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PROPOSAL:

FY 1998-99 Budget Transfer for Purchase of Videoconferencing Equipment

SYNOPSIS:

Videoconferencing makes it possible for Board Members to attend Board Committee and other meetings without being on-site. Additional videoconferencing equipment is desired to expand the current capabilities, and to allow simultaneous multiple sites for videoconferencing. This action is to transfer funds for the purchase of additional videoconferencing equipment and to upgrade existing equipment. This transfer moves moneys to the appropriate expenditure account and does not require additional appropriations.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, May 21, 1999, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the transfer of $45,000 from Information Management Services and Supplies Major Object, Rent and Leases of Equipment account to the Fixed Assets Major Object for the purchase of up to three new videoconferencing systems and the upgrading of the existing two systems.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Information Management staff have acquired and installed two portable videoconferencing units for use during Board Committee and other meetings. One unit is located at AQMD headquarters; the other is used at remote sites.

This equipment is currently being used to allow offsite participants at a single location to be included in meetings held at headquarters. The videoconferencing equipment is portable and simple to use, and would allow AQMD to use videoconferencing wherever it is needed, including multiple sites at the same time, and to provide full audio and visual contact with all participants. Videoconferencing solutions are powerful productivity tools that give organizations the ability to address issues quickly, involve more people in important discussions, and foster a more open and collaborative working environment.

Additional portable videoconferencing units are needed to expand the current capabilities. Also, the two current videoconferencing units have a low picture quality, and need to be upgraded.

Proposal

Transfer $45,000 from the Information Management Service and Supplies Major Object, Rents and Lease of Equipment account to the Fixed Asset Major Object, to purchase three additional videoconferencing systems, and upgrade existing equipment.

Resource Impacts

Funds for the transfers are available in the FY 1998-99 Budget.

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