The Hearing Officer Special Meeting held on August 12, 2025, in Pitkin County, Colorado, focused on a significant discussion regarding the protection of fiber optic lines during construction projects. The meeting highlighted concerns raised by the applicant about potential risks to these lines, prompting input from civil engineers and legal representatives.

A civil engineer presented a solution to encase the fiber optic line in concrete, which could safeguard it during construction. Several options were proposed, including encasing both the fiber optic line and the effluent line, or a combination of both. The engineer expressed confidence in these construction methods, noting their successful application in various projects across the city and county.

However, the discussion also touched on the complexities surrounding the use of private easements related to the fiber optic line. One official raised a concern about whether the matter fell within the purview of the hearing, suggesting that it might be more appropriate for the involved parties to resolve any easement issues independently. This point was acknowledged by Jody Edwards, representing Upper Midnight LLC, who agreed that the easement agreement is a private matter but emphasized the importance of including construction-related conditions to protect the fiber optic line if the application were to be approved.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the legal aspects of the case, with Edwards providing documentation to clarify the relevant code sections. The outcome of the application remains uncertain, as discussions continue regarding the best approach to address the concerns raised. The implications of this meeting could influence future construction practices and easement agreements in the area.