HomeMy WebLinkAboutA018 - Water Meters and Related Accessories Supply ContractITEM #:19
DATE:08-26-25
DEPT:W&PC
SUBJECT:WATER METERS AND RELATED ACCESSORIES SUPPLY CONTRACT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Since 2015, the City has standardized its water meters by pairing water meters manufactured
by Badger Meter of Milwaukee, WI, with Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology provided
by Itron, Inc. For FY 2024/25, AMR radio readers (Encoder/Receiver/Transmitters, or ERTs)
were purchased from Van Wert Company of Grundy Center, IA, the authorized Itron distributor
for Iowa, under a negotiated single-source contract, and the water meter bodies were
purchased from Badger Meter of Milwaukee, WI through a negotiated sole source contract.
On March 11, 2025, City Council awarded a contract to Aclara Technologies, LLC for the
purchase of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for Electric Services and the
Water and Pollution Control Department. As the AMI system is implemented, Aclara will supply
the radio meter readers, eliminating the need to purchase AMR readers from Van Wert
Company for FY 2025/26. However, the City will continue to require water meter bodies
and related parts and services from Badger Meter to support the water meter
replacement program and meter maintenance.
Badger Meter has agreed to pricing for FY 2025/26 under a negotiated sole source contract.
This pricing represents an estimated 6% increase over last year’s item costs.
Based on anticipated quantities to be purchased during the upcoming fiscal year, the
estimated totals for FY 2025/26 are as follows.
Estimated
Expense Authorized Budget
Meters (Badger
Meter) - this action $ 249,509
ERTs (Aclara)107,400
Operating Budget
Routine Meter
Changes $ 328,000
New Construction 41,000
Brass/Fittings 25,000
Meter Repair
Parts 12,400
TOTALS $ 356,909 $ 406,400
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the following:
a. Waive Purchasing Policies and Procedures requirement for competitive bids in
order to procure water meters.
b. Approve the negotiated sole source (i.e. the "only available source") contract with
Badger Meter of Milwaukee, WI to purchase water meters and related parts and
services for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to
exceed $249,509.
2. Do not approve the contract with Badger Meter and direct staff to solicit pricing from
additional meter manufacturers.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The City is transitioning its meter reading system, with Aclara Technologies now providing the
radio readers under a separate contract, allowing Water and Electric meters to be read by the
same system.
Continued use of Badger Meter water meter bodies will maintain compatibility with the City’s
existing water infrastructure and ensure efficient meter replacement and installation.
Staff has negotiated agreeable terms with Badger Meter in compliance with the City’s adopted
Purchasing Policies and Procedures. Choosing not to purchase from Badger Meter would
result in equipment incompatibility, inefficiencies in inventory management, and potential
delays in new meter installations.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1 as stated above.
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