Buffalo, Minnesota has enhanced its city services through extensive web-enabled technology, including a fiber optic network and mobile access for public works and police. These advancements allow for real-time data processing, improved communication, and efficient resource management across departments. The transition to online services has led to increased citizen satisfaction and a reported reduction in crime rates.

1. Merton Auger, City Administrator, Buffalo, Minnesota

2. 35 Miles North of Minneapolis Population: 15,350 Electric, Water & Sewer, Streets, Parks, Wireless Internet, Police Department, Vol Fire. 60% Commute to Twin City Area.

3. The City has installed 117,549 feet of fiber. There are over 375 Wireless AP’s for the private and public Wireless Systems. City has provided a redundant loop to Wright County Facilities.

4. Needed to push the technologies that made our brick and mortar offices so efficient to the field. We need to collaborate on a city wide basis. Needed to find effective way of making use of Web enabled technology across our “enterprise.” Police Departments need the same “projection of force” needed by US Defense entities. City Internet System needed to be updated due to speed issues and interference issues of 900 MHz system.

5. Cities need to address fundamental change in the way resources (taxes) are distributed. Need to deal with persistent fiscal crises of the State and Federal government. Citizens are demanding cities change the way they do business. Citizens want to deal with cities on a 24 x 7 basis. And they DO NOT want to come down to city hall to do it. They want the city Web enabled.

6. Public works and fire department uses tablet PC mounted in vehicles. Police Department uses Data 911 Computers. City Wide Internal Network Uses Motorola Solo System.

15. Quick Service “ Your reporter recently tried out the City of Buffalo’s online service request feature on the city web site one morning, and the service requested was completed about the time he arrived home for lunch that day.” Ed Dubois, Wright County Journal Press – January 26, 2006.

16. The Utility Billing Service Request Order Module allows our office staff to send out meter readout requests from UB server to our field staff. The field staff receives the request through a Web interface. They then send in the reading (that goes directly to the UB server) via the Solo System. This process saves time and energy. The data is only handled once and is automatically entered into the system.

21. All City Staff have an email address and electronic calendar. Collaboration (through Outlook and Exchange) takes place on a real time basis. Schedules can be made/changed without interruption. Field staff has access to shared documents, addresses and phone numbers. They can process electronic POs as necessary in the field without having to go “back to the office.”

22. Portable MESH Camera can be used anywhere within the community through the SOLO network. Is easily moved where it is needed. Can be viewed on squad computers. Scenes can be recorded. Pan Tilt Zoom.

23. City Engineering Crews update mapping in the field using a Trimble Ranger. Information is updated in real time. Utility crews use maps to locate infrastructure using tablet pc and maps stored on Server. We can run our critical systems remotely in the field using a product called “WonderWare.” This includes towers, pumps, and lift stations.

24. The Fire Department can access our GIS system to run the attributes of a commercial property during a fire including location of dry standpipes, chemicals, entries, owner data. Data is acquired through the use of a tablet PC. The Police Department uses Data 911 Computers. Squad cars are actually able to be used as an AP because of the strength of the radio.

26. Because the PD has real time access to the Internet, Officers can make queries from the squad. Dispatch is not bothered by officers since they have access to records systems.

27. Enables officers to send switched messages between squads. Queries of persons, vehicles, and warrants. History of calls at a certain location. Auto –query of city database for prior incidents. Records Management System access through Law Enforcement Technology Group (LETG).

28. LETG Field reporting allows for ticket writing, accident report writing and automatic printing of forms including tickets. Swiping of License auto-populates report fields. LETG also enables GPS monitoring of police cars. The report is then pushed to the server.

36. QuantumCONNECT is the brand name of our new public Internet System. We make the Ruckus Wireless device part of our offering at no cost. It leverages signal capture in the home and can also be used in the home as a wireless router.

37. QuantumCONNECT is offered in speeds of 5, 3 and 1 MBPS. The DUO system serves as a backup to our internal SOLO system. This would be done using NetMotion security software. Transitory users can sign up for daily or weekly service using IP3 Server and Authorize.Net online payment service. System enables wireless access anywhere in community.

38. System has enabled the city to better respond to rising energy prices. In addition we have changed the way we do business to a “Web” based style in keeping with the way our citizens to business with the private sector. We are able to offer true Wi-Fi service throughout the community. SOLO has enabled us to have more effective and efficient public safety services. Our police chief has reported a 14% reduction in reported crime from 2004 to date.

39. Questions?