The Plymouth Board of Public Works members were notified Monday night of utility work done without going through the proper permitting process.
City Engineer Rick Gaul said Comcast’s subcontractor installed a utility infrastructure at 2160 N. Oak Road and the city wasn’t made aware of the work until another subcontractor in the area questioned the project. Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson and Gaul found that the work done was ahead of the approval of permits. The company was reportedly in a hurry to complete the project as it was a rush order. There are now permit requests for the project after the fact.
Gaul said companies need to adhere to the process put forth by the City of Plymouth as it protects all involved.
Gaul said the infrastructure runs underneath the road in that area in a diagonal direction instead of going across the road at a straight line at a 90-degree angle.
City Attorney Sean Surrisi said there is a code available that allows city officials to impose a $2,500 per day fine for not properly following procedures for this type of work to be done.
After much discussion, the board members ultimately voted to deny any permits submitted after the fact for the project and to fine Comcast and the sub-contractor QC Communications $2,500 a day beginning Monday, Aug. 13 until the issue is resolved. The work done by the company may need to be reversed. A settlement may be negotiated if discussions and actions are satisfactory.
