Title
An Ordinance to Amend Sections 2:25, 2:26, and 2:38 of Chapter 27 (Water Service) of Title II of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (ORD-21-36)
Memorandum
The purpose of the proposed code amendment is to clarify Public Services Area Administrator’s authority to provide an option for water utility customers to opt-out of the current requirement that water meters be equipped with an automatic remote meter reading device and ensure the access provision is consistent with constitutional requirements. An opt-out of the automatic remote meter reading device will require installation of a water meter that allows for manual reads by staff subject to additional fees and charges for installation, ongoing manual reads and other administrative costs. The ordinance amendment also clarifies that a failure to allow installation, repair or replacement of an automatic remote meter reading device is a code violation which may subject a customer to a monthly surcharge and discontinuance of water service.
For more than 15 years, the city had made use of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). AMI provides increased meter reading accuracy, improved billing, opportunity for enhanced customer services, and reduced operating costs over other metering technologies. The AMI technology uses radio frequency transmitting devices which are connected to the water meter by wire and transmits meter readings wirelessly to the city. These devices are known as meter transmitter units and are located inside the home or building near the water meter.
Details of the AMI opt-out policy, which will be added to the Public Services Area Rules and Regulations pursuant to Section 2:31, will be presented to Council with the second reading of the ordinance amendment.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The costs associated with the ordinance amendment are costs related to installing equipment and providing manual meter reads that will be allowed under the revised ordinance. The proposed fees and charges for the alternative manual read meter for an approved AMI opt-out request will be presented to Council for approval under separate resolution.
Staff
Prepared by: Troy Baughman, Systems Planning Project Manager
Reviewed by: Molly Maciejewski, Public Works Manager
Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Tim Wilhelm, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., Interim City Administrator
Body
(See Attached Ordinance)