INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUB-COMMITTEE

CANADA ROOM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE

APRIL 18, 2006

MINUTES

Attendance

Committee:

Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell, Chair

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Councillor S. Daurio

Other Members of Council:

Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti (9:15 a.m.)

Councillor A. Chiu (9:10 a.m.)

Staff:

James Allen, Chief Information Officer

John Swan, Manager, Client Delivery

Sugun Rao, Manager, Technology

Nasir Kenea, Manager, Applications and GIS

Judy Kee, Committee Clerk

The Information Technology Sub-Committee convened at the hour of 9:05 a.m. with Regional Councillor B. O’Donnell in the Chair.

1. POSSIBLE PARTNERSHIP WITH BELL CANADA

Mr. James Allen, Chief Information Officer, gave a presentation regarding the discussions that are currently underway with Bell Canada with respect to a possible partnership opportunity. Mr. Wil Gonidis, Regional Director of Community Affairs from Bell Canada was also in attendance and responded to questions.

Members were advised of the potential opportunities for both Bell and Markham with such a partnership, including: wireless mobile solutions; business continuity strategy including emergency notification and wireless-based backup services; facility management solutions and smart meters; and discussion on wireless technology evolution and considerations.

The CIO also presented a video clip of a briefing made by Sir David Henshaw, Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council, United Kingdom, with respect to a similar partnership that has been established between the City of Liverpool and BT (British Telecommunications).

Committee was assured that this initiative is in the exploratory stage only, and that a business case will be developed prior to a proposal being presented to Council.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That the presentation by the Chief Information Officer regarding a possible partnership opportunity with Bell Canada be received.

CARRIED

2. TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR JOINT PORTAL INITIATIVE

Mr. James Allen, Chief Information Officer, provided a verbal update on the Joint Portal initiative with the Region of York, and he noted that staff will be preparing an RFP to engage the services of a consulting firm to prepare a detailed business plan for this initiative. It was suggested that it would be helpful to have the finalists make a presentation to a sub-committee, and also, that the RFP should not be limited to consulting firms within Canada.

The CIO also reviewed the draft terms of reference for the Joint Portal Initiative, which included: background; purpose; portal services; portal participants; scope of work; business plan deliverables; timelines and budget; and consultant selection criteria.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That the presentation of the Chief Information Officer regarding the Joint Portal Initiative and the draft terms of reference, be received.

CARRIED

3. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the IT Sub-Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, 2006.

(Note: The meeting scheduled for May 16, 2006 has been cancelled.)

ADJOURNMENT

The Information Technology Sub-Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 10:05 a.m.