Cedar Lake orders stop work and withdraws approvals for SURFnet installations after resident complaints

The Cedar Lake Plan Commission voted unanimously on June 17 to issue a stop-work order and withdraw prior approvals related to recent underground and pole work performed by SURF (an internet service contractor) in parts of town, including Cedar Point Park, after residents described installations on private property, removed survey stakes and road damage.

Residents presented photographs and testimony alleging crews drilled under houses, placed equipment beyond easements and left silt fencing and trenches in poor condition. One resident, Skip Cachet, said he had taken keys and called the police after observing installation activity allegedly on private lots and described a broad set of alleged damages. "They've drilled under houses... The roads are trashed," Cachet told the commission.

Staff said a meeting with a SURF representative would be held the following day and recommended placing a hold on permits until the company answers questions about equipment locations, right-of-way authorization and bonds/insurance. The commission amended the agenda to take up the matter, then passed a motion directing staff to issue a stop-work order, withdraw prior approvals as necessary, tally damage to be charged to the contractor's bond, and require SURF corporate representatives to meet in town. The motion carried 7-0.

Commissioners also discussed directing the town engineer and inspections staff to supervise any future work at the contractor's expense and to consider financial remedies if damage proves extensive.