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IT manager Sergio Todorov outlines Bellflower's recent technology upgrades and next steps
Summary
At the June 8 council meeting, IT Manager Sergio Todorov summarized completed projects (cloud phone system, MyBellflower app, 24/7 MDR cybersecurity, park Wi‑Fi) and described upcoming work on permit/GIS modernization, a possible citywide camera platform funded in part by a federal grant, and planned firewall and financial‑system replacements.
IT Manager Sergio Todorov told the Bellflower City Council on June 8 that the city has completed a series of technology upgrades meant to speed service delivery and improve security.
Todordov presented the 2025–26 Information Technology annual update and highlighted completed projects including migration to a cloud-based phone system integrated with Microsoft applications, replacement of an aging public‑works platform with a cloud system that supports the MyBellflower mobile app, and a contract for 24/7 managed detection and response cybersecurity services. He said the park network has been extended and meeting-room audiovisual tools were upgraded.
Why it matters: Todorov said these changes reduce paperwork, let field crews close service requests on-site, and improve coordination across departments. In describing the app’s impact on field operations, operations staff explained that tasks that once took a day or more to touch multiple hands can now be completed in minutes. As one operations staff member put it, “What used to be a day and a half to two days, a lot of the stuff is now 15, 15, 20 minutes.”
Todorov walked council through active and planned work. Near-term projects include building‑permit system modernization targeted for a September go‑live and a GIS platform refresh to integrate city data and improve decision tools. The IT manager also identified an integrated security camera and access-management option being considered for the new Oxenter building; staff said an RFP was issued for a citywide camera project and bids have been received. Staff reported the city received about $850,000 from Congressman Robert Garcia’s office to support a citywide camera project; the council was told staff will return with contract recommendations when vendor evaluations are complete.
On cybersecurity, Todorov said the new MDR service monitors systems around the clock and can quarantine compromised devices. He also noted that a third‑party penetration test conducted about a year earlier did not penetrate the network but flagged improvements that staff are addressing.
Todorov flagged planned replacements of end‑of‑life network firewalls (expected by year‑end), meeting‑room modernization to comply with SB77 remote‑access requirements, and a financial‑system migration later this year. The IT division will also expand training and change‑management to help staff adopt new systems.
Council members pressed for usage metrics and results. Todorov said much of the app feedback is internal (from field crews) but reported substantial time savings; operations staff confirmed the app’s notifications and closure features improve resident transparency. Council members also asked about budget and grant alignment; staff said grant funds will be folded into the camera procurement and that price negotiations are ongoing.
The council thanked Todorov and staff for the report and invited follow-up on vendor selection and implementation timelines.
