Posted: 4/24/07
Commissioners look at updating Houston County computer system
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Itís going to cost Houston County approximately $6,000 to ensure the countyís computer system is secure, and protected from potential computer hackers, and an additional $25,000 to improve communications within the countyís computer system. Thatís what County Personnel Director Tim Comstock told the county commissioners during the April 17 board meeting.
"Internet and email access is done through a connection provided by the state of Minnesota with our email and network servers connected to a router owned by the state," Comstock explained in a memo to the commissioners. "However, the Information Systems Department needs to update how Houston County connects to the outside world. An additional piece of security equipment needs to be put in place to maintain the security of the data we not only send and receive, but maintain at the county level.
"Therefore, I am requesting approval to purchase a ëfirewallí and related equipment," Comstockís memo continued. "The purchase of a firewall will give the county the security that is currently needed and the flexibility to meet our future needs." It was noted the purchase of the $6,055 firewall system was included in the current budget.
A motion by Commissioner Tom Bjerke and seconded by Commissioner Dave Corcoran was unanimously approved.
Two servers needed
Comstock then went on to explain the information Systems Department has been rotating equipment to extend its usefulness, but the time has come to replace the two large servers that handle all the information moving through the countyís computer system. The newer server was purchased in 1996.
"Based on other anticipated projects, the department budgeted funds for only one server," Comstock told the board. "I am requesting the approval to purchase one new server, estimated to cost $11,118. There are sufficient funds in the IS budget to cover this purchase. Depending on fund availability, a request to purchase the second server may be made later in the year."
Bjerke asked Comstock if it would be a cost savings to purchase the second server at the same time. Comstock didnít feel the county would realize much savings on the purchase cost, but would save money configuring two servers at one time.
Bjerke asked County Auditor Peter Johnson if money from a special compliance fund established by the state several years ago could be used to purchase the second server. Johnson replied he wasnít certain if it could or not, but would do some checking.
A motion by Bjerke and seconded by Commissioner Larry Graf to purchase the first server with funds set aside in the budget, and to purchase the second server, contingent on utilizing money from the compliance fund, was unanimously approved.
In other action:
Marcus Evans appointed
to four-year term
Comstock informed the commissioners if they wished to keep recently-hired County Highway Engineer Marcus Evans on board, they needed to appoint him to a four-year position.
Evans was appointed last fall to a one-year term. According to state statute, all long-term appointments have to be approved by May 1. "The county board may appoint a new county engineer for a term of one year. But all reappointments shall be for a term of four years and shall be made in May of the year in which the term expires," according to the statute.
Board members noted they were very pleased with Evanís performance during his eight months on the job and unanimously approved a motion made by Corcoran and seconded by Commissioner Larry Connery.
County may lease building out
The county board debated what to do with a request made by Eric Benson, who is a contractor from Savage. Benson is interested in purchasing one of the hangars at the Houston County Airport. Bjerke told the board he had discussed the matter with County Attorney Rick Jackson. According to Jackson, any property the county puts up for sale appraised over $15,000 must be put up for bids.
Bjerke felt the board needed to move on this issue, since Benson wanted to secure space at an airport in Southeast Minnesota as soon as possible.
The possibility of a long-term lease was also discussed. Bjerke noted as long as the lease was for less than $15,000 per year, it would not have to be put out for bids, according to the county attorney. It was noted that Benson would need heat and telephone service in the building.
"I donít have a problem with leasing the building, but I think there are quite a few ifs right now," Connery said.
"I think we need to find out what Mr. Benson is willing to furnish and what he expects us to furnish," Corcoran said. "Once we know that, we can go from there."
Commissioner Ann Thompson felt the board should get copies of the leases the county currently has with other parties at the airport. That way, the county will know what to offer.
Bjerke said he would let Benson know the county is interested in setting up a 10-year lease, but would need to have more of the specifics ironed out first.
Caledonia Argus
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