Board forwards two tech purchases: code-enforcement Surface Pro and Everbridge subscription renewals
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Summary
The committee agreed to forward a request to provide a Surface Pro laptop to the code-enforcement officer and to renew the city's Everbridge/Nixle public-notification subscription; the board approved moving the items forward for finalization with the lower-cost mobile plan option for the laptop.
The committee reviewed two information-technology items and voted to forward both to the full board. Staff requested a Microsoft Surface Pro (or equivalent) for the city's full-time code-enforcement officer to enable in-field inspections, digital plan review and immediate permit checks; staff said the device would save time by allowing officers to create inspection reports and start enforcement actions during field visits.
Staff presented two cellular-plan options: a mobile data plan that would carry a $40 monthly device fee for direct 4G/5G connectivity, or to use a mobile hotspot via the officer's existing city phone and avoid the $40 monthly subscription. The committee voted to forward the purchase to the full board with the lower-cost option that avoids the $39.99 monthly charge; aldermen noted the officer would still have a phone for calls and could use the hotspot when necessary.
Separately, the committee reviewed the annual Everbridge (Nixle) public-notification subscription. Staff reported about 3,032 citizens were registered and that the system is used for weather warnings, road closures and other city notices. Aldermen discussed recent national failures of emergency-notification systems and supported maintaining multiple channels. The committee voted to forward the subscription renewal to the full board for approval.