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Salem council approves $26,875 purchase of NextGrid meters and $5,413 vac‑truck remote replacement
Summary
City staff told the council they would buy NextGrid meters and supporting hardware to maintain inventory and resilience after storm damage (total $26,875.92, split between electric and water budgets) and to replace a damaged vac‑truck remote ($5,413.60); both purchases were approved unanimously.
City staff told the Salem City Council on Monday that two equipment purchases intended to maintain utility service and worker safety were approved.
Public Works Director Payne (speaker 10) recommended purchasing NextGrid meters, antennas, routers and mounting kits to keep sufficient stock for repairs after storms; the package includes 50 residential meters and supporting parts for $26,875.92. Payne said NextGrid is the sole supplier for the city's system and that the purchase will be split between the electric and water departments' budgets.
Payne also described damage to a 2015 vac truck remote that fell from the truck during sewer work. He emphasized the remote is an important safety feature because it allows operators to have visual contact with work while operating lifts and rear accessories. The lowest bid for a replacement remote came in at $5,413.60; Payne said the cost would be shared across departments because multiple departments use the truck.
Council members moved, seconded and voted to approve both purchases without further discussion.
Both procurements were described as maintenance and safety measures intended to keep operations running during storms and field work; staff said they will reinforce storage and harness procedures for the remote to reduce future incidents.
