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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1998-01-08C BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS yLight and Power Committee January 8,1998 Committee:Chairman Hix,Trustees Baudek and Pauley Attending:All Also Attending:Town Administrator Kiaphake,Light &Power Director Matzke,All Department Heads,and Deputy Clerk Kuehi Absent:None Chairman Hix called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. AUTOMATIC METER READING QI TEAM --REPORT/RECOMMENDATIONS Administrator Klaphake explained that the Town has trained its staff to participate in Quality Improvement teams to study various department practices.The Automatic Meter Reading (Ar.’IR)study is being presented to the Committee in conjunction with the Department Head presentation.All Department Heads were in attendance.The Team members are:Team Leader Gary O’Connor,Lorraine McCown, Rebecca Van Deutekom,Jeff Boles,Jeff Sigler,Richard Matzke,and Facilitator Rich Widmer.Team Leader O’Connor explained that the Team was formed in March 1997 to explore the feasibility and implementation of an automatic meter reading system.The current Radix hand-held system has been in use since 1991;however,this is a foreign company that is not 2000 compatible,and upgrades are needed at a cost of approximately $17,623.After detailed study, the Team recommends the purchase of an Itron System which is also hand-held,but with the option to read meters via radio,using Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERT)modules.This system would save approximately 40%of meter reading time,require less staff contact with hazards such as vicious dogs and icy roads,improve accuracy and timeliness of billings,and provide customer privacy.Steve Jackson,Boudreaux &Jackson CPA,prepared a cost/benefit study which recommends a payback period of up to 20 years for the purchase of this equipment.The system could be converted over a five-year period,with the first conversions in fringe areas,such as Glen Haven and south,followed by the more heavily populated areas.As this technology has increased in popularity,the cost has decreased.If this system is approved,Itron meters would be used for new electric and water services,as replacements for current meters as proposed by the five-year conversion program (at no cost to the customer),and as requested by customers (at customer cost).Trustee Pauley was concerned about the extended payback period.Meter Foreman Jerry Brumleve reminded the Committee that the Meter Readers have other responsibilities,and the Automatic Meter Reading purchase will allow the Department to continue to operate without the need to hire additional staff, which will decrease the payback period.The Team recommends the following: 1)Purchase the Itron system with radio frequency remote reading capability from Mountain States Pipe and Supply at a cost of $24,798.The 1998 budget includes $25,000 for replacement of the existing hand-held meter reading system. 2)Purchase of 192 electric meters from Hamilton Associates for $14,956 and 100 water meters and one additional Itron Read One field programming device from Mountain States Pipe and Supply for $15,593.The 1998 Light &Power Dept.budget includes purchase of electric meters with radio frequency Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERT)modules and the 1998 Water Dept. budget included $15,300 for purchase of water meters with ERT modules. 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light &Power committee,January 8,1998 -Page 3)Purchase of 222 Emetcom PLC (Pole Line Carrier)electric meters from Cannon Technologies at a cost of $41,070.The 1998 budget included $42,000 for the purchase of 222 Pole Line Carrier electric meters to complete installation of automated electric meters in the Glen Haven area. 4)Replacement of 3,500 electric meters where the existing meters can be read at a rate of 45 meters or less per hour.The replacement rate would be 800 meters per year for the period 1999 to 2002,at a cost of $70,000 annually.It is further recommended that water meters also be upgraded at the same time,approximating 50 meters per year at a cost of $7,200. The proposed 3,500 electric meters to be upgraded are associated with very few water services.The proposed amounts may be adjusted each year,depending on budget allocations. The Committee recommends approval of the Automatic Meter Reading Team recommendations.The Committee commended the Team for the presentation and efforts expended in analyzing this program. ELECTRIC CONNECT FEE --UPDATE Director Matze explained that the AMR Team also recommends that all new customers be provided with remote metering capability and that this cost be added to the electric connect fees and water meter fees.Since the mid-1980’s,the electric connect fee for new electric services has been $99.80,which includes the cost for an average length (125’)overhead service drop,standard electric meter and socket,installation cost,and administrative cost to set up the new account.The current cost for overhead service is $240, and for underground is $140.The cost of the electric ERT meter is approximately $80.00 and the cost of the PLC meter is $185.00.It is recommended the new customer fees,to be included in the Light &Power Policy Procedure Manual,be: ERT Meter PLC Meter Overhead Service $290 $395 Underground Service $190 $295 The Committee recommends approval of the increased customer connect fees to be included in the Light &Power Policy/Procedure Manual. REPORTS Platte River Power Authority:No report. Director Matzke presented the Financial Reports for December. Project Updates:Fifty street lights have been purchased to change out to the reduced glare lighting as prompted by customers.One voltage regulator has been installed,as part of the long-range recommendations. Chairman Hix adjourned the meeting at 9:09 a.m. APPROVE)4.Tina Kuehl,Deputy Town Clerk JAN131398 OF 5 6OAD OF