Board members discussed a draft charter amendment circulated by the city manager that would change utility governance and could create a governing board for IPL.

Assistant City Manager Anne Pupa said the draft is an early proposal and that the item will be on the June 16 city council meeting agenda, where the city utilities director from Springfield will join the conversation. “Coming out of that was this potential this is a draft charter amendment that our city manager has drafted for review,” Pupa said.

Pupa explained the draft distinguishes governance between the electric utility and water and sewer: the draft contemplates a governing board for IPL while water and sewer would remain with the existing advisory structure that meets with the Public Utilities Advisory Board. She emphasized the draft is not final and is open for board input.

Board members were reminded that any charter amendment would require a public vote. “This is absolutely a public vote. Public. 100%,” Pupa said. She encouraged board members to review the draft and submit comments; she also said the council meeting on June 16 will be recorded for those who cannot attend.

The board agreed to place governance on the next PUAB agenda and to solicit input by email through staff ahead of that meeting.