Aiming to put city services online and present New Berlin's image in a "fresh and interesting manner," the city will hire a software company to revamp its Web site. The Common Council on Tuesday authorized a contract with Northwoods Software Development Inc. of Brown Deer, which will be charged with creating a Web strategy supporting New Berlin's mission.
In their request to the council, city Information Technology Manager Sue Schaefer and System Administrator Catey Barnish said one of the city's goals is to provide a Web site with a "fresh new look which reveals a dynamic and vibrant community that is inviting to visitors." They also said they wanted the changes to reflect New Berlin's motto, "City Living With a Touch of Country."
The request says the city has determined there's a growing need for an enhanced Web presence and "E-government" services that would allow residents to do some of their city business online.
Schaefer and Barnish said they want the new site to have a structure that would allow non-technical city staff members to create, maintain and revise Web content from their own departments.
The redesign would eventually lead to online features such as a citizen feedback form about City Hall and the New Berlin Police and Fire departments; a city employment application; license and permit applications; and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department brochures and program applications.
In the final phase, the site could include building inspection scheduling and fee payment; maps of the city and surrounding areas; automated enrollment and payment for recreation programming; and online payment of taxes and water and sewer payments.
Northwoods Software Development would develop the city's Web site, with the total project cost not to exceed $65,500. The funds were earmarked in the city's 2003 budget.
In the Milwaukee area, Northwoods Software Development has provided Web site content management services to several organizations, including the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese, the City of Wauwatosa and the Medical College of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa.
New Berlin Mayor Ted Wysocki said requests for Web service bids went to 28 vendors and 11 responded with an offer.
Last year, Wysocki said the city would consider several computer-related upgrades in the future, including computer kiosks throughout the city where residents can learn about announcements, the latest development issues and other city business.
Quelle: JS Online
