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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JULY 27, 2011 <br />contracts for water meter reading services. Readings have to be hand - <br />keyed into the computer. <br />The Superintendent reported that city staff recommends that the water <br />meter replacement bid be awarded to Dakota Supply Group for Option B <br />(fixed network system) in the amount of $553,876.14. If the City <br />proceeds at this time, the meter change out would be completed by March <br />of 2012. <br />Blesener asked about leak detection. Jim Plahn, Badger, reported that <br />once the fixed network system is in place, daily reports can be run relative <br />to usage, tampering, stopped meter, etc. If usage spikes in any given day, <br />the homeowner can be contacted and informed that there is a potential <br />leak, running faucet, etc. Plahn indicated that this is a tremendous <br />customer service asset. <br />Blesener asked about the process. The Superintendent reported that <br />installation will be the responsibility of Badger, and will be handled with <br />subcontractors. City staff will assist as needed for an emergency, etc. the <br />Superintendent reported that Badger will make up to three contacts with <br />property owners to schedule installation Badger will send letters and <br />information to property owners, which will be pre - approved by the City. <br />If Badger encounters difficulties with the installation for some properties, <br />the City will then get involved, notifying property owners that their water <br />will be turned off until such time as they allow Badger to install the new <br />meter. <br />The City Administrator reported that the City will have to get an FCC <br />license for the transmitter. This will take three to six weeks. <br />Keis asked if the system was for residential meters only. The <br />Superintendent reported that it will be for residential and commercial <br />meters. <br />Plahn noted that some of the newer meters that the City has will not <br />require total replacement, but will just have be retrofitted. Plahn noted <br />that most homes will need transmitters to be hung in basements, although <br />some could be on the outside of the house. <br />McGraw asked how long this technology has been on the market. Plahn <br />replied that it has been available since the 1990's, and their system has <br />been available for the past six years. McGraw asked the reliability. Plahn <br />replied that there is less that ''A of 1% error rate. The system is very <br />reliable and has a 20 -year life cycle. <br />14 <br />