Council hears resident concerns as AltaFiber and AT&T begin local installations; city requires 72-hour notice

City Manager Rob told council that AltaFiber and AT&T are currently active in Bellbrook and that the city is posting project information on its website as a clearinghouse for residents seeking schedules and contact information. He said the primary source of resident frustration has been notification timing and that staff has required conspicuous notice no more than 72 hours before construction begins on a street to reduce surprise and improve communication.

Rob summarized operational differences between providers and said the city cannot act as the project manager for private utilities, but will hold companies accountable under permit conditions and can suspend permits if contractors do not comply with conditions. He noted the city will seek regular updates from companies and may seek legal opinions if the marketplace presents more providers when sufficient service exists. "We are going to be pointing the residents as they contact us to their contact information," he said. Councilmembers asked whether companies could consolidate infrastructure; staff explained proprietary infrastructure, differing schedules, and ownership were obstacles to combining builds.