SUBJECT: CONSENT AGENDA
Title
A Resolution Of The Board Of Trustees Of The Town Of Erie Authorizing A Payment In The Amount Of $597,300 For The Purchase Of Water Meters From National Meter And Automation
Body
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTER: Todd Fessenden, Director of Public Works
FISCAL INFORMATION:
Cost as Recommended: $396,800*, $200,500 (* with supplemental appropriation)
Balance Available: $396,800*, $200,500 (* with supplemental appropriation)
Budget Line Item Number: 500.70.110.603000.100001, 500.70.110.603000.100002
New Appropriation Required: No
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve Resolution authorizing payments and authorizing Staff to expend said funds.
Recommendation
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
The 2019 Operating Budget includes funds for purchase of new and replacement water meters. In addition, the 2018 budget has approximately $93,400 remaining in unspent funds to appropriate in 2019. At the January 26, 2016, Board of Trustees meeting, the Board directed Staff to proceed with the upgrade all water meters to the new Beacon smart meter system. This new technology would allow our water users to monitor their usage during the month and the new system also will automatically be transmitting data to the Town’s billing system. This process is scheduled to convert all existing water meters over 10 years and allow for the smart meters to be installed in all new construction. Some of the benefits of the smart meters include:
• Online and Smart Phone access to your water consumption information to improve your understanding of water usage patterns and billing
• Set alerts to email and/or text you when a potential leak is detected
• See the results of your conservation efforts within 24 hours
• Monitor your usage through the month to better budget what your bill will be
The following is an update on all the components to make this program successful:
Project Progress/Schedule (dates subject to change)
• Utility Billing Upgrade - Upgrades to the Utility Billing System to receive the usage reads automatically each month (complete)
• Public Notification
o Media Release - Staff includes information regarding the meters in various publications
o Door Hanger - Staff places a door hanger that to all replacement residents and new construction after a smart meter is installed. This door hanger explains the new meter system and how to access the data should they choose to
o Website Page - Staff has a web page on the Town’s website (<https://www.erieco.gov/1350/Smart-Meters>) where residents can learn more receive information regarding the smart meters
o Replacement Lists - Staff has developed a list of meters that are scheduled for replacement each year. This list will be posted on the Town’s website so residents can see if they are on the schedule by address. If they are not listed and haven’t been upgraded previously, they may enter the Water Meter Lottery when available (see below).
• Developer Notification - As mentioned above, when a smart meter is installed at a new construction site, the Developer will receive a door hanger for that address. They may choose to relay this information to the new homeowner.
• New Home Owners - Staff includes information regarding the new smart meters in the New Home Owner Welcome Packet.
• Water Meter Lottery - Staff may host an annual lottery for those not scheduled to be upgraded in the current year. This will be ran similar to the tree incentive program and will allow for up to 100 residents to be added to the replacement list. The lottery may be opened after the schedule replacements for the year are close to complete.
Project Budget
2019 Replacement Meters $303,400
2018 Replacements Remaining 93,400
2019 New Meters 200,500
Total $597,300
ATTACHMENTS:
a. Resolution
b. 2019 Master Pricing List