Agenda Packets - 2007/08/06 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Further Discussion: There are three viable solutions: Option 1 – Repairs by Staff with no organized program. Estimated Cost $125,000 Continue to take the current approach and buy small quantities of radio read readers at a cost of approximately $100.00 each. This course of action will be the cheapest for this year, but will cost the City more by the end of the replacement process for the readers. It will also take a very long time because of the slow process of getting into houses. It would probably take two to three years to complete the process. This process will affect both Public Works, and Utility Billing with extended phone complaints and adjustments. Option 2 – Repairs by Staff with an organized program. Estimated Cost $100,000 Solicit competitive bids with all radio read suppliers who wish to bid. The approximate price for a large purchase of 900 to 1000 units would be between $85 and $90 per unit. 900 to 1000 units would only be enough to replace the current failed phone read system. Staff, in 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 $7000.00 in labor plus benefits and equipment. This approach would be similar to how the City addressed ther Sanitary sewer Illicit Discharge Inspection Program. Option 3 – Contract Out the Repairs. Estimated Cost $500,000 Solicit competitive bids for 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.