SUBJECT
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Consideration to approve a one-time purchase from Core & Main, from San Antonio, Texas not to exceed the amount of $283,521.25 for the purchase of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) water meters for the Utilities Department. These meters will be used to replace large meters in the Phase II of the meter replacement program. All meters are AWWA C715 Compliant and NSF/ANSI Certified. This purchase shall be made utilizing the HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Program Contract # WM09-20. Funding is available in the 2024 WW&SS Revenue Bonds.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On May 4, 2026 City Council approved the service contract FY25-073 to HST Utility Inc. for Phases I to IV to replace existing large water meters with Neptune Mach 10 meters.
BACKGROUND
This one-time purchase of AMR Mach 10, water meters allows the Utilities to have inventory for phase II of the large meter replacement program. 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 61-3” x 17”, 9-4” x 20”, and 2-6” x 24”. 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.
HGAC Contract WM09-20
Expires: 8/31/27
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
1. Level of Alignment
Moderate - Indirectly supports or contributes to the intent of a verbatim goal or policy.
2. 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.
Health Chapter - Reducing Exposure to Harmful Elements
Verbatim Text:
“Water utilities also test for a number of inorganic chemicals and monitor water to ensure that levels do not exceed certain limits.”
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 7 (Health), page 7.12
2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_La…
Relevance:
By replacing aging and failing meters with NSF 61-certified AMR meters, the City reduces the risk of inaccurate consumption data, undetected leaks, and customer exposure to system failures. This supports the Plan’s emphasis on monitoring and safeguarding water systems as part of public health protection.
3. 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.
4. Additional Requirements Statement
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.
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: Water and Sewer bonds
Account #: 557-9884-535-9301 & 559-9884-535-9301
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the Water account 557-9884-535-9301 Project #WP2515 $141,760.63
and in the Sewer account 559-9884-535-9301 Project #SW2513 $141,760.62.
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