05/04/1998 Special Town Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Article 4 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate and transfer from available funds, $39,134 to the Police Computer Technology Account, or take any other action relating thereto. Submitted by the Police Department Explanation: The monies requested will serve as matching funds for a federal grant awarded to the police department in the amount of$97,199. The grant, under COPS MORE 96, will allow the police department to significantly upgrade its technology in three key areas. First, there will be a full upgrade of the dated network computer system, a system that is the core components of the police department's ability to process and store many thousands of documents each year that serve as the required reference for the police response to calls for service and criminal investigations. Secondly,, we would fully upgrade our in-car computer program, installing terminals in all marked cruisers and providing department investigative personnel with brief case units. This program permits officers to complete reports while in their cruisers, thereby reducing significantly the amount of time lost when officers must currently return to the police facility to complete necessary reports. This system also allows officers to independently obtain required criminal justice and registry of motor vehicle information from local, state, and national computer systems without overburdening a limited communications staff. Finally, the grant provides for the acquisition of computerized photo-imaging equipment that virtually replaces traditional photography in the police department. Use of computerized cameras streamlines the booking process as well as crime scene photography. The purchase and use of the new technology as described will allow investigative personnel, police patrol officers, and supervisors to spend more time productively on other duties or community policing endeavors. 0 Recommendation: Finance Committee recommends $32,400. Motion made by Nancy Caffyn. Motion: I move the Town vote to appropriate and transfer $39,134 from the Department of Public Works Snow and Ice Account to the Police Computer Technology Account. Motion to amend to $32,400 passes 7:49 p.m. Motion passes at 7:50 p.m. Article 5 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate and transfer from available funds, $2,000 to the Town Clerk Expense account, or take any other action relating thereto. Submitted by the Town Clerk Explanation: This money will be used to purchase 50 copies of the General Bylaws and 50 copies of the Zoning Bylaws books. Funds will be recovered through the sale of these books. Recommendation. Finance Committee recommends approval. Motion made by George Costa.