The Information Technology Department, hereinafter referred to as the "Department," is hereby established. The Department is responsible for the integration of all activities and resources designated as: 1. systems and data processing, comprised of computer-based systems design and implementation, applications, and operating software; 2. telecommunications systems and networks, comprised of the integration of planning, development, and implementation of all systems and network services; 3. delivery of applications and other information services products that meet the users' specifications in terms of quality and cost; 4. protection of the Town's computer data and information assets and resources; 5. identification of opportunities in the development and support of new and existing technologies; 6. training of employees in the use of various aspects of information technology; and 7. formulation of an annual Information Technology Capital Plan as part of the Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
It is the intent and purpose of this by-law to establish a department whose mission it is to assure that technology is used to enhance the delivery of Town and school services and information to the community. The Department will work to attain efficiencies and economies of scale; reduce or eliminate duplication and overlapping of services, responsibilities, and functions; improve the coordination of planning for the use of technology between and among various Town departments; and manage the implementation of all technology-related projects.
A.
Appointment and term of office. There shall be a Chief Information Officer, hereinafter referred to as the "CIO," recommended by the Town Administrator with the concurrence of the Superintendent of Schools for appointment by the Select Board in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 270 of the Acts of 1985. The appointment shall be made annually for a term of one year, commencing July 1 of each year and continuing until the appointment and qualification of a successor.
B.
Qualifications. The CIO shall be a person especially fitted by education, training and experience to perform the duties and exercise the powers of the office.
C.
Powers and duties. The CIO shall be responsible for the effective management, administration and coordination of all operations within the Department, including financial affairs and the management, administration and control of all personnel assigned to the Department. In conjunction with the preparation of the annual financial plan, the CIO shall review all hardware and software requests for all Town departments. The CIO shall appoint and may remove all other personnel within the Department.
The Select Board shall appoint five residents to serve on the Information Technology Advisory Committee, hereafter referred to as the "ITAC," for three-year staggered terms so long as they remain residents. The ITAC shall be responsible for providing community input to IT decisionmaking; periodically reviewing the IT strategic plan, including annual updates; and evaluating lessons learned from major IT initiatives. The ITAC shall meet quarterly and at other times deemed necessary by the CIO and/or the Chair of the ITAC.
The CIO shall form an Interdepartmental Information Technology Committee, consisting of representatives from Town and school departments that use information technology. The Committee will be responsible for fostering cross-departmental collaboration, promoting multilateral communication relating to IT issues among departments, and reviewing all proposed IT capital projects, thereby ensuring that an enterprise-wide approach to technology is undertaken, duplication of services and/or systems is eliminated, and the purchase of incompatible systems is avoided. The Committee shall meet at the discretion of the CIO.