Agenda Packets - 2007/06/04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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an overtime situation, like the sump pump program was performed, could do the physical replacement of the reading system. Going door to door after hours when most people are home, would be the most efficient use of manpower to get the most number of readers in, in the shortest period of time. Assuming that all the current wiring is in tact, the replacement of the readers would only take approximately 5 min inside the house. If other repairs are needed, it could take up to 15 - 20 minutes per home. The bulk of the replacement would be done in the first or second pass through the City, and appointments for the rest could be made on an individual basis. Installation of this by City staff would cost approximately 200 man-hours, or $6500.00 in labor plus benefits and equipment. 3. Go out for competitive bids on replacing the entire reading system, and having the replacement performed by an outside contractor. This would be by far the most expensive route, but it would also ensure accurate readings for years to come. The cost for this replacement would cost somewhere around $500,000. While staff could do the change out, it would take City staff six to twelve months to do because of staffing capabilities and burnout. Recommendation: It is the recommendation of staff to initiate a wholesale change out of all of the malfunctioning MIU / phone accounts to radio accounts of some type. This change out can be done by staff, however, it will involve many hours of overtime, just like the sump pump program, because after hours is when most people are home. Some of the accounts will be able to be done during the day, by appointment, but this is an ineffective and slow process. This is the current way staff fixes malfunctioning accounts, but the response rate to letters sent to homes is approximately 25% at the most. Further Recommendation: It would also be recommended that an increasing charge be applied to all malfunctioning meter-reading accounts that do not respond to the initial change out procedure. The initial procedure would include two passes through the City going door to door, and a direct mailing to the remaining residents. After the direct mailing, start adding a refundable or non-refundable $75 charge until reading capabilities are restored. The City of St. Paul increases what they bill customers for water 50 percent each time they get an estimated read until an accurate read is re-established, and they read every month. Respectfully Submitted, Michael Schnur Lead Utility Operator