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RESOLUTION NO. R-1314-37: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $14,812 FROM THE STATE SEIZURES AND RESTITUTION FUND BALANCE TO ACTIVATE A SUBSCRIPTION FOR BLACKBOARD CONNECT SERVICE THROUGH THE END OF THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR.
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BACKGROUND: The primary mission of the Norman Police and Fire Department is to protect the lives and property in the City of Norman. In some instances, critical emergency events occur when critical or emergency notification may be necessary to carry out this important mission. A goal of all City of Norman departments is to keep citizens informed about issues critical to the quality of life in our city.
DISCUSSION: The appropriation requested would be to purchase a subscription for access and use of the services from Blackboard Connect. This company provides an internet accessible service which can be used to make thousands of notifications in just a few minutes. Notification can be made to residential phones, cell phones, and text message services. The use of Blackboard Connect will allow the Police and Fire Departments to make emergency notifications in large areas in a short period of time. Examples when this service would have been extremely useful include during the recent wildfires in east Norman, for notifications to affected areas following the recent tornados, and for notifications of temporary street closings when serious or fatal collisions are being investigated.
This subscription would not be limited to use just by the Police and Fire Departments. All City departments would be able to use the service as we expand its use. There is no limit on the number of notifications that can be sent out. Some common examples for use by other City departments could include the following: the City of Norman Water Utility could make notifications to specific areas which may be affected by a water main break; the City of Norman Street Division could make notification for road repair ...
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