St. Lawrence County
Information Technology Advisory Committee
February 28, 2008, 2:00 pm
Location: OBPA, Ogdensburg, NY
Meeting Minutes
Present: Sign in sheet handed out (Laura Perry has on file)
1. Subcommittee’s to meet - As a result of light attendance, the group decided to forgo the time allotted for subcommittee’s to meet to work on their individual efforts, and we continued with the meeting as a full committee.
2. Full Committee to convene – Committee welcomed John Rische (in Wade Davis’ absence) of the OBPA and thanked him for hosting the meeting.
3. It was mentioned that meeting minutes from the 1/24/08 meeting had been prepared and posted to the blog. No comments or changes noted.
4. Project Reports/Old Business
a. Mapping/Survey
· Laura announced that the Internet Availability survey would launch March 3, 2008. She provided hard copies of the flyer to be used to advertise the survey, along with hard copies of the survey and postage paid envelopes. She described the survey’s distribution channels, media, libraries and County DMV’s. Committee members present offered to take the surveys back to their employers and organizations for distribution. Laura will distribute an email to all committee members containing electronic copies of the survey and supporting documents.
· Jon Montan agreed to periodically check on the status of survey results as it is received on-line, and provide an interim report of progress.
· John Rische suggested that the survey be distributed at the Ogdensburg Expo. Laura agreed to contact Pattie Ritchie to inquire if this is possible.
b. Newton Falls Broadband Grant
· Laura reported that the Planning Office was waiting to hear whether the project was funded.
· Laura also informed the committee that she had provided a letter of support as chair of the IT Committee for WavHost’s application to the Universal Access Grant program.
c. Strategic Plan for Universal Broadband Coverage
· Carrie Tuttle shared reported reviewing materials from the Connect Kentucky website. She shared copies of the 2007 Progress Report, Best Practices Resource Guide, as well as Meade County’s Strategic Technology Plan. She offered these as a possible model for our group to consider as it prepares a strategic plan for its efforts. The group was receptive to this idea, agreeing that much of the work already completed by Meade County and others closely reflect the work we’d like to accomplish. The full committee agreed that this was a good start and to consider further how we might utilize this in our efforts.
· A question was raised about how the committee should engage the private providers? It was observed that providers were not present at this meeting, and their participation seems to be falling off. There was recognition that their role with the committee’s efforts is somewhat unclear. It was mentioned that their on-going participation is critical to the future success of the committee’s efforts. At what level, and how they participate, in the committee’s operations is an item to be considered as we move through the strategic planning process.
d. SLC Government Technology Projects
· Francine Perretta asked committee members for input regarding the new IT Director position. Committee members had received via email sample job descriptions from other Counties.
· Francine noted that subcommittee would meet to review the materials and take the best from the several job descriptions for review at next month’s meeting.
5. New Business
· The full committee discussed the need to revisit the attendance expectations for members of the committee. It was noted that it is difficult to make progress when a lot of time is spent reviewing information for members who are frequently absent. It was the consensus of the group that Laura should send a message to the full committee asking for members to confirm their desire to be members of the committee and to ask for more regular attendance.
· In Laura’s upcoming absence, committee members were asked to volunteer to chair the next few meetings. Chairing the committee involves preparing and distributing the agenda, preparing meeting minutes, and running the meeting discussion. Phil Deleel volunteered to chair the March 27th meeting, Francine agreed to chair the April 24th meeting, the May meeting is TBA.
6. Action Items
· Strategic planning committee will meet to review sample plans.
· SLC Gov Tec subcommittee to meet to review IT Director descriptions.
· Members to distribute information about surveys.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Take Our Survey!
All households in St. Lawrence County are asked to participate in a brief, confidential survey that will gather data on the availability of high speed Internet services like DSL, cable modem, and wireless service to residential households. The survey, sponsored by the County’s legislative committee on Information Technology, will result in a map depicting areas throughout the County that are and are not served by high speed Internet service.
Surveys are available on the web at http://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/HotNews.htm
For more complete information about this project, read the following:
"Input Sought from St. Lawrence County Households Committee seeks high speed Internet availability information"
Canton, NY, March 3, 2008: Households in St. Lawrence County are asked to participate in a brief, confidential survey that will gather data on the availability of high speed Internet services like DSL, cable modem, and wireless service to residential households. The survey, sponsored by the County’s legislative committee on Information Technology, will result in a map depicting areas throughout the County that are and are not served by high speed Internet service.
Modeled after similar projects in Kentucky, survey results will produce a map designed to fill a gap in data that currently exists. Neither the Federal Communications Commission nor the New York State Public Service Commission reports service availability beyond the zip code level. Drawbacks are that large segments of the community are unrepresented when it comes to accurately reporting service availability. The committee seeks to report service availability to the street address level and is asking for household participation from every corner of the County.
Matched with population data, the map will then be used to identify areas of greatest need for public and private investment to improve service availability. “This survey will create a baseline that will help us determine service availability with a level of accuracy we’ve never had access to before,” shares committee chair and legislator Laura Perry. “The committee suspects there is pent up demand from households throughout St. Lawrence County interested in subscribing to a high speed Internet service but can’t because it isn’t available or it’s too costly. This survey offers an opportunity for those folks to get involved in the process.” Individual survey data will remain confidential. Results will be reported by street address in map format, and in aggregate.
Survey Deadline: April 30, 2008
· Surveys are available on the web at http://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/HotNews.htm
· Paper copies are available at any NYS Dept of Motor Vehicle Office or local library in St. Lawrence County.
Return completed paper survey:
by mail to County Clerk’s Office, 48 Court St., Canton, NY 13617 (postage paid envelopes available at any pick up site)
by fax to 315-379-2302
by person at any NYS Dept of Motor Vehicle Office or local library in St. Lawrence County.
X X X
Surveys are available on the web at http://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/HotNews.htm
For more complete information about this project, read the following:
"Input Sought from St. Lawrence County Households Committee seeks high speed Internet availability information"
Canton, NY, March 3, 2008: Households in St. Lawrence County are asked to participate in a brief, confidential survey that will gather data on the availability of high speed Internet services like DSL, cable modem, and wireless service to residential households. The survey, sponsored by the County’s legislative committee on Information Technology, will result in a map depicting areas throughout the County that are and are not served by high speed Internet service.
Modeled after similar projects in Kentucky, survey results will produce a map designed to fill a gap in data that currently exists. Neither the Federal Communications Commission nor the New York State Public Service Commission reports service availability beyond the zip code level. Drawbacks are that large segments of the community are unrepresented when it comes to accurately reporting service availability. The committee seeks to report service availability to the street address level and is asking for household participation from every corner of the County.
Matched with population data, the map will then be used to identify areas of greatest need for public and private investment to improve service availability. “This survey will create a baseline that will help us determine service availability with a level of accuracy we’ve never had access to before,” shares committee chair and legislator Laura Perry. “The committee suspects there is pent up demand from households throughout St. Lawrence County interested in subscribing to a high speed Internet service but can’t because it isn’t available or it’s too costly. This survey offers an opportunity for those folks to get involved in the process.” Individual survey data will remain confidential. Results will be reported by street address in map format, and in aggregate.
Survey Deadline: April 30, 2008
· Surveys are available on the web at http://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/HotNews.htm
· Paper copies are available at any NYS Dept of Motor Vehicle Office or local library in St. Lawrence County.
Return completed paper survey:
by mail to County Clerk’s Office, 48 Court St., Canton, NY 13617 (postage paid envelopes available at any pick up site)
by fax to 315-379-2302
by person at any NYS Dept of Motor Vehicle Office or local library in St. Lawrence County.
X X X
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Input on Job Description for IT Director
At our last meeting I was asked to distribute some information regarding the job description for a possible IT Director position for St. Lawrence County Government. The information I have enclosed includes some background information on the Central Services Department and some sample job descriptions that other municipalities have utilized. Please note that the sample job descriptions are not specific to St. Lawrence County.
We are looking for members of the IT Advisory Committee to provide some input regarding the job description. In particular, items that you feel should be included in the job description that are not outlined in any of the examples. This information will be shared with the Personnel Department, and will be utilized in the creation of the Job Description for the position.
Since it is the intent to have a discussion with the Board of Legislators soon on this topic, your input would be appreciated by March 5, 2008 if possible.
Thanks!!!!
Mike Cunningham
mcunningham@co.st-lawrence.ny.us
http://home.twcny.rr.com/mcunnin2/SLC/Central+Services+Overview.pdf
http://home.twcny.rr.com/mcunnin2/SLC/IT+Director+Sample+Job+Descriptions.pdf
We are looking for members of the IT Advisory Committee to provide some input regarding the job description. In particular, items that you feel should be included in the job description that are not outlined in any of the examples. This information will be shared with the Personnel Department, and will be utilized in the creation of the Job Description for the position.
Since it is the intent to have a discussion with the Board of Legislators soon on this topic, your input would be appreciated by March 5, 2008 if possible.
Thanks!!!!
Mike Cunningham
mcunningham@co.st-lawrence.ny.us
http://home.twcny.rr.com/mcunnin2/SLC/Central+Services+Overview.pdf
http://home.twcny.rr.com/mcunnin2/SLC/IT+Director+Sample+Job+Descriptions.pdf
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
01-24-08 Meeting Minutes
St. Lawrence County
Information Technology Advisory Committee
January 24, 2008, 2:00 pm
Location: Canton Public Safety Bldg
Meeting Minutes
Present: Sign in sheet handed out (Laura Perry has on file)
1. Completed introductions of new participants (Wade Davis/OBPA, and Patricia McKeown/SLC Chamber of Commerce)
2. Reviewed Meeting Minutes – No comments or changes noted
3. Project Reports/Old Business
a. Mapping/Survey
· Work is continuing to setup up linkage to Real Property tax site so information can be obtained electronically and tracked back to TM#s. Some information has already been collected through this site, even though public announcement has not been made regarding site. Laura has developed marketing plan for survey which will include distribution of survey through North Country libraries, SeaComm FCU, Chamber, county employers, etc.
b. Newton Falls Broadband Grant
· Laura provided an update on Newton Falls Paper Mill (Mill) universal access broadband grant application which would secure funding for DANC to build out fiber from Star Lake to the Mill.
- Laura presented a draft letter of support on behalf of the SLC IT Committee for the proposed project.
- Grant application is due next week. Details are being finalized this week and application will be submitted on time.
- DANC has been asked to help find service providers to utilize fiber, should grant be successful.
- Grant assumes that 100% reimbursement will be provided to construct fiber to the Mill.
- Grant requires 1 to 1 matching contribution.
- The exact cost has not yet been finalized but is estimated at approximately $200k
- Grant will be awarded toward end of February.
- Project is estimated by DANC to take approximately 120 days from contract signing to complete.
- Public Service Commission complaint was filed by Mill after last SLC Committee meeting.
c. Organizational Structure of IT Committee & Subcommittees
· Group reiterated need to establish subcommittees.
· Discussion regarding need for “working” subcommittee meetings on day of IT Committee meetings; possibly before main meeting. Subcommittees could report in to main committee.
· The following subcommittees were selected and some members volunteered:
a. Fiber Mapping (and survey) Subcommittee
- Jon, Laura, and Pat volunteered
b. Internal County IT Issue Subcommittee (website, phone system, and other County issue)
- Francine, Mike and Phil volunteered
c. Grant Exploration Subcommittee
- Laura, Pat and Wade volunteered
d. Strategic Implementation Plan for expanding broadband access
- Kevin and Carrie volunteered
4. New Business
· Pat McKeown from the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce requested assistance from IT Committee in determining how to utilize $196k broadband grant that the Chamber will be administering.
· Wade Davis discussed need for fiber crossing on Ogdensburg CA bridge to assist industrial park customers that have businesses on both sides of the border as possible usage for Chamber funds.
· Discussion about need for provider representation level at committee. Committee still has questions about level on participation needed.
· Kevin emphasized need to coordinate w/ surrounding agencies and Counties to understand their broadband service area.
5. Action Items
· Committee members requested to sign up for subcommittees (or be volunteered).
· Laura and Carrie will meet to reissue subcommittee information.
· Internal County Subcommittee will discuss restructuring Central Services at County level which may lead to new IT Director position.
· Laura to develop meeting schedule list for year. Group elected to rotate meetings to different locations.
Information Technology Advisory Committee
January 24, 2008, 2:00 pm
Location: Canton Public Safety Bldg
Meeting Minutes
Present: Sign in sheet handed out (Laura Perry has on file)
1. Completed introductions of new participants (Wade Davis/OBPA, and Patricia McKeown/SLC Chamber of Commerce)
2. Reviewed Meeting Minutes – No comments or changes noted
3. Project Reports/Old Business
a. Mapping/Survey
· Work is continuing to setup up linkage to Real Property tax site so information can be obtained electronically and tracked back to TM#s. Some information has already been collected through this site, even though public announcement has not been made regarding site. Laura has developed marketing plan for survey which will include distribution of survey through North Country libraries, SeaComm FCU, Chamber, county employers, etc.
b. Newton Falls Broadband Grant
· Laura provided an update on Newton Falls Paper Mill (Mill) universal access broadband grant application which would secure funding for DANC to build out fiber from Star Lake to the Mill.
- Laura presented a draft letter of support on behalf of the SLC IT Committee for the proposed project.
- Grant application is due next week. Details are being finalized this week and application will be submitted on time.
- DANC has been asked to help find service providers to utilize fiber, should grant be successful.
- Grant assumes that 100% reimbursement will be provided to construct fiber to the Mill.
- Grant requires 1 to 1 matching contribution.
- The exact cost has not yet been finalized but is estimated at approximately $200k
- Grant will be awarded toward end of February.
- Project is estimated by DANC to take approximately 120 days from contract signing to complete.
- Public Service Commission complaint was filed by Mill after last SLC Committee meeting.
c. Organizational Structure of IT Committee & Subcommittees
· Group reiterated need to establish subcommittees.
· Discussion regarding need for “working” subcommittee meetings on day of IT Committee meetings; possibly before main meeting. Subcommittees could report in to main committee.
· The following subcommittees were selected and some members volunteered:
a. Fiber Mapping (and survey) Subcommittee
- Jon, Laura, and Pat volunteered
b. Internal County IT Issue Subcommittee (website, phone system, and other County issue)
- Francine, Mike and Phil volunteered
c. Grant Exploration Subcommittee
- Laura, Pat and Wade volunteered
d. Strategic Implementation Plan for expanding broadband access
- Kevin and Carrie volunteered
4. New Business
· Pat McKeown from the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce requested assistance from IT Committee in determining how to utilize $196k broadband grant that the Chamber will be administering.
· Wade Davis discussed need for fiber crossing on Ogdensburg CA bridge to assist industrial park customers that have businesses on both sides of the border as possible usage for Chamber funds.
· Discussion about need for provider representation level at committee. Committee still has questions about level on participation needed.
· Kevin emphasized need to coordinate w/ surrounding agencies and Counties to understand their broadband service area.
5. Action Items
· Committee members requested to sign up for subcommittees (or be volunteered).
· Laura and Carrie will meet to reissue subcommittee information.
· Internal County Subcommittee will discuss restructuring Central Services at County level which may lead to new IT Director position.
· Laura to develop meeting schedule list for year. Group elected to rotate meetings to different locations.
St. Lawrence County IT Committee
2008 Meeting Schedule
January 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ 2nd Fl Conf Rm, Public Safety Bldg, Canton
February 28, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, Ogd.
March 27, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Claxton Hepburn Hospital, Ogd.
April 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
May 22, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Clarkson University, Potsdam
June 19*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
July 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
August 28, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
September 25, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
October 23, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
November 20*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
December 18*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
2008 Meeting Schedule
January 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ 2nd Fl Conf Rm, Public Safety Bldg, Canton
February 28, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, Ogd.
March 27, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Claxton Hepburn Hospital, Ogd.
April 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
May 22, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Clarkson University, Potsdam
June 19*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
July 24, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
August 28, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
September 25, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
October 23, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
November 20*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
December 18*, 2 pm – 4 pm @ TBA
*3rd Thurs.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Meeting Agenda 01_24_08
St. Lawrence County
Information Technology Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
1/24/08, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
2nd Floor Conference Rm, Public Safety Building, Canton, NY
1) Welcome New Committee Members & Meeting Attendees
2) Review/accept minutes from 12/20/07 meeting.
3) Committee Organization for 2008:
Structure
Membership
Meeting times/date/format
2008 Goals
4) Project Reports:
SLC IT Work Plan –Review status & updates
1. Develop Strategic Plan for Universal Broadband Coverage
2. Develop Plan for awarding $200k Broadband Grant
3. Create Broadband Access Map to Establish Baseline & Target Areas
Report on status of garnering info from random addresses
Report on Survey of SLC Residents for availability of telecom services (Laura)
4. Explore other Grant Funding for Broadband Initiatives
a. RD Grant
b. NEW! NYS Universal Broadband Initiative
5. Assist County Website Committee with Re-Design
6. Assist County Telephone System Committee
7. Evaluate Webcasting for County Meetings
Old Business:
Service issues at Newton Falls Paper Mill
(J Demart, R Fountain, L Perry)
Application to NYS Universal Broadband Access Grant
New Business:
Questions & Discussion
Action Items for Next Meeting
Next Meeting: Date, Time, Location TBA
12-20-07 Meeting Minutes
St. Lawrence County
Information Technology Advisory Committee
December 20, 2007 2:00 pm
Location: Newtown Falls Fine Paper Company
Meeting Minutes
Present: Sign in sheet handed out (Laura Perry has on file)
1. Completed introductions of Plant staff and committee members
2. Reviewed Meeting Minutes – No comments of changes noted
3. Joe DeMart provided an overview of plant’s history, goals and technological hurdles:
History/Background
· 7 years ago plant was “shuttered”; left trained workforce and significant assets intact
· Restarted 115 year old Plant in 2/07
· 97 new jobs will have been created by the end of August 2007
· 200 tons of paper produced per day
· Performance is exceeding expectations and paper quality is “surprising everyone”
· Plant owns 4300 acres of wood basket
· Goal is to startup #3 paper machine which will create more jobs and bring work force to 120
· Transport – lack of railroad is not an issue; 16 trucks are in and out of Plant per day
· Cost of fuel is an issue of concern and Plant is beginning to explore options for utilizing biomass. Boiler is not presently suited for alternative fuel.
· $2.6 MM capital plan for next year includes some clean up of roadside. Plant has $800k allotment for telecom infrastructure including software and automated controls
· 340 vendors; 60% within 100 miles of Plant
· $200-$300k per month spent with these vendors
Technology Issues
· Reliability issues with voice and datafax; 1 of 2 T1 lines have never worked
· Telecom and Cat-5 infrastructure within the Plant is not an issue; production system is managed through some wireless and would like to pilot Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology
· Verizon has been unresponsive to addressing problem. Plant has written letters but not filed PSC incidents
· Verizon was supposed to put 2 new line sections in today (12/20) and switch over to them which they say will correct the issue. Others say problem won’t be corrected until bundle is replaced between Star Lake and Plant. Verizon gave Plant quote of $192k to replace T1 line replacement of copper.
· Survey of line performed by DANC indicates that more than single section of line will need to be replaced to correct issue.
Goal
· Reliable, redundant, robust telecommunication and data system for Plant
· Without it employees can’t do distance learning, order losses will continue, overall business negatively impacted
· Would like to explore call center/partnering and/or other broader opportunities to share secondary system with community
4. Project Reports
Discussion around utilizing Newton Falls as pilot project for rolling out universal broadband; structure grant application general enough to incorporate as many local areas (Star Lake, Cranberry Lake, etc. ) as possible; Laura will work on grant and pull in other committee resources as needed. Grant has expedited timeline.
Jon Montan handed out link to map http://www.cp.st-lawrence.ny.us/Planning/InformaionTechnologyCommittee.html
Other updates tabled due to time
5. Comments from the Chair
Laura mentioned that County Legislature is formalizing committee
Laura asked for suggestions on meeting format, etc. for the next year and mentioned that she would be needing some additional help leading meetings, etc. as she is expecting in the Spring
6. Organization
Tabled due to time
Information Technology Advisory Committee
December 20, 2007 2:00 pm
Location: Newtown Falls Fine Paper Company
Meeting Minutes
Present: Sign in sheet handed out (Laura Perry has on file)
1. Completed introductions of Plant staff and committee members
2. Reviewed Meeting Minutes – No comments of changes noted
3. Joe DeMart provided an overview of plant’s history, goals and technological hurdles:
History/Background
· 7 years ago plant was “shuttered”; left trained workforce and significant assets intact
· Restarted 115 year old Plant in 2/07
· 97 new jobs will have been created by the end of August 2007
· 200 tons of paper produced per day
· Performance is exceeding expectations and paper quality is “surprising everyone”
· Plant owns 4300 acres of wood basket
· Goal is to startup #3 paper machine which will create more jobs and bring work force to 120
· Transport – lack of railroad is not an issue; 16 trucks are in and out of Plant per day
· Cost of fuel is an issue of concern and Plant is beginning to explore options for utilizing biomass. Boiler is not presently suited for alternative fuel.
· $2.6 MM capital plan for next year includes some clean up of roadside. Plant has $800k allotment for telecom infrastructure including software and automated controls
· 340 vendors; 60% within 100 miles of Plant
· $200-$300k per month spent with these vendors
Technology Issues
· Reliability issues with voice and datafax; 1 of 2 T1 lines have never worked
· Telecom and Cat-5 infrastructure within the Plant is not an issue; production system is managed through some wireless and would like to pilot Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology
· Verizon has been unresponsive to addressing problem. Plant has written letters but not filed PSC incidents
· Verizon was supposed to put 2 new line sections in today (12/20) and switch over to them which they say will correct the issue. Others say problem won’t be corrected until bundle is replaced between Star Lake and Plant. Verizon gave Plant quote of $192k to replace T1 line replacement of copper.
· Survey of line performed by DANC indicates that more than single section of line will need to be replaced to correct issue.
Goal
· Reliable, redundant, robust telecommunication and data system for Plant
· Without it employees can’t do distance learning, order losses will continue, overall business negatively impacted
· Would like to explore call center/partnering and/or other broader opportunities to share secondary system with community
4. Project Reports
Discussion around utilizing Newton Falls as pilot project for rolling out universal broadband; structure grant application general enough to incorporate as many local areas (Star Lake, Cranberry Lake, etc. ) as possible; Laura will work on grant and pull in other committee resources as needed. Grant has expedited timeline.
Jon Montan handed out link to map http://www.cp.st-lawrence.ny.us/Planning/InformaionTechnologyCommittee.html
Other updates tabled due to time
5. Comments from the Chair
Laura mentioned that County Legislature is formalizing committee
Laura asked for suggestions on meeting format, etc. for the next year and mentioned that she would be needing some additional help leading meetings, etc. as she is expecting in the Spring
6. Organization
Tabled due to time
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