ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 11, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kristina Budak, Water Resources Director
DATE: May 28, 2025
SUBJECT: Dispense with bidding for purchase of Badger Meter water meters for Water Department FY 2026
Resolution determining that Badger Meter water meters cannot be reasonably obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding and negotiate the purchase of Badger Meter water meters, not to exceed $1,500,000
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution
BACKGROUND:
Historically the Water Department – Water Resources Division has issued water meter contracts based on low bids; however, unforeseen costs were incurred due to high rates of meter failure. While some of the meter vendors did provide replacement water meters, there were labor costs associated with replacing the failed water meters. Currently, Cal Water is using Badger Meter water meters within their system, and have listed the following as their justification:
Badger Meter has over 115 years of experience and a wide range of meters and flow measurement technologies
Consistency with known technology will allow for seamless transition from direct -read to automation.
Badger Beacon Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System provides Utility Companies the ability to install AMI on a few critical meters or an entire meter population anywhere in the Utility’s footprint that has cellular coverage.
Benefits of commonly used products such as water meters aid in the operation and maintenance of the City’s water system. These benefits include but are not limited to meter reading, meter repairs, AMI technology and stocking commonly used parts.
Water Department currently desires to purchase meters directly from Badger Meter, in-lieu of Cal Water purchasing meters on behalf of the City, and using the same vendor is necessary to successfully integrate into the City’s existing water system. The Water Department is also in the process of implemen ting its AMI Installation Project, which received grant funding from the Bureau of Reclamation, and has identified additional funding in the FY 2025 -26 budget to expand the project and continue to install AMI meters throughout the City’s water system. AMIs, once installed, will support water conservation monitoring by allowing the residential and commercial users to review real-time consumption data.
Accordingly, staff is recommending adoption of the resolution to dispense with bidding for Badger Meter water meters not to exceed $1, 500,000 in accordance with subsection D.2 of Section 3.20.060 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are available in the 202 5/2026 Fiscal Year Water Resources Operating budget. There will be no impact to the City General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution to Dispense with Bidding of Badger Meter water meters
2. Cal Water Recommendation Letter