Agenda - Public Works Committee - 12/18/2007 - No Meeting

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The radio technology would allow for quicker completion of meter readings. The City of Brooklyn Parkhas converted to this technology and is able to read 8,000 meters per day just by driving down the streets. We are currently able to read 420/ day with our system which equates to 9 person-days to complete all of the readings. This translates to $1,400/ billing cycle for our current system and $75 for radio read based on our current meter count. We have compiled a list of Cities that have converted to the radio read technology: Coon Rapids Richfield Excelsior Shorewood Sauk Rapids Sartell Cannon Falls Northfield Maple Grove Brooklyn Park A new meter is required to take full advantage of the radio read technology. The radio heads can be placed on certain models of the existing meters. The back flow, tamper and leak detection features are not functional; however, the ability to read the meter from the street is available. This does require a service call inside the home or business to make the change. Conversion to the new meter would require a future service call. AICmeters installed in new construction will be paid for by the builder as is current practice. The meter replacement program covers meters currently in service. The next step up from mobile readers is establishment of a fixed network of receivers that can get multiple readings daily from meters. This not critical for billings; however, it offers quick detection of backflows, leaks or tampering. Staff is not advocating this program at this time, selection of the radio read system would position the City for a transition to a fixed network in the future. The radio read system offers the possibility of performing the meter reading in-house which could be coupled with the City taking over the utility billing. The city is changing billing service providers for 2008; however, the possibility for bringing the program in- house could be evaluated in the future. Funding: The meter replacement program would be funded through the water utility fund. There is a positive capital balance in the Water Utility Fund. A portion of the balance could be used to finance this project. All of the numbers presented in case are general estimates and will require additional refinement before a program is established. Staff Recommendation: Staff is recommending a meter replacement program be implemented. The radio read technology has additional features not available with the current system and offers labor savings in reading the meters. Security of the water system is important and the radio technology has the capability to detect leaks, backflows or tampering with the meter. 9