8A, Consider Purchase of New Water Meter Readers

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xzae�xza frozxi Badger Me�er regarding this FCC rule change. The FCC has stated that by January 1, 2013, ali systems aperatiing xn the Trace range zx�ust use a narrow band defined as 12.5 KHz ar �ess. The Trace system uses a 25 KHz radio frequency so ii wi�l no langer be coznpliaz�t with ihe FCC rules as of January l, 2013. After 3anuary 1, 2013, the readers wzil still work but technically u�e of them may be illegal. The Capital Improvement Plan {CIP) has an item starting in 2011 and runn�ng tbxough 2014 to replace all zn.eter readers. A copy of the CIP sheet is attached. S#aff went through a review process to look at syste�ns that are com�atible wiih our current meters which should have 15-20 years of life left. The siaff recommended system is a Badge� Gal�y system that is a fixed networ� Advanced Metering Tnfrastr�a.ctur� {AMI). Each meter reader sends an hourly reading to the transtnitter and then to the receiver. When the change out of ineter readers is complete, �eters will be read from a computer in the Finance Departrrient. Customers with questians on water bills andJor usage wi�l be able io be provided an hourly graphic �riniout of their water consumption. The system can be set to notify staff of any �neter's large variation in water use �hat may indicate a leak ox a running appliance. There will no longer be a neeci for a Public Works sta�� to spend 2-3 days a month reading meters. Closeout of accounts can be done frazxa. City Hall witho�t sending a staff inember to the property to do a final reading. The Galaxy system is relatively new technology having been on the market since 20p5. It is currently installed in over a dozen Midw�stern water systems; the clasest ta Arden Hills is the City of Lexington. If is a Badger Me#er product and, there�oxe, completely compatible ��Ii the Badger meters. �ts wazxax�ty is 10 yea�rs "bunn.per to bumper" with an additional � 0 years pxoxated. T�e battery life is expected to be 24 years. Staff did also coz�sidex tk�e Badger Meier �rion reader system which uses similar technology to our current system but felt the approxi�nate 15-20% increased cost for the Galaa�y sysiezn, which has many more feat�res and is nevc�er technalagy, was worth the investrx�ent. The difference in price is basically material cost for the more technically advanced Galaxy system as installation of either mete� reader syste�x� would be tl�e saxz�e. Ir� the 2011 CIP there is $60,000 prograrn�ned to begi� this conversion process. With $fi0,000 stafF is recommending purchase of ihe Badger Galaxy Fixed Network Collector �ackage which consists of an antenz�a ta locate an the watex tower, co�zaputex software and installaiion, iechrFical support, celiular backhaul (device that sends ihe meter reading from the antenna to the computer, and 50 meter readers. In addition, staff recommends purchase of enough coarunercial/industrial meter readers to change out all of those in 2011 with City staff. With the remaining funds staff would p�rchase approximately 54 residential meter readers. These wou�d be used io change out any failed meter readers andJor combine sump pump inspections with a�x�eter readez change outs. City Counci� Meeting P:lAdminlGouncillAgendas & Packet Information120 1 117-1 1-1 1 AegularlPacket Informationl7-1 I-1 iWaterMeterReaders.doc Page 2 of 3