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Homer Glen considers ordinance to require franchise agreements for utilities including Illinois American Water
Summary
Board members discussed drafting an ordinance to make it unlawful for utility companies to occupy village rights-of-way or use village property without a written franchise or license; the measure would give the village negotiating leverage and a 30-day window after passage before enforcement.
Village trustees discussed drafting an ordinance to require written franchise or license agreements for utility companies — specifically mentioning Illinois American Water — that occupy village rights-of-way or otherwise use village property.
Village Manager Joe Baber told trustees the village currently has no franchise agreement with Illinois American Water. The village attorney said similar franchise agreements already exist for other utilities, including natural gas, Commonwealth Edison and cable providers, and described the proposed ordinance as broader than a single company.
The attorney said the draft would make it a violation of the village code for any utility-related company to place facilities in the right-of-way or use village property without a written agreement and recommended allowing a reasonable period for companies to negotiate terms. He proposed that a passed ordinance not take effect until 30 days after adoption to give utilities time to come to the table.
Trustees expressed support for bringing a draft to a future meeting. Staff and legal counsel said they will circulate a proposed ordinance for review and negotiation with affected utilities before the board considers final adoption.
