by TaLeiza Calloway
news@thenewsleaders.com

Some might say a city’s website is an introduction to a community.

If so, St. Joseph has plans to roll out the red carpet and brush off its doormat.

St. Joseph City Administrator Judy Weyrens told city council members March 1 it can take several hours for the site to work at times. She also said problems with the site can often consume staff time, and it can take hours before customer service can offer any technical assistance.

St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz has always advocated for a more user-friendly site.

“This has always been a pitch of mine,” Schultz said of improving the city’s use of technology.

He is eager to move forward with upgrades.

City Council member Steve Frank also noted the additional time needed to log-in to the site to view city documents. Fellow council members agreed it is time to make revisions or move ahead with an overhaul of the city’s website.

During a recent council meeting, city officials viewed a demo from Civicplus – the web provider that redesigned the city of St. Cloud’s website – to get an idea of available options for upgrades.

City staff is in the process of preparing proposals and gathering cost estimates for site improvements. Council members are expected to vote on them March 15.

Author: TaLeiza Calloway

TaLeiza Calloway is a professional journalist in Central Minnesota. Her byline has appeared in the St. Cloud Times and Central Minnesota Women Magazine. The Ohio native moved to Minnesota about four years ago. She joined the St. Joseph Newsleader staff as a reporter in November 2011.