Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tavares staff says permit revocation likely after repeated utility cuts during fiber installs
Summary
City staff told the council they plan to pursue permit revocation after reporting excessive utility‑line cuts and poor contractor notification during federally funded fiber‑optic installation in Tavares neighborhoods.
City staff told the Tavares City Council on Dec. 3 they are preparing to revoke a contractor's right‑of‑way permit after residents reported repeated utility cuts and inadequate notices during installation of high‑speed fiber.
"We are working on issuing a permit revocation. That'll probably happen next week," said Urie, a city staff member responsible for projects and permits. Urie told the council the fiber program is federally funded through the CARES Act and that contractors are required to obtain right‑of‑way permits, show insurance and follow marking and notification procedures.
Urie said the city has observed an "excessive" number of cuts to existing cable, water and sewer lines in some neighborhoods and that contractors' responsiveness to repairs has varied. He said the city will use permit verification or revocation as leverage to convene the contractor's management to improve practices, increase on‑site signage and improve resident notification and door‑hanger distribution.
Staff said standard steps include verifying permits, ensuring contractors are licensed and insured, and requiring better on‑site communication and faster repair response. The council did not take a formal vote on the action at the meeting; staff characterized the measure as an administrative step to prompt immediate corrective action and a management meeting with the contractor.
