01152008 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular Meeting January 15, 2008 Page 8 Mayor Narvaiz introduced a discussion regarding changes in the market for the Wireless Mesh Network and direction to Staff. Mayor Narvaiz stated this update provides good information, but the project has changed since it first started. She stated she knew that Mr. Cooper spoke of partnership, but never thought this was free to citizens, which many citizens thought. Mr. Cooper stated he did get bids and was able to get a clear picture of this industry. He stated there are challenges to compare in this industry regarding whether own or rent, partner with company and then reviewing the longevity of the companies. He stated if the City owns then there, is a larger return at the end. Mayor Narvaiz stated she wants this project to enhance the community, but not lay people off from other providing services. Mr. Cooper stated he has had conversations with other providers and the feedback is positive. Mayor Narvaiz inquired to whether providers will be contacted again since this project has changed since they provided feedback; then Council can get input from community. Mr. Cooper stated he feels since the City is going to cutting edge; community input is important. He stated the first step is to put infrastructure in place. Mr. Thomaides inquired to the net the City could receive. Mr. Cooper stated the City is looking a $4 million over a five year period of time, but this would depend on negotiations. Ms. Jamison inquired to the direction the Council wants to go; 1) Start negotiations or 2) Look at other models. She stated Corpus Christi was the first City to implement this for Automated Meter Reading, but they sold to a provider, which did not work out. Mayor Narvaiz inquired to the budget funding for the AMR project. Ms. Jamison stated $40,000 to have the relay of instantaneous reading. She stated she feels the City needs to either pay a provider or invest in our own system. Mr. Guerrero inquired to the initial investment of VOIP. Ms. Jamison stated Staff is paying as we go. Mike Sturm, IT Manager, stated the City has two buildings on VOIP, which were funded in this budget. Ms. Jamison stated the City has the fiber ring, but not all the fiber. Mayor Narvaiz inquired to how far out this service goes and whether the City is willing to share an investment. Mr. Cooper stated he will be speaking to Commissioners' Court and he would discuss the open access concept. Mr. Jones inquired to the operating cost and if the City operated would the City have to expand a department. Mr. Cooper stated most small cities would contract for someone else to operate. The Council agreed by consensus to move forward with the project and negotiates. Mayor Narvaiz introduced an Executive Session pursuant to the Government Code, Section 551.074, to discuss the employment of a public officer or employee (City Clerk). The Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:50 p.m. Mayor Narvaiz announced the Council would reconvene at 10:10 p.m. Mayor Narvaiz introduced for consideration adoption or direction to Staff about matters discussed in Executive Session. Ms. Jamison stated the Council provided additional information regarding the appointment of a City Clerk.