Council approves first reading of rewritten Chapter 17 (utilities) code

The City Council approved first reading of an ordinance that repeals and replaces Chapter 17 (Utilities) of the Punta Gorda Code of Ordinances, a comprehensive update city staff and consultants said modernizes rules governing operation and administration of water, wastewater and reclaimed systems.

Tom Spencer, utilities director, told council the rewrite consolidates prior public workshops, incorporates operational tools to protect resources, and separates fees from the ordinance so that rates will be handled via resolution on a future agenda. Finance Director Kristen Simione clarified that fee schedules and related rate items will be placed before council as a separate resolution for consideration.

During the public hearing, several speakers asked for clarity about specific provisions — for example, how fire sprinkler activations would be treated for water charges — and staff said the fee resolution (not part of the ordinance) would address rate implementation and details. Spencer said rates will be adopted separately and that staff can add a provision if needed.

Council members moved to approve the first reading after opening the item for public comment and discussion; the motion carried unanimously on the first reading, after which the item will return for subsequent consideration before final adoption.

Next steps: staff will publish the required notices, prepare the separate fee resolution, and schedule a second reading/continuation as required by ordinance adoption procedures.