ADMINISTRATION - Jon Haukaas, Director of Public Works
Title
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF ADVANCED METER INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNICATION MODULES
Schedule of Actions
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City Council |
March 15, 2018 |
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Background
The City is in the process of upgrading its Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) communication modules from a fixed network to the new Sensus FlexNet SmartPoint module technology. This AMI upgrade project is expected to require the replacement of nearly 14,000 communication modules (radios). The work will be completed through an RFP contract with an experienced AMI Installation firm.
These materials have lead times of 6-8 weeks and so need to be ordered ahead of the installation contract to be here and ready for our contractor. For the best pricing, the City will purchase the hardware through our existing vendor. A price of $97.00 per module has been previously negotiated with the selected vendor’s local distribution representative. The estimated total cost of the modules for the project is approximately $1,350,000. It is anticipated that the modules will be ordered in several lots over the next 6-12 months.
Sufficient funds exist in the Water Enterprise Fund reserve for this purchase. This will likely draw that reserve down to or near our minimum balance and therefore the future installation contract will be included in our upcoming bonding.
Recommendation
By motion, adopt the Resolution
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine desires to complete the upgrade its Advanced Metering Infrastructure system from the existing fixed network system to the newer Sensus FlexNet SmartPoint module technology; and
WHEREAS, the City has a contract to purchase the new communication modules directly from the manufacturer’s distributor, and
WHEREAS, the lead time to receive this hardware is 6-8 weeks, and
WHEREAS, the installation of the communication modules will be conducted under separate contract anticipated to begin in May 2018, and
WHEREAS, sufficient funding exists in the Water enterprise Fund reserve for this purchase.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Blaine authorize the Mayor and City Manager to purchase replacement Sensus FlexNet SmartPoint communication modules for the AMI Upgrade project.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 15th day of March, 2018.