SPC on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services Decisions in Brief
December 7, 2015 Meeting
7.1.1 Saskatoon Light & Power Smart Meter Program Update
*The committee received the report as information, which outlines progress on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project as well as steps SL&P has taken to ensure commitment to safety through the smart meter replacement program.
*The AMI network for communicating with electricity and water meters within the SL&P service area has been installed.
*System acceptance testing is underway for the AMI system and integration with the existing billing system is set for early 2016.
*SL&P has completed safety checks for all new and existing meters including inspections of private and SL&P infrastructure.
Background
*In June 2014, City Council approved the implementation of AMI. In early 2015, to ensure a commitment to safety through its smart meter replacement program, SL&P announced plans to conduct safety checks on all meter installations.
7.1.2 Building Better Infrastructure: Water & Wastewater Systems
*The committee received the report as information. The report provides information on the sanitary collection and water distribution inventory, value, condition, and asset management initiatives.
* Saskatoon currently has $3.39 and $2.84 billion of sanitary collection and water distribution assets.
*The water distribution system’s current preventative maintenance funding levels are sufficient for distribution mains. Further information is required to appropriately assess service connections, primary mains, valves and hydrants.
*The sanitary collection system’s current preventative maintenance funding levels are sufficient for sanitary collection mains and service connections. Further information is required to appropriately assess force mains, sanitary trunk mains and manholes.
Background
*The sources of data contained in the report are the City’s Geographical Information System (GIS) database, asset management databases, past contract values, and operations and maintenance records.
7.2.1 Service Saskatoon – Free Public WiFi Service
*The report will be forwarded to City Council for information. It provides information on the procurement process, and the business partner selected to provide citizens, visitors and businesses with free public WiFi service at a number of City-owned facilities.
Background
*A Request for an Expression of Interest and a Request for Proposal were issued for providing free public WiFi service in City customer-serving facilities.
*Shaw Communications has been awarded the agreement and will provide free WiFi at no cost to the City in transit terminals, recreation and sport facilities, libraries and City Hall.
7.2.5 Update from Corporate IT
*The report will be forwarded to City Council for information. It articulates high level activities the Information Technology (IT) division has been focused on during the past 6 months.
Background
*An independent consulting report recommended the development of a multi-year business plan determining how IT will support the strategic direction of the City. Based on the results of this review, IT launched a new vision and mandate statement in July 2015. Main components to the vision outlined in the IT Division are:
•Being a strategic business partner empowering our citizens and the Corporation in effectively utilizing technology to access our programs and services.
•IT would become the leaders in innovative business solutions for our business partners providing the effective and efficient use of the corporations’ resources. In conjunction with the development of a strategic business plan for IT, activities that are in alignment with goals of the Corporation have been initiated.