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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 26, 2005 Page 5 1 Mr. Hubmer responded the meters are rigorously tested. They do wear out over time and will 2 need to be replaced in time. He pointed out there is a meter replacement program in place 3 currently. 4 5 Councilmember Thuesen asked how long they last on average. Mr. Hubmer replied they last 6 about the same as the current meters, which is a 20 to 30 year period. 8 Councilmember Horst asked if there are renewable costs with the software. Mr. Hubmer 9 explained that once the system is installed, there is no need to update it. Unless some of the 10 system had been changed by choice, there would not be a need for updating. He said he doesn't 11 see there would be a need for a software upgrade. He noted if a new platform is introduced, it 12 would be compliant with all systems in existence. 13 14 Councilmember Horst confirmed that there would only be the cost of the system, and the cost of 15 installation. Mr. Hubmer agreed. 16 17 Councilmember Gray pointed out some of the benefits cannot be quantified in money. He asked 18 if any amounts have been set for other activities involved in this. Mr. Hubmer answered that 19 there have been no amounts added thus far. He suggested they could take a rough estimate for 20 how much water is being lost with inaccurate meters. 21 22 Councilmember Stille commented that time could be allocated to be better used with this. 23 Increased water usage is most likely a bonus. He asked if other communities' histories, 24 successes, and challenges are known with this program. 25 26 Mr. Hubmer noted that updating a system to this automatic system only makes sense when the 27 meters are in need of replacement. If the meters are only a few years old, it would not make 28 sense to change to this system. He said the other cities that have this system have said in 29 addition to the benefit of collecting revenue lost by inaccurate readings, it brings them into the 30 21" Century and could provide the billing to switch to monthly bills to improve the cash flow. 31 He said using it to track water usage is easier in a digital form. It makes tracking much easier. 32 33 Councilmember Stille asked if it can be detailed to the point of tracking per residence to see if a 34 certain household is using an inordinate amount of water, therefore helping to determine if it is 35 due to a leak or faulty meter, for example. 36 37 Mr. Humber said he is not able to comment on that. This system is such that someone could 38 drive up and down the street and get the information. The prices he gave are the low end and 39 high end. 40 41 Mayor Faust commented that this is not new technology; other cities are using it. Mr. Hubmer 42 agreed and added that he recommends adding the system at the time of changing water meters. 43 44 Mr. Morrison said the City is working with Ehlers to come up with a financial plan. In January, 45 at the strategic planning meeting, the decision making process for this will likely begin. 46