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� <br /> VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS <br /> 6. Items Removed From Consent Aqenda <br /> h. Technoloqy Purchases <br /> The Board considered approving 1) the purchase of 350 computers to replace aging <br /> inventory; 2) the upgrade of another 350 computers with current operating systems and office <br /> software; and 3) the purchase of a Storage Area Network device and authorizing the Financial <br /> Services Department to execute the necessary paperwork. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that he understands the need to keep technology updated <br /> and he understands the purpose of this item. He said that this large of an expenditure of <br /> money should not be on the consent agenda. He does not know how this relates to the <br /> placeholder in the CIP and the overall strategy for improving technology in county government. <br /> He said that this is a large ad hoc proposal and it makes him uncomfortable to be voting on <br /> something this significant financially without having a context. He thought that this was worth <br /> flagging. <br /> Frank Clifton said that this is just a renewal of operating equipment and without making <br /> the software changes, this becomes inefficient. The County has to catch up on the upgrades. <br /> Chief Information Officer Todd Jones said that staff is seeking approval for three main <br /> initiatives - replacement of older computers, upgrading operating system, and replacing the <br /> data storage area. These three initiatives were included in the Strategic Technology Plan that <br /> was originally developed in 2004. This has undergone at least three reiterations. He said that <br /> the staff has met with the school systems to explore the possibility of collaborative purchases. <br /> It has been found that there are no cost savings in doing so and the type of hardware needed <br /> is different. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that the County Commissioners understand the need for <br /> these replacements but the question is what they can and want to do through technology and <br /> through this broader question, how this purchase fits into this larger picture. <br /> Commissioner Foushee said that the County Commissioners understand the need, but <br /> they want to know about the expectation to replace computers, similar to a CIP. The County <br /> Commissioners want an Information Technology plan that the County Commissioners would be <br /> aware of in advance. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that she supported what has been said and what the <br /> County Commissioners are looking for is an Information Technology strategic plan. She would <br /> like to vote on having an Information Technology strategic plan. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that County services are still on a client server basis as <br /> opposed to a web based server. He said that there is a policy component to that decision. <br /> This discussion needs to happen, in his opinion, before the County develops an IT strategic <br /> plan. <br /> Todd Jones said that the attempt that they have submitted before in their Information <br /> Technology plan has been to try and address these issues, but it may be too voluminous. He <br /> would welcome the opportunity to get a clear understanding of what the County <br /> Commissioners want and do not want in the document. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that he agrees with all of the County Commissioners' <br /> comments. He thinks that the staff and Board of County Commissioners are talking past one <br /> another and nobody is wrong. He thought that the County Commissioners said that they did <br /> not find that the 130-page document addressed the needs. The framework has policy <br /> implications and this is the County Commissioners'job. What has been missing is the County <br />