Following reports of damage to water lines and private property created during the installation of in-ground telecommunication/fiber lines, Katy’s city council has enacted a temporary ban as it considers an ordinance to regulate such installations in city right-of-way.

Since October 2024 sixteen incidents in which water lines have been hit, as well as other “close calls,” have been reported to the city, said City Secretary Becky McGrew in the initial reading of the ordinance. Since January 1, the city has received 35 requests for access to the city’s right of way.

"Our priority is to ensure the safety and reliability of our city's infrastructure," said Mayor Dusty Thiele in a February 18 press release prior to the meeting. "The repeated damage caused by fiber installations has led to unacceptable disruptions for our residents and businesses. I am seeking possible action to halt these activities while we assess how best to regulate and manage these projects going forward."

Local resident Sean Dolan, the sole public speaker on the issue, opposed the measure, expressing concern that the moratorium would hurt small businesses by delaying access to high-speed internet, as well as adding layers of red tape. He urged a probationary program which would punish repeat offenders.

Following Monday’s meeting, the City Planning & Zoning Commission held another public hearing on February 25. While no action was taken by the Commission at that time, this step is necessary to advance the moratorium, according to the initial press release. The final step in the process will take place during a Special City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 4, at 5:30 p.m., when the second reading of the proposed ordinance and final consideration by Katy City Council will take place. If passed, the moratorium will go into effect for a period of up to 120 days. The moratorium will temporarily suspend all fiber installation work in the City's right-of-way while the city develops new guidelines to mitigate infrastructure damage and ensure safer operations, with the exception of fiber companies that currently have an approved agreement with the City.

In other actions, council:

· Approved a $60,000.00 tourism grant application funded through hotel occupancy tax dollars for the purchase of a 2013 Ford Trolley van and a carport awning to house the van. City Administrator Byron Hebert told the Katy Times that the trolley would be used during the city’s events in the historic downtown square and that it would run between the square and Katy Heritage Park. The trolley would be free to ride and children under 12 who tour the historic homes at the park would get a token for free ice cream, redeemable at Southern Dough on the square. Hebert said that the trolley will also be used to transport Rice Harvest Festival attendees from the parking area at Merrell Center. Hebert said that he had been considering acquisition of a trolley since 2013 after the idea came up in conversation with then-mayor Doyle Callander.

· Approved acquisition of new software and services for the Katy Animal Control Department which will streamline paperwork and facilitate communication with animal shelters and other pet adoption agencies. Animal control supervisor said that she hopes that the software purchase will lead to the city eventually allowing adoptions directly from the shelter.

The next meeting of city council is set for March 4 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 901 Avenue C in Katy, where a second reading of the proposed moratorium ordinance will be conducted.