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Council members seek clearer notice to residents after AT&T fiber right‑of‑way objections
Summary
Council members and staff discussed resident complaints about AT&T fiber work and a set of objection letters; staff said letters were prepared earlier but signed later and some large attachments failed to transmit, and members requested better transparency and possible policy changes.
Council members raised concerns that some residents in affected neighborhoods were not contacted before AT&T crews performed fiber right‑of‑way work. A council member identified as Carlos Jo Matisse said residents reported trespassing onto private property and asked for a community meeting to improve notice and coordination. "I think we could have informed the residents about what's happening with AT and T," the council member said.
Staff responded that letters were prepared on the dates referenced in the packet but were not signed by the parish president (Duncan) until July 30; staff also said some email transmissions failed because files were large and were resent to ensure delivery. Officials acknowledged the parish lacks a formal policy and said they would consider drafting or updating procedures to ensure consistent notice and to give council members timely information for communicating with constituents.
Members noted the need to distinguish state highway work (which the parish cannot control) from work on residential streets. Staff suggested that if ordinance changes are desired—such as additional notice or a requirement for coordination with council members—those would be a matter for future consideration and council review. No formal motion or vote on an ordinance was recorded during this session.
