Lake Forest and Lake Bluff News Briefs: Aldermen vote to buy $50,000 worth of computers

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Updated: November 2, 2011 1:14AM

Aldermen OK computer buy

The Lake Forest City Council voted 7-0 Monday night to waive the bid process and purchase 67 desktop and six laptop computers from Dell, Inc. for just over $50,000. Fourth Ward Alderman Michael Adelman was absent.

The new computers will replace models that are considered “end of life” as they no longer have a warranty and most are starting to report reduced performance when performing common tasks, officials said.

The oldest computer in the proposed replacement is 10 years old; the average life of the is 7.6 years. The city’s entire computer inventory consists of 192 desktops, 35 laptops and 39 Toughbooks.

With newer energy savings capabilities, the replacements are expected to save just over 11,000 kilowatt hours annually.

Market Square sidewalk sale set

Businesses on Lake Forest’s historic Market Square will have a sidewalk sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30.

The sale is coordinated by the Market Square Merchants Association.

Water expert to address students

Lake Forest Open Lands will host Illinois native and water expert Kristian Gustavson for a presentation and panel discussion as he shares his understanding of the Midwest’s role in restoration of the Louisiana Coastline and the Gulf of Mexico from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 22 at Elawa Farm, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest.

The author will begin the day working with local high school students participating in the Center for Conservation Leadership.

Following his talk, Gustavson will participate in a panel discussion on local water policy with U.S. Congressman Robert Dold, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore and Lake Forest College Director of Environmental Studies Program Glenn Adelson.

Tickets are $15 each and available for purchase online at www.lfola.org.