Consideration and Approval of Cooperative Contract:  Purchase Itron 500W RIVA ERT( Encoder Receiver Transmitters)  from Ferguson Water Works through a cooperative purchase contract in the amount not to exceed $300,000.

1. Approve the cooperative purchase contract with Ferguson Water Works through the State of Arizona contract ADSP014-074995 to purchase Itron 500W RIVA ERTs not to exceed $300,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents

 Water Services utilizes an Itron ERT to transmit meter data to a collector used by the City's Meter Readers. The contract for purchasing Itron ERTs has expired and new updated versions are now needed as part of the Radio Read Meter Replacement Program. This cooperative purchase contract will allow Water Services to purchase 3,380 ERTs for installation this calendar year.

The Radio Read Meter Replacement Program is funded annually through the Water Services Operational Budget as well as through project funding.
Radio Read Meter Replacement    202-08-370-3170-0-4461 FY19 Budget $1,501,707
Water & Sewer Parts                      202-08-303-1055-0-4360 FY19 Budget $187,718

No negative Impact

Water Conservation : become a national leader in water conservation in all sectors. ( provide accurate data)

None

1. Reject the use of the cooperative purchase contract and re-bid the purchase of Itron 500W RIVA ERTs; or
2. Reject the use of the Itron 500W RIVA ERTs and use the older technology, Itron 100W ERT.

The City of Flagstaff has been utilizing the Itron Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERTs) for many years. The Itron system reduces the issues caused when different types of meters are used. The last contract for the Itron ERT was executed in February 2012, with extensions. 

In 2018, Council approved the new Meter contract with Core & Main for Neptune Mach 10 ultrasonic meters. This was the first step in advancing the City's meter technologies. The next step is to upgrade the current technology with a new Itron 500W RIVA unit which can be used in developing a true AMR (Automated Meter Read) system.

The City of Flagstaff has chosen the Itron ERT as its basic communication platform for all water meters and has been utilizing that system for many years.

Water Services continually funds a meter replacement program whether in the operating budget or under the Capital program. Upgrading the older system to newer technology will allow the City to make the future choice on an AMR.

The $300,000 will allow the purchase of up to 3,382 ERTs tax inclusive.

Upgrade the technology for better meter data aquisition.