Council extends Blueworks mobile app contract authority to $7.8 million as ERP modernization proceeds

The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending the City's agreement with Neptune Software for Blueworks, the City's mobile work management application, increasing the not-to-exceed contract authority to $7,800,000 and extending contract terms (an additional 1.5 years plus two one-year options).

Deputy Director Arlo McPantay explained Blueworks is integrated with the City's SAP environment and supports more than 700 departmental users and more than 125,000 work orders processed in fiscal year 2025. Staff said the extension is intended to bridge operations while the ERP modernization to a private cloud proceeds and to ensure continuity of critical mobile functionality for field crews.

Erin Noel of the IBA again raised monitoring items: ensure any modernization funds are used for true modernization, plan for compatibility and a smooth transition if Blueworks is replaced, and track user adoption and staff training.

Public commenters raised concerns about direct-docketing to full council without committee review and reiterated calls for more documents and community input on technology rollouts and oversight. Several callers also repeated suggestions that the city examine open-source options.

After brief council questions and assurances from staff, Councilmember Foster moved to approve the staff recommendation; Councilmember Moreno seconded. The amendment passed 9-0.

Staff said the request does not appropriate additional funding; it increases spending authority and remains contingent on the city's annual budgeting process.