Trending
WEATHERFIELD -- The township has joined other communities in placing a 12-month moratorium on fiber optic installation along township roads.
Trustee Ed Whittaker said at the August meeting there is nothing against any specific company that has done the installation work in the township. However, there is a concern on the way the fiber optics have been installed.
"We want to make sure protocols are in place and are being followed," Whitaker said.
Trustees this week passed legislation under emergency measures that impose the 12-month moratorium on the installation of underground fiber optic facilities on the public rights of way on township roads.
Officials said there have been reports in other communities, such as an increase in underground utility construction activities associated with the installation of fiber optics. The actions reportedly resulted in damage to natural gas lines, storm sewer systems, sanitary facilities, waterlines, electrical lines, road pavement curbs, drainage structures and utility services.
Trustees said there have been incidents in Weathersfield requiring the response of fire and police, road department and utility provider as a direct result of underground utility conflicts occurring during fiber optic installation activities.
Trustees noted one issue occurred in the Oakwood Estates development, where a contractor struck an underground natural gas line, and despite the active gas leak and the presence of emergency responders, refused to cease construction operations with the lawful instructions of fire personnel who were managing the emergency incident.
Trustees said such incidents have unnecessarily diverted public safety personnel and township employees from their normal duties.
Officials said there have been issues in Bazetta, Howland and other communities with gas lines being hit. In Girard last spring, a residential home exploded with utility construction associated with fiber optic installation occurring in the immediate area
Girard city officials suspended further digging by the parties involved pending the outcome of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio investigation because of the significant public safety concerns raised by the incident.
Township Trustee Chairman Steve Gerberry said the moratorium is only for township roads in Weathersfield.
He said work that was begun also has to cease, but he said officials are not aware of any current work being done.
Township Administrator David Riouan said there has been some work done in the past by different companies with some issues arising.
Whitaker said other communities such as Cortland have put moratoriums in place on any fiber optic installation work.
Trustees said the risk of damage to underground natural gas facilities from digging to install fiber optic lines presents a threat to life and property.
Rouan said the purpose of the moratorium is to protect the residents of the township while officials study the causes of the recent incidents and damage to utility lines and public infrastructure associated with the optic installation and determine how to best prevent future incidents.
During the moratorium no authorizations, approvals, licences or permissions shall be issued for underground fiber optic installations.
Rouan said any previously issued authorizations, permit or approval for underground fiber optic installation work within township right of way is suspended for any location where digging or drilling has not commenced or if construction has commenced the permittee shall close the excavation, restore the surface and suspend the work.
REORDERING POLICE CRUISERS
In other matters, police Chief Michael Naples said because of concerns with a previous order for Dodge Durango police vehicles in March that the township would not be able to get until next year the police department is planning to get new Ford vehicles.
Naples said he learned that since the previous authorization to get the Dodge Durango he was notified the vehicles are no longer available due to the manufacturer production limitations and the inability of the dealership to fulfill the township's order.
"Because of this we changed gears," he said.
Trustees approved the purchase of two 2026 Ford Utility police interceptors for $120,760 from Statewide Ford Lincoln in Van Wert using Statewide Municipal Leasing for financing the equipment.
Gerberry said the township will be two steps ahead with the Ford vehicles, which are expected in four to five weeks.
Trustees rescinded a previous motion to get two Dodge Durangos vehicles from Crown Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Dublin since they are no longer available to meet the current department's needs for vehicles.