The city has broadened the Information Technology (I.T.) reach by adding the position of I.T. Systems Network Technician under the Police Department. This comes after Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz introduced legislation to add the position and allow for the funding.
The ultimate plan is to have the position of I.T. Systems Administrator-LAN Manager/I.T. Director, which is currently serving the Police and Fire Departments move to City Hall and cover the technology needs of the entire city. Antoskiewicz noted that the needs have “become too great for just one person.” He noted that the current I.T. person’s responsibilities were too great as they were to spend time on other issues, such as hacking and cyber security. The new position will allow for more training of employees in this matter. Antoskiewicz noted that this addition is not adding to the city’s payroll, as he recently removed the position of Safety Director. Council President Paul Marnecheck stated that this is a case of “changing times, changing jobs. It’s a reflection of changing situations,” he said. “We need to beef up the department.”
One ordinance, which was unanimously adopted by City Council, amends the city’s staffing and classification plan, adding the position of I.T. Systems Network Technician under the Police Department. The second ordinance was also unanimously adopted that amends the rates of compensation (per hour) for the position of I.T. Systems Network Technician was unanimously adopted as follows: $25 for entry; $27 for second year and $30 for third year.
A third piece of legislation was introduced that amends the rates of compensation for the I.T. Systems Administrator-LAN Manager/I.T. Director, under City Hall, for a rate of $42.39, not to exceed $49.45. That measure was placed on second reading and will remain there until such time as the new IT Systems Network Technician is hired and the I.T. Systems Administrator-LAN Manager/I.T. Director is moved to City Hall.
Antoskiewicz said that once the new position is filled, they will need to be certified in order to work in the Police Department. He said he hopes to have the new person hired within the next month. Once that certification takes place and the new position is established, then the I.T. Systems Administrator-LAN Manager/I.T. Director will be moved to City Hall.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer