For City Council Meeting April 28, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
AUTHOR: Kevin Johnston, IT Manager
Title
Request City Council to: (1) Authorize a Purchase Order with Nth Generation in an Amount Not to Exceed $475,000 for Four Cisco 9000 Series Switches and Two Palo Alto 3420 Firewalls and (2) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute all Related Documents.
(ACTION)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the City Council:
1) Authorize the procurement of two Palo Alto PA-3420 Next Generation Firewalls and four Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches to replace the City's existing core network infrastructure; and
2) Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute all related documents.
BACKGROUND
As of January 2026, the core network switches that serve as the backbone of the City's network stopped receiving software and security updates. Similarly, the City's firewalls, which provide security, resiliency, and connectivity inside and outside the City's network, will stop receiving software and security updates in less than a year. Although devices can function without updates, cybersecurity best practices recommend replacing any hardware that no longer receives security updates. Without these crucial components, internet and Wi-Fi connectivity would be unavailable, office phones across all City facilities would cease to function, and cybersecurity threats like malware and ransomware would pose significantly greater risk. In anticipation of this, staff have conducted thorough research to find a modern solution that can effectively replace the aging equipment.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Staff analyzed network bandwidth over the course of multiple months, compared equipment from different vendors, and consulted with other California municipalities on equipment reliability and satisfaction. As a result, staff recommends the City Council approve the purchase of two Palo Alto PA-3420 Next Generation Firew...
Click here for full text