Report Prepared by: Johnnie Baptista – Public Works Manager - Water
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of an Agreement with National Meter & Automation, Inc., DBA Badger Meter, for Cloud-Based Advanced Metering Analytics (AMA) System for a Ten (10) Year Term Ending May 2, 2036
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the 10-year Agreement with National Meter & Automation, Inc., DBA Badger Meter, for the “Beacon” Cloud Based Meter Reading System and EyeOnWater customer engagement application.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a 10-year Agreement with National Meter & Automation, Inc., DBA Badger Meter, for the Cloud Based Automatic Meter Reading System and Customer Engagement Application; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by City Council; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
4. Deny and reject all agreements.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200, et seq. and Section 3.04.120 of the Merced Municipal Code.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026-27 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Cloud Based Advanced Metering Analytics
Since 2016, the City of Merced water meters have been monitored 24/7 by a cell communication system hosted in a Badger Meter created “Beacon” cloud environment for a small monthly subscription fee of $.72 per month, per meter.
This system allows the City to read meters and bill customers for drinking water. It permits City staff to read any meter at any time, create reports, and discuss per-hour water use with customers. The technology grants customers access to their usage history from any browser and customers can employ real-time leak alerts if they wish.
The proposed agreement term is for a ten (10) year period ending on May 2, 2036. The first year of the agreement continues the $.72 per meter, per month charge, with one-cent increases each year thereafter unt...
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