02-06-08 Information and Technology Committee

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Information and Technology Committee February 6, 2008 Page 4 Council President Rouse noted that the taping was one issue, and once all of the issues are discussed that they other issues "may fall off the map" once they are all properly addressed. He noted that there are several individuals present who wish to be heard on all issues. Council Member White noted that there needs to be better transparency on all city matters, and that doing this one correctly will help set the standards. She noted that reaching out to Ivy Tech, SBCSC, and others to partner may also prove to be very productive. Assistant City Attorney Thomas Bodnar suggested that as part of the work product, the taping of the Council's Standing Committee meetings maybe an option for the potential vendors. Dr. Varner indicated that Council Member Dieter had previously suggested that a sample of each vendors work be a part of the RFP process and considered. City Clerk John Voorde noted that as a result of Council President Rouse desiring to have many upgrades in communications for the Council, which he fully supports, He has had the opportunity to receive information from the Indiana League of Municipal Clerk Treasurers. Digital recording- audio only, video only, or both combined are options. He has received quotes on all three (3) methods from BIS Digital, which is Indianapolis based. It would require micro-phones to be hard- wired, and believes that this method may be best. He added that preliminary costs range from $1,200 to $30,000 for equipment and installation. He noted that the demonstration which he and his staff saw focused on a Fort Lauderdale, Florida council meeting. Dr. Varner thanked Mr. Voorde for that information, but noted that permanent record keeping was somewhat different than the agenda items scheduled for today. Council President Rouse noted that he was envisioning a tape recorder used by the Clerk's Office to assist the Chairpersons in their committee meetings. Saint Clair Poindexter of 1046 Georgians Street in South Bend stated that he wanted to be a part of history with four (4) African-Americans now sitting on the Common Council. He noted that he has had his videos posted on MySpace.com. He was the first African-American to have a video broadcast on a local television channel. He stated that he "finds it offensive" that set asides are being discussed. He is only interested in getting a job, and wants the process to be fair so that he has an equal opportunity to get this job. He voiced concern about the methods used by the Board of Public Works. Council Member Puzzello stated that the process was open, public and consistent with the law. She was present when the sealed bids to the RFPs were opened. Dr. Varner stated that their was a fair opportunity for all. He is looking for "the best project for the least price". Competitive bidding, utilizing the Board of Public Works is a good method.