cover
TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Michael Houston Superintendent of Water and Sewer
DATE: 1/20/2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to adopt unit prices submitted by Core and Main for the purchase of Sensus Water Meters and accessories.
PURPOSE:
To provide a means for purchasing Sensus Water Meters and accessories. These water meters will be used in new development applications and replacements for worn outdated meters currently in use.
BACKGROUND:
Section 48-16 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances states that the City, owns and maintains the water meters. For new developments, the permittee pays a fee for the new water meter. When existing meters must be replaced due to normal wear, the customer is not charged for the new water meter
Several years ago, the City decided to exclusively use Sensus brand water meters. The decision to use one-brand meter was based on the desire to standardize installation and maintenance. When the Sensus brand water meters were chosen by Aurora, the City also decided to implement the Sensus Flex Net Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. The AMI system transmits data from each water meter via radio transmission to Aurora's Water Billing Division. In 2013, the City of Aurora began a program to change our existing water meters that are one inch in diameter or less.
The Water Meter Maintenance Division continues working on replacing older inaccurate water meters and meters not functioning properly in coordination with the Water Billing and Engineering Divisions. Core and Main are the sole source provider for Sensus water meters in our region.
DISCUSSION:
The quantity of water meters needed during any given year is based on demand from private developments as well as the need to replace worn or non-functioning existing meters. Due to the inability to predict exact quantities for various size meters, it is recommended that an open purchase order be prepared that establishes unit prices for these meters and its accessories. The unit prices are based on a quote provided by Core and Main and are valid through December 31, 2027. Funds for these purchases are included in the 2026 budget in account 510-4062-511.65-50 in the amount of $900,000 (Water and Sewer Fund).
Core and Main are the sole source provider of Sensus brand water meters.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution is needed to continue providing water meters for newly constructed buildings as well as the replacement of worn existing meters.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend that the City Council adopts the attached resolution.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to adopt unit prices for the purchase of Sensus water meters.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, The City of Aurora received a quote from Core and Main to supply Sensus brand water meters and accessories that are compatible with the City's existing Advanced Metering Infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Core and Main are the sole source provider of Sensus water meters; and
WHEREAS, Core and Main submitted pricing for an approximate 2-year period ending December 31, 2027. Said pricing is attached as 2026-2027 Sensus Omni Meters. The City's budget includes funding for these purchases in account 510-4063-511.65-50 in the amount of $900,000
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: The Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to adopt the unit prices for Sensus brand water meters and accessories in accordance with the price quotation submitted by Core and Main.