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97-312� .. �� i � d � , � t: S �� $ �3 t,� p}��'k,✓` 3 3��'J 1� l!" OF Presented By: Referred To: Whereas, as part oT.the 1997 Council File # Green Sheet # Committee: Date the City Council placed Ne erttire Outlget Por Txhnology Initiatives into co�fingency, antl �33 � 1 �-- 3b Whereas, Me Director of the Departmeirt of T¢thnology and Manageme�rt Services, a�x! the Manager of Infortnation Services have dxumentetl goals, specific short tertn tasks, and evaluation crReria, in a work plan sharetl with Cauncil Members, antl VYhereas, the Wndi(g for the Techtrology Initiatives, placed in co��e�y, is plannetl for use on projects crucial forthe achievemeM of Uese documeMed goals ana tasks, antl to the success of this work pian; far pmjects critical to estaGlishing and mainffiini�g the emiranmeM necessary for deparhnents to successfuliy appy technoiogy; and for projects that atltlreu needs iortechnology W a city vnde naWre that have been historiwlry untler fundetl because of the past emphasis on department by tlepartneM neetls, aml Whereas, the plannetl use of the wndngency tunds on projecfs of a City witle imporiance vrould enhance Me City°s intemal nehvork, improve the appropriaM access to the City's corpotate iMormation, esta6fish a C"rty employee technology help desk st2tegy, and pmvide for tra7ning for the City's techniwi staff, aM Whereas, release of Me cun6ngency nowwiti give the IS slaff the resources M appty and fime to begin W work on many of Ne work pian issks prior ta the City Council's evaluation of the IS reorganization mitl year, aml Whereas, the Mayory pursuant W Section 10.07.1 and 10,07.4 of the City Charter, recommends the following changes to the 1987 Adopted BudgM for the CYy of SaiM Paul: CURRENTBUDGET CHANGES AMENDEOBUDGET a: GENERAL PUNO (Trensfer) TRANSFERFROM: Geneml GovernmeM Aecourks Generel Contingent Reserve 001-09066-0598 Contingency ToWI hansfer From TRANSFERTO: Tech�wlogy and Management5ervices 001-01120-0856 Technology Initiatives InvestmenGs TMaI TransFerTo Generel Fund Net Change Becaase M Transfer 400,000 (400,OU0) (AOU,ODU) 400,000 d00,000 aoo,000 Then, therefore, 6e it resolved, thattfle City Council authorizes establishing this activity and approves these changes to the 1997 budget Requested by Department of: Adopted by Council: Date ��),,� 3C�\q °1 "� Adoption Certified by Council Secretary: Technology and Management Services Bv U Y � 4�n� V� Approval Recommended by Budget Director: By: Form 1-'� T ' 'VvV V v ` B � � � , -- � Apprwe by Mayor for Submissio� to Council: Approved by Mayor: Date �r� �5 'Y � q,/ q> (^l By: �[�( � gY� ��o��V �C�._. SsiMPauIBW9M�ce(KlineH.WSE.�BUOGETDEPTS�FINANGE1133W1120RESNM62/2l/9� ! and Svs. 1 3-5-97 FOit TOTAL # OF SiGNATURE PAGES a't -- 3 �i �- GREEN SHEET �° 3 3 8 0 6 INITIpUDATE INRIAUDATE DEPAFTMEM�IflECfOfi OCRYCAUNCR C�fTYATTORNEY O C[TYCLEftK SqWET dR£C(OFi� � FIN. & MGT. SEflVICE3 DIP, MAYOR(ORASSISTA � (CUP AlL IOCATIONS FOR 51GNATUR� Release of $400,00� Technology Znitiatives funding frQm�contgn�ency � _ PUNNING CAMMISSION _ CIVII SERVICE COMMISSION _CIBCOMMfTfEE _ _ STAFF _ _ DI5TRICT CAUHT _ SUPPORTS WH1CH CAUNCII O&IECTIVE� (See attached memo) IFAPPROVED: (See attached memo) �'::a'�i:'�r'�rua � i'�`,.. �., , Y . �V'$�:4s'cc+� ' �[{i'1 , a �.�. `-� e7J None (See attached memo) PEHSONAL SERYICE CONTRACTS MUST ANSWEH THE FOLLOWING OUESTIONS: 7. Fias this person/f"rcm ever worked under a comract for this tleparfineM? - YES NO 2. Hes this perspnffirm ever been a city employBe? YES NO 3. Does this personlfirm-possess a skill not normally possessed by any current city employee? YES NO Explatn all yea anawers on separate sheM anC atYach to green ahaet ����.�� ����� !�� � � ��� � j=_ ':v I . TOTAL AMOUNT OF 7RANSACTfON $ � OOQ COSTlHEVENUE BUDGETED (CIRCLE ONE) YES NO =UNDIfdGSOURCE General Contingent ReSeT'V2 ACTIViTYNUMBER 0�1-�40b6-0548 'INANCIAL INFORMATION: (E%PLAIN) Transfer funds from above to Technology Initiatives Investments 001-01120-0856 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND I� CTTY OF SAINT PAUL Norm Coleptm�, Mayar To: From: Date: Re: Counciimembers Martha Larson �' Cindy M an Joe Rei March 5, 1997 IS Budget - 1997 Contingency Items MANAGEMENT SERVICES Murrha Larson, Direcror 290 Gry Rolt Tekphone: 612-2668797 25 W. Sellagg Boulevard Facsimite: 612-266-8929 Sairu P¢u1, Minnesota 55102 in your hearings on the 1997 budget, you placed haif of the IS division's operating budget and the entire Technology lnitiatives Fund into Council contingency. We understood that this was to afford the Council an opportunity to review the achievements of the restructured IS organization and to ensure that the benefits we promoted as the reasons for this reorganization are actually being delivered. We welcome the chance to have you examine what we have accomplished, and to be held accountabte for accomplishing the our goals we set out. IS Operating Budget i"o heip us ensure that we are focused on the things you expect to evaluate, we have prepared the following goals and specific short-term tasks to accompiish those goals. These goals are consistent with the objectives and strategic direction we described to you when we brieted you on the IS reorganization during the budget hearings. We anticipate that the specific tasks detailed as part of these goals will be completed within the first half of 1997. With any revisions or additions you may consider necessary, we would then pian to report back to you on our progress against this workplan in the May-June 1997 timeframe. This wifl allow sufficient time for your review and discussion, and for us to react to your assessments, without unduly jeopardizing our financing for the second haif of the year. Please keep in mind that these tasks are short-term evaluation criteria. The goals we have identified reflect some very profound changes that we'd like to effect in how the City views and applies technology. Some changes will take many months �� _^� l,�" to implement and the fuil benefits derived from an individual change may not be immediately measurable. So, please consider evaluating our progress this spring as the first of a series of assessments, and that we are evolving and impraving based on the lessons we leam as we move forward. GOAL 1: Define the information services responsibilities of the new IS and Departments and Offices. SPECIFIC TASKS: Work with Departments and offices to create customized service agreements that define IS expectations, the responsibilities of IS and the responsibilities of the DepartmenUOffice Establish IS priorities and workplans based on the initiatives identified in the 1997 IS budget and the service agreements Maintain good customer relations and seek feedback through a Department or Office designated liaison GOAL 2: Develop a City-wide network that is accessibie, secure, effective and reliable. SPECiFIC TASKS: Develop a network security policy for the City Develop a firewall approach and implementation plan, consistent with the City's security policy Develop a Citywide strategy for providing remote access to City systems, for City staff GOAL 3: Establish the process and principles for providing professionai technical assistance to City IS customers that is efficient, timely and cost effective. SPECIFIC TASKS: • Assemble a group of core and departmental technical staff to develop a centralized customer services strategy • Evaluate and select an appropriate help desk solution, associated tools and begin to address staffing requirements • Define a strategy for assessing customer satisfaction; conduct a follow-up to the customer service survey done last July • Conduct a customer service training session for all empioyees in the tS division GOAL 4: Develop a strategy to eliminate risk of losing critical data and standardize backup and recovery operations throughout the City 2 SPECIFIC 7ASKS: � Inventory current backup services pertormed throughout the City �� 31 � • Assess the weaknesses and strengths of the current backup practices � Assemble a group of core and departmental technica{ staff to begin assessment of city-wide disaster plans and procedures • Conduct a pilot project which converts an existing application to a more accessible format GOAL 5: Create a secure, stable and timely electronic mail environment SPECIFIC TASKS: • Complete impiementation of current GroupWise appiication • Assemble a group of core and departmental technical staff to assess the strengths and limitations of the current system within the City • Establish and maintain accurate, integrated address book • Provide ongoing electronic mail maintenance GOAL 6: Develop a consistent approach for co{lecting, retrieving and maintaining corporate data SPECIFIC TASKS: • Conduct a pilot project which converts an existing application to a more accessibie format • Develop a City intranet • Define the current GIS environment in the City and provide recommendatrions that promote cost effective use of this technology • Develop a strategy for making information accessible to the citizens of St. Paul; examine the feasibifity of public kiosks GOAL 7: Depioy the appropriate level of computing technoiogy to each desktop and workgroup ta ensure that all City staff have the proper too{s to accompiish their jobs. SPECIFiC TASKS: • Establish and maintain an accurate Citywide inventory of desktop computing hardware and software, • Gather information on software licenses Citywide and utilize volume purchasing where possibfe. • Reviewroptions for desktop application software and establish a corporate preference. • Initiate and complete the 1997 PG Repiacement program. • instali and use virus scanning software at the desktop and server. • Develop a procedure to ensure that virus update files are installed at the server and client on ali of the City's networks. ��- GOAt 8: Lay the foundation for a positive, professional work a� "� environment in which technical employees feef supported, respected, challenged and enthusiastic about their job. SPECIFIC TASKS: • Establish the processes for communicating with staff on a regular basis to support workfoad management and ensure open dialog between managers and staff • Develop a pe�formance evafuation process that supports the professional and technicai development of staff • Establish a formai training plan for each technicai employee that enabies them to accomplish their current job responsibilities as weii as enhance their professionai career growth Technology Initiatives Fund The Technology Initiatives Fund is a separate general government account that was newly established for 1997, distinct from the operating budget for the IS organization. This account contains funding for specific technology infrastructure projects. These projects are critical to establishing and maintaining a healthy environment necessary for the departments to app{y technology successfully to achieve their strategic objectives. In some respects, these projects also address Citywide infrastructure needs that have historicafly been under funded, due to the emphasis on budgeting for technology primarily on a department-by-department basis. Although this fund is not part of the IS organization operating budget, the projects it covers are crucial to IS' ability to achieve the goals we set forth at the beginning of this memo. More importantly, these are projects that will have significant value to all technology users (and the customers, citizens and others they serve) across the City. Our need for, a�d ability to complete, these projects is not tied to our new IS organizational structure. Therefore, we wouid ask that the Cauncii not wait to release the Technology tnitiatives Funds untii the previousiy-discussed mid-year evaluation of our results is comptete. Rather, we urge the Councii to reiease the funds in this account from contingency as soon as possible - so that we can begin impiementing these projects and delivering the benefits to City technology users. The foliowing describes the four major technofogy projects covered by this fund in 1997. Project #1 - Enhancing the City's Internal Network We presently experience network performance probiems, including slow data transmission and response times, and network downtime. These performance issues hurt users' productivity and require significantly more support. There are Gf City employees who cannot access the network, which restricts their productivity ��— and ability to share information electronically with other City staff. We also need �� "� to establish the appropriate security and remote access structures, to ensure that we properly control who has access to City systems and informatian and prevent unauthorized penetration - especially through the Internet. This project entails the completion of our internal City network and resolution of severa! long-term network architecture issues. This project also includes establishing and implementing a remote access strategy and "firewall", which prevents unauthorized access from the Internet. The funds wili be used for specific hardware and software appiications, and a limited amount ofi consuiting assistance primarily for highiy technicaf network design and impiementation tasks. Project #2 - Improving Access to Corporate Information The City's existing array of systems - some corporate, like the finance or payroll systems, and some department-specific, like Public Works' GIS - contain information useful to many users (salary rates, account balances, location of City infrastructure like sewer lines or fire hydrants). To access data now, most users must have direct access to the application or receive periodic extracts of the required information. Technical architecture issues make it complex or impossible for large numbers of users to do this. Moreover, security and training constraints may make it unwise or impractical to allow this kind af access. One outcome of this di►emma has been the development of parallei systems in multiple departments, which store the same pieces of information {sometimes referred to as "si�os" or "stovepipes"). This is ineificient and creates inconsistent data, and st+il does not make ihe information availabie io aii who need it in their day to day jobs. We intend to take advantage of new technology to provide more authorized users with access to a greater array of data from the City's core systems. Our efforts will focus on the deveiopment of a City intranet and use ofi "browser" software to access this information. Working with individuai departments, we wiii identify the most commonly-requested types of information and extract it from the proprietary "silo" systems and store it in a database. Users wiii be able to access and work with this data using the same toois that they use to obtain information on the Internet (with the point and click, drili-down features they are familiar with). This permits broader access to data in a secure fashion, and creates a commo� "front end" for City users that is simpfe and consistent for accessing a wide range of information. This project also replaces the City's existing Internet access mechanism - a link through Ramsey County - with an independent, better performing connection for the City, possibly using a local third-party access provider. Until now, we have not been charged for our connection through Ramsey County; however, the current link is not as reliabfe as we'd like, and limits our ability to expand the use of the Internet for various types of information and service delivery. Project #3 - Help Desk Strategy a� " U�tii naw, the City's approach to providing common desktop support services has been inconsistent, Some departments have met those needs with internai resources, others used contractors from time to time, and others relied on support provided by the former CIS division of the Finance Department. This created redundancy in those functions and did not aiways generate the highest level ot service for the end users. To put this into perspective, some estimates show that 60-70% of IS staff time is spent assisting users and supporting the present network and hardware infrastructure in the City. We intend to create a Gitywide heip desk function - similar in some respects to the Public Works help desk - that wiil handie network, software, and hardware probiems in a reliable, efficient and service-oriented manner. This heip desk strategy also creates a backup for those departments who rely on their internal IS staff to address those kinds of problems, when their primary IS staff are absent or tied up with other responsibilities. To set up this help desk, we will acquire software and additional telephone equipment to ensure that calls for assistance are logged and directed to the appropriate technical staff, and to ensure that those staff can be readily contacted. An added benefit of being able to log and monitor the status of requests for assistance is the ability to analyze those caiis for trends, and to save the "fixes" so that when similar problems occur in the future, staff don't need to "reinvent the wheel" to soive them. Project # 4- Technical Staff Training The City's decentralized approach to providing IS siaff created some inconsistencies and inequities in training for those staff. Some departments had insu�cient resources to provide even minimal {evels of training; others provided technicaf training to staff that may not have been immediately relevant or value- added to the operations of the department, or was redundant with training provided to staff in other departments. For the City as a whole, there was no common training strategy which ensured that the City had the appropriate leveis of skiils in high-demand areas. Yet, training for IS staff is essential in an environment that changes very rapidiy, with the introductions of new technology and with increasingly sophisticated end users. Training is also a key factor in maintaining high mora{e within the IS staff ranks; it aflows them to keep their skiiis current and to broaden their expertise. Coupled with the appropriate assignments which permit "on the job" skilis development and application of formal classroom learning, training is an important tooi for helping the !S staff understand and work within the City's broad technicai strategy and allowing them to share knowledge and leverage their skills to the fuilest e�ent. This project aliows us to step up the level of training provided to IS staff across the 6 City, and to create a Citywide training pian that ensures that the right peop{e get �l� the right training to allow them to most effectively meet their customers' needs. It f�� - also allows us to maximize savings from vofume purchasing and other techniques. Conclusion We hope that this memo provides sufficient justification for releasing the entire $400,000 in Technoiogy Initiatives Funding, and sets forth a framework by which the Councii wili conduct its mid-year review of the performance of the new IS organization. We wouid be pleased to discuss the contents of this mema in more detail with any of you individually, or make a presentation for discussion by the Council as a whole in an upcoming meeting. 7 � .. �� i � d � , � t: S �� $ �3 t,� p}��'k,✓` 3 3��'J 1� l!" OF Presented By: Referred To: Whereas, as part oT.the 1997 Council File # Green Sheet # Committee: Date the City Council placed Ne erttire Outlget Por Txhnology Initiatives into co�fingency, antl �33 � 1 �-- 3b Whereas, Me Director of the Departmeirt of T¢thnology and Manageme�rt Services, a�x! the Manager of Infortnation Services have dxumentetl goals, specific short tertn tasks, and evaluation crReria, in a work plan sharetl with Cauncil Members, antl VYhereas, the Wndi(g for the Techtrology Initiatives, placed in co��e�y, is plannetl for use on projects crucial forthe achievemeM of Uese documeMed goals ana tasks, antl to the success of this work pian; far pmjects critical to estaGlishing and mainffiini�g the emiranmeM necessary for deparhnents to successfuliy appy technoiogy; and for projects that atltlreu needs iortechnology W a city vnde naWre that have been historiwlry untler fundetl because of the past emphasis on department by tlepartneM neetls, aml Whereas, the plannetl use of the wndngency tunds on projecfs of a City witle imporiance vrould enhance Me City°s intemal nehvork, improve the appropriaM access to the City's corpotate iMormation, esta6fish a C"rty employee technology help desk st2tegy, and pmvide for tra7ning for the City's techniwi staff, aM Whereas, release of Me cun6ngency nowwiti give the IS slaff the resources M appty and fime to begin W work on many of Ne work pian issks prior ta the City Council's evaluation of the IS reorganization mitl year, aml Whereas, the Mayory pursuant W Section 10.07.1 and 10,07.4 of the City Charter, recommends the following changes to the 1987 Adopted BudgM for the CYy of SaiM Paul: CURRENTBUDGET CHANGES AMENDEOBUDGET a: GENERAL PUNO (Trensfer) TRANSFERFROM: Geneml GovernmeM Aecourks Generel Contingent Reserve 001-09066-0598 Contingency ToWI hansfer From TRANSFERTO: Tech�wlogy and Management5ervices 001-01120-0856 Technology Initiatives InvestmenGs TMaI TransFerTo Generel Fund Net Change Becaase M Transfer 400,000 (400,OU0) (AOU,ODU) 400,000 d00,000 aoo,000 Then, therefore, 6e it resolved, thattfle City Council authorizes establishing this activity and approves these changes to the 1997 budget Requested by Department of: Adopted by Council: Date ��),,� 3C�\q °1 "� Adoption Certified by Council Secretary: Technology and Management Services Bv U Y � 4�n� V� Approval Recommended by Budget Director: By: Form 1-'� T ' 'VvV V v ` B � � � , -- � Apprwe by Mayor for Submissio� to Council: Approved by Mayor: Date �r� �5 'Y � q,/ q> (^l By: �[�( � gY� ��o��V �C�._. SsiMPauIBW9M�ce(KlineH.WSE.�BUOGETDEPTS�FINANGE1133W1120RESNM62/2l/9� ! and Svs. 1 3-5-97 FOit TOTAL # OF SiGNATURE PAGES a't -- 3 �i �- GREEN SHEET �° 3 3 8 0 6 INITIpUDATE INRIAUDATE DEPAFTMEM�IflECfOfi OCRYCAUNCR C�fTYATTORNEY O C[TYCLEftK SqWET dR£C(OFi� � FIN. & MGT. SEflVICE3 DIP, MAYOR(ORASSISTA � (CUP AlL IOCATIONS FOR 51GNATUR� Release of $400,00� Technology Znitiatives funding frQm�contgn�ency � _ PUNNING CAMMISSION _ CIVII SERVICE COMMISSION _CIBCOMMfTfEE _ _ STAFF _ _ DI5TRICT CAUHT _ SUPPORTS WH1CH CAUNCII O&IECTIVE� (See attached memo) IFAPPROVED: (See attached memo) �'::a'�i:'�r'�rua � i'�`,.. �., , Y . �V'$�:4s'cc+� ' �[{i'1 , a �.�. `-� e7J None (See attached memo) PEHSONAL SERYICE CONTRACTS MUST ANSWEH THE FOLLOWING OUESTIONS: 7. Fias this person/f"rcm ever worked under a comract for this tleparfineM? - YES NO 2. Hes this perspnffirm ever been a city employBe? YES NO 3. Does this personlfirm-possess a skill not normally possessed by any current city employee? YES NO Explatn all yea anawers on separate sheM anC atYach to green ahaet ����.�� ����� !�� � � ��� � j=_ ':v I . TOTAL AMOUNT OF 7RANSACTfON $ � OOQ COSTlHEVENUE BUDGETED (CIRCLE ONE) YES NO =UNDIfdGSOURCE General Contingent ReSeT'V2 ACTIViTYNUMBER 0�1-�40b6-0548 'INANCIAL INFORMATION: (E%PLAIN) Transfer funds from above to Technology Initiatives Investments 001-01120-0856 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND I� CTTY OF SAINT PAUL Norm Coleptm�, Mayar To: From: Date: Re: Counciimembers Martha Larson �' Cindy M an Joe Rei March 5, 1997 IS Budget - 1997 Contingency Items MANAGEMENT SERVICES Murrha Larson, Direcror 290 Gry Rolt Tekphone: 612-2668797 25 W. Sellagg Boulevard Facsimite: 612-266-8929 Sairu P¢u1, Minnesota 55102 in your hearings on the 1997 budget, you placed haif of the IS division's operating budget and the entire Technology lnitiatives Fund into Council contingency. We understood that this was to afford the Council an opportunity to review the achievements of the restructured IS organization and to ensure that the benefits we promoted as the reasons for this reorganization are actually being delivered. We welcome the chance to have you examine what we have accomplished, and to be held accountabte for accomplishing the our goals we set out. IS Operating Budget i"o heip us ensure that we are focused on the things you expect to evaluate, we have prepared the following goals and specific short-term tasks to accompiish those goals. These goals are consistent with the objectives and strategic direction we described to you when we brieted you on the IS reorganization during the budget hearings. We anticipate that the specific tasks detailed as part of these goals will be completed within the first half of 1997. With any revisions or additions you may consider necessary, we would then pian to report back to you on our progress against this workplan in the May-June 1997 timeframe. This wifl allow sufficient time for your review and discussion, and for us to react to your assessments, without unduly jeopardizing our financing for the second haif of the year. Please keep in mind that these tasks are short-term evaluation criteria. The goals we have identified reflect some very profound changes that we'd like to effect in how the City views and applies technology. Some changes will take many months �� _^� l,�" to implement and the fuil benefits derived from an individual change may not be immediately measurable. So, please consider evaluating our progress this spring as the first of a series of assessments, and that we are evolving and impraving based on the lessons we leam as we move forward. GOAL 1: Define the information services responsibilities of the new IS and Departments and Offices. SPECIFIC TASKS: Work with Departments and offices to create customized service agreements that define IS expectations, the responsibilities of IS and the responsibilities of the DepartmenUOffice Establish IS priorities and workplans based on the initiatives identified in the 1997 IS budget and the service agreements Maintain good customer relations and seek feedback through a Department or Office designated liaison GOAL 2: Develop a City-wide network that is accessibie, secure, effective and reliable. SPECiFIC TASKS: Develop a network security policy for the City Develop a firewall approach and implementation plan, consistent with the City's security policy Develop a Citywide strategy for providing remote access to City systems, for City staff GOAL 3: Establish the process and principles for providing professionai technical assistance to City IS customers that is efficient, timely and cost effective. SPECIFIC TASKS: • Assemble a group of core and departmental technical staff to develop a centralized customer services strategy • Evaluate and select an appropriate help desk solution, associated tools and begin to address staffing requirements • Define a strategy for assessing customer satisfaction; conduct a follow-up to the customer service survey done last July • Conduct a customer service training session for all empioyees in the tS division GOAL 4: Develop a strategy to eliminate risk of losing critical data and standardize backup and recovery operations throughout the City 2 SPECIFIC 7ASKS: � Inventory current backup services pertormed throughout the City �� 31 � • Assess the weaknesses and strengths of the current backup practices � Assemble a group of core and departmental technica{ staff to begin assessment of city-wide disaster plans and procedures • Conduct a pilot project which converts an existing application to a more accessible format GOAL 5: Create a secure, stable and timely electronic mail environment SPECIFIC TASKS: • Complete impiementation of current GroupWise appiication • Assemble a group of core and departmental technical staff to assess the strengths and limitations of the current system within the City • Establish and maintain accurate, integrated address book • Provide ongoing electronic mail maintenance GOAL 6: Develop a consistent approach for co{lecting, retrieving and maintaining corporate data SPECIFIC TASKS: • Conduct a pilot project which converts an existing application to a more accessibie format • Develop a City intranet • Define the current GIS environment in the City and provide recommendatrions that promote cost effective use of this technology • Develop a strategy for making information accessible to the citizens of St. Paul; examine the feasibifity of public kiosks GOAL 7: Depioy the appropriate level of computing technoiogy to each desktop and workgroup ta ensure that all City staff have the proper too{s to accompiish their jobs. SPECIFiC TASKS: • Establish and maintain an accurate Citywide inventory of desktop computing hardware and software, • Gather information on software licenses Citywide and utilize volume purchasing where possibfe. • Reviewroptions for desktop application software and establish a corporate preference. • Initiate and complete the 1997 PG Repiacement program. • instali and use virus scanning software at the desktop and server. • Develop a procedure to ensure that virus update files are installed at the server and client on ali of the City's networks. ��- GOAt 8: Lay the foundation for a positive, professional work a� "� environment in which technical employees feef supported, respected, challenged and enthusiastic about their job. SPECIFIC TASKS: • Establish the processes for communicating with staff on a regular basis to support workfoad management and ensure open dialog between managers and staff • Develop a pe�formance evafuation process that supports the professional and technicai development of staff • Establish a formai training plan for each technicai employee that enabies them to accomplish their current job responsibilities as weii as enhance their professionai career growth Technology Initiatives Fund The Technology Initiatives Fund is a separate general government account that was newly established for 1997, distinct from the operating budget for the IS organization. This account contains funding for specific technology infrastructure projects. These projects are critical to establishing and maintaining a healthy environment necessary for the departments to app{y technology successfully to achieve their strategic objectives. In some respects, these projects also address Citywide infrastructure needs that have historicafly been under funded, due to the emphasis on budgeting for technology primarily on a department-by-department basis. Although this fund is not part of the IS organization operating budget, the projects it covers are crucial to IS' ability to achieve the goals we set forth at the beginning of this memo. More importantly, these are projects that will have significant value to all technology users (and the customers, citizens and others they serve) across the City. Our need for, a�d ability to complete, these projects is not tied to our new IS organizational structure. Therefore, we wouid ask that the Cauncii not wait to release the Technology tnitiatives Funds untii the previousiy-discussed mid-year evaluation of our results is comptete. Rather, we urge the Councii to reiease the funds in this account from contingency as soon as possible - so that we can begin impiementing these projects and delivering the benefits to City technology users. The foliowing describes the four major technofogy projects covered by this fund in 1997. Project #1 - Enhancing the City's Internal Network We presently experience network performance probiems, including slow data transmission and response times, and network downtime. These performance issues hurt users' productivity and require significantly more support. There are Gf City employees who cannot access the network, which restricts their productivity ��— and ability to share information electronically with other City staff. We also need �� "� to establish the appropriate security and remote access structures, to ensure that we properly control who has access to City systems and informatian and prevent unauthorized penetration - especially through the Internet. This project entails the completion of our internal City network and resolution of severa! long-term network architecture issues. This project also includes establishing and implementing a remote access strategy and "firewall", which prevents unauthorized access from the Internet. The funds wili be used for specific hardware and software appiications, and a limited amount ofi consuiting assistance primarily for highiy technicaf network design and impiementation tasks. Project #2 - Improving Access to Corporate Information The City's existing array of systems - some corporate, like the finance or payroll systems, and some department-specific, like Public Works' GIS - contain information useful to many users (salary rates, account balances, location of City infrastructure like sewer lines or fire hydrants). To access data now, most users must have direct access to the application or receive periodic extracts of the required information. Technical architecture issues make it complex or impossible for large numbers of users to do this. Moreover, security and training constraints may make it unwise or impractical to allow this kind af access. One outcome of this di►emma has been the development of parallei systems in multiple departments, which store the same pieces of information {sometimes referred to as "si�os" or "stovepipes"). This is ineificient and creates inconsistent data, and st+il does not make ihe information availabie io aii who need it in their day to day jobs. We intend to take advantage of new technology to provide more authorized users with access to a greater array of data from the City's core systems. Our efforts will focus on the deveiopment of a City intranet and use ofi "browser" software to access this information. Working with individuai departments, we wiii identify the most commonly-requested types of information and extract it from the proprietary "silo" systems and store it in a database. Users wiii be able to access and work with this data using the same toois that they use to obtain information on the Internet (with the point and click, drili-down features they are familiar with). This permits broader access to data in a secure fashion, and creates a commo� "front end" for City users that is simpfe and consistent for accessing a wide range of information. This project also replaces the City's existing Internet access mechanism - a link through Ramsey County - with an independent, better performing connection for the City, possibly using a local third-party access provider. Until now, we have not been charged for our connection through Ramsey County; however, the current link is not as reliabfe as we'd like, and limits our ability to expand the use of the Internet for various types of information and service delivery. Project #3 - Help Desk Strategy a� " U�tii naw, the City's approach to providing common desktop support services has been inconsistent, Some departments have met those needs with internai resources, others used contractors from time to time, and others relied on support provided by the former CIS division of the Finance Department. This created redundancy in those functions and did not aiways generate the highest level ot service for the end users. To put this into perspective, some estimates show that 60-70% of IS staff time is spent assisting users and supporting the present network and hardware infrastructure in the City. We intend to create a Gitywide heip desk function - similar in some respects to the Public Works help desk - that wiil handie network, software, and hardware probiems in a reliable, efficient and service-oriented manner. This heip desk strategy also creates a backup for those departments who rely on their internal IS staff to address those kinds of problems, when their primary IS staff are absent or tied up with other responsibilities. To set up this help desk, we will acquire software and additional telephone equipment to ensure that calls for assistance are logged and directed to the appropriate technical staff, and to ensure that those staff can be readily contacted. An added benefit of being able to log and monitor the status of requests for assistance is the ability to analyze those caiis for trends, and to save the "fixes" so that when similar problems occur in the future, staff don't need to "reinvent the wheel" to soive them. Project # 4- Technical Staff Training The City's decentralized approach to providing IS siaff created some inconsistencies and inequities in training for those staff. Some departments had insu�cient resources to provide even minimal {evels of training; others provided technicaf training to staff that may not have been immediately relevant or value- added to the operations of the department, or was redundant with training provided to staff in other departments. For the City as a whole, there was no common training strategy which ensured that the City had the appropriate leveis of skiils in high-demand areas. Yet, training for IS staff is essential in an environment that changes very rapidiy, with the introductions of new technology and with increasingly sophisticated end users. Training is also a key factor in maintaining high mora{e within the IS staff ranks; it aflows them to keep their skiiis current and to broaden their expertise. Coupled with the appropriate assignments which permit "on the job" skilis development and application of formal classroom learning, training is an important tooi for helping the !S staff understand and work within the City's broad technicai strategy and allowing them to share knowledge and leverage their skills to the fuilest e�ent. This project aliows us to step up the level of training provided to IS staff across the 6 City, and to create a Citywide training pian that ensures that the right peop{e get �l� the right training to allow them to most effectively meet their customers' needs. It f�� - also allows us to maximize savings from vofume purchasing and other techniques. Conclusion We hope that this memo provides sufficient justification for releasing the entire $400,000 in Technoiogy Initiatives Funding, and sets forth a framework by which the Councii wili conduct its mid-year review of the performance of the new IS organization. We wouid be pleased to discuss the contents of this mema in more detail with any of you individually, or make a presentation for discussion by the Council as a whole in an upcoming meeting. 7 � .. �� i � d � , � t: S �� $ �3 t,� p}��'k,✓` 3 3��'J 1� l!" OF Presented By: Referred To: Whereas, as part oT.the 1997 Council File # Green Sheet # Committee: Date the City Council placed Ne erttire Outlget Por Txhnology Initiatives into co�fingency, antl �33 � 1 �-- 3b Whereas, Me Director of the Departmeirt of T¢thnology and Manageme�rt Services, a�x! the Manager of Infortnation Services have dxumentetl goals, specific short tertn tasks, and evaluation crReria, in a work plan sharetl with Cauncil Members, antl VYhereas, the Wndi(g for the Techtrology Initiatives, placed in co��e�y, is plannetl for use on projects crucial forthe achievemeM of Uese documeMed goals ana tasks, antl to the success of this work pian; far pmjects critical to estaGlishing and mainffiini�g the emiranmeM necessary for deparhnents to successfuliy appy technoiogy; and for projects that atltlreu needs iortechnology W a city vnde naWre that have been historiwlry untler fundetl because of the past emphasis on department by tlepartneM neetls, aml Whereas, the plannetl use of the wndngency tunds on projecfs of a City witle imporiance vrould enhance Me City°s intemal nehvork, improve the appropriaM access to the City's corpotate iMormation, esta6fish a C"rty employee technology help desk st2tegy, and pmvide for tra7ning for the City's techniwi staff, aM Whereas, release of Me cun6ngency nowwiti give the IS slaff the resources M appty and fime to begin W work on many of Ne work pian issks prior ta the City Council's evaluation of the IS reorganization mitl year, aml Whereas, the Mayory pursuant W Section 10.07.1 and 10,07.4 of the City Charter, recommends the following changes to the 1987 Adopted BudgM for the CYy of SaiM Paul: CURRENTBUDGET CHANGES AMENDEOBUDGET a: GENERAL PUNO (Trensfer) TRANSFERFROM: Geneml GovernmeM Aecourks Generel Contingent Reserve 001-09066-0598 Contingency ToWI hansfer From TRANSFERTO: Tech�wlogy and Management5ervices 001-01120-0856 Technology Initiatives InvestmenGs TMaI TransFerTo Generel Fund Net Change Becaase M Transfer 400,000 (400,OU0) (AOU,ODU) 400,000 d00,000 aoo,000 Then, therefore, 6e it resolved, thattfle City Council authorizes establishing this activity and approves these changes to the 1997 budget Requested by Department of: Adopted by Council: Date ��),,� 3C�\q °1 "� Adoption Certified by Council Secretary: Technology and Management Services Bv U Y � 4�n� V� Approval Recommended by Budget Director: By: Form 1-'� T ' 'VvV V v ` B � � � , -- � Apprwe by Mayor for Submissio� to Council: Approved by Mayor: Date �r� �5 'Y � q,/ q> (^l By: �[�( � gY� ��o��V �C�._. SsiMPauIBW9M�ce(KlineH.WSE.�BUOGETDEPTS�FINANGE1133W1120RESNM62/2l/9� ! and Svs. 1 3-5-97 FOit TOTAL # OF SiGNATURE PAGES a't -- 3 �i �- GREEN SHEET �° 3 3 8 0 6 INITIpUDATE INRIAUDATE DEPAFTMEM�IflECfOfi OCRYCAUNCR C�fTYATTORNEY O C[TYCLEftK SqWET dR£C(OFi� � FIN. & MGT. SEflVICE3 DIP, MAYOR(ORASSISTA � (CUP AlL IOCATIONS FOR 51GNATUR� Release of $400,00� Technology Znitiatives funding frQm�contgn�ency � _ PUNNING CAMMISSION _ CIVII SERVICE COMMISSION _CIBCOMMfTfEE _ _ STAFF _ _ DI5TRICT CAUHT _ SUPPORTS WH1CH CAUNCII O&IECTIVE� (See attached memo) IFAPPROVED: (See attached memo) �'::a'�i:'�r'�rua � i'�`,.. �., , Y . �V'$�:4s'cc+� ' �[{i'1 , a �.�. `-� e7J None (See attached memo) PEHSONAL SERYICE CONTRACTS MUST ANSWEH THE FOLLOWING OUESTIONS: 7. Fias this person/f"rcm ever worked under a comract for this tleparfineM? - YES NO 2. Hes this perspnffirm ever been a city employBe? YES NO 3. Does this personlfirm-possess a skill not normally possessed by any current city employee? YES NO Explatn all yea anawers on separate sheM anC atYach to green ahaet ����.�� ����� !�� � � ��� � j=_ ':v I . TOTAL AMOUNT OF 7RANSACTfON $ � OOQ COSTlHEVENUE BUDGETED (CIRCLE ONE) YES NO =UNDIfdGSOURCE General Contingent ReSeT'V2 ACTIViTYNUMBER 0�1-�40b6-0548 'INANCIAL INFORMATION: (E%PLAIN) Transfer funds from above to Technology Initiatives Investments 001-01120-0856 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND I� CTTY OF SAINT PAUL Norm Coleptm�, Mayar To: From: Date: Re: Counciimembers Martha Larson �' Cindy M an Joe Rei March 5, 1997 IS Budget - 1997 Contingency Items MANAGEMENT SERVICES Murrha Larson, Direcror 290 Gry Rolt Tekphone: 612-2668797 25 W. Sellagg Boulevard Facsimite: 612-266-8929 Sairu P¢u1, Minnesota 55102 in your hearings on the 1997 budget, you placed haif of the IS division's operating budget and the entire Technology lnitiatives Fund into Council contingency. We understood that this was to afford the Council an opportunity to review the achievements of the restructured IS organization and to ensure that the benefits we promoted as the reasons for this reorganization are actually being delivered. We welcome the chance to have you examine what we have accomplished, and to be held accountabte for accomplishing the our goals we set out. IS Operating Budget i"o heip us ensure that we are focused on the things you expect to evaluate, we have prepared the following goals and specific short-term tasks to accompiish those goals. These goals are consistent with the objectives and strategic direction we described to you when we brieted you on the IS reorganization during the budget hearings. We anticipate that the specific tasks detailed as part of these goals will be completed within the first half of 1997. With any revisions or additions you may consider necessary, we would then pian to report back to you on our progress against this workplan in the May-June 1997 timeframe. This wifl allow sufficient time for your review and discussion, and for us to react to your assessments, without unduly jeopardizing our financing for the second haif of the year. Please keep in mind that these tasks are short-term evaluation criteria. The goals we have identified reflect some very profound changes that we'd like to effect in how the City views and applies technology. Some changes will take many months �� _^� l,�" to implement and the fuil benefits derived from an individual change may not be immediately measurable. So, please consider evaluating our progress this spring as the first of a series of assessments, and that we are evolving and impraving based on the lessons we leam as we move forward. GOAL 1: Define the information services responsibilities of the new IS and Departments and Offices. SPECIFIC TASKS: Work with Departments and offices to create customized service agreements that define IS expectations, the responsibilities of IS and the responsibilities of the DepartmenUOffice Establish IS priorities and workplans based on the initiatives identified in the 1997 IS budget and the service agreements Maintain good customer relations and seek feedback through a Department or Office designated liaison GOAL 2: Develop a City-wide network that is accessibie, secure, effective and reliable. SPECiFIC TASKS: Develop a network security policy for the City Develop a firewall approach and implementation plan, consistent with the City's security policy Develop a Citywide strategy for providing remote access to City systems, for City staff GOAL 3: Establish the process and principles for providing professionai technical assistance to City IS customers that is efficient, timely and cost effective. SPECIFIC TASKS: • Assemble a group of core and departmental technical staff to develop a centralized customer services strategy • Evaluate and select an appropriate help desk solution, associated tools and begin to address staffing requirements • Define a strategy for assessing customer satisfaction; conduct a follow-up to the customer service survey done last July • Conduct a customer service training session for all empioyees in the tS division GOAL 4: Develop a strategy to eliminate risk of losing critical data and standardize backup and recovery operations throughout the City 2 SPECIFIC 7ASKS: � Inventory current backup services pertormed throughout the City �� 31 � • Assess the weaknesses and strengths of the current backup practices � Assemble a group of core and departmental technica{ staff to begin assessment of city-wide disaster plans and procedures • Conduct a pilot project which converts an existing application to a more accessible format GOAL 5: Create a secure, stable and timely electronic mail environment SPECIFIC TASKS: • Complete impiementation of current GroupWise appiication • Assemble a group of core and departmental technical staff to assess the strengths and limitations of the current system within the City • Establish and maintain accurate, integrated address book • Provide ongoing electronic mail maintenance GOAL 6: Develop a consistent approach for co{lecting, retrieving and maintaining corporate data SPECIFIC TASKS: • Conduct a pilot project which converts an existing application to a more accessibie format • Develop a City intranet • Define the current GIS environment in the City and provide recommendatrions that promote cost effective use of this technology • Develop a strategy for making information accessible to the citizens of St. Paul; examine the feasibifity of public kiosks GOAL 7: Depioy the appropriate level of computing technoiogy to each desktop and workgroup ta ensure that all City staff have the proper too{s to accompiish their jobs. SPECIFiC TASKS: • Establish and maintain an accurate Citywide inventory of desktop computing hardware and software, • Gather information on software licenses Citywide and utilize volume purchasing where possibfe. • Reviewroptions for desktop application software and establish a corporate preference. • Initiate and complete the 1997 PG Repiacement program. • instali and use virus scanning software at the desktop and server. • Develop a procedure to ensure that virus update files are installed at the server and client on ali of the City's networks. ��- GOAt 8: Lay the foundation for a positive, professional work a� "� environment in which technical employees feef supported, respected, challenged and enthusiastic about their job. SPECIFIC TASKS: • Establish the processes for communicating with staff on a regular basis to support workfoad management and ensure open dialog between managers and staff • Develop a pe�formance evafuation process that supports the professional and technicai development of staff • Establish a formai training plan for each technicai employee that enabies them to accomplish their current job responsibilities as weii as enhance their professionai career growth Technology Initiatives Fund The Technology Initiatives Fund is a separate general government account that was newly established for 1997, distinct from the operating budget for the IS organization. This account contains funding for specific technology infrastructure projects. These projects are critical to establishing and maintaining a healthy environment necessary for the departments to app{y technology successfully to achieve their strategic objectives. In some respects, these projects also address Citywide infrastructure needs that have historicafly been under funded, due to the emphasis on budgeting for technology primarily on a department-by-department basis. Although this fund is not part of the IS organization operating budget, the projects it covers are crucial to IS' ability to achieve the goals we set forth at the beginning of this memo. More importantly, these are projects that will have significant value to all technology users (and the customers, citizens and others they serve) across the City. Our need for, a�d ability to complete, these projects is not tied to our new IS organizational structure. Therefore, we wouid ask that the Cauncii not wait to release the Technology tnitiatives Funds untii the previousiy-discussed mid-year evaluation of our results is comptete. Rather, we urge the Councii to reiease the funds in this account from contingency as soon as possible - so that we can begin impiementing these projects and delivering the benefits to City technology users. The foliowing describes the four major technofogy projects covered by this fund in 1997. Project #1 - Enhancing the City's Internal Network We presently experience network performance probiems, including slow data transmission and response times, and network downtime. These performance issues hurt users' productivity and require significantly more support. There are Gf City employees who cannot access the network, which restricts their productivity ��— and ability to share information electronically with other City staff. We also need �� "� to establish the appropriate security and remote access structures, to ensure that we properly control who has access to City systems and informatian and prevent unauthorized penetration - especially through the Internet. This project entails the completion of our internal City network and resolution of severa! long-term network architecture issues. This project also includes establishing and implementing a remote access strategy and "firewall", which prevents unauthorized access from the Internet. The funds wili be used for specific hardware and software appiications, and a limited amount ofi consuiting assistance primarily for highiy technicaf network design and impiementation tasks. Project #2 - Improving Access to Corporate Information The City's existing array of systems - some corporate, like the finance or payroll systems, and some department-specific, like Public Works' GIS - contain information useful to many users (salary rates, account balances, location of City infrastructure like sewer lines or fire hydrants). To access data now, most users must have direct access to the application or receive periodic extracts of the required information. Technical architecture issues make it complex or impossible for large numbers of users to do this. Moreover, security and training constraints may make it unwise or impractical to allow this kind af access. One outcome of this di►emma has been the development of parallei systems in multiple departments, which store the same pieces of information {sometimes referred to as "si�os" or "stovepipes"). This is ineificient and creates inconsistent data, and st+il does not make ihe information availabie io aii who need it in their day to day jobs. We intend to take advantage of new technology to provide more authorized users with access to a greater array of data from the City's core systems. Our efforts will focus on the deveiopment of a City intranet and use ofi "browser" software to access this information. Working with individuai departments, we wiii identify the most commonly-requested types of information and extract it from the proprietary "silo" systems and store it in a database. Users wiii be able to access and work with this data using the same toois that they use to obtain information on the Internet (with the point and click, drili-down features they are familiar with). This permits broader access to data in a secure fashion, and creates a commo� "front end" for City users that is simpfe and consistent for accessing a wide range of information. This project also replaces the City's existing Internet access mechanism - a link through Ramsey County - with an independent, better performing connection for the City, possibly using a local third-party access provider. Until now, we have not been charged for our connection through Ramsey County; however, the current link is not as reliabfe as we'd like, and limits our ability to expand the use of the Internet for various types of information and service delivery. Project #3 - Help Desk Strategy a� " U�tii naw, the City's approach to providing common desktop support services has been inconsistent, Some departments have met those needs with internai resources, others used contractors from time to time, and others relied on support provided by the former CIS division of the Finance Department. This created redundancy in those functions and did not aiways generate the highest level ot service for the end users. To put this into perspective, some estimates show that 60-70% of IS staff time is spent assisting users and supporting the present network and hardware infrastructure in the City. We intend to create a Gitywide heip desk function - similar in some respects to the Public Works help desk - that wiil handie network, software, and hardware probiems in a reliable, efficient and service-oriented manner. This heip desk strategy also creates a backup for those departments who rely on their internal IS staff to address those kinds of problems, when their primary IS staff are absent or tied up with other responsibilities. To set up this help desk, we will acquire software and additional telephone equipment to ensure that calls for assistance are logged and directed to the appropriate technical staff, and to ensure that those staff can be readily contacted. An added benefit of being able to log and monitor the status of requests for assistance is the ability to analyze those caiis for trends, and to save the "fixes" so that when similar problems occur in the future, staff don't need to "reinvent the wheel" to soive them. Project # 4- Technical Staff Training The City's decentralized approach to providing IS siaff created some inconsistencies and inequities in training for those staff. Some departments had insu�cient resources to provide even minimal {evels of training; others provided technicaf training to staff that may not have been immediately relevant or value- added to the operations of the department, or was redundant with training provided to staff in other departments. For the City as a whole, there was no common training strategy which ensured that the City had the appropriate leveis of skiils in high-demand areas. Yet, training for IS staff is essential in an environment that changes very rapidiy, with the introductions of new technology and with increasingly sophisticated end users. Training is also a key factor in maintaining high mora{e within the IS staff ranks; it aflows them to keep their skiiis current and to broaden their expertise. Coupled with the appropriate assignments which permit "on the job" skilis development and application of formal classroom learning, training is an important tooi for helping the !S staff understand and work within the City's broad technicai strategy and allowing them to share knowledge and leverage their skills to the fuilest e�ent. This project aliows us to step up the level of training provided to IS staff across the 6 City, and to create a Citywide training pian that ensures that the right peop{e get �l� the right training to allow them to most effectively meet their customers' needs. It f�� - also allows us to maximize savings from vofume purchasing and other techniques. Conclusion We hope that this memo provides sufficient justification for releasing the entire $400,000 in Technoiogy Initiatives Funding, and sets forth a framework by which the Councii wili conduct its mid-year review of the performance of the new IS organization. We wouid be pleased to discuss the contents of this mema in more detail with any of you individually, or make a presentation for discussion by the Council as a whole in an upcoming meeting. 7