12-05-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION December 5,2011 APPROVED 136 A council member suggested the possibility of utilizing the funds for new parks and .... 137 recreation equipment. A council member recommended that the council should have an 138 earlier review of the final budget next year, allowing time for change if that is needed. 139 140 Mr. Rolek added, regarding the 2011 budget, that it will be very close to the approved 141 budget amount, possibly either a little under or over. 142 143 The council directed Mr. Rolek to recognize the $56,000 expenditure reduction as 144 follows: 145 - $25,000 to the 2012 contingency; 146 - $31,000 back into fund reserve. 147 148 7. Technology Upgrades/Computer Purchase Plan-Administrator Karlson remarked 149 that a growing number of councils are moving away from paper to electronic information. 150 He has done some research on options and costs related instituting an electronic council 151 system using equipment such as IPads (he distributed a spreadsheet of information). This 152 is being presented to the council to see if there is interest in further consideration. He 153 understands from talking with other cities who have instituted electronic packets that 154 there is a cost savings; the Finance Officer is in the process of putting together a cost 155 benefit analysis. The Mayor remarked that he personally likes using an IPad and does so 156 for much of his information already; he likes the idea of costs savings and also of having 157 historical data on issues more readily available. 158 159 Administrator Karlson noted that the question of 3G services (at a monthly cost)versus 160 simple use of available broadband would have to be answered. A council member noted 161 that he is particularly interested in the cost benefits and specifically hard cost savings. 162 163 Council Member Elect Stoesz added that a policy on use would be an important element, 164 governing such things as personal use and data practice. He also suggested keeping an 165 eye on latest technology such as "ultra books". He said that he is generally in favor of 166 the idea of going electronic, adding that he thinks wireless would probably be sufficient 167 since there are portable cards that could be shared for other needs. 168 169 The council directed staff to continue their research on moving to electronic council 170 information. 171 172 Regarding the Employee Computer Purchase Program, Administrator Karlson noted that 173 the program that began in the late 1980's was offered by the city to allow employees to 174 purchase home computers through the city's contract that would thereby improve their 175 computer skills. While the program has been inactive for a couple of years, there is 176 interest in reinstating it but at a reduced amount (since the cost of computer equipment is 177 greatly reduced); that would allow more employees to participate also. 178 179 A council member responded that he supports the program but recommends no strict limit 180 on the amount since people have different interests. 4