City approves firm to study advanced water meters; full contract returns to council after assessment

The North Miami City Council approved staff’s recommendation to negotiate with Performance Services Inc. on July 8 to provide guaranteed energy, water and wastewater performance‑savings contracting services, with an initial focus on an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) assessment.

Purchasing staff reported four proposals were received and the evaluation committee ranked Performance Services highest. The council authorized the interim city manager and city attorney to negotiate terms; any final contract will return to council for approval after negotiations and the consultant’s technical assessment.

Councilmember questions during the meeting emphasized that the award at this stage funds a study and assessment phase; large capital expenditures for meter replacement would require subsequent council approval. William (Bill) Privattell, a resident speaker, asked whether the city fluoride program or water rate structures might be reconsidered as part of broader water policy discussions. Public Works staff confirmed the initial phase will produce an assessment and options report and that the project team will work with city staff before any implementation decision.

Action: the council approved the evaluation committee ranking and authorized negotiations by a unanimous vote; staff will return with negotiated terms and the AMI assessment report for council approval before any meter replacement work is authorized.