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AGENDA ITEM NO. 6A <br />STAFF ORIGINATOR: Rick DeGardner <br />DATE: February 17, 1999 <br />TOPIC: Conversion To Automatic Meter Reading System <br />VOTE REQUIRED: Simple Majority <br />BACKGROUND <br />After much discussion and research, staff is requesting that the City Council approve a <br />program to convert to an automatic water meter reading system. This new system will <br />improve the quality of water service and the accuracy and efficiency of our water billing. <br />To achieve this improvement, a new meter reading device called a Meter interface Unit <br />(MIU) will be installed in every property. This system automatically "calls in" to the <br />Utility Office for transferring meter reading data The MIU will be installed at no direct <br />cost to the property owner. The program is being financed by the Water Operating Fund. <br />If approved, the Phone Read System will be phased in over the next 4 years. Route 5 will <br />be converted this Spring (See attached diagram). <br />Staff has identified advantages and disadvantages of this proposal: <br />Advantages <br />Delays Need o Are Additional Staff— Would delay need to hire another staff person by <br />as much as 7 years. Also, allows staff to work on other necessary projects such as <br />preventative maintenance that is not currently being done due to time constraints. <br />EgghtsgslighlitL— Since staff would no longer need to walk the entire city 4 times per <br />year, liability exposure is dramatically reduced (injuries due to falls, dog bites, risk of <br />harassment/assault from property owners). <br />Better Customer Service — Better equipped to resolve bill discrepancies. Meter reading <br />can be done within minutes of customer complaints or inquiries. Final readings would no <br />longer need site visit. Final readings can be done on the date and time that the customer <br />requests by accessing the information from city hall. Turn around time from read to bill <br />is also improved. Possibility of human error reduced. <br />Inspect Existing Water Meters — Installation of MIU's will allow us to inspect all existing <br />meters which will eliminate need for separate inspection for change -out program. Water <br />