To: Dale K. Weighill, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Ken Koleda, GIS Director
title
RE: Annual IMAGIN GIS conference
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval to attend annual IMAGIN GIS conference
BACKGROUND:
This conference has been the larger of only two statewide GIS conferences and has been held since about 1992. I have attended this most years in that time frame and have always gained useful information from the experience.
DISCUSSION:
GIS technology continuously advances, and it is essential to stay informed on what is available and what methods are most productive and cost-effective. IMAGIN (Improving Michigan's Access to Geographic Information Networks) is a professional development organization providing opportunities for its members to network with professionals who are using, creating, or maintaining spatial resources within Michigan. IMAGIN serves as a crossroads for spatial information users/developers at all levels of government, business, and non-profit organizations by providing its members partnership opportunities to recognize, share, and create spatial data resources for both traditional and new applications.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Funds allocated in annual budget in account 1010-246.00-910.005. The conference registration is $375 per person at member-rate and is very reasonable for two full days of sessions. This is a very cost-effective way to get training since in addition to the sessions there is ample time to meet peers from across the State and share knowledge.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
The knowledge we gain here helps us use our software more effectively and often helps us to prepare for upcoming technological changes in the field.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
This conference has historically helped us better communicate resources and services to county residents, and also offers opportunities to improve our efficiency thus aiding long term financial stability
.resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the director of the GIS Department to approve travel and overnight lodging for GIS Director Ken Koleda, GIS Specialist Christine Pobocik, and GIS Technician Paige Chmielewski to attend the Improving Michigan’s Access to Geographic Information Networks (IMAGIN) Annual Educational Conference at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan, June 2 - June 4, 2024, in an amount of $2,196.81 to be paid from account 1010-246.00-910.005 (Training Employees), is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documentation being on file with the official records of the February 21, 2024 meeting of the Governmental Operations Committee of this Board).