University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media
Mayor Grayson Vandegrift says he has warned MetroNet, which
is installing high-speed fiber optic cable to every home in Midway, that he will not tolerate what he called "rude subcontractors."
Vandegrift said residents reported that workers locating existing utility lines Tuesday broke padlocks off a few residents’ gates; left several gates open, allowing
animals to escape; and spray-painted line markers over personal
items in yards rather than leaving a small gap in the line.
"While these were not employees of MetroNet, but rather
other utility companies, I still hold MetroNet responsible, as it is their
project," Vandegrift told the Messenger. "If they want to follow up
with the utility companies that didn't act in good faith, so be it, but we
can't allow the blame game."
This is not the first time he has heard MetroNet has been
called out for rude subcontractors, the mayor said.
"I've heard many rumblings of ham-handed subcontract
work by residents in Lexington and Versailles," he said. "I want to
avoid those stories here. I believe so many of these issues could be solved by
communication, and I was disappointed I wasn't contacted by MetroNet before the
locators began on Tuesday, as I could have warned residents to unlock padlocks
and beware of locators needing to access their property.
Vandegrift said he had a productive conversation Thursday
morning with MetroNet's executive regional vice president, government-affairs
liaison and its project manager to help clear the air.
"I believe they understand that we are a city that
prides itself in keeping our residents in the loop at all times,” he said, “and
that we'll demand that employees and subcontractors be respectful and
communicate with residents as well."
The mayor said he made it clear that during the current
trying times, there's no room for disrespecting the properties of Midway
residents.
"During a pandemic, when people are more stressed, and
in some cases already feel overburdened by government right now, it is
important that folks feel that people entering their property are respectful,
as little intrusive as possible, and that bury utility lines with respect to
people's gardens and personal property as best as possible while properly using
the utility easements," he said.
He added later, "They were very receptive to the sensitive nature of the current circumstances, and I believe they will make sure this kind of thing doesn’t happen again."
The mayor acknowledged that there is little he can do but object. He said he could use his emergency powers under the pandemic to "exclude all nonessential, unauthorized, disruptive, or uncooperative personnel from the scene of the emergency," but that would only delay installation, "and I certainly don’t even want to have to go there. I did want to get their attention, and luckily I did."
He added later, "They were very receptive to the sensitive nature of the current circumstances, and I believe they will make sure this kind of thing doesn’t happen again."
The mayor acknowledged that there is little he can do but object. He said he could use his emergency powers under the pandemic to "exclude all nonessential, unauthorized, disruptive, or uncooperative personnel from the scene of the emergency," but that would only delay installation, "and I certainly don’t even want to have to go there. I did want to get their attention, and luckily I did."
Vandegrift said he remains confident that the project will
end up being a boon to the town and bring much-needed improvement for
telecommunication services in Midway, as early as August.
"I believe firmly that MetroNet will bring a much
needed new competitor to our city for internet, phone, and television,” he
said. "Their use of fiber optic line is a true 21st century technology
that will be here for a long time."
Vandegrift said MetroNet is “very committed to restoration”
and has promised these steps for better service going forward:
● Use the
“path that is least intrusive” within the easement, and two feet from existing
utilities, to avoid disrupting service.
● Do
anything they can to go around trees, gardens, or other personal items.
● Residents
can call two different numbers with any concern. MetroNet will open a “ticket”
with each call to track progress and fix any issues.
● When a
trench is dug to bury cable, they will seed and straw. If they don’t do it to
your satisfaction, you can call 859-785-1107 or 1-877-386-3876 and they will do
it to your liking.
● If a
planting of any kind is disrupted, they will replace it to your specification.
● If a
garden is in the easement and they can’t go around it, they will bore
underneath, to avoid tearing it up.
● Subcontractors
will be briefed and reminded on a regular basis that in general, everyone is
more stressed now than usual, so they need to be mindful of that.
● A local
man, Doug Haney, will be in charge of local engineers and overseeing the
subcontractors, and will be someone who can assist you with any issues.
● As any
issues arise call either 859-785-1107 or 1-877-386-3876; both are customer
service lines, and MetroNet is committed to making residents satisfied once
this more intrusive phase is over.
Vandegrift said he urges anyone to contact him directly if
any issues occur.
MetroNet has a short video describing the installation process at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca30L1RAMNI&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop.
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