CCP 05-23-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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..... ., , . known to cause this occurrence. The generators enclosed on the head of the meters can fail and not send the appropriate signal to the remote readers. Relrote readers have had numbers on the mechanical dials hang-up for a period of time and then start to operate again. The reading may be low, but w:JUld not have caused staff to investigate further. The outside readers have failed for periOOs of time due to extrerre weather conditions. The extrerre heat and ccld causes meisture to fOl:m during the day and freeze at night, causing the mechanical dials to not mcve while frozen. Tiny animals and creatures have built nests and cobwebs in the remote readers causing the dials to stop turning. There are other mechanical problems that have caused inaccurate readings bet~ inside and out. - The current time to read meters and perfOl:m repair IlIOrk requires the equivalency of six people, five days to carplete the precess for each quarter. This am:JlIDts to 960 hours annually, or 0.46 full-time equivalents. . - Three different styles of meters are currently in use in Arden Hills, causing mere type of repair parts to be stocked. - The current manual readings all need to be entered into the carputer by a data precessing person. This precess is long and cumbersane and for the most part, can be eliminated by new technology. While it is not my intent to endorse a specific product, what follows is a description of new and current technology that is available. For example, Sensus Technologies offers new meters that are clai.ITed to be flU.lch mere accurate than mest other meters. The direct reading mechanism in the meter results in less "slippage". The Sensus autc.nated meter reading system is also mere accurate and efficient due to a direct encoded reading of the meter fran an externally rrounted touch pad. The TouchRead System Encoder registers are read with an electronic touch gun at a remote location, with the reading data instantly transferred to a solid state interrogator, carried by the meter reader. At the end of the day, the interrogator can be autc.natically down-loaded to a personal carputer at City Hall. Pre- . loaded software can irnrediately begin to prepare utility bills as . desired. The TouchRead System w:JUld be considered the basic system needed to reduce costs and improve efficiently.