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Date: 10/20/2003 Item No: Ill. A. Department Approval: Manager Approved: Agenda Section: C. Presentations Item Description: Consideration of Attending Discussion Groups on the Ramsey County Information Technology (IT) Initiative Background Earlier this year, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners initiated a study to evaluate the opportunities and risks of creating a joint entity to provide information management and technology services to meet the needs of Ramsey County units of government. The County has asked the City of Roseville, along with other municipal jurisdictions, to attend informational meetings and discussion groups as part of their study. Jim McDonough, Chair of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners has been invited to attend the Council meeting to give an overview of this initiative. To aid the Council in their decision on whether to consider the initiative further, Staff has prepared a brief summary which outlines the City's current IT business plan. Current Information Technology Business Plan Over the past decade, the City of Roseville has made a substantial investment in technology and information services. Coupled with that effort, the City has entered into joint powers agreements with seven (7) area municipalities to share expertise and purchasing power across common platforms. This has proven to be a successful business model, delivering high levels of service at low -cost. This model allows all participants to capitalize on a flexible, decentralized structure thereby allowing each individual entity to retain its identity and local preferences. Under the current model, there are no additional layers of government, and negligible overhead. Cooperative efforts are managed primarily by the technical, front -line Staff, yet preserving the necessary communication to decision - makers at each respective jurisdiction. Council Action Requested Direct Staff to attend informational meetings and discussion groups related to the Ramsey County Information Technology Initiative for the purposes of remaining informed on a potential County -wide IT support solution. Inform Ramsey County that the City does not wish to attend meetings or participate in this initiative at this time.