Contractor struck untraced 3‑inch line near Maumee Center; temporary service restored, city likely to cover repair

Staff told the council that crews installing a water/gas service at the Maumee Center Speedway hit a 3‑inch plastic line that had no tracer wire, complicating locates. Crews temporarily ran a 2‑inch line tied into a new 8‑inch installation so three homes regained service while the permanent 8‑inch line will eventually replace the old 3‑inch.

"They hit the 3‑in plastic line running out there that has no tracer wire," a staff member said, noting the contractor shoved cable into the damaged line after striking it. Staff added the town will likely absorb the repair cost for that damaged line.

Council also discussed widespread utility flags throughout the town as fiber installers and carriers (Lakeland and Frontier mentioned in discussion) perform boring work. Staff urged homeowners to leave locate flags in place while crews complete locates and boring, and warned that multiple utilities may bore the same corridors at different times.

Separately, staff noted the town has options to add solar‑powered speed‑message or flashing crosswalk signs to slow traffic on Woodburn Road; those signs cost roughly $1,500–$3,000 each and federal safety grants are possible but would add project complexity and environmental review requirements.

Next steps: crews will complete final locates and the gas/water contractor will coordinate a permanent repair; staff will continue to monitor locates and notify residents to leave flags in place until work finishes.