City Council To Contract With Brooks Jeffrey For Upgrades

The Mountain View City Council voted Tuesday to contract with its current website vendor, Brooks Jeffrey Marketing, to upgrade the city’s computer hardware and software to be compliant with Criminal Justice Information Systems security requirements for the police department. The cost is estimated at $22,906 plus tax, with a portion of that being a recurring charge for licensing, etc.

Brian Lane of Brooks Jeffrey’s computer services division presented the proposal, explaining that the estimate included items such as a new router, wireless access point, antivirus and 24/7 monitoring, patch management, and Office 365 Premium that includes multiple licenses and allows for centralized log-in, more secure log-ins, etc. He said the estimate was purposely figured to be “on the high side” and would likely be lower unless problems were encountered.

All five members present at the meeting voted in favor of the motion. Alderman Finis Brewer was absent.

Also at the meeting, the council addressed several items with Water Department Supt. Keith Johnson:

• Johnson informed the council he was not interested in pursuing an upgrade in meter reading equipment at this time because there are other priorities for department funds.

• the city will pay $24,852 plus tax to Ideal Pump for rebuilding another pump to serve as a backup for the relift station.
• the city will pay $14,666.11 to TECO for an automatic backflush valve.

• the council authorized application for a grant to replace the lift station at the city park, which would enable the lift station to be relocated and enlarged to stop overflows. Johnson noted that the unit was originally installed in 1968 and has been upgraded through the years, “but there’s only so much you can do.” The potential grant could require a 30 percent match (possibly $300,000) but Johnson said there may be enough remaining from another project to pay that.

• the city will pay Moss Electric $7,314 for a pump to be used in the lift station on Bayou Drive.

• Johnson reported that the rate study should be available the first week in August, and that he did not foresee any repercussions for missing the July 31 deadline.

Also at the meeting, the council agreed to pay to contractors for repaving Jefferson Street – $14,950 to TriCo and $17,994.64 to Atlas Asphalt. Mayor Roger Gardner noted that the city is still looking at drainage along the street, but that properly sloping the parking areas behind businesses would be the owners’ responsibilities.

In other business, the council:

• approved the June financial report. Alderman B.J. Day noted that fuel costs were exceeding the budget, as expected, and Clerk Ceredwyn Holt said that the police department transfer would be shown on July’s report.

• agreed to cancel the Sept. 22 meeting during the time Holt will be gone to a municipal clerk’s institute.

• minutes from the previous meeting were corrected to reflect the price of asphalt to $15,557.83.

• met the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Whitfield, who has been in the position for one month. Chamber Treasurer Shawna Board asked about possibly getting IT support through the city. Mayor Gardner said there are several things to consider in the next budget. Alderman Dana Woods suggested the Chamber make a proposal in September for next year’s budget request.

• commended Woods on the selection and installation of new light pole banners.

• was informed by Gardner that the final details for the new sidewalk along West Main Street were to be completed that week: additional light poles and a flashing beacon for the crosswalk near Pebble Creek.

• was informed by Gardner that details for the sidewalk project on the east side of town were being evaluated, including which side the road it should be on with consideration for utility lines, right-of-way availability, etc.

• heard from Gardner that cost estimates for resurfacing Vine Avenue had been requested.

• discussed the previous weekend’s truck show after Woods suggested that the city pass a resolution of appreciation to Mountain View Chevrolet for sponsoring the event. Gardner agreed, saying he had attended and thanked personnel in person.

• received audit information from the city’s Flock camera system as well as the policy regarding use and access. For the period June 28-July 28, camera data was searched a total of 140 times (62 stolen property, 28 burglary, 27 drugs/narcotics, 23 larceny/theft).

Police Chief George Bethell commended officers Jeremy Beaudin and Russell Gilbert for investigations of two burglaries resulting in arrests.