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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1998 <br /> <br />major improvement had occurred in many key practices s~mee their last review, and was pleased to see the City <br /> <br />moving ahead on a new computer and software. Recommendations included more consolidation of City and <br />School System purchasing activities, the need for additional personnel in the finance Department due to <br />workload requirements, and further consolidation of fund accounts. Mr. Huff noted the good job the <br />Treasurer had done, and recommended Curther improvements through upgrade of software, posting of <br />receipts and printing of receipts. Council Member Haskell asked where things were with the consolidation of <br />City and School finance and purchasing functions, and Mr. Reynolds indicated that other transition issues had <br />delayed progress on these issues. He noted that the resolution of the move of the School System's <br />Administrative offices had been achieved and that the consolidation issues could now be revisited. Further <br />discussion occurred concerning School Fund fund balances, intended uses of funds, the need for better <br />definition and statement of spending guidelines, and incentive measures to encourage good spending habits. <br />Mr. Reynolds stated that an upcoming report from Davenport & company should help council arrive at <br />improved spending policies. Further discussion occurred on the need to set a sound policy on a contingency <br />fund. <br /> <br /> Council next heard a report from Mike Seaffidi of the Public Works Department on progress on the <br />new Sonet Loop Fiber Optic Ring. Mr. Scaffidi stated that the City had not gotten a grant for installation of <br />the system as hoped for, and that they needed guidance on funding and moving ahead on the project. <br />Considerable discussion then occurred concerning the technology of the proposed system, the merits of its <br />implementation, cost saving opportunities on telephone systems, greater numbers ofinternet connections, and <br />the potential for establishment of Work Port Centers for new jobs in the community. Mr. Scaffidi stated that <br />the optimum system could be built for about $600,000, and an adequate system could cost about $400,000. <br />He indicated that savings in the costs for the City's telephones and lines could recover the capital expenditure <br />in a few years. He also noted the economic development benefits of the system in attracting and keeping <br />'thigh tech" businesses. He also noted the improvements that would occur in the SCADA system controlling <br /> <br /> <br />