12.030 Powers of the Commission.

(1) Generally. The Commission shall take entire charge and management of the electric utility, water utility and communications utility and shall have full authority to supervise the operation of these utilities subject to the general control and supervision of the Common Council, which shall be exercised through the enactment and amendment of this section. Specific powers of the Commission shall include but not be limited to those specified in this section.

(2) Employees and Consultants. The Commission may appoint a manager and such other employees as the Commission deems necessary or convenient for the operation of the utilities. The Commission may also employ the services and fix the compensation of other agents or consultants as the Commission deems are necessary or convenient for the operation and management of the utilities.

(3) Construction Contracts. The Commission shall have full authority to let bids and enter into construction contracts in the name of the City and supervise construction work; provided, that such contracts are necessary or convenient to the management and operation of the utilities; and further provided, that any such contract or contracts for any one construction project do not exceed $2,500,000, unless the project has first been approved by the Common Council as provided for in MMC 12.050.

(4) Other Contracts. The Commission shall have full authority to enter into other contracts in the name of the City, including but not limited to contracts to purchase and sell electrical power and fuel, sell steam and hot water service, sell potable water and purchase and sell communications services; provided, that such contracts are necessary or convenient to the management and operation of the utilities.

(5) Purchase and Sale of Real Estate. The Commission shall have full authority to acquire and sell interests in real estate in the name of “City of Manitowoc – Manitowoc Public Utilities” as may be necessary or convenient to the management and operation of the utilities, subject to MMC 12.050(4).

(6) Rates, Rules and Regulations. The Commission shall have the authority to fix consumption rates and establish rules and regulations for the governance, management and operation of the utilities, subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The Commission shall also be empowered to establish rules for the governance of its own proceedings.

(7) City Extensions. The Commission is empowered to extend electric, steam and hot water, potable water and communication services within the City of Manitowoc City limits as may be necessary or convenient to the management and operation of the utility.

[Prior code § 12.03]