HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/05/1999 Minutes - Special MeetingY2K
TOWN HALL MEETING
South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium
21865 E. COPLEY DRIVE
DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA
Saturday, June 5, 1999
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Chang called the Town Hall Meeting
to order at 9:12 a.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management Auditorium,
21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Chang, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor
and Council Member Huff. Council Members Ansari and Herrera were
excused.
Also present: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager; Mike
Nelson, Marketing Director, James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David
Liu, Deputy Director of Public Works; Phil and Deborah Armentrout,
Emergency Operations Coordinators; Kellee Fritzal, Assistant to the City
Manager; Anne Haraksin, Administrative Assistant and Lynda Burgess, City
Clerk.
2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION: Wen Chang, Mayor and Terry
Belanger, City Manager.
3. OVERVIEW OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING ACTIONS RE: Y2K:
CM/Belanger announced that the June 1 City Council meeting cable replay
will be at 12:00 noon today. The three hours are devoted to the planning
efforts of public agencies and private agencies that provide services to the
community on how they are addressing the Y2K situation. He thanked staff
members Mike Nelson, Marketing Director, Laurie Kajiwara, Marking
Coordinator and Nancy Whitehouse, Secretary to the City Manager/Office
Manager for their extra -ordinary efforts in bringing this town hall meeting to
the public. Y2K has been an issue that has been widely reported over the
past couple of years as a potential issue in a myriad of services that are
provided to us through electronic processing. It is an issue that has been
talked about, has had great focus placed upon it in terms of its importance,
and is an issue that has had a tremendous amount of criticism as to how
important it is. You will hear in the next two and one-half hours how
seriously the City and other public and private agencies take this matter.
CD/Nelson thanked the participants for their interest in this matter which the
City has billed as "Diamond Bar 2000, Preparing for the 21st Century."
June 5, 1999 Page 2 TOWN HALL
MEETING
He explained that the Y2K bug or millennium bug is the inability of computer
programs in the year 2000 to interpret the correct century from a recorded
or calculated date having only two digits to indicate the year. Why is this
important? If there is a rollover to the year 2000 and the computer industry
and computer type devices that contain imbedded chips could lose data,
there could be a miscalculation or errors in data. The greatest fear is that
there will be a total shutdown of modern day services as we know them.
That is why there are so many public and private agencies that are making
great strides in preparation for this potential critical event. The City has a
three pronged approach to its Y2K strategy: 1) Internal preparation of its
hardware and software network, multi -agency outreach and coordination
efforts with agencies that both the City and residents rely upon for services,
and public information and education. With respect to internal preparation,
in January, 1999, the City completed a citywide information technology
upgrade which involved replacement of obsolete computer hardware with
year 2000 compliant hardware and software including a new operating
system and software packages that are used by staff. As a result of these
upgrades, the City should be well prepared. When the clock ticks over to
the year 2000, there should be no effect on the responsibilities and services
provided by City staff. Multi -agency outreach and coordination involves
contact and monitoring of other State, County, utility, vendor and contract
agencies. Preparations are underway with immediate staff to meet any
potential emergency that may occur within the City. Staff members have
been exposed to emergency response preparation techniques. Later this
year, staff will be involved in a full exercise. Staff continues to proceed with
public information and education such as a four part series in the Community
Newsletter and Recreation Guide that touches on the Y2K issue as well as
what public agencies are doing in preparation of Y2K and what residents can
do to be prepared. In addition, this Town Hall meeting will be rebroadcast
throughout the year. Within the next few weeks, staff will add a temporary
Y2K web page to the City's website with information and links to other areas
of the web where people can access additional information.
EOC/Phil Armentrout stated that he and his wife, Deborah, perform
emergency preparedness planning and coordination for the City. Over the
last year, they have developed "The City of Diamond Bar Standardized
Emergency Management System Multi -Hazard Functional Plan" which
follows all of the guidelines and requirements of the State and Federal
Government and shows how to prepare and respond to a disaster. The
document outlines what types of hazards Southern California may
encounter. The threat analysis section talks about hazardous materials, fire,
flood, civil disturbance and air traffic accidents. In Southern California,
everyone lives with the threat of earthquake. In addition to Y2K being a
technical problem, it could also be an emergency planning problem for which
staff has been preparing. He encouraged the citizens of D.B. to prepare
June 5, 1999 Page 3 TOWN HALL
MEETING
themselves for Y2K. He related the need for citizens to prepare by
comparing an earthquake with a Y2K problem. He explained that this is the
perfect time for residents to prepare themselves in the areas of food, water
and medical.
EOC/Deborah Armentrout directed attention to the Y2K Emergency
Preparedness handout. She recommended that everyone obtain a copy of
the handout, which is distributed by the Governors' Office of Emergency
Services. Because there is a potential for some type of impact, it is
impossible to determine at what level. It could be a minor inconvenience, or
there could be larger disruptions. The handout contains basic suggested
preparations. Some of the items discussed are: food and water; barbecues
and campstoves for cooking and heating; sleeping bags, blankets and warm
clothing; how to deal with garbage; health, medical and dental (keep extra
prescriptions on hand) and basic supplies for 3 to 7 days. Keep extra cash
on hand. Have at least one non-portable telephone in the house for
emergency situations. Maintain the car's gas tank at least half full during the
weeks prior to Y2K. Do not store gasoline in the home. Other things to
consider: Portable generators, legal documents, pets and livestock (food,
water and other supplies). Do not panic -just get involved in preparedness
planning now for peace of mind when January 1 rolls around. The back of
the handout contains suggested websites that are helpful to citizens.
Dave Amdahl, American Red Cross, stated that his organization provides
disaster services including the feeding and sheltering of people involved in
a disaster. The American Red Cross provides an emergency disaster
preparedness booklet which he advised people to obtain and use. The Y2K
pamphlet includes: Stockpile disaster supplies, have a small amount of cash
on hand, maintain extra blankets, coats, etc., have alternative cooking
sources, keep your vehicle's gas tank above the half tank level, have plenty
of flashlights on hand (don't use candles for emergency lighting), examine
smoke alarm systems and check to see if they have battery backups, and,
if sheltering is required, be prepared to move to a Red Cross shelter. The
American Red Cross has resources available locally, statewide and
nationally.
MPT/O'Connor asked where the D.B. Red Cross shelter is located.
Mr. Amdahl responded that it depends on which type of shelter is needed
and how many people it must accommodate. Several sites are available
including local schools, churches, and public buildings. The location is
determined based upon need.
June 5, 1999 Page 4 TOWN HALL
MEETING
LOS ANGELES COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES:
John McIntire, LAC Information, stated that the Chief Information Office was
established two years ago to integrate and coordinate technology
development within the 47th largest county in the union. One of the efforts
undertaken in 1997 was the role of facilitating year 2000 compliance within
the county. Year 2000 has several implications, primarily having to do with
computer technology, facilities, specialized equipment, medical equipment,
etc. Worldwide, the cost for 2000 -year mitigation will be two trillion dollars.
In L.A. County alone, $155 million will be spent with 400 full-time staff
working on the situation. The Office has confidence that the problem will be
satisfactorily resolved and potential major problems will not be forthcoming
as a result of these mitigation efforts. Although citizens have concerns
about the year 2000, government is taking care of the related issues. The
Chief Information Office is reaching out to both public and private agencies
to be certain that there is continuity of service beyond the year 2000. The
CIO has a three pronged program for dealing with the issue: 1) The
inventory, testing and mitigation of computer and imbedded chips, 2)
outreach (basic services of coordinating telephone, fuel, power, to insure _
continuity of service) and 3) public awareness. He believed it is important
that the public begin now to prepare for the year 2000 event just as they
would prepare for a major storm. The following timeline represents L.A.
County's preparation status: Every month, CIO meets with each of the 43
department's representatives and monitor their status toward compliance
with year 2000 in the area of computers (currently 95% compliant for all
computer systems'- the remaining 5% will be completed by September 30)
and imbedded chips which requires reliance on manufacturers to assure the
CIO that their devices are compliant with the year 2000 effect. He pointed
out that medical delivery devices, traffic flow devices, etc. are imbedded chip
devices. Full compliance is expected by year-end.
Deputy Mike Harvin, L.A. Sheriff Department, L.A. County System
Coordinator and Y21K Coordinator for the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriffs
Station - regarding 911 .emergency service in the year 2000, the telephone
company assures him that the system will continue to work. He asked the
public to have confidence in the system and that at midnight on December
31, 1999, everyone not pick up the telephone to see if 911 works. Like any
other system, it can be overloaded. The Sheriffs Department is also
involved with the Emergency Management Information System (EMIS) which
is used in the event of a major emergency such as earthquake, fire, flood,
etc. This system is year 2000 compliant because it is not date -reliant. The
Sheriffs Department network computer system is year 2000 compliant. The
Sheriffs Station is over 85% compliant for the year 2000. He reiterated that
people need to be prepared for the year 2000. He wanted to assure the City
and residents that all emergency services are and will be up and running.
June 5, 1999 Page 5 TOWN HALL
MEETING
C/Huff asked if the department uses computer technology at Twin Towers for
controlling secured areas for prisoners.
Deputy Harvin stated that the computer system is available as an
enhancement to the physical presence of a deputy, a custody assistant and
other personnel which is used to control lights, security gates, etc. The
internal locks are imbedded chip and key hardlock ready. The hardlocks
override the electronic system. If the electronic system fails, the system will
revert to what it was several years ago.
Responding to MPT/O'Connor, Deputy Harvin stated that the radio dispatch
system is a direct antenna system and direct car -to -car and car -to -station
system. The Walnut Sheriffs Station has a battery back up and full -on
generator system that will power the entire station within 10-15 seconds from
the moment electricity fails_
Chief Gil Herrera, L.A. County Fire Department, stated that his organization
has 149 fire stations throughout the county. He spoke about the internal
systems and what it takes to run the organization. The department identified
25 critical systems, 24 of which have been certified and future date tested
Y21K compliant. The one remaining system will be certified by a vendor in
July, 1999. He assured the participants that the department's 911 system,
field incident system and emergency communication center are certified Y2K
compliant. Those items with imbedded chips such as heart defibulators,
global positioning devices that direct helicopters, the radio communicators
and telephone switching systems, are all certified Y2K compliant. The 200
facilities throughout the County have been inventoried for security purposes
and environmental control systems for Y2K compliance. All but three
facilities have met Y2K compliance and the other three expect to reach
compliance by September, 1999. The three D.B. facilities are Y21K
compliant. The department has been working closely with service providers
to ensure that the 911 telephone system will be operating and that there will
be no interruptions in power, water or gas. This year, the department
identified four incident management teams which are made up of department
heads, captains, chiefs, administrative, procurement officers, etc. that are
brought to order whenever there is a major disaster. Emergency
preparedness is the department's main mission. The department believes
that Y2K will come and go and they will meet the task.
In response to C/Huff, Chief Herrera explained that the Fire Department has
radios that require repeaters and they also have a direct load.
DDPW/Liu explained that the City contracts with the County Department of
Public Works to maintain the City's approximate 50 traffic signals. The
County conducted raw testing earlier this year and is confident that all traffic
June 5, 1999 Page 6 TOWN HALL
MEETING
signals will function properly. The Model 170 controllers, which are used in
the City's traffic signals, are Y2K compliant. Signals are timed for Monday
through Sunday and are not date- dependent. In the worst case, signals will
convert to flashing and the City will dispatch staff or its maintenance crew to
conduct traffic control at critical signalized intersections.
CM/Belanger stated that the City is working with its street maintenance
contractor to have in place a contingency plan in the event that the traffic
signal system completely fails and the City needs to provide stop signs and
other traffic control devices at the City's main intersections. The City will
have a backup contingency plan in place by October, 1999.
UTILITIES:
Mary Fitzpatrick, Manager of Communications for Southern California
Edison's Year 2000 Program Office, stated that her firm has produced a Year
2000 Readiness Disclosure. SCE has a very comprehensive broad program
in place. Early on in the program, the company set challenging goals, the
first of which was to be 75% complete with work on mission critical systems _
by 1998 and the second to be 100% complete by July 1, 1999. At the end
of 1998, SCE was 80% complete. SCE is on track to meet its second goal
of 100% readiness with mission critical systems in just 25 days. She
encouraged everyone to visit the website, www.sce.com/y2k or call 1-800-
816-8112 to learn that SCE did, in fact, meet its 100% goal. Mission critical
means anything that has the potential to affect customer service, health and
safety of the public, health and safety of company personnel, company
revenue stream or regulatory compliance. The program has oversight and
support from the highest levels of company management, from an executive
director board to the CEO and Board of Directors. The work is structured in
a manner that is consistent with many other utilities and company's Y2K
programs. SCE has a clean management program which guards against the
reintroduction of any non -Y2K ready systems into a system that has already
been remediated. SCE practices contingency planning on a regular basis
for all kinds of disasters. She explained that SCE tests all vendor systems
to be certain of compliance. Due to extensive research, SCE has
determined that on January 1, 2000, there will be outages within the system
due to things such as people celebrating Y2K, hitting poles, windstorms and
other non -Y2K related events. SCE will have an additional 500 people on
staff as of January 1, 2000 to provide rapid response to any disturbances
that might occur, SCE does not want to see any interruption in the safe and
reliable service that it has provided for over 100 years.
Gary George, Public Affairs Manager for GTE, encouraged people not to
panic. The utilities that have been with the public all along the way will still
be with the public at the turn of the century. GTE established its Y2K
June 5, 1999 Page 7 TOWN HALL
MEETING
program and office in 1999. GTE has more than 1200 employees working
on this situation along with 30 core team members that continually monitor
all of the systems. GTE is a member of the CalCo 2000 Forum established
by the President of the United States in 1995. Other members include:
Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, Bell South, Southwest Bell (PacBel), US West,
Southern and New England Tel. The infrastructure testing for Y2K
compliance was completed in 1998 and to date, all tests were successful
and positive which means that all internal systems are system compliant and
all vendor systems are Y2K compliant. Any new vendors must be Y2K
compliant or they are not hired. Persons with questions may contact GTE
through their website at: www.telcoyear2000.org. GTE does not anticipate
a problem. However, if a problem does occur, GTE has 24-hour battery
backup systems and generator backup at all of its central offices. He asked
people not to flood the system with telephone calls and to instead, have
confidence that the system will be functioning.
In response to C/Huff, Mr. George stated that home and business telephone
systems with battery backup systems will continue to be fully functional in
the event of power failure. With respect to cell phone technology, PacBel's
system is on the same compliance program as GTE.
In response to MPT/O'Connor, Mr. George stated that GTE utilizes satellites.
All satellites and associated equipment have been brought into compliance.
Nancy Stuve, Southern California Gas Company, explained that a special
task force had been appointed to identify potential problem areas for the Gas
Company and all affiliate companies. The project is on scheduled to be
resolved by June, 1999. She outlined what Sempre Energy had been doing
to bring the systems into compliance. She explained that approximately 60%
of the company's systems require change. The company is proceeding to
insure that its systems are in compliance and that none of its operations will
be impeded by January 1, 2000.
In response to CM/Belanger, Ms. Stuve reported that if an entire area shuts
down, a crew will be assigned to the area to get the system up and running.
All homes will be visited, the gas turned back on and all appliances will be
checked. She recommended that if the gas to the house is off, that residents
do not turn on their own gas and that they call the gas company for service.
Dennis Hernandez, Walnut Valley Water District, stated that the District is
working vigorously to insure that the public will have an uninterrupted supply
of water on January 1, 2000 and beyond. He explained the various phases
of the company's program. During the assessment phase, the District
realized that there were certain things that had to be done to reach
compliance including replacement of its mainframe computer system, and
June 5, 1999 Page 8 TOWN HALL
MEETING
update of its operating system and programs. The personal computers used
by the District and the pump plant systems are Y2K compliant. Since March,
the District has been using programs that utilize a four digit year and the
system has experienced no problems. If the SCADA system fails, the District
has the ability to operate its pump stations manually. At the end of the year,
the District will fill all of its reservoirs and tanks in preparation for any
unforeseen prolonged power outage so that it will be able to provide
uninterrupted water service to D.B. The District office has a propane -
powered emergency generator that will keep the office operational. This
system is checked on a weekly basis. In addition, there are two portable
gas -powered transportable pumps that will keep the water flowing. The
company has its own gas tank and intends to have all of its trucks and
portable generators filled with gasoline at the end of 1999. Walnut Valley
Water District fully expects to be able to provide its customers with
uninterrupted water service.
In response to MPT/O'Connor, Mr. Hernandez indicated that the gas -
powered pumps will feed water to approximately 200 homes and are easily
transportable.
In response to CM/Belanger, Mr. Hernandez explained that most of the water
service in D.B. is provided by gravity. The water from Lake Matthews comes
through pipelines and gravity feeds to the Laverne treatment plant and most
of the water for D.B. comes directly from that plant.
Joe Dunn, Production Manager, Century Communications, stated that his
company is ready for the new century and that all systems are Y2K
compliant. Channel 12 will continue running.
CM/Belanger reported on companies not represented at this Town Hall
Meeting (L.A. County Sanitation District, Three Valleys Water District,
Metropolitan Water District and the cellular telephone companies)
contingency plans. Information regarding these entities will be placed on the
City's website for the public's information.
Mark Tamayo, Walnut Valley Unified School District, stated that about two
years ago, the District began looking at what it might face regarding Y2K
issues, such as acquisitions of hardware and software. The District
formulated a plan which looked at the areas of safety, communication,
operation and remediation. With the exception of two large antiquated
telephone systems at the high schools, the systems are in compliance. If the
assurance that the District is receiving from SCE holds true, the systems will
remain in operation. The manufacturer of electric and fuel bus computer
chips have assured the District that the buses will operate. Should the
schools experience loss of water or power, the State will not allow operation
June 5, 1999 Page 9 TOWN HALL
MEETING
to continue and in that case, the District will resort to its earthquake
preparedness plan. The District is about 65% complete in reaching
compliance within the computer labs. The remainder of the equipment and
programs will be moved out and replaced by new acquisitions.
In response to MPT/O'Connor, Mr. Tamayo indicated that the student record
system is currently undergoing upgrades and is expected to be completed
by July, 1999. Current records continue to be available. The District does
not perceive a difficulty in students obtaining their transcripts in 2000.
Dr. Jerry Livesey, Pomona Unified School District, explained the District's
mission critical areas: Diagnosing and treating student operations,
programming, treating student data and information systems, updating
business systems. The District completed the treatment for business
programs prior to the end of January, 1999; student information systems the
end of June, 1999. Other non-critical mission areas are anticipated to be
completed by August, 1999 prior to the fall opening. The District is posting
a website for its community members: www.pusd.org with issues relative to
Y2K. The system will be interactive so that the public can ask questions and
receive responses.
In reply to MPT/O'Connor, Dr. Livesey stated that he would always request
an advance hardcopy of student records as an ounce of prevention.
However, the District does not anticipate any system problems in 2000 and
expects to be able to provide prompt and accurate record information
relative to student data.
In response to CM/Belanger, Dr. Livesey indicated that the District is
currently working on the electronic notification system.
TRANSIT:
Brian Hunt, President, Yellow Cab, regarding Diamond Ride, said that all
systems are go for the year 2000 in the taxicab business. The computerized
dispatch system has been updated for Y2K compliance. The entity is
dependent upon the infrastructure that is being discussed today - electricity
and fuel, telephone system and computer systems. The system has backup
generators, battery systems and alternative radio routes that can be used
without electricity. Fuel is critical to the system. A 7 to 10 day supply of
propane is maintained at the site and several fuel vendor accounts are
maintained. New Year's Eve is the industry's biggest night and 1999's
Friday night eve will be one of the biggest. Therefore, Yellow Cab is in the
process of readying many of the vehicles that do not normally run during
such events to make them available to help meet some of the demand.
Friday afternoon will be extra busy and he encouraged Diamond Ride
_ - June 5, 1999 Page 10 TOWN HALL
MEETING
participants to do their shopping early to avoid the rush.
Len Thompson, Y2K Task Force Coordinator for CalTrans District 7 area
(L.A. and Ventura), stated that his firm is working on contingency plans for
providing at least a minimum level of service to internal, external and
business customers as well as local agencies. He explained the Task
Force's pursuits and areas of concern. His telephone number is (213) 897-
0819.
MPT/O'Connor asked if CalTrans systems are run by computers and if the
computers have been updated.
Mr. Thompson responded that the computers have been updated to plus
90%. The balance will be completed before the July 31, 1999 submittal
date. CalTrans will have compliance with all of the computers that regulate
the traffic signals and main office. Pumping plants are regulated by water
level.
Joe Vincente, MTA, congratulated Council and staff for holding this Town _
Hall meeting so that the community will be assured that life will continue as
usual after December 31, 1999. He assured D.B. residents that there will be
no adverse impact on them from MTA. He presented a slide show, which
depicted MTA's preparation to meet the demands of Y21K.
Steve Sieschlag, Foothill Transit, thanked the other vendors for their
presentations. All of the presenters are inter -dependent. Foothill Transit
may be prepared but if all of the other vendors are not prepared, the service
is out of business. All of Foothill Transit's computer hardware is Y2K
compliant. Vendors have assured us that the software programs are
compliant. However, as a contingency, FT is running a prototype to run
every application that is currently in place and roll the dates over to make
absolutely certain everything works on the simulated January 1, 2000. In
addition, FT does not believe it will have difficulty placing busses on the
street regardless of computer systems. He explained that FT has alternative
fuel sources at each of its two facilities - EI Monte and Pomona. The
Pomona facility has a large backup generator that will run the entire facility
for an extended period of time. Assuming that there are no_ power outages
for extended periods of time, FT does not believe it will have a problem in
the transport areas. The software that runs the fare systems on the buses
is not Y2K compliant. Therefore, FT has let a contract to GenFare to
upgrade the software for all of the fare boxes which will be completed this
fall. The dispatch system is a fixed route system. FT has made
arrangements to have sufficient fuel in all of its tanks at the maintenance and
operations facilities and has power backup systems at the maintenance
facilities and at the management offices in West Covina. FT is currently
June 5, 1999 Page 11 TOWN HALL
MEETING
updating its telephone system for management purposes only. In all other
respects, the current system is Y2K ready.
Peter Hildago, Manager of Media and Government Relations for Metrolink,
explained the regional rail authority's system for Y2K compliance on its long
distance passenger railroad system. The City of Industry station, which
serves D.B., is the most popular station for use by passengers of the 46 train
stations that Metrolink administers throughout the six counties of the
Southern California area. He assured the public that the gate system is not
date sensitive and all railroad crossings should not have a problem with
respect to the Y2K issue. Locomotives and event records will be updated to
insure compliance. Vendor tests have rendered ticket purchase systems
compliant. Administrative staff members will all receive new Y2K compliant
computers next month. In addition, a new telephone service will be in place
prior to year end.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
CM/Belanger said that the community as well as the country in general
should be greatly comforted by the fact that the public and private agencies
that serve them are mindful of the issues that have been raised related to the
year 2000. All agencies are doing everything necessary and appropriate to
assure that our lives are going to be unaffected by the passage of the year
1999 into the year 2000. He urged the community and to have faith and trust
the efforts of all of the people who are involved, that the year 2000 will not
have an effect so .that when January 1, 2000 rolls around, that the cataclysm
that everyone was concerned about that had been planned for not to
happen, does not occur as a result of the public's lack of trust in its public
officials and businesses. If you pick up the phone on January 1, you may
trigger an event that would not have happened had you not picked up the
phone. Let the systems that work all of the rest of the year work when we
pass from the year 1999 to the year 2000. To assuage the public's
concerns, the City will provide information through the remainder of the year
through the written media as well as throughout its electronic media. If the
public has concerns that cannot be answered through these devices, they
should call City Hall and staff will make every effort to get answers to any
and all questions.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jack Wong believed there was a lot of denial at work with respect to what
will occur worldwide. He believed the potential problems are really more
serious than the public has been led to believe. He commended D.B. for its
heads up approach. He did not believe people understand how serious the
imbedded chip situation is,
June 5, 1999 Page 12 TOWN HALL
MEETING
Joseph Chan thanked Council and staff for hosting the Town Hall meeting.
He asked about the sewage system and said he would like to hear from the
sanitation department. He asked what will happen if everyone is wrong and
the electricity will not come on, the telephone system won't work and there
is no water. No one really addressed the issue of how long the interruption
of basic services might last.
CM/Belanger reiterated that sanitation department information will be
available through the City's electronic system. He explained that the City is
preparing for the worst possible scenario with respect to Y2K. With respect
to Mr. Wong's concern regarding fossil fuel, the City will endeavor to get
information about what is being done by those companies to insure that we
do not experience a halt in petroleum products as a result of the imbedded
chip system.
M/Chang thanked staff and presenters for providing information in this public
forum.
MPT/O'Connor thanked presenters for the valuable input. She said it is _
interesting to hear how the different entities are inter -related and dependent
upon one another. She asked staff to include public information regarding
the trucking industry, the grocery industry, the banking industry, hospital
industry and gas station industry. She thanked everyone for their
participation.
C/Huff thanked staff and the attendees. With respect to the imbedded chip
industry, it was cheaper for the computer industry to produce a chip for a
clock that included all of the functions. Other, applications may use similar
technology. While the need for a calendar or a time was not contemplated,
it may still result in a complication which is the driving force behind a lot of
concerns, especially with respect to second and third world countries. He
is pleased that D.B. has taken a proactive approach to the Y2K concerns.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Chang
adjourned the Town Hall Meeting at 12:00 noon.
LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk
ATTEST:
Mayor r