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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, July 18, 2016 Page 23 Mr. Koepp reviewed the functionality of the current system and the need to pro- vide modern functions and GIS data as a way of life for most users, as well as fus- ing mapping and permit systems. Mr. Koepp also noted the improvements in re- porting and data research available with this software, including economic devel- opment and housing data that was cumbersome to obtain in the current system, and dramatic improvements with this more superior reporting tool and database that would be available for all departments. Mr. Koepp provided a comparison table showing various types of software, staffls review, and alternate options as well as upfront costs plus ongoing maintenance. As noted in the staff report, Ms. Collins noted the recent purchase of Springbrook by Accela that would allow the city's current Springbrook financial system to in- tegrate this software as well. Ms. Collins referenced other departments providing enforcement (e.g. Fire Department) and the ability with this software for all de- partments to be on the same page electronically rather than the current phone and/or email communication system. From that standpoint, Ms. Collins noted the heightened level of communication and transparency it would provide, particular- ly in the Design Review Committee (DRC) updates and workflow and communi- cation advantages. Ms. Collins advised that staff s research had provided very favorable comments from users, the City of Rochester and Nicollet County, who both had good things to say about the program, including from an implementation and support side. Ms. Collins advised that they also gave good reviews for practical community us- er feedback as well as from other organizations and with nationwide best practic- es. Ms. Collins noted that the City's former Community Development Director Paul Bilotta at his new employer, the City of Corvallis, OR also used this software and indicated they were very pleased with its performance. Mayor Roe asked if business licensing and/or pet licensing were available with this software that could make it even more multi-departmental. Ms. Collins advised that it has that capability, but she hadn't yet discussed its via- bility with the Finance Department, while focusing on the land management mod- ule, including rental and contractor licenses. With the variable components in this software, Mr. Koepp noted modules were priced according to the number of users; and this presentation was proposed to re- coup costs for installation and maintenance via land use and application fees. Mr. Koepp advised that other departments could add users at any time, as their de- partments were able to absorb the related costs to do so. At this point for the Community Development Department, Mr. Koepp stated the intent would be for an initial 8 to 10 users; and the ability to add other users at any point those other