02-08-12 Information & Technology Committee

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--- Information and Technology Committee 2012 South Bend Common Council The February 8, 2012 meeting of the Information and Technology Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Dr. David Varner at 6:16 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Karen L. White, Gavin Ferlic, Henry Davis, Jr., Tim Scott, and Dr. David Varner; Mary Jan Hedman, St. Joe Valley Metronet Executive Director; Gary' Gilot, Don Inks, Bob Allen, Jim Peterson, unnamed members of the public and Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Council Attorney. Dr. Varner noted that the Committee consisted of Council Member Valerie Schey who is the Vice - Chairperson, Henry Davis, Jr., Tim Scott and himself. Update on St. Joe Valley Metronet: Dr. Varner noted that the meeting was called to receive an update on St. Joe Valley Metronet, noting that there was a recent article in the South Bend Tribune about their downtown office location. Mary Jan Hedman, St. Joe Valley Metronet Executive Director then presented the attached power -point presentation. She noted that she has been with Metronet for approximately four (4) years. She welcomed the opportunity to present information, noting it is long overdue. Jim Peterson of Kinetic and Bob Allen of the City's IT Division would be providing information. Some of the items highlighted included: • 2004 Metronet was incorporated as a non - profit with SJVM, Inc. being a for profit subsidiary • Seven (7) entities [Some of which included: University of Notre Dame, Bosch, Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, SB Medical Foundation, TCU] initially contributed $325,000 each for a total of $3.2 million • Union Station is a "carrier hotel" which acts as a digital hub • In 2011 they spent $250,000 in network expansion; granted $15,000 in lateral subsidies; and granted $32,400 in -kind contributions to non - profits In response to a question from Council Member White, it was noted that approximately one -half (1/2) of the South Bend Fire Stations are connected.