Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the AMI Meters topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wellington accepts $440,738 state grant for advanced meters, approves materials purchase while installation contract is reviewed
Summary
The board adopted an appropriation resolution recognizing a Colorado Water Conservation Board grant of about $440,738 and approved a purchase order for AMI meters and pits so lead times can be absorbed; the installation contract was postponed for additional legal review of contractual language.
Wellington '026-06-09 '026 — The Board of Trustees on June 9 adopted a supplemental appropriation to recognize a Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) grant for the town's advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project and approved purchase of the remaining meters, radios and meter pits while legal counsel finalizes installation contract language.
Finance staff explained that the town received a CWCB matching grant of about $440,738; that revenue plus prior appropriations and an earlier $70,000 line transfer put roughly $1.36 million available for the AMI project, while updated cost estimates, including contingency, ran near $1.3 million. "We're bringing in outside funding, covering the full cost of the project as currently estimated, and reducing reliance on reserves," staff said during the hearing.
Deputy Director of Public Works Nathan Eert outlined the technical scope: the town has transitioned roughly 75% of meters to AMI compatibility. Remaining work includes installing approximately 196 new outdoor meter pits and swapping about 967 smaller indoor/outdoor meters, purchase and installation of two base stations and software. Eert said the system will provide automatic radio reads and improved leak detection; customer‑facing portals are not in the current scope and would be an additional cost.
Because attorneys requested late changes to indemnification, warranty and liability language, staff postponed awarding the installation contract and expects to return with a revised contract for board approval on July 14. To avoid supply delays, the board approved Resolution 21‑2026 to authorize finance to issue a purchase order for the materials. Procurement numbers presented to the board put materials and pit components at roughly $596,000 and remaining software, base station and training costs within staff authority (about $140,000). Staff said total project costs as presented were approximately $1,184,596.36 against the $1.3 million budget.
Why it matters: AMI meters can reduce drive‑by meter reads, accelerate leak detection, and support operational efficiency for water utilities. The town says software training and process design will determine how staff handles notifications about possible leaks.
What happens next: Staff will finalize contract language with counsel and return with the installation contract for board approval; materials already ordered are expected to shorten lead times.
