Last week, there was a presentation on the new online Citizen Request Process during the Sebastian City Council meeting. This online feature not only expedites citizen requests but also serves as an online hub for residents to monitor the progress of their submissions.
Brian Benton, City Manager, shared that in the past, communications about concerns like swales, stormwater, and parks mistakenly went to the finance department or the city clerk’s office rather than the appropriate department.
“We have seen an increase in phone calls and emails that have been going to other departments other than our citizen request line,” said Benton.
Benton highlighted that while residents could reach out to him or other departments, inputting details directly into the Citizen Request Center is more efficient. This platform is identical to the one used by City staff, ensuring consistency and efficacy.
Features of the Citizen Request Center:
- Visitors can easily submit or review requests and check on their completion status.
- Users can attach photos related to their request for better clarity and quicker resolution.
- A highlight of the system is its new interactive map feature.
“One big thing is it now has a new map feature that will really help us, and it will really help the residents to see the status,” stated Karen Miller, City Engineer.
According to Miller, the online platform can now address the frequent calls the City receives about request statuses and new submissions. “The more people use the online system, the quicker it will actually be for all of us,” she added.
Benefits of the platform also include the ability to create an account. Though not mandatory, an account enables users to monitor their submissions with automatic notifications.
However, it’s important to note that this platform isn’t suitable for emergencies, like requiring police or fire rescue services. It isn’t a replacement for calling 911.
One of the standout features of the system is the interactive map. This map displays all submitted tickets. For example, if there’s a need to report a pothole, residents can check if someone else has already done so. If not, they can quickly request and then follow its progress.
Ditch Mowing Maintenance
Another notable addition is the Ditch Mowing Maintenance feature. Many residents inquire about the mowing schedule for ditches near their residences. The platform’s homepage displays a map alongside a list of Mowing Zones, numbered 1 through 6. Referring to this map makes it easier for residents to identify their respective zones.
Upon selecting a zone, the platform displays the most recent mowing date and the next projected date. Users can also access a historical record of all mowing activities.
Miller encourages everyone to explore the new system, “This is really going to help us as a City, so please try and use it and give us feedback.”
Here’s a few photos showing the new Citizen Request Center:
