Residents report MetroNet/T‑Mobile fiber work damaged yards and sewer lines; council pushes for remedies

Several residents described property damage they say resulted from recent fiber‑optic construction in the Wingate Crossing and other neighborhoods. Rina told the council her private sewer lateral was damaged by a bore machine on July 21 and her home was left without functioning plumbing for several days; the repair contractor reportedly worked without a permit or inspection.

Debbie Goresline, Jim Mundy, Cindy Aplin and others described torn yards, damaged irrigation, and confusion about easements and permits. Staff said building inspectors issued a stop‑work order in at least one case and that the city has passed citizen reports to MetroNet’s government‑affairs contacts; city staff also encouraged affected homeowners to submit written reports to the clerk and said contractors must obtain permits for private‑property work. Councilmembers asked staff and legal counsel to review franchise templates and identify potential protections or language that could strengthen citizen remedies and to invite MetroNet representatives if further issues continue.

Why it matters: Residents raised health and safety concerns (failed plumbing, sewage backups), alleged inadequate notice and questioned whether private‑property work was authorized under recorded easements. Council and staff described limits of city authority where work occurs on private property outside the public right of way and noted additional legal review may be necessary to clarify responsibilities and remedies.