LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, ADDRESSES SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE CONCERNS

At its regular meeting on Tuesday evening, the Lancaster City Council approved the next steps for implementing an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system aimed at improving water billing accuracy, leak detection, and system efficiency. The meeting also included discussion of sidewalk maintenance issues, approval of previous minutes, appointment of a new employee grievance committee member, and an executive session covering contractual and property matters.

Meeting Summary by Agenda Item

Special Presentation – Advanced Water Metering Infrastructure Project

Rob Watson of Ferguson Waterworks presented an extensive overview of the AMI system, which will allow the city to remotely read water meters, detect leaks in near real-time, and improve overall water management.

Key benefits highlighted included:

• For the utility: Reduced operational costs, faster data access, improved leak detection, and remote connect/disconnect capabilities.
• For customers: Accurate billing based on actual usage, faster issue resolution, and enhanced tools for monitoring consumption via an online portal.
• Technology: The meters feature encrypted two-way communication, pressure monitoring, tamper detection, and 120 days of hourly data storage. Data is transmitted via a licensed, dedicated frequency.
• Rollout plan: The rollout will include customer education, door hangers, online messaging, and coordination with plumbers. All installations will be handled by Ferguson’s contracted teams, with a support system and 24/7 help desk in place.
• Security: The system includes multiple layers of cybersecurity and offsite data backups.
• Community impact: The system is expected to significantly reduce water loss and improve customer service. As cited in the presentation, the Town of Clover reduced its water loss from 26% to 4% after implementing AMI.

Council members emphasized the importance of proactive outreach to residents—especially elderly citizens—prior to meter installations. Suggestions included direct mail, door hangers, Facebook updates, and bill inserts.

Citizen Comments

One written comment was submitted and acknowledged but not read aloud. It will be included in the official meeting minutes.

Employee Comments

No employee comments were made during the session.

Approval of Minutes

Council unanimously approved the minutes of the August 12, 2025, work session.

Monthly Reports for July 2025

Council reviewed monthly department reports. A question was raised regarding the timeline for the sidewalk project on Arch Street. Staff reported that the SCDOT permit had been approved and the city is awaiting stormwater permitting, with bidding expected in October.

Council members also raised concerns over overgrown sidewalks—particularly in Districts 2, 3, and 4—and emphasized the need for timely maintenance. Staff responded that notices have been issued to property owners and that hiring of additional code enforcement and beautification staff is in progress. Council stressed the importance of addressing these safety hazards, especially in areas frequently used by pedestrians with mobility challenges.

Discussion and Action Items

Council voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Hagwood to the Employee Grievance Committee to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Don James, who recently retired.

Executive Session

Council entered into executive session to discuss:

• Proposed contractual arrangements with Lancaster County
• A proposed sale of property
• Project Philadelphia (details undisclosed)

Upon return, Mayor Don Geraghty reported that no action was taken during the closed session.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned following a unanimous vote.

Sources:

• City of Lancaster Council Agenda, August 26, 2025
• City of Lancaster Council Meeting Transcript
• Ferguson AMI System Presentation Materials