HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8283 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8283
p,A T tp Date: October 24, 2000
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
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Ig,r3 SUBJECT: Acquisition of Computers from Eastside Workforce Center
As national discussion continues regarding closing the "digital divide", the City of Fort Worth is working
to overcome the traditional barriers to technology access, such as inequitable distribution of information
technologies, lack of technological resources in the central city, and the location of computer facilities.
Fort Worth is developing solutions that will result in narrowing the digital divide within its economically
disadvantaged communities.
A need exists to place technology opportunities in locations that are more widely used by economically
disadvantaged citizens. The placement of computer labs in community centers in Fort Worth will address
this need. These centers provide learning opportunities, recreational activities, and on-site social services
for all ages.
In 1998, the Parks and Community Services Department (PACSD) Community Centers were recipients of
computers when the Intergovernmental Affairs/Grants Management Division acquired new computers.
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These computers were placed at the four centers (Greenbriar, Highland Hills, Hillside and Riverside) that
conduct the CDBG funded Student Training, and Afterschool Recreation (STAR) program. Additionally,
since that time, a learning center has been developed at Martin Luther King Community Center through
CDBG funds and a learning center is under design for North Tri-ethnic Community Center through CDBG
funds. In March 2000, a grant application was submitted to the U. S. Department of Commerce for the
Technology Opportunities Program grant. This grant would have established learning centers to include
the purchase of six computers at five community centers for a total of 30 computers. Unfortunately, the
grant application was unsuccessful. The Department will be applying for a $100,000 grant in December
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sponsored by 3 Cam Corporation for hardware, software and/or professional services.
Recently, the Eastside Workforce Center contacted the PACSD regarding the availability of several
computers since that center is being closed. Staff has developed a plan regarding the relocation of these
computers and other related computer lab equipment. In determining the location for the computers, staff
looked at existing learning centers to ascertain if additional computers were needed. Based on the
computer inventory the computers and workstations are being relocated to nine community centers.
Attached is the inventory of existing computer labs, including the additional equipment from the Eastside
Workforce Center
As we continue to apply for and receive funding for the establishment of learning/computer centers, staff will
evaluate existing centers and continue to distribute based upon need.
The overall anticipated outcome of the establishment of computer labs is to reduce the digital divide currently
existing in Fort Worth. This plan will provide innovative approaches to strengthen communities, deliver
services to people in need, and address the needs of special communities. Specific goals for the computer
labs include 1) computer usage and knowledge of participants will increase, 2) Internet usage and knowledge
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS N o. .283
pATXp., Date:October 24, 2000
0 r' ' f 40vp);�' - To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
�W�4rjls/
feT*3 SUBJECT: Acquisition of Computers from Eastside Workforce Center
barriers to technology access while enabling individuals to, gain or increase computer and technology skills.
Through an increased computer literacy, computer labs will ultimately impact the quality of life for the
communities to be served.
Staff will continue to pursue alternate funding sources to increase the numbers and locations of computer labs
so they will be available for all citizens of Fort Worth. Should you have any questions regarding this matter
please contact Libby Watson, Assistant City Manager or Richard Zavala, Director of the Parks and
Community Services Department.
-,Bob Terrel
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
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COMMUNITY CENTER COMPUTER INVENTORY FOR PUBLIC USE
SITE #,OF CO PUTERS, 1' TE ;;<ETC
SOURCE OF
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FUNDING,
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North Tri-Ethnic 4 PC's, 1 information terminal (CORE), 2 shared printers MODEL BLOCK,
(Project Completion -- July 2001) LLEBG
Riverside 5 PC's, 5 work stations, 2 printers (2 PC tutorial only) CDBG, STAR
Eastside Workforce
Como 8 PC's, 1 information terminal (CORE), 2 printers Lake Como Area
Council, LLEBG
Martin Luther King b PCs, 1 information terminal (CORE), 3 printers, CDBG, LLEBG
educational software
Hillside 3 PCs, 2 work stations, 3 printers, educational software Grants Management
*Ordered, but not yet delivered STAR, Eastside
Workforce
Handley- 1 computer, 2 work stations Eastside Workforce
Meadowbrook
Sycamore 1 computer, 1 information terminal (CORE), 3 work Eastside Workforce,
stations LLEBG
Diamond Hill 1 information terminal (CORE) LLEBG
Northside 3 computers, 1, information terminal (CORE), 3 work Eastside Workforce,
stations, 1 printer LLEBG
R. D. Evans 1 computer, 1 work station Eastside Workforce
Highland Hills 3 PC, 2 printer, 2 scanner, educational software CDBG
Thomas Place 1 computer, 1 work station Eastside Workforce
Fire Station 1 computer, 1 information terminal (CORE), 1 work Eastside Workforce,
station LLEBG
Worth Heights 3 computers, 1 information terminal (CORE), 3 work Eastside Workforce,
stations LLEBG
Greenbriar 3 PC, 1 printer, educational software CDBG
Southside NRD 1 PC, 1 information terminal (CORE), 1 printer CSBG, LLEBG
Riverside NRD 1 PC, 1 information terminal (CORE), 1 printer CSBG, LLEBG
Far Northwest 1 PC, 1 printer CSBG
NRD
Kennedalel 1 PC, 1 printer CSBG
Mansfield NRD
Key to Abbreviations:
f CORE Community Resources
CDBG: Community Development Block Grant
CSBG: Community Services Block Grant
LLEBG: Local Law Enforcement Block Grant
STAR: Student Training and Afterschool Recreation Program