The Information Services Department of the City of Leawood is responsible for many functions including but not limited to the following:

Network Administration
Concept Planning
Data Systems / Communications
Voice Systems / Communications
Programming
Maintenance
Internet Services
Geographic Information Systems
Video & Sound Systems

Network Administration:

Network administration involves a number of tasks from the addition of new users to our computer network, the updating of network operating system software, data backups, compatibility issues, the allocation of network resources, the mapping of network drives, system security and configuration, coordination of equipment, etc. All of these play a critical role in our ability to provide citizen service.

Another part of our network administration is that we have instituted a technology policy. This policy intends to encourage each and every Leawood employee to use our technology to its fullest in a manner that is consistent with our city's mission. This policy intends to discourage and eliminate inappropriate use of our technology.

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Concept Planning:

This department is responsible to plan our overall information / communication strategies. The issues of concern include system performance, data connectivity, data communication lines, phone system integration, hardware and software, security, and coordination of technologies. Effective concept planning reduces cost, provides the level of service expected, and minimizes downtime and duplication of efforts.

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Data Systems / Communication:

Computer hubs, routers, CSU/DSU's, high-speed data circuits, multi-plexers, category 5 data wiring, Ethernet switches, modems, are all pieces of the data communication puzzle. This puzzle allows us to tie together our facilities and to connect our individual PC's. All of this equipment requires installation, configuration and ongoing maintenance. This is very similar to a City's street infrastructure --- it carries the data traffic to and from our computers.

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Phone Systems / Communication:

Information Services is responsible for the administration, maintenance, and programming of our phone systems and communication lines. The number and types of communication lines used is necessary and amazing. We have automated attendants and voice mail at City Hall, Police Dept., Public Works, and now the golf course. Additionally, we have an Interactive Voice Response system for the Court division. This system answers routine court questions and allows a caller to enter their ticket number and receive pertinent information automatically.

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Programming:

Information Services is responsible for creating, updating, and maintenance of numerous city programs. We have written programs for building permits, inspection worksheets, recreation registration, paycards, the action center, court system, personnel, property printout, internal requisitions / purchases / expenditures, budget program, detective case reporting, etc. These programs in conjunction with packaged systems all require installation, configuration, and maintenance. We are constantly learning new programs in the attempt to keep pace with current technology --- if that is possible. Furthermore, we have purchased numerous software packages like our Computer Aided Dispatch and Police Records Management systems that require much attention.

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Maintenance:

All of our information system's equipment needs maintenance and upgrading. We strive to replace critical equipment routinely. Normally we replace 25% or our desktops each year and 33% or our laptops.  Computers, phones, video equipment all wear out and need attention. We are challenged daily with problems as they relate to our technologies. Hard disks crash, users inadvertently delete information, communication lines get cut or need replaced, all or which require our intervention. Users constantly have questions, need training and assistance.

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Internet Services:

We are responsible for the City's Internet home page, Internet access, and Internet e-mail. The City of Leawood's home page. We are continuing to improve our home page. Recently, we increased the speed at which we access the Internet.

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Geographic Information Systems:

We maintain a connection to Johnson County's Automated Information Mapping System and this gives us an incredible amount of data in a graphical format.  Prudently, we've outsourced much or our GIS work to AIMS.

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Video & Sound Systems:

An additional responsibility our department handles is that of the City's video and sound system equipment and operation. At City Hall we have invested considerable resources into this equipment. We have capabilities to record video and sound, display computer graphics, zoom in on plans, etc. We record the Council, Plan Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings onto video tape. These tapes have been requested and used by many constituents. We have a portable sound system that has microphone, compact disc player, tape players, amplifier, etc., that has been used extensively.

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