SUBJECT: Consent Agenda
Title
A Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Erie Approving a Payment to National Meter and Automation for the Purchase of Water Meters
Body
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTER: Todd Fessenden, Director of Public Works
FISCAL INFORMATION:
Cost as Recommended: $767,300, $212,600
Balance Available: $767,300, $212,600 (w/supplemental appropriation)
Budget Line Item Number: 500-70-110-603000-100001,
500-70-110-603000-100002
New Appropriation Required: No
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve Resolution approving purchases of water meters from National Meter and Automation
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
The 2021 Capital Budget includes funds to purchase new and replacement water meters. At the January 26, 2016 Board of Trustees meeting, the Board directed staff to upgrade all water meters to the new Beacon smart meter system. This new technology allows water users to monitor their usage during the month and the new system also automatically transmits data to the Town’s billing system. Staff will convert all existing water meters to the new smart meter system over 10 years while also installing the smart meters in all new construction. Some of the benefits of the smart meters include:
• Online and Smart Phone access to water consumption information to improve resident’s understanding of water usage patterns and billing;
• Set alerts to email and/or text residents when a potential leak is detected;
• Viewing the results of conservation efforts within 24 hours;
• Monitoring usage through the month to better budget what their 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 smart meters in various publications.
o Door Hanger - Staff places a door hanger for residents and new construction after a smart meter is installed. This door hanger explains the new meter system and how to access the data.
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 and receive additional information regarding smart meters.
o Replacement Lists - Staff has developed a list of meters that are scheduled for replacement each year. COVID-19 has delayed this a little; we hope to be back on track soon. In-house change outs are on hold until after COVID. Pit meter change outs have resumed.
• 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 smart meters in the New Home Owner Welcome Packet.
Fiscal Impact:
The 2021 Capital Budget includes $390,000 for replacements and $212,600 for new installations. Due to COVID-19, we have approximately $377,300 in unspent funds for 2020. We order the meters in batches as we need them due to only having so much storage space. Since we are behind on 2020 change outs, this amount is expected to be re-appropriated to 2021 in the first supplemental to complete both the 2020 and 2021 scheduled change outs post-COVID. Estimated total cost for 2021 is not to exceed $979,900.
Board Priority(s) Addressed:
ü Well-Maintained Infrastructure
ü Safe and Healthy Community
ü Environmentally Sustainable
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENTS:
a. Resolution