03-08-10 Utilities - Laserfiche WebLink

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~. ,` ~~~~ `°~R •~ Utilities Committee 2010 South Bend Common Council The March 8, 2010 meeting of the Utilities Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Oliver J. Davis at 4:33 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Puzzello, Varner, Oliver J. Davis, Rouse, Kirsits and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Rita Kopola,Tom Price, Dr. Jack Dillon, Dave Tungate, Jeff Parrott of the South Bend Tribune and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Oliver J. Davis noted that the Committee consists of Council Members Kirsits, Puzzello, LaFountain and himself. Public Works Director Gary Gilot requested that the Utility Committee hear the presentation from Mr. Tungate first. Bureau of Water Works Update: Council Member Oliver J. Davis called for a presentation from Dave Tungate, Director of the Bureau of Water Works with offices loated at 209 North Main Street, Suite 207 in downtown South Bend. Mr. Tungate displayed old and new water meters to the Committee members. He noted that the 1960's technology is being replaced with new technology which enables the Bureau of Water Works to take readings via radio signals. The new devices will also indicate if it has been tampered with, whether there are leaks, flows, etc. There are a total of 42,000 water meters. 14,000 are currently in the process of being replaced and an additional 14,000 are scheduled to be replaced. Some one at least 18 years of age must be home to let the Water Works employee into the basement to make the replace. The process takes about ten (10) minutes. Water meter exchanges can begin as early as 7:30 am. He offered to show the Council Members how the exchange is done. He added that appointments can also be made for this to take place on Saturday mornings beginning at 8 am. Mr. Tungate stated that they are starting in the farthest portions in the northern and southern parts of the city. About 45 meter exchanges are being done daily with that anticipated to be increased to 60 meter exchanges per day. 600 were completed in February 2010, and 1,000 are projected to be completed this month. Each new water meter is equipment with a battery which has a life of seventeen (17) years. Mr. Tungate also stated that the Bureau of Water Works is implementing a new telephone system which will enable customers to make payments over the phone, etc. Council Member Oliver J. Davis thanked Mr. Tungate for his report and asked that he continue to share information with his Committee on activities of the Bureau of Water Works.