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Shakopee council approves Bolton & Menk field representation as fiber buildout proceeds
Summary
Council approved hiring Bolton & Menk for field representation as Metronet and Gigapower move forward with major 2026 fiber work; staff described permit phasing, mandatory pre‑permit resident notifications, vacuum‑exposure for service locations and restitution/letter‑of‑credit options to reduce prior damage and locate conflicts.
City engineering updated the council on April 21 about two major fiber internet buildouts planned in Shakopee in 2026 — Metronet’s large expansion and a smaller Gigapower/AT&T project along County Highway 83 — and outlined several changes designed to reduce resident impacts and utility strikes.
The city said the build approach will rely largely on directional boring with localized excavation for bore pits and pedestals. Engineers and staff described recurring problems from prior work — missed resident notifications, utility strikes that damaged private services, inconsistent restoration and overlapping builds — and proposed mitigation: phased permit releases tied to actual construction windows; firm pre‑permit confirmation of resident notice; mandatory vacuum‑expose for sensitive service locations rather than hand digging; weekly coordination meetings among contractors, city crews and utility locators; and requirement that contractors maintain set‑aside restoration teams to complete timely repairs.
To give the city an on‑the‑ground presence during intensive work, Council authorized staff to contract with Bolton & Menk to provide field observation and coordination. City staff told the council the inspection/field‑representation services are expected to cost up to roughly $150,000 for the year, billed based on hours performed, and that the expense will be funded from right‑of‑way permit fees collected from the fiber projects.
Council members pressed staff on reimbursement for city emergency responses when utilities are struck and on whether the city should require a bond, escrow or letter of credit. Staff said Minnesota statutes limit the city to charging for defensible, documented costs but noted the city can bill utility providers and draw on posted bonds or letters of credit if necessary. The council also approved a motion to proceed with Bolton & Menk oversight as a first step.
Several councilors emphasized the need for clearer resident notification (door hangers, neighborhood entrance signage and mailed construction notices) and faster restoration, and staff committed to weekly construction coordination and enhanced communication plans from the providers.
The motion to accept the Bolton & Menk proposal passed on an aye vote.
