#10 - Bulk Water Meter Purchase - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT DATE: 01/16/2024 CONSENT TO: City Council FROM: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director AGENDA ITEM: Water Meter Purchase REVIEWED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director BACKGROUND: Public Works staff continues to supply meters to new construction and update old water meters throughout the city. New construction continues to be strong and staff plans to complete the city wide meter change out program in 2024. This was started two years ago but was delayed due to supply issues. In order to update all of the old meters throughout the city and reduce the unaccounted water loss caused by nonworking meters staff is looking to order additional meters and supplies. Ordering in bulk will take advantage of quantity discounts and save on an order of 175 meters and other meter supplies. Accountability of all water is mandated by the DNR. In 2019, Lake Elmo had a 51% unaccounted water rate. Since installing new meters throughout the city have reduced our water loss below 10%. With the use of the new meters, correcting billing issues and working together with the other city departments, this program will continue to reduce lost revenue and water loss, minimizing the possibility of fines levied to the city. ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Based on the recommendation of Public Works, should the City Council approve the purchase of 175 water meters and meter supplies? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: If approved by City Council, the new meters and supplies will be used in new construction and to replace failing meters. FISCAL IMPACT: Not to exceed $70,000. (This expense is included in the 2024 Water Utility Budget) OPTIONS: • Approve purchase of a bulk meter order • Deny purchase of bulk meter order. • Table for further discussion. RECOMMENDATION: “Motion to recommend the purchase water meters and supplies to take advantage of discount pricing.” ATTACHMENTS: • Core and Main – Meter pricing