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Council approves $249,678.54 piggyback contract for Sensus drive‑by meter‑reading system
Summary
The council authorized a piggyback purchase through Core & Main and the City of Punta Gorda contract to begin moving Lantana's water meters to a Sensus drive‑by reading system, approving $249,678.54 to start replacing components and transmitters; council said the system will improve accuracy and leak detection.
The council approved the town's purchase and implementation of a Sensus drive‑by meter‑reading system through a piggyback contract with Core & Main and the City of Punta Gorda in the amount of $249,678.54.
Director Eddie Crockett (S10) told the council the town has roughly 3,600 water meters and described the current mix of manual reads and automated systems. He said the drive‑by system reduces manual errors, improves technician safety and helps detect leaks more quickly. Crockett demonstrated components and said the initial purchase includes about 70 transmitter units and associated hardware.
"The current meter reading system that we have in the municipality now was put in place in 2012 ... They're approximately 3,600 meters town wide," Crockett said. He added the drive‑by system increases accuracy and reduces estimated bills caused by misreads.
Council member Chris Castle moved to approve awarding the contract and to authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement and any amendments. The motion passed by voice vote, 5–0. Staff said the town will phase the upgrades over multiple years and explore grant or appropriations opportunities to offset costs.
The council asked technical questions about leak thresholds, system expandability toward AMI (tower‑based) in the future and replacement cycles; staff said parameters can be set for flow alerts and the drive‑by solution is a step toward larger automation.
