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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-17 Work Session MinutesDublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Minutes of Meeting Mayor Peterson called the Monday, September 18, 2017 Work Session of Dublin City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. at Dublin City Hall. Members present were: Mr. Keenan, Mr. Lecklider, Ms. Amorose Groomes, Mayor Peterson, Vice Mayor Reiner and Ms. Alutto. Ms. Salay was absent [excused]. Staff members present: Mr. McDaniel, Mr. McCollough, Ms. Goss, Ms. Readler, Ms. Mumma, Ms. Burness, Ms. Richison and Mr. Plouck. Mr. McDaniel stated that with the recent City reorganization, a Chief Information Officer position was added, which is now held by Mr. McCollough. The intent was for that position to not only serve as an I.T. Director, but to be an individual who would be forward-looking in regard to information technology opportunities. Both CIO Doug McCollough and Development Director Donna Goss have been diligently reviewing emerging technology opportunities and industries for the City to consider. They are engaging the talents of the Economic Development team with the Information Technology team to evaluate how to build upon the emerging tech cluster. This builds upon the previous work of Council and the ongoing development and growth of the Dublin fiber optic system. Council has been involved in various regional discussions, including that of the US 33 Corridor, which resulted in the Council of Governments (COG). The presentation tonight will address the opportunities identified for Dublin. This discussion is timely, in advance of the 2018 Operating Budget considerations. Doug McCollough, Chief Information Officer thanked Council for being interested in learning about these opportunities for the City. There are buzz words, such as Smart City, Internet of Things (IOT), Smart Mobilities, Smart Transit, Multi Modal, Smart Parking, Cyber Security, Health IT, Tele Medicine, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Eco Tech, Environmental Tech, Big Data Analytics, Predictive Analytics — at the root of all is the word "smart." As Dublin's CIO, his focus is to identify Smart City opportunities for Dublin. "Smart" is when the system acts on analysis it has gathered. Cameras and sensors gathering traffic data do not make a City smart, nor do decisions made upon analysis of the collective data. If the data and decisions effect a change, that is not smart; but when the system performs the action on its own on the basis of the analysis — that is smart. It is possible for a city to have a "smart" traffic management system or "smart" lighting that automatically responds to gathered data, yet not be a smart city. A city is a system of many interconnected systems and will approach being a smart city, when many of those systems are smart. The city may have a smart government, but a city includes many interactions of the community, some of which it does not control. A smart city is larger than its government. The line to "smart" crosses many technology innovations, for instance, the Internet of Things (IOT) — are things interacting with each other without human direction or intervention, acting and transacting with each other. Emerging Technology Opportunities: Some of the emerging technologies are relevant to Dublin. Tele Medicine, a part of Health I.T., is now present in Dublin. The Ohio Health site at 565 Metro Place is observing patients through cameras and sensors. One person can observe 30 patients, as opposed to the current health model. Another technology, Block Chain, can address hacking and data breach issues. Crypto currency will be coming to our businesses. Connected and autonomous vehicles are still in the Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 2 of 11 future, but they will change how people use roads and where and how they work. Artificial intelligence will help people make decisions or make decisions for them. They will generate and manage services, serve as agents — all automated, and will provide information people cannot provide to themselves. Eco/environmental technology relates to energy, land use, water, wastewaster and sustainability. It is important to coordinate these technologies within the community's market, which is the reason the City needs to prepare. The Triple Helix model, which has been mentioned to Council previously, is a model that works. It relates to connecting industry, academia and government. Academia would include the National Science Foundation grants, for which Dublin has applied. Our connections to universities and higher education are important. We are engaging both, and it is the connection points between the three entities that allow us to develop better. Dublin Schools now offer STEM education, whereby high school students can complete college courses. There are many aspects of higher education and academia that need to be included. The City has significant interaction with Dublin Schools, is working with Athens and Findlay schools, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College and a few other schools to a lesser degree. The City also has the Central Ohio Research Network (CORN) and the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. The City's goal is to work with whole industries, not just companies. Regarding governments — the Intelligent Communities Forum interacts with governments. Dublin has a relationship with the State, with Sister Cities and the COG. It interacts with other governments, conducting road shows around the state. Those interactions are beneficial in making our Triple Helix model work. Mr. Lecklider inquired what about the structure of the local Intelligent Communities Forum. Who manages and staffs it? Mr. McDaniel responded that a couple of years ago during the budget process, Dublin undertook the Institute of the Intelligent Community. Dublin has been successful in the broadband economy, which is what the ICF has been about, and the six ICF indicators have been the benchmark for Dublin's economic development initiatives. Essentially, Dublin is a facilitator in bringing cities, industry and academia together around the indicators of the ICF. Dublin has hosted many local discussions on that topic and conducted four road shows around the State of Ohio on the Intelligent Community and creating a vision for an Intelligent Ohio. More recently, Dublin sponsored dialogues in northwest and southeast Ohio with Roberto Gallardo, now with Purdue, formerly with the Cooperative Extension Service at Mississippi State. Mr. Gallardo has expertise with broadband in rural communities, and Dublin has been sharing and promoting what has been successful here. Tomorrow, he, along with the leaders of other cities, will be addressing the Speaker of the House regarding the Senate Bill 331 bill issue about small cell technology and telecommunications. Telling the story from a municipal level is paying dividends at the state level in terms of the importance of the municipality's role in the sphere of broadband. It is a critical utility for all communities. Mr. Lecklider noted that it appears the City is managing the ICF interest without engaging additional staff. Mr. McDaniel stated that although it has been an additional duty for staff, it has also been a very enlightening experience. Mr. McCollough stated that when a National Science Foundation grant is offered, university professors are seeking a community partner. These large think tanks are interested in reaching Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 3 of 11 more than one government -- rather, a cluster of communities, a region or even an entire state. Grantors have asked Dublin how, if a grant were to be awarded to Dublin, that might be used as a conduit to other local governments. Dublin is one of the few places that presents the opportunity for a university to work with a local government, but also extend the benefits of that grant outside of Dublin. This attracts the interest of greater university/higher education. Past investments and projects in Dublin have been very successful, in particular, the Legacy Office Park. Dublin is elevating and expanding its brand as a superior location for technology business. From that, Dublin needs to look for other opportunities, or run the risk of being derailed. In his role with the City, he has been speaking throughout the area as a subject matter expert on this topic. This has allowed him to: (1) expand the influence of the Dublin brand and direct the narrative in ways that benefit the City, and (2) learn from subject matter experts in academia, industry, government and inventors. This has resulted in relationships, projects and access to expertise and pilot projects that Dublin otherwise would not have had the opportunity to do. He has spoken in many cities around the country, sometimes associated with the ICF, but also within other realms. For a variety of reasons, including its reputation, its Triple A bond rating and its DubLink platform - - Dublin is being approached with specific opportunities. Entities approaching Dublin include: Ohio University, Wind River (a division of intel centered on smart mobility), HoloPundits, SMRTColumbus, IBM Watson, the State of Ohio, Transportation Research Center, Siemens Intelligent Traffic Systems, ATT, Verizon, Sprint, 3M, Honda R&D, Goodyear R&D, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., OSU, PressTek, Pillar Technology and others. Many ventures are interested in being involved in the Dublin community, perhaps conducting a pilot program or locating a small office in Dublin. This is the challenge -- there is a large amount of opportunity, but how can that be best focused to the advantage of the community. Mr. McDaniel stated that IBM Watson is the data analytics computer. For them to indicate an interest in having a relationship and presence within Dublin is significant. SMRTColumbus has a $50 million grant and $400 million in follow-on investments. However, they are limited to the parameters of that grant, so they have requested that Dublin work with them on some projects that they are unable to pursue within their grant parameters. He noted that it is impressive to be approached by some of these global entities. Mr. Keenan inquired if these entities are interested in providing funding to Dublin for certain opportunities or in obtaining funding from the City for those. Mr. McCollough responded that they are not interested in either giving or securing money; they are looking for a launch pad. They want to test their technology in this community. Although they would not be giving money to the City, Dublin would not have to pay for these projects. IBM Watson would provide technology for Dublin to use at no cost. 3M wants to place an innovative pavement on Dublin's roads. They need to try the technology somewhere first. Due to Dublin's reputation, there is significant value in being able to use Dublin as their launch pad. Mr. McDaniel stated that Dublin sits in an interesting location -- between the SMRTColumbus significant infrastructure investment and COG's investment in the US33 Corridor. Dublin has some of the infrastructure, as well — broadband and computer technology, and in Dublin, there is an opportunity to bring all that together. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 4 of 11 Vice Mayor Reiner inquired if any of the companies are interested in having a physical presence in Dublin, in addition to their experimentation projects. He is thinking of Mizuho Bank and the underground fiber that European banks are using. Mr. McDaniel responded that the underground technology that Europe has utilized to protect their bank data within the fiber optic has been brought by Battelle to the United States. Dublin has an agreement with Battelle, and Battelle has been testing that technology on Dublin's fiber optic system. That is the type of research and development that can be brought into the City's infrastructure, and the resulting synergy and interaction with other players presents a real opportunity. Vice Mayor Reiner inquired if there is the opportunity, or could Dublin develop an opportunity, to market that banking technology here by becoming that type of banking center for the region and country. Ms. Goss responded that one such opportunity for Dublin is with FinTech, financial technology companies. She spoke with a company named "Acorns" today, which has developed a micro investing app that syncs with the user's debit card and allows the user to invest their "spare change." The company is interested in locating in Dublin, where they can connect with investors and have access to the resources that support financial institutions and technology. Mr. McCollough clarified that these are only approaches, opportunities and possibilities. Their job is to identify the best opportunities for Dublin, minimizing the City's costs while maximizing the economic activity and benefitting from it all. These companies are interested in locating here for the same purpose — to gain something from being in Dublin. Mr. Keenan inquired if their interest is in the City's 100 gigabit fiber optic system. Mr. McCollough responded that it is part of their interest. It is a combination of several things - the 100 gigabit system, DubLink and the Smart Mobility grant. Mr. Keenan inquired where the super computer is located. Mr. McCollough responded it is located on campus at the State of Ohio Computer Center. Mr. Keenan inquired what is necessary to obtain access to it. Mr. McCollough responded that it can be accessed outside Dublin, but in Dublin, the connection would be through OARNet — the Ohio Academics Resource Network. The City has a connection to that at Metro Data Center. Mr. Keenan inquired if a fee is required for that. Mr. McCollough responded that no fee is paid for a cross connect. It is a public resource, but is restricted to research organizations. It is necessary to provide evidence of a public interest in the requested connection. Mr. Keenan stated that there is a software company that does crash test simulations with significant algorithms for Honda at Metro. Does that qualify as research and is the access through OARNet? Mr. McCollough responded that it is not considered research, but the access is provided through OARNet. The company came to Dublin, and the City negotiated a connection for them with OARNet. The connection had a one-time cost and lasts indefinitely. Their fiber through the City's 100 gigabit network is connected from a building there into OARNet and the Super Computer. That can be repeated with any company located in Metro Center. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 5 of 11 What Other Communities are Doing: Mr. McCollough stated that as other communities are faced with these same opportunities, as well, they are building centers and facilities. [He shared examples of facilities]. These multi-purpose facilities have certain common characteristics, different from the office or cube concept. They offer a new way of working — wide, open working spaces. There are more sofas, tables and benches than desks. These facilities can be used for multiple purposes, including networking, conferences and large meetings. They lend themselves well for use by companies, governments, universities -- entities within the Triple Helix, examples of how work is done in a new, technical environment. It is important for the City of Dublin to be forward looking as to how work will be done. We want people coming to Dublin to see that Dublin is "ahead of the game." The City has the network, the brand, and technical spaces, and all the interesting technology companies are here in central Ohio; Dublin is keeping up as the best place to locate. For a technology business, it can be challenging to have a big conference or meeting. In some of these multi-purpose facilities, it is possible to have everything in one room — work during the day, meeting in the evening, conference on the weekend, and a networking event another evening. These type of facilities are catching up with Class A office space, because small to medium-sized businesses are the growth engine and are all over the country. Some portion of the community needs to be using this new way of organizing work. The facilities are attractive to a knowledge-based workspace; more open and collaborative, multipurpose — suitable for individual, teamwork, breaks, networking, transitional, gathering, display, large meetings and conferences. This is what other cities are doing — those who are moving into co -working maker spaces, such as technology. They are less -structured environments and use more of a subscription model than a leasing model. Ms. Amorose Groomes noted that the 5500 Frantz Road building has been renovated to this type of design. Mr. McDaniel noted that the old Nationwide Building is also being renovated to this type of model. Ms. Alutto inquired about the payroll tax implications. Are taxes calculated in the traditional manner for businesses using a subscription model? Ms. Goss responded that it could work two ways. Taxes for employees on the payroll of a business are calculated in the usual manner, but for consultants who are paid from their main headquarters, taxes are done differently. Ms. Alutto stated that many of the people being brought into these type of spaces to work are contractors. Dublin would not see a tax benefit from those arrangements. Mr. McCollough stated that the tax base is changing and the nature of work is changing. There is significant work activity that the City does not see, which is occurring in kitchens and home offices. He would like to see Dublin do as other communities are attempting to do, and that is bring people back into work spaces within buildings. At a minimum, the city is able to have some view of the kind of work that is happening. People want to work in groups. He is attempting to look at the horizon and be aware of the changing method of work and the potential implication on the City's revenue. There is value in bringing the five -person shops into buildings, where they can help energize the economy. What Dublin Can Do: The goal is to do what is known to work. Dublin has a track record of picking the moment well. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 6 of 11 The Dublin way is to do things that are cutting edge, and to do them in a unique way, combining things that others will have difficulty duplicating. The data coming out of the Smart Mobility and Smart City projects is going to be available everywhere, not only in the Columbus integrated data exchange, at TRC or in Dublin. Dublin has negotiated well and has the fiber from that running through Dublin, so Dublin will have access to the data. Dublin will likely have access to the Columbus and SMRTColumbus data, as well. Everyone will have access to the same data through the open system. What will differentiate Dublin is being a location where businesses want to come to access that data service quickly and conveniently. To attract small and large businesses to locate here, Dublin needs to offer a simple method of interaction with the City. Dublin's "secret sauce" is to package the data as a service and make it available with the key differentiator of being a more business -friendly location. The goal is to create a "landing strip" where we direct the traffic, interest and incoming approaches. Essentially, we want to direct them to our "landing strip," and upon learning their interest, direct them to a destination. We can provide information, data, community, relationships, resources, locations, markets and workforce — the air traffic controller of all. We want to be the next generation of smart city -- not only collecting the data, but serving it up as a product and a service with the ease and convenience that people have come to expect. Current Example: An example based on this idea is Amazon web services, a massive server infrastructure or network. This is how Smart City data needs to be accessed, with a couple clicks of the button at the web. This is how Dublin can outpace its competitors. When other communities provide a binder of regulations for interested businesses, Dublin wants to have a start-up app that will give people access to the data, including other cities' data. Dublin would like to be the location where they can go to interact with the region. Council Discussion: Ms. Alutto requested clarification of that vision — what service would be provided to a company looking for the data to make business decisions. Mr. McCollough responded that the ideal is to offer a hub where they can download the desired data — traffic, financial or population. Some of the data may not be ours and they would need to purchase it — Dublin can purchase it for them. Dublin's app would serve as a pass-through entity or a one-stop shop to get the needed information. They may need a license for some of the data. Ms. Alutto inquired if Dublin would charge a fee for that type of service. Mr. McCollough responded our goal is to provide a service that could generate revenue for the City. The differentiator is that Dublin's data, location, fiber, network, relationships and access to our markets will attract a business to locate in Dublin. Ms. Alutto inquired if this would be leveraged as an economic development tool. Ms. Goss responded affirmatively. It would be the beginning of an innovation eco -system, bringing everyone together with like minds and interests. This will provide a place for people to connect and explore what others are doing in their field of interest, providing them access to both the data and the environment. As mentioned, Dublin can also give them the ability to test the product or service they are developing. We can offer a living laboratory in Dublin. Due to the smart planning and investment of this Council in the West Innovation District, that is a prime area for development. There are many opportunities there, including partnerships with Ohio University. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 7 of 11 Ms. Alutto inquired asked him to identify Dublin's direct competitors. Mr. McCollough stated that they would be other suburbs along the northern edge of Columbus, including Hilliard, Powell and Delaware — every local community who can gather the Smart City data. All communities will have access to the Columbus IDE (Integrative Data Exchange). Whoever presents it well to the business community will win. Columbus and other large cities are competitors, as well. We are competing on a global level, as we are competing for location. Ms. Alutto noted that the stage is actually much larger than central Ohio. Mr. McCollough stated that although Dublin has generated revenue from leasing its fiber, Dublin can also give it away. We could potentially give a large company five or six fibers if they were to locate 300 jobs in Dublin. Ms. Alutto inquired if it would be an economic incentive. Ms. Goss responded affirmatively. Dublin has offered fiber as an economic development incentive in the past. Ms. Alutto noted that what Dublin would be offering is more than just a conduit for the data. Ms. Goss stated that there are other ways to leverage those partnerships as well. If they are a service provider that is creating something Dublin can use, such as a parking app, we can build that into their economic incentive — giving them an opportunity to test it and the Dublin community the opportunity to use it at no cost. Ms. Alutto stated that it was mentioned that Mr. McCollough's speaking engagements have resulted in opportunities for projects or initiatives to which Dublin otherwise might not have had access. What are some examples? Mr. McCollough stated that he spoke to Juniper Networks, and Dublin now has a marketing partnership with them. He spoke on Intelligent Communities in York, Ontario. That has resulted in a more global voice for Dublin. As a result of another speaking engagement and relationship, Dublin now has the opportunity for a National Science Foundation grant. Mr. McDaniel noted that there is now an opportunity with an R&D component of Pillar Technologies, who is interested in having a physical location in Dublin. Mr. McCollough stated that following some of the City's speaking engagements, Pillar Technologies approached Dublin. They have an opportunity for a State grant for a location for smart mobility. They are considering three communities, including Dublin. They are looking for a physical location in which to display their connected and autonomous vehicle technology. Ms. Alutto inquired if Dublin would be the only place for that to occur between Columbus and Marysville. Mr. McCollough responded that connected vehicles may be in many places around central Ohio because of SMRTColumbus, but it is not likely any other community would put a center together for them to be displayed as well. Ms. Alutto inquired about his comment on energizing the City's Legacy Office Park. What are some of those initiatives or projects? Mr. McCollough stated that one of the most important was the 100 -gigabit project, which has resulted in significant interest in the Metro Center office area. Companies are interested in locating in thattech-centeredarea. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 8 of 11 Ms. Goss stated that there are some companies that have located there because of their need for the 100-gbps speed. Ms. Alutto inquired if the PACE agreement and the 100-gbps fiber could be marketed together to further energize the Legacy Office Park area. Ms. Goss responded there will be a workshop in October where they will present greater detail on the City's plans for that area. The ideas include potential economic development incentives to assist in renovated spaces, perhaps in partnership with smart technology companies. Mr. McDaniel stated that many of the projects the City has been working on are culminating here. Currently, the City has a less than seven percent office vacancy, so there isn't much capacity to leverage. When Cardinal Health has relocated to its new space, it will free up space in their current buildings. The Smart City synergy, autonomous vehicle technology is occurring within the same timeframe, so the City needs to be ready with its initiatives. There is some funding in the Capital Budget for Smart City initiatives, and staff will be working on concepts. More discussion will take place at the Operating Budget workshops. Ms. Alutto stated that she is not aware of another city that has a similar vision for a one-stop shop app. What would define success for us, and how would it be tracked? Mr. McCollough responded that this is conceived as an economic development step; it does not step outside that model. Currently, there are couple of steps missing between the City's DubLink 100 -gigabit model to the West Innovation District vision of universities, government, think tanks, R&D firms, materials and advance manufacturing — a very high tech area. How do we get there? The vision is a one-stop shop. We need the companies to come here so that when the West Innovation District develops, Dublin is the desired location. We don't want to build that and then try to attract the businesses. We want them already here. Mayor Peterson stated that many of Dublin's high school students are already taking some college - level courses, and the opportunities that will be available to the Dublin school students within this community are unbelievable. Mr. McCollough noted that includes the access to data. There is an element of the Smart City data that is relevant to our schools and citizens. Access to that data will elevate Dublin to become a richer, more mature community. Mr. McDaniel stated that Matt McQuade, Columbus 2020 and Tim Homan, Columbus, met with Dr. Hoadley at his invitation today about these types of interests. Dublin Schools are fortunate to have a forward -thinking superintendent. Mayor Peterson noted that Dublin is not only a desirable place to work but also a desirable place in which to live. Dublin represents the whole package. As an example, recently a Chinese automaker interested in locating in Dublin asked about Dublin's school system. On the other hand, many people are telecommuters. They are able to work for a Dublin company from a location outside this community. Because taxes are based upon the area in which people work, there are tax implications for Dublin. Mr. McDaniel stated that ICF has inquired if Dublin would be interested in the concept of TeleWorks, which is based upon the issue of the changing work force and a changing tax scenario. They will be looking into that concept. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 9 of 11 Mr. McCollough stated that because it is his job to look at ideas, what would happen if the tax scenario began to change, and a services and fees and value-added service began to emerge? In the past, taxes have been based upon schools, roads and infrastructure. People working from their homes could find some value in being in Dublin and paying, if Dublin offers them something. So he is looking at the individual contributor, the three-person shop, a new shop. Some of these people are multi -millionaires, and they will never hire many more people. They will continue to work as they are for a few more years. How do we engage them in Dublin? He believes Dublin's schools, bicycle trail system, parks, and other amenities could make them want to live here. When they locate here, how can Dublin engage them in a service that will benefit their business and from which Dublin can generate revenue? Ms. Goss stated that Dublin should be looking at a potential revenue source from technology commercialization. If people are accessing Dublin's data and building products and services from that, is there a way in which Dublin could potentially benefit from whatever they develop? Perhaps this could be achieved through a partnership with Ohio University. Mr. McCollough stated that Dublin will need to experiment. Without building a large behemoth, what can we put together that would give us insight as to what is coming and experiment with new services and models, so that in five years, the City will be ready. Ms. Goss stated that technology commercialization is one way to capture revenue that we might otherwise lose in payroll taxes. Vice Mayor Reiner inquired what direction from Council is needed. What are the next steps for the City? Mr. McCollough responded that the vision is for a physical center that offers some new services. Mr. McDaniel stated that there has been some staff discussion about this possibility, but it is most important that Council understand the changing environment. The investments Council has made in the past will pay off. The challenge is how to get to the next level, because it is important to take advantage of some of these opportunities. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that it is equally important to figure out who will be the policy makers who will ultimately control all of this. As great as it is to be the leader in this technology opportunity and in being able to display data through an app, if Dublin is left out on the policy end, we really have lost. This would have to be a significant component of any proposal for a facility or hub that is brought to Council. It is great to lead in governance theory, which is what we are doing now; however, it may be even more important to lead in governance policy. Mr. McCollough stated that the revenue component is a concern. He works for the City of Dublin, so his concern will be Dublin's interests going forward. That includes how local government will continue to have home rule authority. As the resource changes to data and the whole economy shifts, how can we maintain the interests of local government? Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that the next big question that will come is determining where a person works. Do you work where you physically are located, or do you work from the office whose system you are logging into? Mr. McCollough stated that the concept for a subscription model seems different, but if the Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 10 of 11 individual is using the City of Dublin access to the business gateway, perhaps that can happen anywhere in the world. Perhaps that is not a tax, but a service. If this local government service is superior, it will be used when travelling or working from other locations. We need to begin to look at our City as something that is accessible digitally. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that the most important question, if we are talking about a global scale — is that if they can log in anywhere in the world, people will look at the cost associated with logging in here. It will be important for Dublin to stay "mean and lean." They will be seeking bids, so what is the cost of doing business in Dublin? It will be a multi -faceted issue of capabilities, service, leadership and value-added items. She would encourage the City to have a point person who -- as much as Mr. McCollough is submerged in forward -thinking technological opportunities -- is submerged in the City being a leader in that area, as well. [At this point, Mr. Keenan departed the meeting due to a family obligation.] Mayor Peterson inquired when the concept of DubLink was created. Mr. McDaniel stated that the City began to discuss it in conjunction with the Telecom Act in 1996, and DubLink was implemented in 1999. Mayor Peterson inquired if it would be correct to say that DubLink was the foundation for all the rest of this. Mr. McDaniel responded affirmatively. Mayor Peterson stated that the facility could be the next "DubLink" type of idea. Mr. McCollough stated that the City has done a good job in advocating for what it offers here, and it has gained the City a good amount of economic development attention. But, beyond that, the facility and the data are critical, and that is the current battle. The City is working with the state and the federal government, because everyone wants this data. He wants to make sure the City of Dublin has this data. We would only be a conduit for it, but it would be a significant differentiator for Dublin from other cities, as important to the City as DubLink has been the past 20 years. In every time cycle, it is important to get the right thing at the right time. At this moment during the Smart City buzz, Dublin needs to provide the facility where others come to access the expertise. Mr. McDaniel noted that in referring to the City, that includes its great businesses. New companies are coming in, and there is great entrepreneurial capacity in Dublin's residents. We are engaging with residents, as well. Ms. Amorose Groomes noted that she recently attended the ribbon -cutting for Groove U. She was surprised to learn that soundtracks for Oscar -winning movies were produced in that building on Bradenton! There is no similar facility in the world, and the knowledge that will result from that will be fascinating, as well! Mr. McCollough stated that, as he noted earlier, a Smart City is not just City administration and local government. It includes its business, faith and school community, as well. Dublin needs to be a smart community. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, September 18, 2017 Page 11 of 11 Mr. Lecklider noted that he hopes this next significant phase will be as relatively inexpensive as the DubLink. Mr. McDaniel stated that the City's initial investment in DubLink was $3.2 million; including later investments, the City has spent a total of $6.5 million. The City has enjoyed an estimated $45 million return on that investment. That does not include future returns or the jobs that have resulted — 14,000 jobs have been attracted/retained as a direct connection to that investment. Mr. McDaniel summarized that what they are taking away from this discussion is that Council is generally supportive of staff continuing to pursue the current direction. Council will be hearing more on these topics during the operating budget process. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Deputy Clerk of Council