2002-04-15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WS.1 WORK STUDY SESSION TECHNOLOGY CENTER PROPOSAL Recommended Action approved by Technology Council Committee and Park Development/Joint Use Facilities Council Committee Gerard Mouet, Assistant to the City Manager, briefed the Council relative to a technology center proposal. Highlights of this presentation are as follows: • In 1993, 36.6% of households had computers and 18% had Internet access; in 2000, 51 % of households had computers and 42% had Internet access • Computers at school level the playing field; for children 6 to 17 years old, computer use at school was more nearly equal across different income, race, or ethnic groups than computer access at home • There are currently 24 public technology centers in Santa Ana; 9 city government; 7 non-profit; 4 community college district; 4 school district centers — approximate number of computers available to the public is 344 • The City has submitted a $500,000 grant proposal for a cybermobile to the Workforce Investment Act Governor's 15% discretionary funds; additionally, there will be an Empowerment Zone proposal in 2002 to address ongoing costs • There is a recently formed Technology Consortium in Santa Ana • At a kickoff consortium event, 80 people attended and 92% felt the consortium will benefit residents; 94% would like to participate in the consortium. • A grant opportunity is available from the U.S. Department of Commerce • City staff has identified a site at Memorial Park and is proposing a 5, 500 Square foot technology center • $2,300,000 is needed for constructing and furnishing and installing all the needed equipment in the technology center; an additional $1,200,000 is needed for technology center programming • The center complements the existing plans at Memorial Park and will constitute phase I of the Recreation Center Motion: Direct staff to pursue opportunities to fund a Technology Center at Memorial Park. MOTION: Alvarez SECOND: Bist CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 148 APRIL 15, 2002