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Residents and council raise concerns about above-ground utility boxes and fiber installations
Summary
Council members and staff addressed resident concerns about green above-ground utility boxes and fiber installation practices; staff said easement and franchise agreements limit the city's regulatory power but said pre-construction meetings and coordination will be required going forward.
During public comment and council communications on June 2, resident Kathleen Craynor said several people are upset about green utility boxes being placed around the city and thanked staff for follow-up on a lighting issue.
Council Member Cheryl Parkinson raised broader concerns about vertical pedestals and what companies are allowed to install in the public right-of-way. Parkinson noted that Connext installed fiber underground in some areas and asked about the city’s authority to require similar treatment for other companies.
City Manager Tom Hanson said he has met with the contractor installing fiber and expressed concern about the vertical pedestals; he explained the city is constrained by existing franchise agreements and public-utility easements and therefore has limits on what it can require of companies. “The city requested vertical flush mounts,” Hanson said, and he added that companies should contact property owners before entering yards. Hanson also said staff requested that the city be given pre-construction notice when projects will impact the community.
Chief Building Inspector Tyler Seaman said staff now requires a pre-construction meeting before other companies begin work in the city and that a public works employee is coordinating with the contractors to provide checks and balances. Mayor Mark C. Allen said he is concerned the boxes could be hit or driven over and become an eyesore.
Council asked staff to review public works standards and to notify residents about easements and possible access by franchise or utility contractors. Hanson said the city will continue working to clarify what it can require and to manage installations through pre-construction coordination.
Provenance: Public comment and council communications regarding utility boxes and fiber/pedestal installation (transcript SEG 036–SEG 039 and SEG 163–SEG 173).
