The Commission met in the Media Center of Mary Hooker School, Sherbrook Avenue, Hartford at 4:30 p.m. In attendance were D. Anwar Al-Ghani, Chair; Walter Benjamin; Ken Boucher; Steven Casey; Rich Kubica; Ann LaPorte; Al Ouellette; Bob Richter; Joel Sanchez; Greg Secord; and Michael Vasquenza.

The meeting began with introductions. The chairman welcomed Steve Casey of the Connecticut Dept. of Information Technology who attended the meeting in Peter Sullivan's absence.

The Commission approved the minutes of the meeting of Oct. 9, 2001 by unanimous vote.

Greg Secord reported on the Planning, Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting of the City Council that was held the previous week. He said that the PEDZ Committee accepted the report and was very positive in receiving the Commission presentation. The Council members were interested in dialogue that would further the city's progress in technology development. Greg discussed some of their responses. He believes that the Commission is viewed as a forum for establishing a roadmap or vision for the city. The diverse nature of the Commission, with representatives from the schools, library, government and private sector lends credibility to our visions and plans. Councilwoman Sheff asked for assistance in finding resources for computers for the Grandparents Taskforce that she works with.

Anwar said that the newly elected council members have expressed their interest and support in moving forward in the technology area. He anticipates that the new Council will challenge us to lead the city's progress in this area.

Anwar discussed the subject of membership. He emphasized that the positive reception from the PEDZ Committee and new Council members should outweigh other concerns regarding changes to commission membership. He reviewed what has been done to date to facilitate membership changes and reviewed plans to move forward after December 4, 2001 when the new mayor and council terms begin. He and Greg emphasized the importance of being proactive and approaching Council members with information and updates to keep our agenda active.

The issue of goals was discussed next. The main item discussed was a technology fair whose main audience would be city residents. Mike Vasquenza discussed the project for the Hartford Public Schools that he is working on for the spring that was originally intended to bring information to parents of school children. There was discussion of a jointly sponsored fair with the Commission, Schools, Library, City, etc. There was a discussion of some of the benefits and tools of computers other than education that are now or will soon be available.

A subcommittee will be created to focus on our tasks including Mike, Al, Steve, Rob, Anwar and possibly David Balesky. Mike will contact the above members to arrange a meeting.

There was discussion of the Commission's goal of updating the web site. The group confirmed the need to revamp and update the site. Funding and housing for the site was discussed. Ken Boucher will report on his ideas regarding the web site at the December meeting. There was agreement to add the web site development to the list of goals for the current year.

Anwar discussed the goal of having Hartford receive a high rating in Governing Magazine for the year 2002-2003. Some ways to improve service to residents were discussed, especially in adding useful information services on the city web site.

The schedule of meetings was distributed for commissioners. The subject of elections was raised. Elections have been put off until the official membership roll is established in December or January.

Information regarding Metricom that was distributed at October's meeting was discussed briefly. Al reported that he is waiting for an answer to his letter.

Ken suggested that a public relations piece be done to publicize the city's assets. There was an interest expressed in changing the Commission's name. Some members liked the name: Hartford Information Technology Commission.

The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Ann LaPorte
Assistant to the Commission