HomeMy WebLinkAboutA035 - Resolution waiving the City's Purchasing policy and awarding contract to Badger Meter to purchase water meters & related accessories for July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027ITEM #:36
DATE:07-14-26
DEPT:W&PC
SUBJECT:WATER METERS AND RELATED ACCESSORIES SUPPLY CONTRACT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Since 2015, the City has standardized its water metering infrastructure using water meters
manufactured by Badger Meter of Milwaukee, WI. Prior to implementation of the City's
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, these meters were paired with Automatic
Meter Reading (AMR) technology provided by Itron, Inc., with radio meter readers purchased
separately from Van Wert Company of Grundy Center, IA, the authorized Itron distributor for
Iowa.
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 implementation of the Aclara AMI system
continues, radio meters are being supplied through the AMI project, eliminating the need to
purchase AMR-ready meters from Van Wert Company going forward. However, the City
continues 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 2026/27 under a negotiated sole source
contract. Unit pricing has increased between 5% and 11% over FY 2025/26 prices due to tariff
impacts and volatility in the copper market. These factors have increased manufacturing and
material costs for water meters and related components.
Based on anticipated quantities to be purchased during the upcoming fiscal year, the
estimated total for FY 2026/27 is $222,367.13. Funding in the amount of $226,600 is
included in the adopted operating budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the following:
a. Waive the 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, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to
exceed $222,367.13.
2. Do not approve the contract with Badger Meter and direct staff to solicit pricing from
additional meter manufacturers.
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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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