," Schambler said. The companies told the council they will provide daily location schedules so the city can post updates for residents.

Councilmembers expressed frustration about property impacts (damaged sidewalks, trenching near yards) and asked for stronger communication with residents when crews work in small neighborhoods. Multiple council members said they had received calls from constituents about digging near homes and requested faster restoration after construction.

Council thanked the presenters and urged immediate implementation of the promised oversight measures; no vote was required for the informational presentation.