2007 Information Technology Department Objectives with Accomplishments
Implement HR/Payroll system: Make significant progress on
implementation of new HR/Payroll system, in partnership with HR department
and key department stakeholders. Complete configuration and testing of
system for representative employee groups by year-end. (Council Goal 1)
- Substantial progress was made in configuring many modules of the new
HR/Payroll system. Complete configuration and testing of representative
employee groups was not completed; efforts will continue into 2008.
Replace telephone systems: Identify telephone systems replacement
solution, configuration, standards, and strategy for replacement. Identify
new telephone numbers for the City and transition dialing plan. Complete
high priority network switch upgrades to support telephone systems as
needed. (Council Goal 1)
- A new telephone system was selected, configuration and equipment
decisions were made, new telephone numbers were obtained, and new
dialing and transition plans were developed. High priority network
switch upgrades were completed. The project will be completed under
budget and will conclude in early 2008.
Improve BTV10 capability to provide text information during
program playback and as an emergency backup system. (Council Goal 9)
- Installed an improved backup system for main station playback.
Installed and tested a new system to provide text information to viewers
in the event of an emergency. Added a text key system to identify
speakers during meetings filmed in the City Council Chambers.
Update City web site with new visual design, improved
organization and consistency, and increased usability based on industry best
practices. (Council Goal 9)
- New web site was launched October 26, 2007. Public feedback has been
positive. People appreciate the search features, easier-to-find content,
and strong visuals.
Select and implement a help desk system to improve accountability
to departments related to technical service requests. (Council Goal 1)
- Help Desk system was selected, contract for purchase was completed,
implementation of new system is under way and will continue into 2008.
Restructure ITSD to increase the organizational focus for
centralized software applications, supplement staffing where workload for
mission-critical systems create operational risks, and improve the
organization of front-line technical staff. (Council Goal 1) The benefits of
this restructure include:
- Reducing the number of highly out-dated and manual systems in place
and beginning to offer more strategic systems solutions.
- Balancing network maintenance staff to match the increasing demand
for computer systems and applications services run on the City’s
network.
- Consolidating reporting relationships to more evenly distribute
workload and to offer improved accountability to departments for
technical service requests.
Restructuring of ITSD took place in both technical services and software
applications areas. Reporting relationships were consolidated for front line
technical staff, resulting in more efficient use of technical staff
resources.
Additional Accomplishments:
- Daylight Savings Time Technical Preparedness – Technical personnel
throughout the organization inventoried and updated many systems in
order to accommodate the new daylight savings time changes. The work
effort was significant. The daylight savings time change took place with
minimal adverse impact to City operations.
- Support for Improved Technology Services – Provided technical
support for substantial improvements to wireless and computing resources
at Library sites, provided technical support for Medic/EMS reporting
transition from paper to tablet computers, provided additional
audio/video resources in some City conference rooms.
