Council gives first read to two ordinances raising standby charges and allowing fines for utility-line strikes

The Republic City Council on first reading advanced two linked ordinances aimed at recovering city costs and strengthening enforcement after contractors strike underground utilities.

Fire Chief Compton said one ordinance (Bill 25-10) would let the city charge standby time after the first hour at a proposed rate of $32.58 per hour for responding personnel (excluding the fire chief and deputy chief), billed in 15‑minute increments, plus $150 per hour for apparatus and equipment. Compton said the ordinance also accounts for contractual requirements that call off‑duty staff back after four hours; in those cases the city would bill callback time at an hour‑and‑a‑half rate.

A companion ordinance (Bill 25-11) would add a utility damage prevention section to the right‑of‑way code and allow fines and stop‑work orders for contractors who fail to follow preconstruction and locate requirements. Council members and staff discussed the proposed fines: $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second and $10,000 for a third, with the city able to stack fines on top of the hourly standby and equipment charges. Meghan (staff) noted the city would be exempt from the “stop recorder” penalty described in the ordinance text.

Council member Neal asked whether the city would impose fees when a contractor followed locates and still hit a line; Chief Compton said inspectors would exercise discretion and the city would not generally fine contractors who complied with locates. Mr. Cameron (staff member) described the package as intended to avoid taxpayers bearing the cost when preventable strikes require long on‑scene response.

Both items were presented as first readings; staff and council members asked colleagues and the public to provide feedback before the second reading so rates and punitive amounts can be revisited.