St. Clair Shores approves $2.05M water‑meter replacement program with cellular reads

The St. Clair Shores City Council on Feb. 17 approved a water‑meter replacement and reading program with Blue Water Solutions and a fiscal‑year 2025–26 blanket purchase order in the amount of $2,054,490.

DPW Director Brian Babcock and AEW engineer Jacob Fenich told council the city's meter reading system has shown rising water‑loss trends and nearly 5,000 accounts with problematic readings as of recent years, driven in part by aging meters and antenna/radio infrastructure. The recommended approach uses cellular (LTE) endpoints so transmitters can remain in basements without drilling exterior penetrations. The committee reviewed seven proposals and recommended Blue Water Solutions for being local, experienced in Michigan deployments and offering a complete meters-and-endpoint package that staff said reduces finger‑pointing between vendors.

Staff said budgeted funds just over $2 million exist for meter replacements and that the blanket PO begins year one of a three-to-five year replacement plan. Council discussed resident communication, the need for short appointment windows for installers, customer‑portal features for leak and usage alerts, and options for payment plans where a resident’s prior estimated bills understate actual usage. Councilmember Frederick moved to approve the contract and PO; motion passed 7–0.

The project will prioritize homes currently receiving estimated readings and those with suspected failed transmitters. Staff said the replacement program includes a customer portal and notification tools to allow residents to set thresholds and receive real‑time alerts; staff also noted the city will provide letters, appointment scheduling, and local installer support. Council requested clarity on contract term language (3–5 vs. 5 years) and staff said pricing was provided over a five‑year horizon while the PO covers the first year with additional years handled through normal budget and procurement processes.