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IT, GIS and Minuteman Media outline modernization plans and expanded public services
Summary
The town's Technology & Media Services described priorities including modernizing phone and help‑desk systems, strengthening cybersecurity, expanding GIS public apps and upgrading Minuteman Media equipment and streaming, with IT supporting roughly 400 users and GIS powering operational maps and public-facing web tools.
Chief information officer Jeff Weiner and division managers presented Technology & Media Services to the Finance Committee, describing three interconnected divisions — Information Technology (IT), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the Minuteman Media Network — and plans to modernize services and expand public-facing tools.
“We think of technology as a core utility for local government,” CIO Jeff Weiner (speaker 10) said, describing priorities around modernization, cybersecurity and improved resident experience. IT operations manager (speaker 15) gave a deeper dive on service delivery and security, saying the department supports 40+ business applications and is moving to enable greater self‑service through a new help‑desk platform and cloud‑based phone system. The IT manager reported near‑99% availability for core services.
GIS program manager Heather Bamack (speaker 16) described GIS uses across departments — mapping impervious surfaces for the new stormwater fee, optimizing routes, mobile inspection apps for field crews and public web apps that drew 32,000 views during the 250th events — and said the team is transitioning legacy content to ArcGIS Pro and planning a public web redesign.
Julie Manugian (speaker 6), Minuteman Media Network manager, said the enterprise fund upgraded cameras and mics at Town House, produces roughly 80 pieces of media monthly, expanded podcast production and will equip the Goodwin Forum and the middle‑school library for livestreaming and hybrid meetings.
Why it matters: IT and GIS underpin daily municipal operations and emergency response capacity, while Minuteman Media supports transparency and public access to meetings. Committee members encouraged more departmental outreach so technology staff can tailor solutions to operational needs.
No formal decisions were made; staff said they would continue engagement with departments to translate needs into projects.
