Commission forwards draft city code Chapter 705 (water system) to city council

The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission voted April 28 to forward a draft of city code Chapter 705 (Water System) to the city council for its May 4 first reading and subsequent public hearing and final reading.

Public Works Director Paul presented the draft and a Q&A document prepared in response to commissioner questions raised at a prior meeting. He told the commission that some comments were simply clarifications about how staff interprets ordinance language and that the Q&A will be included in the council packet to show the commission’s review and due diligence.

Commission discussion focused on whether delinquent-bill provisions in the draft apply to commercial accounts; staff confirmed the delinquent-bill treatment applies to both residential and commercial customers. The commission asked about notification to property owners when tenants are disconnected; staff said landlords are notified at disconnection after an approximately 15-day period and that reconnect responsibilities vary by service (water/wastewater transfers with the landlord in some cases; electric typically stays with the tenant). Commissioner Dolly moved to approve the draft Chapter 705 for forwarding; the motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: staff said if forwarded by the commission the council will hold a first reading on May 4, publish a summary notice for a public hearing, and conduct final readings at a later council meeting; staff estimated formal adoption could occur in June if the council approves the ordinance.