The contract for the advanced metering infrastructure system to replace Minden’s electric and water meters will top the city council’s agenda Monday night.

Mayor Tommy Davis says the agenda item, if approved, will give him the authorization to enter into the contract with Aqua Metric/Sensus of Brady, Texas, to begin replacing the city’s aging water and electric meter infrastructure.

“That will just start the process of putting in the system,” he said. “It takes about three months for them to do the radio and electronic work and they have to do that first.”

If the project is approved, the mayor says work will begin almost immediately when the equipment is ordered, and the total project will take about one year to complete.

The council will also consider adopting a resolution for a “lease agreement for procuring a water/electric meter project.” Davis says this is for the funding, which if approved, will be financed by Government Capital. The total cost of the project, including installation of the meters and software will be around $3 million.

In other business, the council will consider a resolution regarding Minden Airport

improvements, which is the obstruction removal phase. The resolution would authorize Davis to enter into an agreement with the State of Louisiana DOTD for funding assistance for the construction of the fuel facility at the airport.

“This will just give us the funding to move forward with our project of building a new terminal and a new fuel facility out there,” he said.

The council will also:

  • Appoint a mayor pro tempore for 2016. The position rotates through each district every year, and this year it falls to District E. If approved, Councilman Benny Gray will serve as the council’s 2016 mayor pro tempore.
  • Approve the hiring of a new police officer. Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper is recommending Donald Brice, who is Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST, certified, and will serve in the position of police officer.
  • Consider condemned property at 800 Lee Street.
  • Consider the adoption of Ordinance 1086, annexation of property belonging to the Garners on Weston Street. Davis says this ordinance is so the Garners can access city utilities.
  • Consider adopting a resolution showing support of the Local Government Assistance Program, or LGAP, for the 2015-16 application cycle, “and if awarded, granting the mayor authority to execute the contract and any other correspondence, as needed, with the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development Division of Administration.”
  • Consider accepting the monthly police report.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. in council chambers at Minden City Hall.