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Council raises tree and franchise-fee concerns over proposed fiber work
Summary
Council members reviewed a request from Frontier/TDS to install fiber in Hays right-of-way, raising concerns about trenching damage to trees, franchise fees, insurance and resident notice; staff will require applications and engineer review before construction.
Council members discussed a utility company's request to install fiber-optic lines along Wellington Boulevard and elsewhere in Hays and asked staff to require formal applications, insurance proof and advance resident notification.
One council member warned of potential impacts to trees and the right-of-way if the contractor trenches rather than bores: "when they start digging around the trees, it...they might kill the tree," the council member said. The discussion also covered franchise fees and whether providers pay recurring fees to the city; staff noted existing franchise fees appear on financial statements and that utility companies normally provide quarterly or periodic payments. The city engineer will be directed to review any application and recommend mitigation measures for trees and landscaping before the council considers an agreement or notice to proceed.
Staff said the applicant must submit insurance documentation and follow notification protocols (door hangers and signage 48 hours before construction noted in the project's materials). The agenda item was informational; the council reserved formal action until a complete application and engineer recommendation are submitted.
