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Councilmember Schlueter pointed out that other cities, similar in size to Ramsey, <br />are functioning without computers. <br /> <br />Jeanne Moen replied that those cities are not looking into the future like Ramsey <br />is. The whole purpose of the computer is to make available more information on <br />which to base our decisions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Schlueter inquired as to maintenance of the computer. <br /> <br />Ann Carroll replied there is hardware maintenance service contract, ususally <br />with the vendor from whom you purchase the system. You would either have a <br />permanent contract for 'x' amount of dollars or it would be on an on-call <br />basis at a lot of money per hour. You can have a software contract which <br />covers proper functioning of the software as delivered; this will simply <br />depend on the vendor you select. Ms. Carroll also pointed out that the <br />system will include an integrated end user'which means adding more areas of <br />information storage will not require the services of a programmer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Schlueter inquired as to the number of terminals, that Staff is <br />looking at 8 and eventually going to 10 or 12. <br /> <br />Ms. Carroll replied that terminals are very inexpensive and having to wait an <br />hour or two to use the computer could be critical. If the terminals are to <br />be used mostly for retrieving data you do not need a lot of them; but if a <br />majority of the people using the computer are entering data, you really need <br />a terminal for each person. Persons dealing in proprietary information~should <br />have their own terminal. We are projecting 10 or 12 terminals as the City's <br />needs grow and requested long term cost estimates from the vendors so Council <br />and Staff could know what kind of expenditures you might be spending in the <br />future. <br /> <br />Jeanne Moen stated that Staff would be standing in line to use the computer if <br />enough terminals weren't purchased because plans are to enter everything into <br />the computer -- agendas, permits, licenses, resolutions, ordinances,.~special <br />assessments, payment of bills, etc. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that the amount of duplication that goes on at City Hall <br />is unbelievable; that most cities are forced to add staff just to serve as <br />file clerks; you get so involved handling paperwork that you forget to serve <br />the people. <br /> <br />Ms. Carroll pointed out that the City is not obligated to buy what the.~specs <br />reflect, Council still has final decision after~ bids have been reviewed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Reimann inquired as to how Council will make a decision regarding <br />the bids. <br /> <br />Ms. Carroll replied that there are precautionary checks built in: <br /> <br />1. Her judgement. 3/4 of the bids will be eliminated simply because of <br /> the way they are written. <br /> <br />2. Demonstrations and references. <br /> <br />Require a performance bond, which should not be too tight or too loose. <br />Getting the system operating is a concert effort between Staff and the <br />vendor. <br /> <br />Sp C/November 15, 1983 <br /> Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />