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Public works advances AMI metering review and approves several utility and streets items
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Summary
Public works committee reviewed a detailed AMI metering proposal (phased rollout recommended), authorized advertising for the Permanent Streets Program, approved a joint natural-gas purchasing resolution/amendment, joined IPWAN mutual-aid, adopted a utility-billing appeals process into ordinance, and approved training for staff.
Public Works staff (Josh, speaker 7) presented a multi-topic utilities update, centering on a proposal for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and several near-term actions that the committee approved.
AMI metering: Josh walked through a hybrid AMI proposal, describing ten-year cost estimates and a hypothetical one-year full rollout estimate of roughly $750,000, a onetime equipment cost of about $156,000, and recurring annual software/service fees in the $32,000'$34,000 range. He said the system provides near-real-time usage data, enables remote disconnect/reconnect, reduces field meter reads and can flag anomalies (e.g., sudden spikes), and recommended a phased 4-5 year rollout. Committee members asked about SAAS fees, disconnection safeguards for customers with medical needs, vendor alternatives and equipment interoperability; Josh proposed a later-priority presentation by a vendor contact (Scott) after the budget process.
Actions taken: The committee authorized advertisement for bids on the Permanent Streets Program (multi-year paving of 1st'6th Streets, phased over two years) so the project can be bid after the April council meeting. The committee approved a resolution and an amendment to add a joint natural-gas purchasing arrangement (utility gas management discount program) to the city's purchasing agreement to secure monthly and annual rebates. The committee voted to join the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWAN) for roughly $100 prorated first-year dues. The committee adopted a documented utility-billing appeals process into ordinance language (formalizing existing practice) and approved training attendance for Daniel Kester at the IMEAA conference (May 15).
Staff also reported operational items: recent storm restoration work completed overnight, generator and vault maintenance scheduling, and a proposal to forward a Volkert easement/legal-description proposal ($1,650) to the April council agenda for a sidewalk extension on East Market.
What happens next: Staff will schedule a vendor presentation on AMI after the budget cycle, advertise the permanent-streets project as authorized, finalize the gas-purchasing amendment with legal review, and implement the appeals-process ordinance language.
