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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/09/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - Community Technology Advisory Commission - RegularCommunity Technology Advisory Commission Sept. 16, 2020 OFFICIAL MINUTES 1. Call to order – roll call Meeting started 6:12 p.m. by videoconference Present: Bruce Browning, Cindy Hoffman, Abe Levine, Rolf Peterson, Kelly Heitz, Mike Siegler Absent: Mohamed Mohamud Guests: Sandeep Sinha, Shawn Wood, Aaryn Anderson Staff: John McHugh, Clint Pires, Jacque Smith 2. Adoption of agenda - Agenda adopted as presented 3. Introduction of new members Commission members introduced themselves to new members Kelly Heitz and Mike Siegler, who also introduced themselves to the commission. Staff members also introduced themselves. 4. Insight presentation Sandeep Sinha of Insight gave a presentation about smart cities. The key concept of smart cities is to find ways to improve quality of life for all citizens and to create a more efficient, responsive and sustainable city. It’s about outcomes in daily life – not technology. Pires provided in-depth information about the city’s five strategic priorities and suggested that by aligning any suggestions for smart cities with those priorities, the commission will be more likely to gain support from the city council for suggested initiatives. Browning asked about the need for internet access for citizens to engage with smart cities. Anderson stated that there are levels of access. For example, sensors on buses may send information on when the next bus will arrive through an app on a smartphone that would require internet access, but could also send an SMS to a phone requiring only cell service, or send the info to a display board at the station which requires no internet access at all on the part of the user. Browning asked about concerns around facial recognition and privacy. Sinha said this isn’t really about the cameras but about how the data is used. For example, it can be used to exonerate someone who is suspected of a crime. Levine said that it’s been stated there’s no expectation of privacy in public spaces. Browning asked about how senior citizens and others who have challenges might be included in smart cities. Sinha acknowledged this is a concern and something to consider. Browning asked about the security of cloud storage. Peterson and Levine both affirmed stated their belief that the cloud is more secure than servers. Heitz said the security of even the cloud still depends on how you use it. Levine asked for an explanation of predictive policing. Sinha replied that this uses data collection to identify areas of a city with more criminal activity, so that solutions can be targeted to those areas. Levine asked about streetlights and if they can withstand the placement of additional equipment such as shot spotters or air quality sensors. Sinha said people have been very forward thinking in how the sensors have been developed and in most cases streetlights and wooden poles can handle the additional load. Anderson stated the goal of the October workshop will be develop one to three smart city opportunities for smart cities in St. Louis Park. He further stated that participants should also consider how they might extend technology already in place. One example of this might be the sensors placed to read water meters in St. Louis Park – how might that be used further? Levine asked for some specific dates from the Insight representatives related to the upcoming workshop. Smith asked that all participants take the online poll to identify dates that will work for them for the workshop; a date will be chosen based on when the majority can attend. Smith said within a week she will plan to send a follow up to the commission members with their homework of brainstorming use cases. Insights would like to have another call with staff to develop an outline and create an agenda for the workshop. City staff also will work on list of staff to include in the workshop. 5. Approval of minutes a. February 12, 2020, minutes were approved with one correction that Rolf Peterson was present at the meeting. Browning motioned, Peterson seconded, all voted in favor of approval with the correction. 6. Communications from the chair/commissioners None 7. Staff items Smith let the commission know that Theo Pohlen’s term ended Aug. 31, 2020, but that he has reapplied for a second term on the commission. Browning moved, Heitz seconded to adjourn. Meeting adjourned 7:51 p.m.