Utility Committee

The City of Palo hereby establishes a Utility Committee to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council. The Utility Committee shall provide recommendations on matters related to utility rates, infrastructure improvements and maintenance, and long-term planning for the City’s utilities, including water, wastewater, stormwater, and any other utility services the City may provide now or in the future. The committee’s purpose is to ensure that the City’s utility services are reliable, sustainable, and aligned with the City’s ongoing development and growth.

The Utility Committee shall have the following duties:

1.      Review and provide recommendations to the City Council on utility rate structures and proposed adjustments to ensure financial stability and compliance with Chapter 384 of the Iowa Code.

2.      Evaluate current and future infrastructure needs related to the City’s utilities, including water, sewer, and stormwater systems. Review reports from engineering consultants, city staff, and other relevant sources.

3.      Advise on capital improvement projects, prioritize utility-related infrastructure investments, and assist in long-range financial planning for utilities.

4.      Collaborate with City staff and other committees to evaluate the utility impacts of residential, commercial, and industrial development. Provide recommendations to ensure utility systems are aligned with the City’s comprehensive plans.

5.      Promote public understanding of utility needs, planning, and policies.

6.      Provide written recommendations and reports to the City Council as requested or deemed appropriate by the Committee.

The Utility Committee, hereafter referred to as the Committee shall consist of five (5) members, residents of the City and at least 18 years of age, appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of the Council. All members shall serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Subject to the approval of the Council, the Mayor may appoint one or two Council members to serve as liaison to advise the Committee and communicate with other Council members and the Mayor on the activities of the Committee

The term of office of the members of the Committee shall be five (5) years. Initial appointments may be made for one (1), two (2), or three (3) year terms to allow for staggered turnover. Members may be reappointed and serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

The Committee shall elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from among its members annually. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings; the Vice-Chairperson shall act in the absence of the Chairperson.  The Committee shall meet at least quarterly and at such other times as determined by the Chairperson or upon request of the Mayor or City Council. All meetings shall be open to the public and comply with Iowa’s Open Meetings Law.  A majority of the Committee members shall constitute a quorum. No official action shall be taken without a quorum.  Minutes of all meetings shall be maintained and provided to the City Clerk for transmission to the City Council.

The Utility Committee Members- 5 year term:

Zachary Perrin (December  31st, 2030)

Brad Andes (December  31st, 2030)

Angie Brekke (December  31st, 2028)

Pete Hagstrom (December  31st, 2028)

Derek Oltmann (December 31st, 2030)