MONROE - Internet use by city employees is not a problem at Monroe City Hall, but a new committee to study technology matters made updating the use policy one of its discussion points Wednesday.
The new five-member Ad Hoc committee for advising the City of Monroe on technology issues and concerns met for the first time Wednesday.
"I think the main concern is to make sure departments are moving forward as a joint IT," said committee Chairman Rob Jacobson, technical service director for the Monroe Police Department.
The committee identified several areas members felt should be discussed, including equipment compatibility, replacement rotation and updates, centralized anti-viral protection management, and Internet use policy.
Currently, city employees have their computers updated or replaced as needed.
Jacobson said he would like to discuss anti-virus management with the city's present IT vendor, SMG, and look into several anti-virus companies' services.
Members don't consider Internet use among city workers as a problem. Employees are allowed to access the Internet for personal use, as long as it is not on city time, and can download programs they need, "as long as they do not violate any city policies," Jacobson said.
Department heads are responsible for monitoring employee use of computers and Internet service.
"People who have Internet access are in close proximity of department heads," Kathi Meier, secretary of the Parks and Recreation Department, said.
Jacobson also noted that firewalls are in place to prevent virus infections.
City computers are running on Microsoft XP, "for the most part," Jacobson said.
The committee set its next meeting for 10 a.m. Jan. 21. Members will present lists of ideas for improving the technology.
"We'll open up the new year with new ideas," Jacobson said.
Mayor Ron Marsh announced the creation of the ad hoc technology advisory committee Oct. 21. Marsh appointed to the committee Alderman Thurston Hanson, Street Department administrative secretary Darci Dammen, Engineer Supervisor Al Gerber, Meier and Jacobson.
The new five-member Ad Hoc committee for advising the City of Monroe on technology issues and concerns met for the first time Wednesday.
"I think the main concern is to make sure departments are moving forward as a joint IT," said committee Chairman Rob Jacobson, technical service director for the Monroe Police Department.
The committee identified several areas members felt should be discussed, including equipment compatibility, replacement rotation and updates, centralized anti-viral protection management, and Internet use policy.
Currently, city employees have their computers updated or replaced as needed.
Jacobson said he would like to discuss anti-virus management with the city's present IT vendor, SMG, and look into several anti-virus companies' services.
Members don't consider Internet use among city workers as a problem. Employees are allowed to access the Internet for personal use, as long as it is not on city time, and can download programs they need, "as long as they do not violate any city policies," Jacobson said.
Department heads are responsible for monitoring employee use of computers and Internet service.
"People who have Internet access are in close proximity of department heads," Kathi Meier, secretary of the Parks and Recreation Department, said.
Jacobson also noted that firewalls are in place to prevent virus infections.
City computers are running on Microsoft XP, "for the most part," Jacobson said.
The committee set its next meeting for 10 a.m. Jan. 21. Members will present lists of ideas for improving the technology.
"We'll open up the new year with new ideas," Jacobson said.
Mayor Ron Marsh announced the creation of the ad hoc technology advisory committee Oct. 21. Marsh appointed to the committee Alderman Thurston Hanson, Street Department administrative secretary Darci Dammen, Engineer Supervisor Al Gerber, Meier and Jacobson.