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There is currently a lot of work going on in the City; some existing and some new <br />work. He stated that AT&T believes that they are working within their rights to have <br />cables in those areas where work is currently being done. <br />Comcast representative, Cheryl Chambers introduced members of the Comcast team <br />who were present. She stated that they believe that Comcast is working within the <br />guidelines, and would like to try to shed light on the issues presented in photos showing <br />what is Comcast's cable and what is PG&E's cable. <br />Discussion ensued. Councilmember Souza and Councilmember Starosiak asked what <br />Comcast is doing or trying to achieve, when did they begin and when will they be <br />finished. Cheryl Chambers explained that Comcast is giving customers the best of <br />what Comcast has in the best of services. She said that work began in February, 2008 <br />and will be complete by June 19, 2008. <br />Councilmernbers also had concerns regarding load constraints, who is responsible for <br />the poles, height requirements for the wires, canisters, and the visual appearance of <br />wires and cables. Comcast representatives stated that they are following administrative <br />guidelines and adhering to make-ready engineering. They explained that AT&T is <br />responsible for inspecting the pole and determining if and when poles have to be <br />replaced. <br />PG&E representative, Ted Albrigo explained that the poles aze inspected jointly <br />between PG&E and utility companies, under General Order 95 (GO95). The utilities <br />themselves review and determine what they can do to particular poles. They add or <br />install facilities, do testing, maintenance tags, replace poles and transfer facilities over <br />with the other facilities involved. He explained that most poles are jointly owned with <br />the telephone company. PG&E responds, makes the poles safe, contacts local utilities <br />and handles public safety issues. PG&E staff are the first responders for most pole <br />related issues. Typically they do the temporary repair work for the other utility <br />companies until they are able to come in and complete transfers at a later date. <br />Representatives from the utilities also explained height requirements for the wires and <br />cables. Councilmember Starosiak introduced pictures that she had taken at intersection <br />around the City and asked for clarification of the specifications for height requirements. <br />She stated that she has concerns with the low wires and cables, sometimes going <br />through trees. Comcast representatives explained that at some locations they are <br />fiberoptics cables and that they are coiled because they are strung as they go along with <br />the installation work. Councilmember Starosiak stated her concerns with the visual <br />blight of the lines, as well as the loading on the poles and their subsequent safety. <br />AT&T representatives stated that a lot of the cables are as old as 40 yeazs and require a <br />lot of maintenance and have a lot of activity, but all are checked on a regular basis for <br />safety and compliance. Coiled lines represent storage in a figure eight until the lines <br />aze moved underground by Comcast. It can remain in place until workers can get to it, <br />but these issues have been addressed in encroachment permits. <br />