Council unanimously adopts water-system appendix to comprehensive plan after Planning Commission review

The New Prague City Council voted unanimously to adopt an amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan that adds the Utilities Commission’s water-system model and study as an appendix.

City staff presented the water study to the Planning Commission and held a public hearing there on Jan. 22; the Planning Commission recommended forwarding the amendment to the council. The council’s resolution requires four of five votes for adoption; the council approved the amendment by roll call.

Planning and utilities staff said the study mirrors the comprehensive plan’s growth boundary through the planning horizon (referred to in the study as the year 02/1945) and highlights near-term priorities such as adding redundancy to aging wells and preparing the water system for growth and fire-protection needs.

Bruce Reimers and city staff noted the study’s timing was helpful, coming shortly after a sewer study. The study identifies sections of well and distribution infrastructure approaching 100 years of service and points to a multiyear planning horizon to add redundancy and improve reliability. Staff emphasized the study’s role in shaping capital planning and developer expectations for infrastructure contributions.

Council member questions focused on what had changed since the version of the comprehensive plan the council adopted in October 2024. Staff said the water study was not included previously and that the study provides updated technical recommendations and infrastructure priorities.

The council approved Resolution 25-02-03-01 amending the comprehensive plan by roll call: Rick (aye), Bruce (aye), Juric (aye), Sean (aye) and Maggie (aye). The resolution passed unanimously.

Staff said the water study will inform Utilities Commission and council discussions over the next three to five years on well redundancy, system testing and capital investments.