The Punta Gorda City Council reviewed a scheduled second reading to repeal and replace the utilities chapter of the code of ordinances and discussed capacity connection fees and a rates resolution under chapter 17.

Tom Spencer, the city’s utilities director, told the council that the design and engineering phases for the reverse-osmosis (RO) facility and the well field have been initiated and staff expects construction to be completed within three to five years. "We hope that we have everything completed within 3 to 5 years, and that that would be everything completed, construction completed," Spencer said.

Council members asked for timelines and details about when the well field and RO facility would be available and whether the fee and rate changes under chapter 17 will align with planned infrastructure. Staff said the reforms are intended to update the utilities code and that fees and rates will be considered alongside the broader code changes.

No final action was taken at the meeting; the code replacement was listed as a second-reading agenda item and will proceed through the normal ordinance adoption process.