Resident says utility box was placed on private property; city to inspect easement and permits

A Pocomoke City resident told the mayor and council that a metal box and excavation appeared on his yard without notice and asked who authorized the work.

“I'm paying taxes on all the way to the concrete,” said Bradley Sample, who identified himself at the meeting and asked why an internet or utility company had placed equipment at 127 Eighth Street without clear authorization or resident notification. Sample said he spoke with a company representative who claimed someone 'upstairs' had authorized the installation.

City officials and staff responded that rights-of-way and easement practices permit government or designated utilities to occupy a 15-foot strip from the road edge into private property. “The city the city has 15 feet,” a staff member said on the record, and staff explained that easement language often appears in deeds and can allow government or telecom activity inside that area. Staff also said they had initially ruled out Simple Fiber and water‑meter replacement as the installations observed.

Council members and staff acknowledged multiple similar complaints and asked for photos and permits to be reviewed. The mayor suggested a staff site visit and follow-up: “Maybe, mister Brandon, we can go out to mister Sample's property and take a look at it and report back to us and let us know exactly who it is and what it is,” the mayor said. Staff agreed to inspect the site and forward findings to the resident.

The council also discussed improving notification to residents when permitted work could affect yards, such as providing mailed notices or proof of resident notification when private contractors are authorized to work within easements. No formal determination about the company responsible or about permit authority was recorded at the meeting; staff committed to follow up and report back to the council and the resident.