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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irving
FROM: L. Eric Schoeny, P.E. Superintendent of Water and Sewer Maintenance
DATE: September 1, 2020
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to adopt unit prices submitted by Core and Main for the purchase of large Sensus water meters.
PURPOSE:
To provide a means for purchasing large water meters. The meters will be used in new developments and as replacements for worn out meters currently in use.
BACKGROUND:
Section 48-16 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances states that the City owns and maintains 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 meter.
Several years ago the City decided to exclusively use Sensus brand water meters. The decision to use one brand of meter was based on the desire to standardize installation and maintenance. When the Sensus 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 out the existing water meters that are one inch in diameter and less.
The Water Meter Maintenance Division is now working on testing and replacing older inaccurate water meters that are larger than one inch in diameter (large water meters).
On February 9th, 2020 the City's Purchasing Division advertised for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the supply of large water meters. The RFQ included language requiring that any proposed meters must be fully compatible with the City's Flex Net system. While 15 firms viewed the documents from the City's website, on February 24th, 2020 the City's Purchasing Division received one response to the RFQ from Core and Main (formally HD Supply). Core and Main's RFQ was for Sensus water...
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