Council puts new water meters on hold

Aldermen have questions about remote reading

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

By JOHN R. PULLIAM

The Register-Mail

GALESBURG - The Galesburg City Council on Monday tabled approval of a bid for remote water meter reading equipment. Council members wanted more information before making a decision on the bid of $176,243 by Sensus Metering Systems for 1,000 meters, as well as the electronic equipment to read the meters.

Council members had a number of questions, such as how long it would take to buy the equipment for the entire city and how long the meters are expected to last. If the equipment is bought, eventually one person could read all of the water meters in the city in one day.

A number of answers were given as to how long it would take to buy enough meters for the entire city, ranging from 10 to 14 years, depending on whether city staff was answering the questions or aldermen were attempting to figure it out.

Public Works Director Larry Cox did not have some of the information on hand that the council wanted.

City Manager Gary Goddard attempted to explain that the initial expense would be more than in the years that will follow because the electronic equipment, which would not be bought every year, is the greatest expense.

Alderman Roland Paulsgrove, Ward 7, had a number of questions about the new system.

"I'm having some of the same reservations as Mr. Paulsgrove," Alderman Karen Lafferty, Ward 5, said.

Goddard became exasperated as he tried to explain the city will have to buy new water meters regardless of whether it goes to the new system or not. He also pointed out that the information had been on the city computer for a number of days and he had received no questions.

"I don't understand," Goddard said, "we can pull up tons of information at any time. I'd be glad to do it if you want to wait until the next City Council meeting."

As tempers frayed just a bit, Paulsgrove asked if council members were allowed to ask questions Monday, to which Goddard said yes.

The vote to table the motion was 7-1, with Alderman Mike Spah, Ward 1, casting the lone dissenting vote.