County approves franchise agreement with Quest/CenturyLink after raising contractor damage concerns

Summit County approved a franchise agreement with Quest Corporation, which does business as CenturyLink QC, after county staff described the contract as a standard ISP franchise template and counsel reviewed remedies for construction‑related damage.

Council members raised repeated complaints about subcontractor work in neighborhoods—claims of torn-up sprinkler systems, destroyed mailboxes and damage to private landscaping—and asked whether the franchise terms allow the county to require restoration of damaged private property. County counsel said the county's primary authority extends to the public right of way; if damage is outside the right of way the remedy is typically a private civil action, but the franchise allows remedies such as stop‑work orders, denial of permits and, in extreme cases, termination requiring the company to remove facilities.

The agreement requires the company to carry insurance and makes the grantee responsible for actions of subcontractors; counsel said the county can rely on the company's insurance and performance funds if subcontractor work causes damage. Council members asked staff to meet with the company about local construction practices and to report back; the council approved the franchise unanimously.