Campbell officials are looking to bolster the city’s technology profile, from an increased online presence to improving internal operations.

The city council recently discussed the likelihood of Campbell expanding its online presence, improving city staff’s technology and the priorities of these technological changes.

The city’s Technology Master Plan was developed in March 2011. Since then, the recession has ended, the community is adopting new technology quickly and there are new technologies available that may be advantageous for the city.

One of the main discussions at an Oct. 21 study session was bringing city services online, so residents wouldn’t need to always come to city hall to handle certain business.

Mayor Rich Waterman pushed the importance of a “trouble ticketing” program, in which residents could file their issues with the city and be able to follow up and see the progress of the city’s response. He said he didn’t think the city could wait 10 years for the service.

Councilman Jason Baker noted it is important to distinguish between need and want.

The Technology Master Plan is not a strategic direction, said Jeff Gershaneck, information technology manager for the city. Instead, it is a “road map” for short- and long-term investments.

Technology should be looked at as an investment, Gershaneck told the council, and the city spent nearly $2.5 million on technology during the recession.

Gershaneck recommended several options, including entering into leases to smooth expenditures, adopting a life cycle schedule for equipment, and using software as a service, where a third party provides the technology as a service, such as the city’s website.

The Campbell Police Department, for instance, has some great technology offerings, but they need to be addressed, Gershaneck said.

The current mobile data computers in patrol cars, which connect to the law enforcement systems using a city-owned radio network, are reaching the “end of their useful life.” Full maintenance of the gateway between the city’s radio network and the law enforcement system was discontinued and is maintained now through a “best effort” agreement with the manufacturer.

While support and repair for the mobile data computers are still available, no new units are available and the digital voice recorder that records radio communication between the dispatcher and officers needs to be replaced.

Councilman Evan Low said he had concerns about the scope and cost.

Baker said he is less concerned about one-time costs, but more so ongoing costs and funds, and suggested the city make sure the needs are met first, even if other things have to wait.

Councilman Mike Kotowski said that if the city is going to spend money on new technology, he’d rather invest in regular upgrades than on maintaining outdated systems.

The technology issue will be brought back to the city council during budget meetings, Gershaneck said.