Utility Advisory Committee - DRAFT Charter

[Norma Owen]

Utility Advisory Subcommittee - For Discussion - February 19, 2026 - Draft attached

Objective​

The goal is to improve clarity, transparency, and innovation during a pivotal period for Lago Vista’s utility systems, not to create bureaucracy or slow staff operations. This is intended as a structured, short-term tool to strengthen decision quality during a complex planning window. I welcome continued input on structure, scope, and guardrails before formal presentation.

 

[Norma Owen]

Council,

Attached for your review is the draft Utility Advisory Subcommittee Charter: staff feedback for discussion:

Discussion and workshop on the possible creation of a Utility Subcommittee, including purpose, scope, and responsibilities.

This draft reflects staff’s proposed framework, including scope clarification, guardrails, structure, and operational considerations. It is being shared to allow Council adequate time to review the suggested language and proposed format and share feedback.

No position or recommendation is being advanced in this post. The intent is simply to ensure that all members have the same version of the draft charter and can review prior to return on Council.

For reference from the last City Council meeting discussion on XI.3 (Consideration and possible action to establish a Utility Advisory Committee): Council discussed continuity with the existing Irrigation Subcommittee, potential scope expansion to include broader utility issues (water and wastewater), and the value of incorporating qualified resident expertise. A motion was made to establish a Utility Advisory Subcommittee; the motion was amended to table the item to the next meeting to allow additional time to incorporate continuity and learnings from the Irrigation Subcommittee (including participants and history). The amended motion to table to the next meeting passed unanimously.

I will provide separate comments for consideration in a subsequent post.