SUBJECT
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Consideration to approve a sole source maintenance contract with Core & Main, LP, from San Antonio, Texas for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)/Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) equipment and hosting software services in the amount of $148,869.12 for FY 26-27. Funding will be available in the Waterworks Fund.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Council approved on September 15, 2025, the FY25-26 maintenance contract with Core & Main, LP.
BACKGROUND
Core & Main is the exclusive distributor of all Neptune products in the state of Texas and is a sole source provider. This maintenance contract will cover the AMR Belt Clips, MRX Units, Neptune 360 Hosting Software, and the R900i Gateway Maintenance for FY 26-27. It allows the Utilities to continue using the AMI/AMR system for meter reading and billing.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
1. Level of Alignment
Moderate Alignment - Indirectly supports or contributes to the intent of a verbatim goal or policy from the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
The agenda item authorizes a sole-source maintenance contract for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)/Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) equipment, hosting software services, and gateway maintenance necessary to continue utility meter reading and billing operations.
2. Supporting Goal(s)/Policy(ies)
Goal 6.5 - Water Management
Verbatim Goal Text:
"Goal 6.5: Continue to develop policies that promote water reclamation, conservation, stormwater management, and access to a sustainable water supply."
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, Goal 6.5, page 12.36. (Viva Laredo <https://www.vivalaredo.org/_files/ugd/59c8ea_a17b52eedf004933a0b980835c9298c4.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com>)
Relevance to Agenda Item:
The maintenance of the City's AMI/AMR metering infrastructure supports the continued operation of systems used to measure water consumption and manage utility services. Reliable metering infrastructure contributes to water conservation efforts and the City's ability to manage water resources effectively. The contract allows the Utilities Department to continue operating its AMI/AMR system for meter reading and billing.
Policy 6.5.1
Verbatim Policy Text:
"Policy 6.5.1: Develop cost effective processes to re-use and reclaim water; use new technologies to expand capacity."
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, Policy 6.5.1, page 12.36. (Viva Laredo <https://www.vivalaredo.org/_files/ugd/59c8ea_a17b52eedf004933a0b980835c9298c4.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com>)
Relevance to Agenda Item:
The AMI/AMR maintenance contract supports the continued use of technology-based utility infrastructure, including hosting software, gateway maintenance, and metering equipment. Maintaining these systems helps preserve the operational technology required to manage water service delivery and utility operations.
Policy 6.5.7
Verbatim Policy Text:
"Policy 6.5.7: Continue to implement the existing water conservation program."
Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, Policy 6.5.7, page 12.36. (Viva Laredo <https://www.vivalaredo.org/_files/ugd/59c8ea_a17b52eedf004933a0b980835c9298c4.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com>)
Relevance to Agenda Item:
Accurate and reliable meter reading infrastructure is a foundational component of water conservation programs because it enables the measurement and tracking of water usage. The proposed maintenance contract ensures continued functionality of the City's existing AMI/AMR system used for meter reading and billing.
3. Summary of Alignment
The proposed sole-source maintenance contract with Core & Main, LP supports the continued operation of the City's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)/Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system, including metering equipment, software hosting services, and gateway maintenance necessary for meter reading and billing operations.
The agenda item aligns with Goal 6.5 and related water management policies by supporting the technological infrastructure used to manage water consumption data and utility services. The item also advances the intent of Policy 6.5.1 through the continued use of utility technology and supports Policy 6.5.7 by maintaining infrastructure that contributes to ongoing water conservation efforts. (Viva Laredo <https://www.vivalaredo.org/_files/ugd/59c8ea_a17b52eedf004933a0b980835c9298c4.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com>)
A Moderate Alignment rating is appropriate because the agenda item primarily concerns the maintenance and continuation of existing utility infrastructure rather than the direct implementation of a specific water conservation, reclamation, or sustainability initiative expressly identified in the Comprehensive Plan. Nevertheless, it contributes to broader planning themes related to sustainability, resource management, infrastructure reliability, operational efficiency, and public service delivery.
4. Additional Requirement
Relevant goals and policies were identified within the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan; therefore, the statement "no applicable goal or policy identified in the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan" does not apply to this agenda item.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approve this motion.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2027
Budgeted Y/N?: Yes
Source of Funds: Waterworks System Fund
Account #: 557-4115-533.20-30
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the Waterworks fund.