Underground Utilities
The city created underground utility districts in 1985 along the major arterials for the purpose of converting all aboveground utilities to underground utilities. As streets are widened with federal and state aid, the City’s streets become less cluttered with telephone poles and overhead wires placed underground as part of the project. Placing overhead wires underground improves the appearance of the city and reduces power outages during severe storms. Equipment boxes and pedestals also are visible from the street. The city needs more control over the placement and screening of the utilities equipment boxes and pedestals to further improve the visual appearance of its streets. This will require changes in City Ordinances.