Council discusses municipal IT upgrades, cameras and key-fob access; staff to return with quotes

Burns Harbor council members and staff discussed several technology and security items, including replacement of outdated computers that will not support Windows 11, an annual subscription for a camera system (initial payment and a recurring fee), and key-fob access to building doors. IT upgrades: staff reported that some town computers will no longer receive Windows 10 security updates and recommended upgrading several desktops and patrol laptops. A preliminary quote for multiple devices was discussed; staff said a revised quote would be presented at the September meeting. Cameras and subscription plan: the council discussed a vendor proposal (Flock or similar) with an initial payment and an annual recurring fee. Staff noted the first-install fee will be billed this year (approximately $7,300) and an annual subscription (about $6,000) billed next year; the council asked staff to encumber or budget for the recurring fee in the opioid-unrestricted or other designated fund if the town proceeds. Building security: councilmembers discussed adding key-fob access to interior and exterior doors (three access points mentioned) to replace mechanical keys and to enable controlled access and reporting; staff were asked to obtain vendor pricing and implementation detail. Why it matters: upgrades affect cybersecurity (end-of-life Windows 10 machines), public-safety communications (in-car patrol laptops) and building security; incomplete upgrades could leave devices unsupported or insecure. Next steps: staff will obtain updated quotes for computer replacements, camera system recurring fees, and key-fob systems and return to council at the next meeting for approval and encumbrance decisions.