Public voice concerns over smart meters and park flagpole replacement in Livingston

May 8, 2025 | Livingston City, Park County, Montana

Residents voiced concerns about smart water meter installations and a request to replace a flagpole at Veterans Memorial during Monday's Livingston City Commission meeting.

Several citizens expressed opposition to the city's plan to install new iPeril water meters that can be remotely read from a tower. Anne Fuller, a resident of East Lewis Street, stated her refusal to have a smart meter installed on her home, citing health and privacy concerns.

"When I lived in Wyoming, the man behind me was the head of Montana Dakota Utility, and he told me, 'don't put a smart meter on your house,'" Fuller told the commission. "He sent me all this information and what it does to your body, your brain, and everything. It spies on you."

Another resident, Arlene Roemer da Feltre, shared concerns about safety issues related to smart meters, referencing studies about potential fire risks and health impacts from radio frequency radiation. She cited a 2010 scientific study and noted the World Health Organization's inclusion of radio frequency radiation on its list of carcinogens.

Arlene also mentioned documented billing issues with smart meters in other cities, citing a Chicago Tribune report from 2015 that found residents were overcharged due to misreadings.

City Manager Grant Gager responded that the city is replacing outdated meters with industry-standard technology, noting that more than 3 million similar systems have been installed nationwide. He explained that most of Livingston's current meters already use remote reading technology that emits radio frequency, with a city employee driving around with a laptop to collect readings.

Commissioner Willich, who identified himself as having expertise in fluid systems but not electrical engineering, acknowledged citizen concerns and suggested the city consider an opt-out program.

"Personally, I think an opt-out program might help people that don't want them in their house. I'm not entirely sure I would want one in mine in my kitchen," Welch said.

Gager clarified that the current purchase order is for only 250 meters, with the city having approximately 4,000 utility accounts total. He agreed to research health concerns and the feasibility of an opt-out program, noting that the complete transition would take several years.

In other business, Melody Mount from American Legion Park Post 23 requested permission to replace the flagpole at the Veterans Memorial site in Sacajawea Park while the city develops its parks and recreation master plan. Mount noted this was a repeat of a request she made in August of last year.

Residents also complained about trucks using jake brakes on the Park Street Bridge over the Yellowstone River. While commissioners noted this falls under Montana Department of Transportation jurisdiction, they agreed to write a letter requesting "no jake brake" signage in the area.

The commission instructed Gager to investigate smart meter concerns and report back at a future meeting.