02-08-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 8, 2012 The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. REVIEW OF The Public Work Superintendent reviewed his February 3, 2012 ALTERNATE report relative to the City's Alternate Water Meter Systems Policy WATER that was developed for those property owners who chose not to have a METER fixed - network radio in their homes. 'This policy allows residents to SYSTEMS choose to either have the radio mounted on the outside of their homes POLICY at no additional charge or the City can put in a touchpad on the home and continue reading the meter manually for a $12 per quarter charge. This policy allows alternatives to those residents who have a concern that there is a health risk with the radio waves transmitted by the new system. The Superintendent reported that to date 2,160 of the new meters have been installed and there are about 150 left to be installed. The City has three official opt -outs and a request from another homeowner who wishes to opt out, but doesn't want to pay the quarterly charge. The Superintendent reported that many studies have been commissioned on the effects of radio frequencies (microwaves, telephones, wireless networks, etc.) on humans, and those studies have all shown no direct links between radio waves and human health effects. The City of St. Paul also did extensive research on this matter, and the Superintendent pointed out that information is included with his report. The Superintendent informed the Council that the new meter reading system transmits 4 times per day for a total of approximately 1 second per day. He pointed out that a wireless network is transmitting at all times. He also pointed out the high use of cell phones. The Superintendent reported that this new meter reading system was put in place to improve efficiency and provide better customer service. The City is not profiting from this system. Blesener agreed that the new system is an attempt to save the utility customers money. The Superintendent reported that based on the research, City staff does not believe the system is a health risk. I-le also felt that a $12 per quarter charge to opt out of the system was fair, pointing out that an employee would have to drive to the home and do a manual read. The Council discussed the radio wave exposure from the automated meter reading system versus cell phone usage. The Administrator also pointed out that the National Cancer Society, World Health Organization, and 14