Agenda - Council - 02/23/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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With the assistance of LOGIS, IT staff began implementing some infrastructure changes in 2009 that will continue into 2010. This includes upgrading wireless capabilities in city hall, increasing power supply for the EOC to handle more IP phones and computers, and upgrading equipment at both fire stations. A new tape library for system wide backup was also installed. This helped IT better manage the police video server data and ensure all video was backed up properly. All PCs are running the latest operating systems, anti - spyware, and anti -virus software. 2009 saw the addition of many laptops and reduction in the number of desktop PC's. This allows staff to be more mobile and utilize the new electronic agendas. Elections There were no State or City elections in 2009. However, some of Ramsey's election judges, polling places and voting equipment were utilized for the Anoka Hennepin School District election in November. A very minimal amount of staff time was used for this election. Community Events The weather was gorgeous for this year's Happy Days event and helped draw even larger crowds than in previous years! The Happy Days Committee, consisting of an outstanding group of volunteers, spent several months and many hours planning this annual event. This event would not be possible without the support of these volunteers, as well as the remarkable contribution of the business community. As sponsorship increases, Happy Days is able to provide additional entertainment during the event. In fact, thanks to generous donations, the Happy Days committee was able to take advantage of the new skate park, offering transportation to and from the professional skate demonstration at Alpine Park. This year also featured the third Happy Days Sky Concert, a musically choreographed fireworks display complete with a live soundtrack broadcast on BOB FM. Happy Days looks forward to bringing back all of the great traditions as well as adding some new and exciting events for the upcoming 12 Annual Happy Days Festival on September 18 and 19, 2010, which will feature The Power of 10 for the evening street dance entertainment. Facilities The lease agreement between the Anoka County License Center and the City is in its final stages of approval. The Anoka County License Center operation will move into the west end of the first floor as of July 1, 2010. Plans for relocating City staff have been made and the Building Maintenance and Public Works are assisting with the move. Leasing of space in the new Municipal Center to another government agency will help provide additional government services from one central location. With the location of the transit facility and future rail station, this will add to the goal of being a one -stop shop for local government services in Ramsey. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Community Development Department consists of two divisions: 1) planning; and 2) building permits and inspections. The department operates under the direction of the Community Development Director. The Planning Division consists of the Planning Manager, Associate Planner, Environmental Coordinator, Economic Development Coordinator, and the department Secretary. The Planning Division oversees long range planning, land use, housing, economic development, recycling, and environmental issues. The Building Official supervises the Building Division which includes contract Building Inspections City of Ramsey Page 9 2009 Annual Report