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ARDEN HILLS JOINT COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JANUARY 17, 2012 3 months he has been reviewing the situation with the Public Works Superintendent. He has contacted several cities including Little Canada, Roseville, Shoreview, and Edina to discuss their experience with new water reader systems. He stated he has also met with representatives of Badger and Neptune, the most prominent manufacturers of reading equipment in the area. He reviewed a comparison between Neptune and Badger with regards to warranty, battery type, battery disposal, antenna, and frequency, integration with Springbrook, data storage, leak detection, and radiation (drive-by system). In conclusion, he explained that most communities have the same type meter and reader. ,Options for moving forward include competitively bidding both the drive-by and fixed network with installation; competitively bidding Badger equipment with the manufacturers as alternates; negotiate with supplier; or purchasing the Badger Orion ME/SE reader with the proposed promotion. Public Works Director Maurer explained that Badger is offering Arden Hills a special deal that includes hybrid equipment which combines drive-by and fixed technologies so either method can be used. In addition if the City purchases 550 meter readers, Badger will provide an additional 550 meters. The offer also includes software, one collection site equipment, computer, and some on-site training. In exchange, Badger wants the City to promote their system. Also, they would hold the price for any additional equipment for one year to give the City time to purchase whatever they need. He added that Badger is also willing to negotiate the installation price. He recommended that this project move forward before the current system fails. He also recommended that the City go with the Badger readers since there are currently have Badger meters in use in the City. Council consensus was to direct staff to proceed to negotiate with Badger for the Orion ME/SE promotional deal. D. Valentine Park Improvements Public Works Director Maurer stated that the City has been working on the improvement to Valentine Park for some time. The last discussion took place at the Council's September 19'h work session and, at that time, the Council consensus was for staff to proceed to 75 percent final design. Since that work session, staff and consultants have been working on the final design, had soil borings performed, met with Rice Creek Watershed District, and reviewed park amenities that can be purchased on the State contract. Staff is looking for direction from Council on how to proceed to construction bidding with the project. He explained the options as follows:' • Items may be removed from the plan prior to bidding. • Items that are too expensive could be bid as an alternate and included if the budget allows. • Some park items could be purchased and installed from the State contract after the installation area is prepared. • Some park items have a range of cost options that could be considered. Public Works Director Maurer then reviewed the cost estimate as follows: VALENTINE PARK COMPONENT COST ESTIMATE Demolition, site preparation, and erosion control measures $ 21,000, Site grading, pond construction, and storm drainage facilities 60,000 Rain water garden construction and plantings 40,000