Turlock boosts oversight of fiber installation after property damage complaints
Turlock is monitoring and responding to ongoing fiber-optic installation work by internet service provider Race Communications and its contractors, following complaints from residents about property damage.
Fiber-optic installation is used to deliver high-speed internet to residents and businesses.
According to the city, staff are conducting field inspections, responding to reported issues and holding contractors accountable to permit requirements and local regulations.
“As construction activity has increased, the city has escalated oversight efforts to address emerging issues and ensure compliance with city standards,” according to a Turlock press release.
The city confirmed it received reports of property damage, incomplete restoration, inadequate notification prior to construction and work taking place outside approved easement and right-of-way areas.
In response, Turlock said it has formally directed Race Communications to take immediate corrective action and improve oversight of its construction operations.
The city retains authority over construction within public rights of way and is responsible for ensuring work meets local standards, protects public safety and respects private property.
Fiber installation may take place within designated public utility easements near private property, but all work must stay within authorized areas and follow city requirements, including proper notification and restoration.
“The city takes impacts to residents and neighborhoods seriously and expects construction activities to meet our standards,” Director of Municipal Services Christopher Fisher said in the press release. “We are actively overseeing work in the field, enforcing city requirements, and requiring timely corrective action when issues arise to help ensure projects are completed safely, responsibly, and in compliance with city standards.”
The city also threatened further enforcement action, including potentially suspending work, if compliance issues continue.
In a statement to The Bee, Race Communications’ Vice President of Government Affairs Jim Miller acknowledged that at some locations, restoration has not occurred as quickly as expected.
“Our teams are actively continuing restoration work each day to address those areas as promptly as possible. If residents submit an issue to Race, our team is committed to contacting them within one business day,” Miller said.
He added that because Race Communications is a utility company, it builds within the public utility easement and right of way, which in some cases may extend into residential property.
Residents complain of trash left behind, property damage
At the March 24 City Council meeting, several residents raised concerns about damage to their property during public comment, including orange peels and water bottles left in flower beds, torn-up yards and a lack of communication before work began.
David Womack said he wanted to make a citizen’s arrest on the technicians who “graffitied all over the road, my sidewalk and in my yard. It’s a real joke what they’ve done.”
Fisher acknowledged the concerns, explaining that while the city cannot prevent Race Communications from working within authorized right-of-way areas, the city has asked the company to add more project managers.
He also said that the company is required to restore affected areas to their original state and that the city will not approve encroachment permits until restoration is completed timely and properly.
“We realize that this is a large inconvenience, and our inspectors are… making a lot of conversations. This is the things that we believe that Race should be doing, not our inspectors,” Fisher said.
Residents can report concerns to the city at 209-668-5520 or by emailing engineering@turlock.ca.us, so issues can be tracked and addressed. They may also contact Race Communications at 877-722-3833, support@race.com, or through its customer service team online.
If issues remain unresolved, residents can reach out to the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates telecommunications providers, at 800-649-7570.
“We understand that construction work can be disruptive, and we appreciate the community’s patience as Race Communications expands access to 100% fiber internet for residents and businesses in partnership with the city of Turlock,” Miller stated.
