Water meter contract approved

The District of Lillooet council accepted a quote from Corix Utilities to install 250 water meters in North Lillooet for about $340,000 at its regular meeting last Monday.

The North Lillooet meters are the first phase of the district¡¯s plan to install water meters throughout Lillooet.

In addition to Corix, Neptune Technology Group submitted a proposal for the projects. Both proposals included the supply and installation of 50 meters inside homes and 200, more expensive, pit-style meters.

Corix¡¯s original quote was for slightly more than $370,000, while Neptune came in at just under $475,000. The $340,000 quote removes about $30,000 for converting and replacing 70 already-installed Badger water meters.

True Consulting, which prepared the district¡¯s water conservation plan, wrote in its review of the quotes that replacing the meters in parts of Lillooet other than North Lillooet would demonstrate the local government¡®s intention to install meters throughout the district.

During discussion, Coun. Bob Rindero restated his opposition to water meters manufacturers in the District of Lillooet and said improving water infrastructure should be a higher priority than putting in meters. He added that he believed the matter should be put to referendum, but conceded that neither he nor the other council members would likely compromise.

Prior to his election as councillor, Rindero was a vocal critic of metering.

Mayor Dennis Bontron said the provincial grant funds set aside to pay for the meters can only be used for that purpose and will otherwise have to be returned.

Council approved awarding the contract to Corix with only Rindero voting against.

Aileen Parkinson was named to the Lillooet Community Foundation committee, which

Sunday, May 15 will be Community Clean-Up Day, when the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District will offer free tipping at its local landfill.

During question period, a member of the public asked how much Twist Marketing¡¯s branding report cost the district. Economic development officer Jerry Sucharyna said the district¡¯s share was about $15,000.

Coun. Pat St. Dennis was absent from the meeting.