HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - No. 2023-55RESOLUTION NO. 2023-55
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH SMART
ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC., OF IRVINE (DBA SMART ENERGY WATER) FOR
CUSTOMER WEB PORTAL SOLUTION; AND TO EXECUTE A FIVE-YEAR
AGREEMENT WITH IPAYSMART, INC., OF LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, FOR
PAYMENT SERVICES; AND FURTHER APPROPRIATING FUNDS
WHEREAS, the Revenue Division is responsible for collecting payments for the City of
Lodi with utility payments and general invoices currently accepted via online, kiosks, interactive
voice response, drop-off box, and U.S. mail; and
WHEREAS, the current online platform only takes payments and does not provide a
customer service platform; and
WHEREAS, Smart Energy Systems, Inc. (SEW) provides an online platform for
customers that includes more comprehensive information about their account, payment options,
and customer service assistance by providing a number of features and enhancements to the
current customer experience; and
WHEREAS, SEW payment sources include an online service, point of sale, telephone,
and kiosk, as well as a 24-hour Chatbot feature which forwards to a live Customer Service
Representative during working hours if the question is outside the Chatbot program; and
WHEREAS, with the payment and added customer service features provided by SEW,
the cost of the new platform will be less than the current payment -only platform, with an
estimated cost savings of approximately $225,000 over five years; and
WHEREAS, a Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted by LEU in 2022 resulted in two
key recommendations for improvement, including improving the efficiency of customer service
and improving the functionality and content of utility bills by providing more detailed information
on usage specifically, and staff are confident the SEW platform and services will help
accomplish both; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Lodi Municipal Code Section 3.20.075, financial
services contracts shall be awarded on the basis of professional qualifications and experience,
quality of service, performance, and negotiated prices; and
WHEREAS, the platform and services to be provided by SEW will result in cost savings
to the City, as well as provide additional features and functionality for residents and businesses,
thereby improving the overall customer experience; and
follows:
WHEREAS, staff is recommending to appropriate funds for Fiscal Year 2022/23 as
10020203.72312
$32,540
53053001.72312
$38,790
56052001.72312
$32,540
10050001.72312
$32,540
$1136,410
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby
authorize the City Manager to execute a five -Year Agreement with Smart Energy Systems, Inc.,
of Irvine, California, (dba Smart Energy Water) for a Customer Web Portal Solution in an
amount not to exceed $631,500 through June 30, 2028; execute a five-year Agreement with
iPaySmart, Inc., of Las Vegas, Nevada, for Payment Services in an amount not to exceed
$3,287,807 through June 30, 2028; and authorize the Deputy City Manager/Internal Services
Director to execute all other necessary documents associated with these agreements and
services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby authorize the
appropriation of funds in the amount of $136,410 as set forth above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, pursuant to Section 6.3q of the City Council Protocol
Manual (Res. No. 2019-223), the City Attorney is hereby authorized to make minor revisions to
the above -referenced document(s) that do not alter the compensation or term, and to make
clerical corrections as necessary.
Dated: March 15, 2023
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2023-55 was passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held March 15, 2023 by the following votes:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Bregman, Craig, Nakanishi, and Mayor Hothi
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
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PAMELA M. FARRIS
Assistant City Clerk
2023-55