Title
Sensus HandHeld RadioRead Equipment - Purchase
History
Between 1994 and 2008, the Utility Division completed the conversion of more than 22,000 meters to Sensus brand water meters. This work included the installation of radio type automatic meter reading (AMR) equipment utilizing MXU transmitters. Since implementation of the Sensus meters, the meter reading process has changed significantly. At the time of implementation, handheld meter reading devices were used to obtain the bimonthly readings. In 2002, the Village purchased a drive-by meter reading unit (VXU) further improving meter reading efficiency. Over the past several years, Sensus has improved their AMR capabilities with the introduction of the SmartPoint radio transceiver. These transceivers allow the Village to receive meter reads over a dedicated and secure fixed point meter reading system utilizing the Sensus FlexNet System.
Original MXUs had a battery life span of five to seven years. As technology has advanced, current models have batteries with a twenty (20) year life expectancy. Utility Division staff currently replaces approximately 100 batteries and/or MXUs per month. Going forward with the transition to fixed point meter reading would require an upgrade to SmartPoint radio transceivers that also have a twenty (20) year battery life. To facilitate the conversion to fixed point meter reading, MXUs would be replaced with SmartPoint transceivers instead of replacing the battery in the existing MXU.
To allow the reading of both the existing MXU transmitters, as well as the SmartPoint radio transceivers, an upgrade of the existing meter reading units is required. HD Supply Waterworks of Mokena, Illinois, is the area representative for Sensus meters. They have provided a proposal for purchasing one Sensus Model 5502 Interrogator and associated equipment used by Water Billing and a Trimble Model 900LE Programmer used by Utility Division staff.
On March 19, 2012, this item was reviewed and approved by the Public Works and Engineering Committee and referred to the Board for approval.
INFORMATION PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED AS PART OF THE MARCH 19, 2012, PUBLIC WORKS AND ENGINEERING COMMITTEE PACKET.
Financial Impact
There are Board approved budget line items (031-6002-460180 and 031-1400-460180) for the purchase of this equipment.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve accepting the proposal from HD Supply Waterworks of Mokena, Illinois, for the purchase of one Sensus Model 5502 Interrogator, one Trimble Model 900LE Programmer and associated equipment for an amount not to exceed $10,700.