HomeMy WebLinkAboutConversion of Civic Ctr Park Computer System INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
CITY OF PALM DESERT
TO: City Council and City Manager
FROM: Richard J. Folkers, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director
SUBJECT: CONVERSION OF CIVIC CENTER PARK COMPUTER SYSTEM TO WINDOWS
BASED CONTROLS
DATE: May 13, 1999
RECOMMENDATION:
(1) Authorize the purchase of a new computer from Gateway as discussed below in
detail.
(2) Purchase a new software package from Barrington.
(3) Enter into an agreement with LBT Engineers to perform the data conversion and
develop graphics compatible with our current system.
(4) Provide group training on the new Windows software.
(5) Authorize the transfer of funds from Parks Account No. 110-4610-453-3320 to
Capital Outlay Account No. 110-4610-453-4040.
BACKGROUND:
The Civic Center Park computer system ha been operational for eight years. This system
controls the park irrigation, pump/well operation and lighting. The overall system works
with LANSTAR's. These are actual computers located in the park restrooms and at the
Recreation Center, which in turn send signals to Microstar's that control individual pump
functions, irrigation valves, lighting groups, etc. A main computer at City Hall controls the
LANSTAR's, makes changes, displays alarms and stores historical data. The complexity of
the operating system in the main computer prohibits all but minor functions by anyone
other than the Maintenance Services Manager or the original engineering contractor. In
addition, the existing system is also incapable of handling the Year 2000 changes.
Our Maintenance Services Manager has investigated changing out the entire system and
discovered it would not be cost effective. To replace the entire system would be an
enormous additional expense that is not justified considering the long-term performance
and lack of problems. To upgrade the system to make it more functional and user friendly,
we need to convert the main computer and software to a Windows-based system.
Page 2
May 13, 1999
SUBJECT CONVERSION OF CIVIC CENTER PARK COMPUTER SYSTEM TO WINDOWS-
BASED CONTROLS
The Parks Maintenance Account has funds that will not be expended by the end of the
current fiscal year. This was due to low initial bids and a lack of any significant problems.
We would also require a network ready printer that would make the estimated total price
$30,000. The unencumbered funds in the Parks Account 110-4610-453-3320 can cover
this expense, as well as contingencies in the parks, for the remainder of the fiscal year.
As a result of the above-discussion, staff recommends approval of the staff's
recommendations as listed above.
I �
RICH RD J. FOL,•I'RS, P.E. REVIEWED AND C NCUR
CITY MANAGER
REVIEWED AND CONCUR
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
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CITY COUNCIL,RCTION:
APPROVED ✓ DENIED
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