Update project configs for deployment

[fyliu]

• Part of Build issue: docker fails when trying to install postgres 13+225 #218

Overview

We need to improve the project configuration so that it is ready for deployment.

Action Items

• work though the deployment checklist to be able to switch the project from DEBUG to production using an environment variable
• Check off this issue's item in Build issue: docker fails when trying to install postgres 13+225 #218

Resources/Instructions

• deployment checklist