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Council reviews draft ordinance to tighten oversight of contractors in city rights-of-way
Summary
Staff previewed a draft ordinance to require advance notice, property-owner notification, documentation of pre-construction conditions, and stronger enforcement for contractors working in city rights-of-way — particularly broadband and franchise subcontractors — and council asked staff to refine bonding/insurance and cross-references before introduction.
At a work-session agenda item, staff introduced a draft ordinance intended to expand city authority over contractors working in public rights-of-way, especially third-party crews that perform directional drilling and other broadband installation work.
Jonathan Tullis described the purpose as giving the city "more teeth and visibility" over work in rights-of-way, adding notice requirements for the city and affected property owners, photographs or video documentation of conditions before work begins, and remedies to ensure contractors restore property to "as good or better condition." Barry added that staff wants contact lists, schedules or Gantt charts and scope-of-work information so permit technicians can respond to citizen calls rather than routing everything to the city engineer.
Councilmembers asked whether licensing, bonding and insurance language should be added; staff replied those items are currently handled in franchise agreements and other ordinances but said they could add explicit licensing/bonding provisions and cross-references. Several councilmembers asked staff to vet comparable state examples and return a revised draft for introduction.
No vote was taken; the council directed staff to incorporate suggested changes and plan to introduce a revised ordinance at a future meeting.
