SUBJECT
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Authorizing City Manager to approve a one-time purchase from Core & Main, from San Antonio, Texas not to exceed the amount of $1,125,128.16 for the purchase of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) water meters for the Utilities Department. These meters will be used to replace meters that have reached the end of battery life, are broken, etc. All meters meet NSF Standard 61 Certification and NSF 61 Annex F and G (leak requirements). This purchase shall be made utilizing the HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Program Contract # WM-09-020. Funding is available in the Waterworks Fund - 2024 Water Revenue bond and Sewer System Fund - 2024 Sewer Revenue Bond.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
Moderate - Indirectly supports or contributes to the intent of a verbatim goal or policy.
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 1.7 - Application of Viva Laredo
Verbatim Text:
“The City of Laredo will use the principles set forth in Viva Laredo as tools to shape future development, to protect natural resources, to direct capital improvements, and to guide public policy in a coordinated manner for the mutual benefit of Laredo’s residents and landowners.”
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, Goal 1.7, page 12.6
2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_La…
Relevance:
The agenda item authorizes a capital investment funded through water and sewer bonds to modernize and maintain the City’s water metering infrastructure. This action directly reflects the Plan’s directive to use coordinated public investment to guide capital improvements that benefit residents and protect critical resources.
Health Chapter - Safer Water (Health & Wellness)
Verbatim Text:
“Water quality should be monitored frequently for both contaminants and pathogens.”
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 7 (Health), page 7.12
2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_La…
Relevance:
The AMR ultrasonic water meters provide automated, hourly readings and leak detection, improving the City’s ability to monitor system performance and respond to abnormal conditions. While the meters do not directly treat water, they enhance operational oversight that supports frequent monitoring and protection of public health.
Summary of alignment:
The proposed one-time purchase of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) water meters moderately aligns with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan. While the Plan does not contain a verbatim goal explicitly referencing automated metering or AMR technology, the agenda item clearly advances the Plan’s broader policy intent to direct capital improvements, protect natural resources, and support public health.
Specifically, the investment supports:
• Infrastructure efficiency and resilience through replacement of end-of-life and nonfunctional meters.
• Public health objectives by enhancing system monitoring, leak detection, and response capabilities.
• Sustainability and resource stewardship by reducing water loss and improving data-driven utility management.
The alignment is classified as Moderate because the action contributes indirectly to stated goals and policies rather than fulfilling a narrowly defined, verbatim directive. Relevant broader planning themes include public health, sustainability, infrastructure modernization, and responsible fiscal stewardship of utility bond funding.
All cited goals and policies are quoted verbatim from the Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan (2017).
No conflicting goals or policies were identified.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None
BACKGROUND
This one-time purchase of AMR Mach 10, water meters allows the utilities to have inventory for FY 25-26 to replace meters due to end of battery life left, broken, or other issues where the meter needs to be exchanged. The meters are ultra-sonic Mach 10 meters that have superior accuracy and require zero maintenance. There are no internal moving parts that obstruct the water flow. The quantities to be purchased are 3,456-5/8” x ¾” and 144-3/4” x ¾”. These meters provide automated meter readings that supply hourly readings, private leaks, no flow, tamper information, and unauthorized usage data. Additional benefits include increased speed to obtain customer information to resolve customer complaints
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approve this motion.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Yes
Source of Funds: 2024 Water & Sewer Revenue bonds
Account #: 557-9884-535-9301 (WP2515) &
559-9884-535-9301 (SW2513)
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
All parts will be purchased on an as need basis. The purpose of this contract is to establish prices for the commodities or services needed should the City need to purchase these commodities or services. The City's obligation for performance of an annual supply contract beyond the current fiscal year is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payments for the contract purchases can be made. If no funds are appropriated and budgeted during the next fiscal year, this contract becomes null and void.
Funding is available in the 2024 Water & Revenue Bonds.