IT director outlines phone cloud migration, cyber defenses and GIS public mapping needs

The city’s director of technology, John Akitz, told the administration and finance committee on May 19 that Information Technology requests for FY2027 center on lifecycle replacements, cloud telephony, cyber security and improved public mapping.

Akitz explained the migration from an on‑premises Cisco call‑manager to a cloud‑based phone platform (Zoom Phone) will increase recurring fixed costs because the city will shift from capital purchases to per‑seat cloud licensing. He said the change will allow staff — including school employees in buildings with poor cellular coverage — to take or answer calls through soft‑phones on laptops and improve continuity for remote or hybrid work.

On cybersecurity, Akitz said the city uses a managed security provider (Arctic Wolf) and is testing additional options; the department runs phishing simulations and maintains redundant off‑site connections and backups so compromised machines can be isolated and restored. He emphasized regular training and the ability to lock out compromised endpoints to limit spread.

Akitz also described GIS and public‑facing mapping work, including joint projects to show roadwork and permitting details on map layers. He said several departments use GIS (assessor, engineering, planning, traffic) and noted efforts to create easier public access to parcel and project data.

The committee recommended multiple IT personnel and fixed‑cost items in committee votes during the hearing; capital requests include audio‑visual upgrades for the Community Life Center to support hybrid public meetings and server lifecycle work.