What’s happening?
At a Feb. 24 meeting, Katy City Council approved the first reading of the proposed 120-day moratorium following at least 16 instances of damage to public infrastructure, including water and wastewater line breaks, Public Works Director Jason Rivera said.
A 12-day temporary moratorium went into effect Feb. 25 following the first reading until the second reading can take place, Mayor William “Dusty” Thiele said.
A closer look
The moratorium aims to allow city officials time to create a standardized process for fiber companies to receive city permitting, Rivera said. The process will also allow the city to ensure quality control and restoration standards are met when third-party contractors are working in Katy.
“I feel this is a responsible and appropriate response to an infrastructure conflict that we have going on right now,” he said. “What folks are bringing to our attention right now at public works is we have private property concerns ... for restoration and impacts during these installations.”
Fiber companies who wish to work in city right of ways during the moratorium can come into the city to sign a temporary agreement, City Attorney Bridgette Begle said.
Going forward
The second reading will take place at a special City Council meeting March 4 at 5:30 p.m., Thiele said.
If approved by City Council, the moratorium will suspend all fiber installation, except for companies with an approved city agreement, for up to 120 days, according to agenda documents.
