Waldwick July 20, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Waldwick is about three-quarters of the way through replacing all water meters in the borough. Borough makes progress with meter replacement “With the new meters, we are reading every drop of water we’re delivering,” said Borough Administrator Gary Kratz proudly. “We are doing it in pieces, but already have 2,500 in place,” he added. Kratz said the replacement project was approved by the mayor and council about five years ago because the old meters and replacement parts for them were no longer available. “We had to upgrade, so we looked at the technology and decided to go straight to radio. It’s a heck of a lot more efficient. It works excellent for us,” he explained. He said telephone reading was also considered, but officials anticipated a problem because many people were already starting to disconnect their land lines and going exclusively to cell phones. It cost the borough $300,000 to purchase the 3,800 meters needed for every connection. Kratz said that while any savings generated by the conversion have not been computed, the efficiency generated is readily apparent. He said the radio reading is much more accurate and quicker. When meter readers went door to door and had to get access to an indoor meter, it was often difficult to schedule a time when the homeowner would be home, he said. Their salary was a factor as well. The electronic readers are installed on the garbage trucks that go through town collecting yard debris. “As the truck goes down the street, it is not only picking up grass cuttings but reading meters. It is very convenient,” Kratz said. He added that the DPW truck or a police car can serve the same function. The electronic reader picks up the radio signal from the vehicle’s seat. “We are making every attempt possible to get everybody on the new meters,” said Kratz, noting that the conversion process is being handled in house. “It all depends on getting access to the homes.” The borough has an ordinance in place requiring all residents to use the borough’s equipment. The conversion is free if there is an outside meter already, but there is a small charge if the current reader is indoors. The radio readers are more convenient for residents because they don’t have to schedule readings nor deal with estimated charges. Residents may call borough hall to schedule a replacement. Bean plant produces Kerry from Waldwick shows off the beans she planted in Mrs. Barnes’ class this year.Kerry planted her bean plant outside and recently picked her first string bean, which she ate with her dinner. She said it was exciting to see that the bean had grown, and hopes to get more this summer.