Decatur’s Plans for a New City Website
Decatur Metro | March 15, 2010UPDATE: The action item passed unanimously though a resident did stand and ask questions about the cost. Patti Garrett also mentioned several emails she received this afternoon about the cost.
One clarification: Decatur companies WERE solicited for the redesign according to Linda Harris.
The redesign has been in the planning stages for two years. Most of the commission members expressed frustration with the current website.
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On the agenda for tonight’s Decatur city commission meeting: a new city website.
City staff is recommending that the city pay Vision Internet $46,630 to develop a new website for Decatur. Aside from informing us that decaturga.com gets on average 3,960 page views a day, Linda Harris’ note to the commission (page 57 of agenda materials pdf) details many of the proposed site’s new features…
The redeveloped site will be user-friendly and make it easier to complete tasks such as paying parking tickets online or finding out the sanitation schedule. It will have a number of programs that will enhance the website including the ability to forward content on a webpage through email; print-friendly webpages; automatic news updates on the homepage using RSS feeds; a survey creator; a high functioning events calendar; an image library; interconnected pages that can be updated simultaneously, preventing fewer chances for out-dated content; and, sign-up options to allow citizens to receive e-newsletters about specific topics (late breaking news, retail and restaurant info, upcoming festivals, etc) It will be a place where the community can gather online through integrated social media and electronic feedback. It will also include a platform that will allow the city to add a streaming video component to provide real-time viewing of commission meetings online and technologies to produce webcasts. And it will also include a mobile application that will allow users to download the site easily on any type of mobile device.
Latest from Decaturish
Spend, spend, spend, spend.
Can they not make the current website more user friendly for less than $46,000?
They must just be printing money over there at City Hall.
I’m with Dennis… plus they have a building inspector with enough time on his hands to hand out violations for tree houses.
I know… I just can’t let it go, can I?
Just glad my taxes are going to good use.
Must say I agree with the others. Given the state of the economy seems like now is not the time for this expenditure, unless of course all the user friendliness will allow for cutting staff costs at City Hall.
I wonder how City Hall and CSD stack up against other municipalities in terms of the ratio of administrative staff members to number of residents served?
I asked about this during the Avondale annexation ‘discussion’ and was told there’s no comparison and figure it out for myself. So good luck with that. How many cars (especially for a ‘walkable’ city) and Asst. City Managers we now have is ‘interesting’ if you’ve lived here for a while.
Hey! Among the city and county websites constructed by Vision Internet is Wasilla, Alaska!
STOP WITH THE MADNESS! This is not user friendly to ask for more cash. It’s not on the high priority list. Why can’t the staff be trained to design a web site? Come on Decatur, we as citizens are tightening our belts, please city of Decatur, do the same.
50K, that could be a reasonable development cost but these “storefront” style web portals are often a hook for subscription style licensing, data, and maintenance services. It is a long-tail business model. (Nothing wrong with that BTW)
What are the recurring costs? Where do the spinning disks live? Who guarantees uptime and security? Who’s liable when secure data leaks out or is wrong and causes a loss? Maybe these are all answered but the agenda is pretty light on details. One thing I’ll bet, $46,630 is just the starting point.
Good points… I completely agree…
Decatur: Good school system, but they don’t try hard enough to communicate. Good government, but they try too hard to communicate. Good residents, but impossible to please.
Somewhere in between not trying hard enough and trying too hard lies the land of the pleased.
Well played. But of course that assumes that it’s the same residents saying both those things.
In this particular case, it is the same resident.
Ah yes! Good ol’ Cranky.
Actually, I was referring to me own self!
Count me own self in, too.
I use the city website more than most, so my opinion of “money well spent” might not be the norm.
I agree with the assessment relayed in Ms. Harris’ note that the website has tons of great info on it, but especially for newcomers, most of it can be difficult to find. So I think a reorganization is definitely in order. Whether it’s worth over $40k, is beyond my knowledge base.
I totally agree with this, DM. It’s usually quite a chore to find the tidbit of info I’m looking for on the website.
I wonder if the “too much money” reaction comes from seeing good communication as not entirely necessary.
However, I recall that in previous city surveys, communication was one of the larger outstanding concerns for residents. I’m quite curious to see what it will be this time around post-blogs/social media.
Speaking for myself, good communication is crucial, and achieving it via electronic means is more important than ever. But a website is only as good as what’s posted. I agree the current site needs an overhaul. But my main frustration is that even when you find the page or are you’re seeking, sometimes there’s no “there” there–not a function of site design but of content creation.
I’ll make you a website for $10,000.
It’ll look slightly exactly like Facebook.
Dear DM,
I ask that you really look at cost efficiencies. Although I may seem cranky, I just finished a poll by the city asking that we look at reduce services or raise taxes. It was an either or. We aren’t going to have a choice, eventually something is going to be cut, unless we do raise taxes. And now I’m just saying it all comes out of the same pot, which is us. What is more important ? I look at this site , as “our site” DM, as easy to use and a viable source of lively information, and a place for debate, of course. It works for me, and I feel comfortable navigating the Decatur site. If I don’t, I pick up the phone and talk to a real city employe, which, btw, I’d rather pay for than a consultant.
It seems we like to spend money in this city, and we do have nice services to show for it. But I’m asking, in this economic climate, can’t we put the brakes on this for a while? Is this really necessary right now? Why does it seem we spend all the money we pull in? Do we really need all the bells and whistles on this project?
It’s absolutely a valid question Cranky and one that should be asked frequently these days. The Commission did it a couple weeks ago with the proposed GPS system.
If you feel well served with good communication now, I take that only as the highest complement!
What Cranky said. Plus, it sometimes seems to me the City tends to prioritize things that show off to the outside world what a forward-thinking community Decatur is, at the expense of things that serve residents but lack the glamor factor. As long as we still have busted sidewalks, untamed traffic, and lack so many other things we thought we would have by now (those of us who voted for the bond, anyway), a new website doesn’t seem like a very wise place to put money. Besides, a new website won’t necessarily solve the current shortcomings in City communications. The site is just the pipe–what goes into it and when are what’s critical. I also agree with others who posed questions about ongoing costs.
BTW cranky, what poll is that? is that question in the citizen survey?
I believe it’s currently on open city hall, isn’t it?
I was just about to say that I don’t remember the City putting out a Request for Proposals for local web design firms.
It would be nice if Decatur web shops like mine (marbles media) were at least given the chance to bid against California companies like Vision.
I bet we could re-design the site for half or even a quarter of what these guys cost.
How many jobs will be “saved or created” by this $46,000?
HA!
You would think that there might be somebody in Decatur that could do the job instead of farming it out to a company in California.
Maybe the same people in China they got the granite for the Marta station could help. I mean a trip to Santa Monica to site survey the company doesn’t have quite the cachet as going to the middle kingdom.
Or perhaps the firm that’s handling the Allen Wilson Terrace could kick in a web site in lieu of god looking buildings.
Sigh….
Oh btw I just noticed that a lot of awards on the website that this company has won are the kind you have to buy. These are quite common in a lot of industries including mine. They’re meaningless in that everyone who enters and pays the money gets some kind of award. Fools the mouth breathers though.
Seems a little over-the-top to imply that City staff are “mouth breathers.” They are doing their jobs, which include identifying tools, e.g., a new website, that will help them do their jobs better. (If they were blindly out to spend money unthinkingly, they would be recommending the $159k solution instead.) It’s the Commission’s job to balance the benefits of the investment against the costs, so that’s where we should be putting our pressure.
I’m sure somebody at sometime during the process called them an “award winning” web design company so no I don’t think it’s over the top.
How many of you naysayers voted in the last City election? Just askin’.
I haven’t missed an election (however minor) since I was old enough to vote, Steve. Unfortunately, the people I vote for have a tendancy not to win.
Thanks for the holier than thou attitude though.
The spending for this proposed website project represents the entire property tax bill for 10 average homeowners in Decatur. Is this really where they want to see their money spent?
I always vote in all the elections. Three or four times if I can.
City Commission meeting is tonight at 730. Unless someone stands up and makes a comment to “put on the brakes” in spending this will pass and we will spend $46K of our money on phase one of a new web site.
WHOA. I voted. Since 1986, when I moved here, and in every election since.. So Steve, get off your cranky. I’ve lived here longer than you, and I’m crankier than you.
Congratulations ! There’s a 4 out of 5 chance that any given person will not have voted, though, since turnout in City Elections is typically 20% and my experience is that the people who complain generally have not exercised that privilege.
Oh, Steve. I think you are wrong that “the people who complain” do not vote. It’s the people who we never hear from (and don’t care) who don’t vote.
And I think that the turnout for the average DM reader is far higher than 20%.
Dennis, you’re probably right about DM readers voting because they’re willing to take the time to get involved, but I still hold to my premise about complainers not voting. I will sometimes ask someone and as often as not, the answer is no, with a variety of excuses. It’s a whole lot easier to be part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
Dang! I’ve been here way longer than Cranky or Steve, thus voted more. May I complain more? I think there’s no such thing as too much communication, but seems to me that since our City purchases web sites infrequently we are at risk of getting less than the best deal, not because our staffers are mouth breathers, but because they have limited expertise. This could be an expensive learning experience. And my observation is that fiscal conservatism does not seem to be playing here. At all. Evidence to the contrary?
I’m guilty, I suppose – did not vote but I don’t mind complaining…
(but except for bond issues, the vote is rarely about particular expenditures, so just paying taxes gives one the inclination to complain)
So Steve and Dennis guess you will be at the city meting tonight to voice your opinion where it counts ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
UPDATE: The action item passed unanimously though a resident did stand and ask questions about the cost. Patti Garrett also mentioned several emails she received this afternoon about the cost.
One clarification: Decatur companies WERE solicited for the redesign according to Linda Harris.
The redesign has been in the planning stages for two years. Most of the commission members expressed frustration with the current website.
…you beat me to the update, dm. and I do reserve the right to change my opinion…..and DID go to city hall .. the site will be designed by a local Decatur graphics firm to keep the “look.” also, Now that I have more information, I support the redesign, because it will actually be reengineering to work a lot better, especially in terms of search engines. It is in the current 2009-10 budget, so we’re not allocating anything extra dollars… and it’s been requested for two years. Why we didn’t know about this before though, is probably more of a not paying attention until the bill is due .. and now I will be more vigilant so that these issues don’t seem to appear suddenly, when they’re there all along …
sorry for the grammatically incorrect sentence structure on the last post … I meant the site will be reengineered to work a lot better. and we’re not allocating extra dollars …..at least in this current budget year ….
It is somewhat difficult to navigate the current site and a redesign really would help. But I agree with smalltowngirl about the content. I know it’s hard to keep things updated, but if they’re worried about the image we present of Decatur then out-of-date content says “too busy, over-worked, missing processes/procedures and just a bit unorganized”. And as others have pointed out, it’s not the original design and implementation that costs you but the ongoing maintenance.
I do not have my Commission notes in front of me, so I can’t quote all the reasons, but the City website really needed an update. The Commission and staff have been discussing the update for at least two years and funds were allocated in the current budget for the update.
The site is close to 10 years old and has had one update. It is impossible to find information on it. Folks want to pay parking tickets on-line. If you want to open a business and need information on what permits are required there is no one single spot to find that. You can’t sign up for rec department programs, etc. The list is way, way too long for needed & requested updates & improvements. The design platform is out dated as well.
And the monthly hosting/maint. cost is the same as we’re paying now.
I can be as tight as a tick when spending money and I spend the city’s like I spend mine – ask my wife.
Winnona Park Stud agrees with the commish. It is difficult to find info on the City’s website, and by providing more services through the website (paying traffic tickets, etc.), theere may be a cost-savings offset. Count Winnona Park Stud as supportive but thinking this description sounds substantially similar to another Decatur-centric website:
It will have a number of programs that will enhance the website including the ability to forward content on a webpage through email; print-friendly webpages; automatic news updates on the homepage using RSS feeds; a survey creator; a high functioning events calendar; an image library; interconnected pages that can be updated simultaneously, preventing fewer chances for out-dated content; and, sign-up options to allow citizens to receive e-newsletters about specific topics (late breaking news, retail and restaurant info, upcoming festivals, etc) It will be a place where the community can gather online through integrated social media and electronic feedback.
Once again commissioner. How come a company in California with bunch of fake awards?
Just to add in some perspective, after living in Atlanta for many years, I can’t even imagine getting upset over $46,630. I mean maybe if someone actually stole $46,630 from Decatur city hall, stapled all of the dollar bills in a long chain, made a belt out of it, and ran around the city’s streets screaming “I stole $46,630″; then maybe I could get upset. Maybe I’ve become too jaded, or maybe I just think that Decatur does a good job with our tax dollars, but I just can’t get all worked up about it. Not when Atlanta’s left millions of unspent federal dollars on the table, or when their 911 center sends fire trucks to the wrong address, or when their pension system is bankrupting the city. Maybe if our city were spending $46,630 on a pre-paid beer tab for residents at the Brick Store I could get annoyed about it. But after a few beers I’m sure I’d be over it. That’s why I love living in Decatur, cause my neighbors care about our beer reputation and think that $46,630 is worth getting upset about. I wish all of Metro Atlanta had our problems!
A good website saves countless hours for employees, who can turn their attention to other duties or simply have more time/patience when the phone does ring. This was my experience years ago when we redid ours at my workplace–the # of “FAQ” phone calls dropped as people realized all the info they needed was online. Happy!!
Also, divide the cost of the redesign by # years it will be useful to calculate the actual value/ROI.
If the site really is almost 10 years old, I think that says something about your leadership not being frivolous about revamping the website just to keep up with the Jones(boros).
Lastly, the existing website is not an argument for Google fiber. It screams “we love dial-up! 1990, here we come!”
The City staff handles the Request For Proposals (RFP) process. They had a number of vendors bid on this project. I’m no web guy, but I do know it cost my re-election campaign more $$ than I expected to bring the framework of my campaign site up to date – and it was only 4 years old. There is a lot more to it than one expects. I totally understand the “industry awards” – I can “win” some of those for my bike shop – just need to pay the “handling fee”. I do know that the company who got this contract has done over 100 cities sites, etc. and the staff contacted a number of those cities to see if they were satisfied with what they got.
I still don’t see why more weight wasn’t given to using a local company. Business’s are closing every day right here in town and 50 grand is a lot of money to send out of the local economy. There are many web developers right here that would spend that money at the Brick Store or even at your establishment Bike South.
Even the CYA factor for an employee that released the RFP to give the job to a company that advertised in city manager monthly should be overridden by the need to support the local economy.
So very sad.
I agree wholehartedely, David.
Next time you buy a bike, I would suggest buying it online or at Wal-Mart or Target.
Hey! Why don’t we do all our shopping on the internet instead of at local shops. Gee it would be just like the city commission!
I’m really ticked off at this.
In all seriousness David, if you’re that upset about it, I’d suggest calling up Linda Harris and getting the full story as to why they went with the company they did.
It’s your call, but I can guarantee you we don’t have all the info.
DM aren’t you a little upset at this too. You’re one of the biggest local boosters around.
I mean Boykin basically gave the Watergate defense, ie, my staff handles that, so what kind of response do you think I’d get from Harris? I’m sure every t was crossed and every i was dotted and every but was covered but it still stinks!
If the city had blatantly ignored a vast number of local firms who would do the work in favor of one from CA for particular reason, then yes I would be pissed. But we don’t know that. We don’t even know, of the 10 firms that submitted RFPs, how many were from the city.
We have to make a LOT of assumptions to get to the point where we can be pissed that the city is choosing not to employ local businesses for the work. And in my experience, that is not the city’s MO.
Linda’s explanation below gives us a bit more info, but if you’re truly taken back by this, I’d suggest getting the full story from Linda before going around saying that the city doesn’t support local businesses.
As a new Decatur business owner myself – and someone that has a good deal of contact with business owners in Decatur – that seems to be about the furthest thing from the truth. And I WILL assume that a lot of other local business owners will back me up on that statement.
David,
I agree with you – we would definitely prefer to hire a local City of Decatur website developer if possible. In this case, we put the RFP out to every City of Decatur website business we knew of and every member of the Decatur Business Association. We also asked folks to forward it to anyone else local that might be interested. We posted it on the website, sent it to local media and bloggers, put it on our blog, facebook, and twitter pages. We were asking for a complete re-development of the foundation not just a re-design of the site. After the pre-bid meeting to explain the details, several Decatur firms called and told us they were not capable of handling such an extensive site redevelopment project and others did not want to use our specified Decatur graphics company. I will be glad to discuss all the details about this and anything else if you are interested. My direct line is 678-553-6512.
Nice response from a city official, especially the offer to talk directly. If only CSD would respond this way to concerns and questions. It doesn’t take a whole new position in Central Office just a shift in attitude and responsiveness.
I appreciate the response but I would rather keep the discussion in a public forum.
I don’t really understand some companies not wanting to work with an outside designer. We do it all the time. Was there a question of competence or did they just want to use in house assets?
Also is there some way to find out what firms were contacted for bid. In addition a link to the completed contract would be helpful.
TIA
You could request all of that info under a open records request. I suggest you do.
I really glad they got a Decatur design firm Lampe-Farley to do the design who btw did the original Decatur website according to their website. They also did the Decatur Metro logo. So props for that.
Did the design part go out for bid too.
TIA