Andy Bain, with vendor Core and Main, and Ethan Stanley, with manufacturer of Kamstrup meters, reported to Metro Utility Department (MUD) at their March Board meeting to discuss the ongoing meter issues.

At issue is the problem that there are approximately 1300 meters that still must be read manually, a much higher number than originally expected. That number should be down to at least 750 with the presently installed electronic meter readers. There was disagreement as to whether the 750 number was clearly communicated to the board.

There are two reasons that the number is so high. One is that electronic readings could not be taken in some areas due to coverage in some problem areas. The other is due to the fact that some AMR (manually read meters) were installed where AMI (electronically read meters) should have been installed. Many of these meters had to be changed out or reprogrammed.

Board chair Barry Posluszny asked whether more readers could be installed to further cut down the numbers of AMR meters. Bain responded that another study could be done if the board would identify four or five areas they would like to place readers. The board had been previously been told that such a study could take another year, but Bain disagreed, and said it could be done in three or four weeks. Additional locations will therefore be considered.

Glen Thomas questioned the accuracy of the meters, citing that 82 of 316 meters showed readings of less than one thousand gallons usage, as well as 15 zero readings. Ethan Stanley vouched for the accuracy of the Kamstrup meters, telling the board that the meters had a 0.025% failure rate. He said that the zero reading would be due to a connectivity or transmission problem, and a manual reading should show the meter is actually working. There have been citizen complaints about higher water bills, which could be due to the meters’ ability to capture low flow readings, so the lower usage could be accurate as well. Due to change outs, reprogramming of a high number of meters, and billing issues there has not been enough time to determine overall accuracy of the system, or an accurate determination of water loss. The board’s complaints were heard, and Andy Bain assured them that Core and Main would work with the board in resolving the issues.

In other business, Ronnie Cunningham reported that a buyer has offered more than scrap price for the department’s 3,000 old meters. The board voted to accept the offer, contingent on the buyer signing a release accepting the responsibility for removing the ion lithium batteries from the meters and disposing of them properly, and so holding the department harmless.

There was another discussion regarding water rates for Airbnb’s. They are supposed to pay commercial rates unless the owner resides on the property. Only three Airbnb’s are paying commercial rates. Glen Thomas felt it was not fair to the three who were paying commercial rates, that the rest were not. Chair Posluszny felt all of them should pay commercial rates. Property Assessor Shaun Sherrill informed the board that there is current legislation being considered to charge residential water rates for Airbnb’s. That seemed to settle the matter for the board, who then voted to charge residential rates to all, with only Posluszny voting “No.