HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-12 Information & Technology Committee---
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.
Information and Technology Committee Meeting Minutes of February 8, 2012
Page 2
In response to a question from Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., it was noted that all schools
need build outs.
In response to a question from Council Member Tim Scott, it was noted that 5 -ring conduit is
more reliable, with some of the initial $2.3 million being saved for operational expenses.
In response to a question from Council Member White, it was noted that some of the non - profits
receiving in -kind contributions from Metronet include Logan Center, Logan Foundation,
Community Foundation, Center for the Homeless, Goodwill, and the Kroc Center.
In response to questions from Dr. Varner, a one -page St. Joe Valley Metronet Existing
Deployment map was presented, one -page listing of the St. Joe Valley Metronet Board, one -
page listing of the St. Joe Valley Metronet Strategic Planning Committee, and a copy of the 18-
slide power -point presentation. (copies attached)
In response to questions from Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. a video was shown from
Metronet Zing's website entitled "Metronet Demystified" which can be accessed at
http://www.metronetzing.oL
q/videos/videos. cfm
Dr. Varner suggested that in light of more time being needed to receive an update on the "St.
Joe Valley Metronet Strategic Plan" which was submitted on November 3, 2011 by the Strategic
Planning Committee, that he would like to schedule another committee meeting for that and for
other topics which the Council Members have raised.
Dr. Varner thanked everyone for their updates and then adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. David Varner, Chairperson
Information and Technology Committee
Attachments:
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1 -page St. Joe Valley Metronet Existing Deployment map
1 -page listing of the St. Joe Valley Metronet Board
1 -page listing of the St. Joe Valley Metronet Strategic Planning Committee
18 -slide power -point presentation