Milton residents say AT&T fiber crews dug into private yards; city staff to pursue restoration
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Summary
Homeowners told the council AT&T contractor Apex dug multiple holes and placed fiber inside their yards—some work done before a city permit; staff said right-of-way runs 16 feet and advised residents to call the city for restoration if contractors don't repair lawns.
Several Milton residents told the council that contractors installing AT&T fiber (identified in testimony as Apex) repeatedly dug holes that reached roughly 16 feet into their private yards and that on at least some occasions crews worked before obtaining a city permit. One resident identified her address as 5073 Susan Street and said the permitting documents allow work 16 feet into the yard; she said this has significantly reduced usable outdoor space.
The mayor and council acknowledged the complaint and offered staff contacts. "We have a contact with AT and T. I'd be happy to try to reach out and see what we could do," the mayor said during public comment. City staff (unnamed in the transcript) explained that some crews had only a county permit, while the city typically expects restoration to be "as before or better" when a permit is granted. Staff reiterated that the right-of-way line in the area is 16 feet, a buffer reserved for future utilities, and encouraged residents to contact public works if restoration is not completed.
No formal enforcement action was announced at the work session. Council members and staff advised the residents to speak further with Mr. Cook and to provide contact information so staff can coordinate with the contractor and require proper restoration where necessary.