City of Highland Park Municipal Building, Image courtesy of Highland Park
Highland Park City Council unanimously approved a major plan on Monday night to replace the city’s aging water meters with advanced digital models. This move promises to improve billing accuracy, increase efficiency, and empower residents with real-time water usage data. The council’s approval covers three critical resolutions outlining the project’s logistics, funding strategies, and a comprehensive community outreach effort.
The current water meters in Highland Park have been in place for decades, with many reaching the end of their expected lifespan. Outdated technology has led to inaccurate readings and inefficiencies in the billing process. In response to these challenges, city officials began exploring the need for an overhaul nearly ten years ago. Monday’s vote marks a crucial step forward in addressing these issues.
Councilman Khursheed Ash-Shafii asked Damon L. Garrett, Director of the Highland Park Water Department, questions concerning the process, as residents have been highly concerned about whether the master water meters will actually take place.
In October 2023, Highland Park and the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) settled and moved toward a renewed partnership, and a proposed settlement introduced three key pillars to resolve longstanding disputes. The settlement outlines payment assurances from Highland Park, state-funded investments in critical capital improvements for both systems and the installation of new metering technology to ensure fair billing and build trust in the regional water system.
City officials emphasized the benefits of the new technology, noting that installing modern meters will allow for the real-time monitoring of water consumption. This feature will not only help residents manage their water usage more effectively but will also assist the city in promptly identifying and addressing leaks or other system issues.
Garrett ensured that residents would be comfortable with the construction and the resolution of the new meter placement for Highland Park residents moving forward.
During the meeting, council members discussed the logistics and timeline for rolling out the new meters. They assured residents that there would be minimal disruption during the installation process. Additionally, information sessions are planned to help residents understand how the new meters work and what they can expect.
The city council’s decision marks a significant milestone in Highland Park’s infrastructure improvement efforts. As the project progresses, scheduling and installation updates will be provided to keep the community informed.
Council Member Kallela Martin expressed her concerns regarding the potential impact on residents’ and what it means for water bills once the new water meters are installed. Martin sought assurance that residents would not face unexpected increases in their water costs as a result of the Water Master Meter Project installations.
“It means that for the first time since 2012, when the plant shutdown, we will actually be able to measure the water accurately,” Garrett said.
The first resolution formalizes the agreement between Highland Park and a selected vendor responsible for the manufacturing and installation of the new meters. The city worked with a team of consultants to vet several potential contractors, prioritizing those with proven experience in implementing large-scale municipal metering projects. The chosen vendor has a track record of successful installations in cities across the state, which contributed to their selection.
The second resolution addresses the project’s funding. The total cost of the meter replacement program is estimated at $8 million. While some of this amount will come from the city’s water enterprise fund, officials also plan to pursue state and federal grants to offset expenses. If grant funding falls short, Highland Park may consider issuing municipal bonds, though the council emphasized that they will explore every available avenue to minimize the financial impact on residents.
The third resolution focuses on community outreach and education. City officials will roll out a public information campaign to explain the purpose and benefits of the new meters. Residents will receive updates via mailers, social media, and community meetings.
Despite the advantages, some residents have expressed concerns about data privacy and the potential for higher bills. Highland Park officials have addressed these worries by assuring that stringent data protection protocols will be in place and emphasizing that any bill increase will be due to more accurate readings rather than rate hikes.
During Monday’s meeting, the council opened the floor to public comments. Several residents voiced questions about the project, asking whether the city had conducted a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, to which city engineers replied that switching to the new meter technology is expected to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by eliminating the need for regular truck-based meter readings.
Others inquired about the reliability of the new meters, citing concerns about potential malfunctions. City officials reassured residents that the selected technology has been tested extensively, with less than 0.1% failure rates reported in comparable municipalities.
To facilitate a smooth transition, Highland Park will set up a helpline to address resident concerns once installation begins. Additionally, city staff plans to monitor the implementation process closely to ensure the project stays on track.
With the council’s approval secured, Highland Park is set to begin the installation phase in early 2025. The entire project is expected to take about 18 months to complete, with priority given to neighborhoods that have reported the highest incidences of meter inaccuracies.
As Highland Park embarks on this ambitious infrastructure upgrade, city officials remain committed to transparency and collaboration, ensuring that the transition is as seamless as possible. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming public forums, city council meetings, and workshops.
About Post Author
