Town of Otis Technology Committee
Meeting Minutes
March 16, 2009
Present: Mary Anne Cicchillo, Ernest Lowell, Lisa D’Orazio,
Howard Levin, Larry Gould
· Meeting called to order at 6:15 pm
· The minutes from the February 17, 2009 meeting were unanimously approved.
· TechSoup has definitely proved to not be an option for discounted software for the Town of Otis, as the Town is definitely not a 501.(c)(3). We need to investigate other alternatives.
· Ernie Lowell presented the group with a document introducing the WiMax 4G mobile technology. This seems to be the direction the industry is going to for an alternative to wired broadband. When companies can figure out how to make money with WiMax, introduce it into enough user areas, and price it cheap enough to get the public interested in it, then it should be available for the masses. Since this is run via a television signal, connectivity in Otis should be spotty at best. Wireless, rather than FIOS, seems to be the way of the future, but due to its limitations with our topography, we do not expect it to grow fast here.
· The Otis Technology Committee presented a budget to the committee. The figures are pulled from other commisions and town department budgets, and consolidated under our umbrella. It is hoped this will provide the town with more compatible hardware and software, and help minimize technology costs, as well as level costs over several years.This was initially proposed as a three year technology cycle, but 5 years may prove to be better for the town.
· The Pictometry 2003 to 2008 variance report should cost the town approximately $750.00. With this, we are responsible for running the analysis and generating the reports ourselves. Lee Marcella wants to see if ARC GIS will actually run the reports for the town.
· Regarding the Computer Use Policy: It should be stated that only authorized users can use the town computers, and there should be a separate document for users that can also be included as part of the town’s employee handbook.
· The next Otis Tech Committee meeting will be the third Monday of every month at 6:00 pm. Since this date is April 20th, and the Town Hall is closed that day, the next meeting will be April 21 at 6:00 pm.
· Meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm.
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