95-103 Resolution No. 95-103
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION
FOR AN INFRASTRUCTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN,
ILLINOIS, that it hereby authorizes the submission of an
application for an Infrastructure Assistance Program Grant
with the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration.
s/ Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly, Mayor
Presented: May 10, 1995
Adopted: May 10, 1995
Omnibus Vote: Yeas 7 Nays 0
Attest:
s/ Dolonna Mecum
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
Elm .
Agenda Item No.
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April 19, 1995
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Richard B. Helwig, City Manager
SUBJECT: Telecommunications Grant Submission
PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information and
seek approval for the Telecommunications and Information
Infrastructure Assistance Program Grant in the amount of
$250,000.
BACKGROUND
This year the federal government has appropriated $64 million
for projects that augment access to the "information super
highway" . The program has three categories of grants . Cate-
gory I is for demonstration projects, Category II ( for which
we are seeking funds) is for access projects that provide
connectivity, and Category III is for major project planning.
Since the project is a community effort to enhance communica-
tion capabilities, the credibility for the grant is signifi-
cantly increased. Jones Intercable, School District U-46,
Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin Community College, Judson
College and the City are working together to effectively make
use of the installed fiber optic INET. While this is a match-
ing grant program (50%) , we will use the installed part of
the infrastructure (fiber optic cable completed by Jones
Intercable) as the match to the project.
The primary goals of Category II projects are: ( 1) reduce
disparities in access to and use of the national information
infrastructure; (2) promote high levels of support from di-
verse members of the community; and (3) support projects that
are guided by needs of the end users . Elgin's use of the
INET will enhance community networking, kindergarten through
twelfth grade education, library services, public safety,
access to public and government information and higher educa-
tion.
.
Telecommunications Grant
April 19, 1995
Page 2
Examples of applications include the establishment of communi-
ty information networks, creation of wide-area networks with-
in the school system and school district; enhance public
safety with more comprehensive communication links for emer-
gency services and delivering D.A.R.E. training/follow-up;
provide two-way question and answer forums in both English
and Spanish languages enhancing community relations; and
provide access to Internet, access to multiple library cata-
logues and CD-ROM resources and establish a satellite
downlink. site. Library patrons, students, teachers, adminis-
tration and community residents will have access to a wealth
of resources.
COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED
Representatives from the six groups have all written letters
of endorsement for the grant application.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Five-Year Financial Plan includes $80,000 for INET equip-
ment in the 1996 General Fund Budget. Approval of the grant
would fund the purchase of the INET equipment and therefore
free up $80,000 in the 1996 General Fund Budget.
LEGAL IMPACT
None.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that a resolution authorizing the applica-
tion for a Infrastructure Assistance Program Grant with the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration in
the amount of $250,000 be prepared for the May 10 City Coun-
cil agenda.
es ectfully submitted,
iii 72 q-lti
i '
mes R. Nowicki
inance Director
Richard B. Helwig
. City Manager
JRN:daw
Attachments
!
eAe el de tila,,e',C
150 DEXTER COURT
ELGIN. ILLINOIS 60120
cX4cf)lt iX.4
April 18, 1995 708-931-5595
MAYOR Fax 708-931-5610
Telecommunications and Information -
Infrastructure Assistance Program
National Telecommunications and
Information Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
Room 6043
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20230
Dear Sir/Madam:
The City of Elgin, the Gail Borden Public Library, U-46 School
District, and Elgin Community College are pleased to express
strong support of the grant application to the Telecommunica-
tions and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program
(TIIAP) , administered by the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration. The City of Elgin recognizes the
commitment of the various community agencies to advance the
accessibility to information to meet community needs .
We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this venture.
The success of this application would allow us to build the
fiberoptic infrastructure linking each agency and delivering
valuable resources to our community.
We place high confidence in this project. It exemplifies the
dedication each of us has shown to meet the information needs
of our community.
Sincerely,
2/. 74
Kevin Kelly
Mayor
KK/sg
•