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Council suspends rules and adopts sewer franchise amendment with Phoenix Water Resources
Summary
After a presentation by Phoenix Water Resources, the council suspended rules for immediate consideration and unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026-15, amending the sewer franchise agreement to address operating-cost realities cited by the company.
The Irondale City Council on April 7 voted to suspend rules for immediate consideration and adopt Ordinance 2026-15, an amendment to the sewer franchise agreement with Phoenix Water Resources LLC.
Phoenix representative Mr. Lanier briefed the council on operating-cost pressures facing sewer operators, citing local permit requirements, rising chemical and parts costs and a national problem with so-called “flushable wipes” that damage systems. “Our operating cost burdens are mainly localized in local permit requirements ... but also plagued by national issues like the poorly named flushable wipes,” he said, and added that Phoenix has partnered with Irondale since about 2010 to expand infrastructure when Jefferson County could not provide service.
Council moved to suspend the usual three-reading rule for immediate consideration, and a roll-call vote recorded Councilman London, Councilwoman Arnold, Councilman Box, Councilman Sims and Council President Smerling voting yes. The ordinance was adopted on the same night.
Council members did not record extensive debate in the meeting transcript; the company stressed cost drivers and the city’s history of partnership. The amendment takes effect per municipal adoption procedures and will govern the franchise relationship and service expectations between the city and Phoenix going forward.
