03-26-12-R Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 7 Public Works Director Maurer stated the issue of replacing the water meter reader system has been under discussion for some time. At the January 17, 2012, work session the Council consensus was to have staff negotiate with Dakota Supply Group (DSG), the local representative for Badger equipment. Since January, staff has met several times with DSG to discuss the Badger Orion ME/SE product that allows both fixed network reading and drive-by reading of the water meters. Public Works Director Maurer explained that staff determined even with the 550 free meter heads with radio receivers, the overall cost to the City would be too high. The prices provided were substantially more than compared to Little Canada that competitively bid water meter reading replacement in mid-2011 with the Badger Galaxy fixed network system. After many discussions with representatives at DSG, a quote for a Badger Galaxy fixed network system was presented to the City. Public Works Director Maurer reviewed the main points of the proposal in detail noting the total cost of the project including equipment and installation would be approximately $396,800 for 2,500 water meters. Staff recommended the Council authorize the purchase of the Badger Galaxy water meter reader equipment from DSG, and to authorize the hiring of Midwest Testing LLC to install the individual water meter readers at a price of$41 per installation. He noted the City does have adequate reserves available to cover the expense of the water meters and staff has strong support from the Finance and Utility Billing Department for this system. Councilmember Holden questioned what would happen if a household could not be read remotely. Public Works Director Maurer commented that with proper installation and with the placement of two antennas the City was anticipating a 100% success rate. He also noted that the antennas should be installed first so as every individual unit is installed,the ability to read it can be tested. Councilmember Holden asked if the expenses included a dedicated computer for this system. Public Works Director Maurer stated the expense did not include a separate computer system. Councilmember Holmes inquired why this recommendation was not followed through with last year. Public Works Director Maurer indicated a year later, and after much discussion with neighboring communities, he was making this recommendation at a lower expense to the City. Mayor Grant thanked staff for working diligently on this issue and for making an educated recommendation to Council. He was pleased with the outcome. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to authorize the purchase of the Badger Galaxy fixed-network water meter reader equipment from DSG based on the quote dated February 29, 2012, and to authorize the hiring of Midwest Testing LLC to install the individual water meter readers at a price of$41 per installation.