HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 Annual Report - Information Technology CommitteeThe South Bend Common Council Annual Report for the Information Technology Committee
Date: 12/24/2013
To: The South Bend Common Council, The Office of the Clerk
From: Tim Scott, 1st District Common Council Representative - Chairperson
I am pleased to file this 2013 Annual Report of the Council Information & Technology in order to
comply with Section 2 -10 (i) of the South Bend Municipal Code; which Code provision requires
all Standing Committee Chairpersons to file an Annual Report with the Office of the City Clerk
by the 2nd Monday of December.
Duties:
The Council Information & Technology Committee oversees the various activities related to the
dissemination of Information & the implementation of Technology for the improvement of the
Council, the City and how its Citizens access information and communicate with the City.
2013 Committee Members
Dr. Dave Varner - Vice Chairperson, 5th District Common Council
Gavin Ferlic, - At -Large Common Council
Henry Davis, Jr., 2nd District Common Council
Committee Meetings and Highlights:
To date the IT Committee met three times in 2013 and held public hearings on the following
issues:
February 4, 2013. At this meeting the council received training on their Pads. The council
members present were trained on getting email and downloading the meeting packets and how
to do more with less paper. To date 6 council members use their Pads on a consistent basis.
This report was prepared on my council Pad.
This report was written on my Council Pad.
March 6, 2013 the IT Committee kicked off the year discussing any legislative issues around IT
issues for the city. The committee also collaborated with Keith Crain, City Information &
Technology Director about how IT can better serve the Council as well as Citizens access to the
city. Crain announce the IT department would develop a master plan for the city's IT department
as it moves through 2013 and beyond. The goal was to have policies and procedures in place
for the future of the city.
In the kick off meeting it was discussed the future of Laser Fishce, its cost and return as well as
limitations and the possible need for upgrades to the city's public data offered through the Laser
Fishce program. The Committee discussed the need for IT improvements in Code. Also, it was
discussed the budgetary costs for improvements. As Chair I stressed the need for more time
and money within the budget to train city personnel on programs and how to improve through IT
education and implementation.
Through the IT committee Pads were distributed to each Council Members for official use. The
intent to reduce paper by using electronic files and well as newer technology. With the
introduction of iPads, the council informal committee room and formal committee room were
upgraded with Apple TV to allow for wireless presentations from iPads of those presenting to
the council and public.
April 4, 2013 The IT Committee held a public meeting to hear of updates of the WNIT Public
Access Channel. According to Angel Hernandez, Program Director of WNIT, the channel is up
and running. Sometimes they are challenged with programs, but all in aired. There is an issue
with the broadcast of the Common Council meetings. The camera and sound system for the
Council Chambers are of lower quality and the streaming is an issue. No real time view is
happening due to the technology constraints. Clerk John Voorde is investigating improvements
in the technology and upgrade the live streaming. No action took place on this in 2013, there is
hope for new technology in 2014.
1 also want to thank my Council colleagues for their input and guidance during this first year.
Thank you to Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, John Voorde, Mary Beth Wisniewski and Janice
Talboom for their support. Thank you to all the City Department heads and personnel that came
and contributed to this committee and for sharing their acknowledgement and experience so we
can be informed and make the best decisions for the all within the City of South Bend.
Thank you.
Respectfully Submitted
Tim Scott
Residential Neighlibrhoo5ommittee Chairperson
1 st District Council Member
Filed in Clerk;e Ofll �L
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JOHN
CITY CLERK, SOUTH BEND, IN