DATE: September 28, 2017
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Mark Hilty, ACA Public Works
Michelle Hatcher, Director Water Management
SUBJECT:
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Consideration of a Professional Services Agreement (COF Contract No. 2017-0206) with Xtralight Manufacturing Limited Partnership (UMS) for Advanced Metering Program in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $59,200.00
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Purpose
The purpose of this memo is to provide information to the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) concerning a Professional Services Agreement (COF Contract No. 2017-0206) with Xtralight Manufacturing Limited Partnership (UMS) for Advanced Metering Program in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $59,200.00.
Background
The City of Franklin Water Management Department has approximately 18,000 water delivery points in the system. In the mid-1990s, the department started implementation of automatic meter reading (AMR) technology, enabling meter reads to occur via remote devices. To date there are approximately 14,800 AMR transmitters installed and approximately 3,000 manual read meters in the system.
The Water Management Department has been evaluating AMI to improve efficiency of operations and to enhance customer service capabilities. The AMI system transmits data directly from the meter endpoint to one or more base stations which is then forwarded immediately to back-end software via any available Ethernet connection. The data transmission occurs at a regular interval (typically 15 minutes) providing the City and customers with valuable water consumption information.
A sampling of the efficiencies and information that will help to enhance customer service and department operations include:
§ Increased frequency on status of delivery point (consumption, leaks, read failure, etc.)
§ Detailed information at delivery points
§ Leak Detection
§ Reverse Flow
§ Tamper Detection
§ Lower meter reading expenses (personnel, gas, vehicle, insurance, etc.)
§ Lower maintenance cost
§ Maintenance activities are managed daily versus monthly
§ Better customer service with real time readings
§ Access to more data to make informed decisions
§ Enhancement of employee and customer safety by reducing the number of personnel on the road and providing safer reading methods
§ Resolution to billing questions more efficiently by increasing usage information
§ Reduction in errors and disputes with customers
Financial Impact
The amount of $59,200.00 is within the FY 2018 Water Management budget for consultant services.
Recommendation
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Staff recommends approval of the Professional Services Agreement (COF Contract No. 2017-0206) with Xtralight Manufacturing Limited Partnership (UMS) for Advanced Metering Program in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $59,200.00.