Warsaw launched a redesigned website Tuesday that allows visitors to obtain the latest city information.
The website can be found at www.warsaw.in.gov
During an interview at city hall Wednesday afternoon, website redesign project managers Michelle Bormet and Staci Young said they have been working with website developer CivicPlus, Kansas, for the past eight to nine months to update the city's website.Bormet is Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggin's secretary, and Young is Warsaw Parks Department's activities director.
The city signed a contract in October 2009 with CivicPlus to serve as its website developer. The last time the website was updated was in spring 2008. It was CivicPlus's first endeavor for updating a website in a city in Indiana.
BIT Computers, North Manchester, researched three other website developer companies and recommended the city select CivicPlus to upgrade Warsaw's site.
"The purpose of the upgrade was to improve navigation for those who visit the city's website, and we worked with CivicPlus and department heads to get the navigation to where it is easier to find what users are looking for," Bormet said.
The website features an archive center where users can obtain agendas and minutes for city council and board of works minutes. The next phase is to offer all city meeting minutes and agendas on the site.
The site also now offers information on Warsaw Parks Department upcoming concerts and events as well as a map of city parks with photos.
People can register on the site to receive up-to-date e-mails and text messages on park events and city meetings, Young said.
"With the site upgrade it is a lot easier to find information now. We had a lot of visitors from out of the county who looked for information and were not able to find it on the previous website so this gives them better access," Young said.
Plans are to eventually allow users to pay their parking tickets and utility bills on the site, and register for parks department events.
Also, Warsaw Deer Task Force has a web page within the Warsaw Police Department link on the city's website.
Those interested in participating in the deer-reduction efforts and need an application, and residents who have questions about the deer-reduction efforts, can go to the city's website to get the application.
They also can receive information on the deer-reduction efforts.
On the site there also is a staff directory for all city departments.
Another feature is a link to report a concern for things such as potholes, junk vehicles, tall weeds and barking dogs.
Users are required to provide an e-mail and password and become a user of the site to report a concern.
The e-mail will be directed to the contact person who oversees each concern, and users will be able to track the status online of getting their concern resolved.
There also is an emergency alert system link for users to obtain information on city road closures, gas leaks, flooding and natural disasters.
A frequently asked questions section allows users to review information regarding the airport, housing authority, mayor's office, parks and recreation department and public works.
There also is a community link that directs users to the county's website for birth and death certificate information and resources on obtaining marriage licenses.
Other information on the community link includes social services information, a link to Warsaw Community Public Library and city maps.
