HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-18 I11C Waukee Gas Utility_Calling Special ElectionAGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: November 18, 2024
AGENDA ITEM:Consideration of approval of a Resolution calling a Special Election
concerning the question of whether the City of Waukee should be authorized
to discontinue and dispose of the municipally owned gas utility known as
Waukee Municipal Gas Utility, by sale
FORMAT:Resolution
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: The City of Waukee is one of 51 communities within the
State of Iowa to own a municipal natural gas utility. The utility was
established in the City in 1966. Over the last several years, the Mayor and
City Council have received concerns regarding the competitiveness of utility
rates for Waukee residents in comparison to surrounding communities who do
not have a municipal gas service. In order for the City to consider the disposal
of a public utility, it requires the affirmative vote of the residents within
Waukee pursuant to Section 388.2 of the Code of Iowa.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT:
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT: The proposed resolution would establish a Special Election
for March 4, 2025. If the vote of the public is in the affirmative, it would give
the City Council the ability to proceed forward with a sale of the utility. If the
vote of the public is in the negative, another proposal for the sale of the utility
could not come before the voters for a minimum of four years.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the resolution.
ATTACHMENTS: I. Proposed Resolution
PREPARED BY:Brad Deets, City Administrator
REVIEWED BY:
I11C
THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
RESOLUTION 2024-
RESOLUTION CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION CONCERNING THE QUESTION
OF WHETHER THE CITY OF WAUKEE SHOULD BE AUTHORIZED TO
DISCONTINUE AND DISPOSE OF THE MUNICIPALLY-OWNED GAS UTILITY,
KNOWN AS WAUKEE MUNICIPAL GAS UTILITY, BY SALE.
IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
WHEREAS, the City of Waukee, Dallas County, State of Iowa, is a duly organized Municipal
Organization; AND,
WHEREAS, the City of Waukee has owned and operated a natural gas utility within the City
limits of the City of Waukee since 1966; AND,
WHEREAS, the City has complied with the requirements of Iowa Code Section 388.2A (2024)
to submit the question to the voters pursuant to Iowa Code section 388.2 (2024); AND,
WHEREAS, the City believes that it is in the best interest of the City to submit the question of
whether the City should be authorized to discontinue and dispose of the municipally-owned gas
utility, known as Waukee Municipal Gas Utility, by sale;AND
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the question of whether the City should be
authorized to discontinue and dispose of the municipally-owned gas utility, also known as
Waukee Municipal Gas Utility, by sale should be submitted to the voters at a special election on
March 4, 2025.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is hereby directed to give written notice
thereof by submitting a copy of this resolution (such date being the final date for filing ballot
language for the special election to be scheduled on March 4, 2025) to the Dallas County
Commissioner of Elections, who has the duty to conduct this special election, for approval,
ratification, and confirmation to the extent required by Iowa law, and such County Commissioner
of Elections shall signify such approval, ratification, and confirmation and shall order the special
election to be conducted in the manner set forth herein in the manner required by law.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the text of the question to be on the ballot should be as
follows:
Shall the City Council of the City of Waukee, Dallas County, Iowa be authorized to
discontinue and dispose of the municipally-owned gas utility, known as Waukee
Municipal Gas Utility, by sale?
Yes _____
No_____
Passed by the City Council of the City of Waukee, Iowa, and approved this the 18th day of
November, 2024.
____________________________
Courtney Clarke, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________________
Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk
RESULTS OF VOTE: AYE NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN
R. Charles Bottenberg
Chris Crone
Rob Grove
Anna Bergman Pierce
Ben Sinclair