Agenda - Council Work Session - 07/11/2017

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• With how busy 2016 was, we are already making great strides in 2017. We've already implemented new malicious website blocking software and network analysis software through Logis. These new implementations will significantly lower Ramsey's risk of malicious activity, and, actually saved the City money when looking at the website monitoring software licensing annual costs. On the horizon we have a server replacement this year, audio/visual improvements, as well as the very significant website redesign. • Demand on the I.T. Department is growing fast. We are seeing an increased demand from our facilities (new buildings, smart room rentals, park rentals), increased employee counts, increased event AV support, an increased demand for better website offerings, and an increased demand on other I.T. Technologies (phones, tablets, and other devices). • The City did reach out to neighboring communities, and similarly situated cities across the metro, to see how many full -time -equivalent I.T. staff they employed. As you could expect, the answers were widely varying for a number of reasons, depending on what services are being provided, and how the City approaches providing said services. Responses: Andover: 1, Blaine 4, Coon Rapids 4, Elk River 3, Oakdale 1-3, Roseville 4- 5, and Savage 2.5. Ramsey currently has 1.6 F.T.E.s operating I.T. This request is to increase that number to 2.0. • This request for increasing I.T. hours from 1.6 to 2.0 F.T.E. has been needed for several years. However, staff recognized the City was still recovering from the great recession until recently, and attempted to push this request out as far as possible. Additional hours within the I.T. Department are needed to accommodate the growing needs of the City, and maintain the level of service Ramsey IT is known to provide, while striving to continue to improve City services. • Lastly, this position will also play a key role in the support and implementation of the City's new website. This position was included in the past 5-year budget. Having a second F.T.E. will provide Ramsey with a trained back up staff person, ready to step in, in the event of staff turn over, or staff leave. Senior Planner — Community Development - NEW The Senior Planner addresses current workload for land use and zoning applications. The position will aso implement Strategic Plan initiatives to clean up Highway 10 and improve the image of key nodes and corridors through an incentive -based approach to planning and implementation. The Senior Planner will also be the City's housing and neighborhood resource experct, connect our residential community to available resources. The Senior Planner will also assume leadership to the Planning Team, allowing the City Planner to provide more time to environmental initiatives as annroved in addition to zoning administration roles.