News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Livingston Board of Aldermen approved sending an automated reader meter project for TDEC’s consideration Monday.
State approval is required as a formality in order to use federal COVID infrastructure money allocated to the city. Engineer Greg Davenport said the some $1.5 million project is possible through a partnership with Overton County.
“The next steps are once TDEC approves the application and the funds are available, we already have the projects designed in advance, and they are ready to bid,” Davenport said. “So, we’re hopeful we can move into bidding at an expeditious manor and get this project underway.”
Davenport said just over 2,000 meters would be impacted in the Alpine and Monroe areas. Davenport said the equipment will increase efficiency and accuracy. Utility workers could automatically read meter registers by driving by a residence instead of physically checking.
The project is the first phase of an overall $4 million plan to address water loss in the city’s service area. Eventually, Davenport said specialized sensors will be installed to identify water line breaks.
“In town, we plan on putting acoustic sensors in where the density is efficient, so if two sensors hear something, the water leak is probably between those sensors,” Davenport said. “In the rural areas, we are proposing zone meters at strategic intersections, so they can read usage back to the vehicle.”
The Overton County Commission voted to share its $689,000 of federal funding since it does not have its own water system. The city of Livingston serves county residents as well city customers. Its match for this project will be about $165,000. The remainder of funds come from the state infrastructure money.
In other business, a public hearing scheduled for two rezoning requests in Livingston after the Board of Aldermen approved the first readings. The home owner at 399 Celina Highway requested a change to local commercial in order to open a restaurant at their home.
The second will be for a small parcel across from the housing authority on High Tech Drive. A residential developer wants a rezoning from low to high-residential to create two, smaller density lots for residential developments.
Community Planner Tommy Lee said adjacent property owners did not speak against the changes. The public hearing and final reading will take place at the Board’s March meeting.
