LANDIS — Nearly six years ago, the town board discussed implementing an automatic water metering system. On Monday the board heard from Tyler Moore, a sales representative with Ferguson Waterworks, regarding what the company offers.
The board first heard from the Raleigh company in 2007 when it was deciding whether to convert to an automatic reader system. The company presented information to the board during a meeting and returned last year around this time. Moore brought an iPERL meter to show the board.
Moore said the battery life on the meter is 20 years and has no moving parts, which results in fewer repairs. The town has a couple of options — an upfront cost and a $1,300 a year support fee. The town would maintain the software. The other option means the town would pay the company $18,000 to $20,000 and the company would maintain the workings of the software.
Alderman Tony Hilton asked if the town could install the meters themselves. Moore said the town could do the installation work itself to save money. The board did not make a decision regarding the meters.
The board also:

• Tabled discussion of an ordinance/policy on the renaming of town streets. The board did not discuss this matter, but just two months ago a Concord preacher asked the board to consider renaming a street to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Roland Jordan has attended the Landis and China Grove meetings for the last few years making the same request.
• Agreed to allow the South Rowan Marching Band to use the 100 block of North Central Avenue for a craft fair/bake sale/car show event. The band requested the town close off that block from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on May 18.
The board will have its next budget work sessions April 10 and April 17 at 5:30 p.m. at town hall, 312 S. Main St.
• Adopted a resolution to continue support of the current Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), which funds improvements in the state’s park system to fund grants for local governments.
A portion of the deed stamp tax is the funding source for the PARTF. The board called on General Assembly to maintain revenues generated by 75 cents of the deed stamp tax for the fund.
• Approved a resolution seeking funding from the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act to install new auto-read water meters. The Act authorizes the making of loans and grants to aid municipalities that are eligible to finance the cost of buying and installing water meters. The town intends to request state loans or grants to help pay for its water project.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.