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Board reviews photos of unsafe pole attachments, considers uniform city policy
Summary
Members reviewed extensive photos showing PVC risers, dangling cables and anchor failures on poles and discussed drafting a single city pole-attachment policy (Title 7, Chapter 12 referenced) with a one-year compliance notice to contractors; staff to research contracts and legal implications before a city council referral.
Board members reviewed a set of photos and field reports showing widespread problems with low-voltage attachments to power poles and discussed creating a single city pole-attachment policy to replace many individual agreements.
A staff member said the city finds “PVC risers” and duct-taped repair pipes on poles and that “probably 70 to 80% of the poles that are attached have something wrong with” them. Members said many of the attachments reduce clearance and create safety and access issues for linemen and contractors.
Committee members proposed drafting a city policy that would set a uniform standard for pole attachments and allow the city to update rates by resolution rather than renegotiating separate contracts for each contractor. One board member suggested a one-year notice period to give companies time to comply or to remove attachments.
Legal concerns were raised about federal preemption and franchise rights. Staff advised reviewing Title 7, Chapter 12 and existing pole-attachment contracts, and to involve the city attorney (Dayton) to confirm enforcement options and assignment clauses before a council referral.
The board did not vote on the policy at this meeting; members asked staff to compile existing contracts, identify statutory and franchise clauses and propose a draft policy and timeline for board consideration and possible referral to city council.
