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Nowthen council approves interim server purchase, directs further bids on equipment and camera system
Summary
After a vendor presentation on cloud vs. local options, the council approved buying a lightly used Dell PowerEdge T350 as an interim server and directed staff to pursue additional quotes for public-works equipment and a new camera solution; alarm-panel replacement also received approval.
The Nowthen City Council voted Feb. 10 to restore the city's local server capability by purchasing a lightly used Dell PowerEdge T350 while staff continues to evaluate longer-term cloud options.
Tools for Business consultant Craig explained three options after the city's server failed earlier: build a new local server (estimated near $10,000), buy a used server (two Dell T350s quoted at about $3,180), or migrate data to Microsoft 365/SharePoint in the cloud. Craig outlined trade-offs: cloud hosting reduces some ransomware risk and upfront hardware cost but creates ongoing subscription costs and potential data-mining/availability concerns; a local server preserves on-premises control but requires replacement/upkeep. He also discussed VPN, backup, and conditional-access considerations.
Council members raised concerns about continuity, data security and total cost of ownership. After discussion the council approved a motion to purchase the used Dell T350 (~$3,180) as a multi-year interim solution and asked Tools for Business and staff to complete the migration and report back.
Other technology and facilities items
- Security alarm box: Clerk Natalie Johnson reported a recommended alarm-panel replacement (one-time hardware cost quoted around $1,130) to allow computerized code programming and keyless-entry integration. The council approved replacing the panel and adjusting monitoring fees (net monthly monitoring reduced once internal inspections are provided by the chief).
- Cameras: Council discussed recurring failures with the current IPS camera system and a lower-cost alternative using Blue Iris software running on local hardware. Craig estimated a functioning Blue Iris setup (computer + licensing) and reuse of existing wiring could be implemented for roughly $3,000–$3,500 depending on camera replacements. Council directed staff to obtain final estimates and return with a recommendation.
- Public-works tools: The council deferred a brush-cutter and low-profile snow-pusher purchase pending additional quotes, asking staff to seek three bids, check local Minnesota manufacturers and confirm state-purchasing options before proceeding.
Next steps: staff will schedule server installation, return with firm camera-replacement costs, collect additional equipment quotes, and report progress at upcoming meetings.
