On 9/24/03 5:26 PM, "Chris Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> SClift Mobile wrote:
> 
>> Let's make this a useful experience ...
>> 
>> Name two specific changes you would like to see on the city web site.
>> 
>> Share links to two web sites (perhaps other city government web sites)
>> that our city should emulate.
> 
> O where do I start?
> 
> Change 1:  Most of the time I go to the city website it is to find out
> how to contact a specific department about a specific situation.  There
> is no obvious link to a directory of city departments on the front
> page.  There's no obvious clue as to where to find such a thing via
> another link.

Yes there is. It's at the top of the page - "Services" next to "Contact Us"
and the search box. Perhaps it could be better-named or located, but it's
there and it's quite a comprehensive directory.

> Change 2:  The next most often situation is wanting information about my
> neighborhood and council member.  I am sorry all to heck that I just
> can't remember my ward NUMBER but I do know my CM's name.  Do you think
> maybe the Ward Sites drop-down list could be a little more friendly?

I would agree with that. The state Legislature sites provide both - a
drop-down menu by district number and a drop-down menu by
representative/senator last name in alphabetical order.

> Commentary:
> What the devil do "Community," "Business," "City Hall," and "Leisure"
> mean in the context of a city web page?  These vague titles with wildly
> varying interpretations are virtually useless for clueing the user into
> what might be found beneath them.

I think this comment is a little harsh. Perhaps some additional description
could be provided, but "virtually useless?" - I don't think so. I'm not sure
how well it would fit, but maybe taking the short descriptor from each page
and adding to the main links would help (i.e. Leisure - Enjoying Minneapolis
or Community - Living and Working in Minneapolis)
 
My two things to add/change would be:

1. staff directory - see http://www.mail.state.mn.us/ for how the state does
it.

2. take back the code of ordinances from the crappy consultant who does it
now - see http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/statutes.asp for how the state does
statutes and rules.

Mark Snyder
Windom Park

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