Council Hears Proposal For IT Services

Mountain View City Council members heard a proposal for comprehensive IT services and tabled action for further consideration, noting that the cost involved would necessitate the city soliciting competitive bids.

Shellie Marquis of Next Step Innovation IT told council members the company specializes in assisting governments and law enforcement agencies with cybersecurity and network management, assuring compliance with all standards and regulations. Having visited with city departments over the past year, she said the company found that some new requirements are not being met, and some equipment is outdated.

Next Step’s quote of $135 per device per month after discounts is “all encompassing” and includes 24/7 tech support, and all equipment, including replacement if needed. The city currently has 51 devices across all departments.

Police Chief George Bethell said the Arkansas Crime Information Center system will require local departments to have an IT person on staff, and a contract with Next Step would satisfy that requirement.

Marquis said she has also been meeting with Stone County officials including Sheriff Brandon Long. It was suggested that the city and county might request further discounts if both governments contracted services.

In other business at the May 26 meeting, the council:

• agreed to reimburse Marlene Ewton $126.51 for flowers she purchased and placed at Washington Street Park.

• heard reports from Mayor Roger Gardner: a high service pump that had been sent out for servicing, and was anticipated to be returning the following week; the swimming pool pump is still performing well, and the kiddie pool had been cleaned and painted but was not yet in service; and former city employee Lynn Holt had returned as needed to mow the greens at the golf course and to train another employee.

• Water Supt. Keith Johnson reported that progress was being made on replacement of controls at the water plant.

• Alderman Finis Brewer requested that employees at the swimming pool be provided a larger refrigerator to allow space for personal drinks and lunches in addition to a few drinks to sell to the public. It was noted that there would need to be separation of the personal items from those for sale to the public under food handling regulations.