Work session discussion (Item 41 / One ATS)

[Mike Siegel]

Dear colleagues,

We placed Item 41 on the agenda to allow for public discussion of the One ATS initiative, including whether there are policy-level risks Council should consider before departments are reorganized and employees are transferred.

Resolution: https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/ ... ?id=472651

We’ve asked staff to prepare for work session, and look forward to hearing more on topics including:
• An explanation of the “comps” used to establish expected ROI;
• Discussion regarding potential risks, including risks to resident experience, staff retention, information security, and regulatory compliance, as well as strategies to mitigate those risks;
• Potential future phases of One ATS;
• The opportunity for ATS to implement a “federated” approach to technology services;
• The process for responding to any concerns from departments, staff, residents, and Council throughout the One ATS process; and readiness to course-correct in the event of setbacks.

We understand Council does not often vote on issues relating to departmental reorganizations. It was the above concerns, and in particular the risks to staff retention, data security, and operational success, that motivated us to post the Resolution for Council discussion.

We are thankful the City Manager responded through the memorandum of April 29, which clarifies the scope of Phase One and provides responses to some of the issues raised in our Resolution, and we look forward to hearing more tomorrow.

With respect,

CM Siegel
CM Velasquez
CM Ellis
CM Qadri