Title
Ordinance No. 18-42 amending Article 1 (General Provisions) of Chapter 12 (Utilities) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to Colorado Springs Utilities
Presenter:
Ken Burgess, Division Chief-Utilities, Office of the City Attorney
Jerry A. Forte, P.E., CEO, Colorado Springs Utilities
Body
Summary:
Revisions to Chapter 12 Utilities of the City Code are proposed. The revisions concern changes to Utilities Governance that have been adopted by the Utilities Board. The revisions define the Chief Executive Officer of Utilities; define the authorities, powers, and duties of the Chief Executive Officer; and provide for the adoption of Utilities enterprise policies and service standards. The revisions renumber sections of Chapter 12, Article 1 and replace the term “Executive Director” with the term “Chief Executive Officer” throughout Chapter 12.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The City Council/Utilities Board reviewed the governance model for Utilities over a three-year time period. After much discussion, review, and input the Utilities Board will adopt a new governance manual at its May 16, 2018 formal meeting. These City Code revisions are necessary to adapt the present City Code to the new governance procedures.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Utilities Board at its May 16, 2018 formal meeting will adopt a revised governance manual. The City Code revisions are necessary to adapt the present City Code to the revised governance manual. The Utilities Board recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed City Code revisions.
Stakeholder Process:
As a result of the 2016 Governance Process Review, the Utilities Board developed a new Excellence in Governance model, which defines its role by detailing the fiduciary, statutory, and regulatory duties; responsibilities for direction, outcome, oversight and accountability; the specific authorities of the Utilities Board and City Council; and partnership expectations with the CEO. The Excellence in Governance Policy Manual implements the new processes. The Governance Process Review entailed public meetings, including qualitative and quantitative surveys, in 2015 and 2016. Utilities Board committees reviewed sections of the Excellence in Governance Policy Manual throughout 2017 and 2018.
Alternatives:
The City Council could leave the City Code as it presently exists. The revised Utilities governance manual then would not become effective and Utilities’ governance procedure would stay as it is.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move to adopt the ordnance amending Article 1 (General Provisions) of Chapter 12 (Utilities) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to Colorado Springs Utilities.
Summary of Ordinance Language
The ordinance revises Article 1 of Chapter 12, Utilities, of the City Code to define the Utilities Chief Executive Officer, to provide for the CEO’s duties and powers, and to permit the adoption of Utilities Enterprise Policies for Utilities’ governance.