RocesterMN.gov has been recognized by Juggle as one of the top city government websites in the state of Minnesota. Below you'll find an interview with Teryl Apel, IT Manager for the City of Rochester.
- RochesterMN.gov is a top-notch web portal; what has been your role in its development?
As IT manager I have been involved with many facets of the City’s web presence and development over the years, reviewing departmental requests, prioritizing application/eservices development, and ensuring security and compliance guidelines are being followed.
- Can you summarize the history of Rochester's web portal?
The City’s initial web presence was in 1999 providing some general information which was static in nature. The various city departments quickly jumped on board and began adding their own information to the City’s site. Our first on line/eservices application was developed and implemented in 2003 which allowed for on line parking ticket payments. Expansion of our web presence continued at a rapid pace until it became apparent that we needed to manage content better and provide a more consistent and cohesive presence between all departments. With this in mind we began the process of procuring a content management system. The content management system we selected was implemented in 2005. We’ve continued to develop new applications, added new content and embraced new technologies ever since.
- What are the overarching objectives of Rochester's current e-government initiatives?
Streamlining the services the City provides and creating a one stop approach to finding information related to the city and its departments. Continued expansion of our eservices applications enables the public to interact with the city in a much more efficient manner.
- From a marketing standpoint, what are some of the strategies that you have utilized to draw attention to the information and services provided by RochesterMN.gov, both on- and off-line?
Adding the URL to our letterhead, business cards, vehicles, and basically anything that is distributed by the City. We’ve partnered with the media to bring attention to our site during new application, content and feature launches.
- How has citizen feedback influenced the development of Rochester's e-government services?
Citizen feedback is encouraged and feedback is taken into consideration anytime web services endeavors and/or enhancements are discussed.
- What is the most-used feature or service on the site?
E-service applications are very popular (paying parking fines, event and class registration at the civic center and recreation center, etc.). Status and updates on the various construction projects taking place throughout the city. City council meeting information (agendas, minutes and video feeds). Viewing information related to Parks and Recreation as well as availability of pets available for adoption at the animal shelter.
- How many people utilize your online subscription service and how has it improvide the city government's ability to disseminate information?
The subscription service provides updates and notifications as the various web pages, of interest, are modified. It has made the web site a much more valuable tool for the public, allowing for automated updates and alerts versus the prior need to view the site on a regular basis to retrieve updated information.
- In developing RochesterMN.gov, what were the biggest hurdles that needed to be overcome?
In general we’ve been very fortunate as we’ve enjoyed the backing of the Mayor, Council and administrative staff over the years. Obviously there is never enough staff to develop and implement everything in as timely a manner as we’d like, and setting priorities is never easy. With the City encompassing a large number of departments, it has been challenging at times to keep the focus of the “City” web site versus departmental sites.
- Where do you see e-government heading in the next 2-3 years? Are there any exciting new features or services currently in the works for Rochester's web portal?
Providing additional eservices will continue to be high priority, not only as a means of providing a greater level of service to the public but also to help reduce internal operating costs. I believe we’ll also see some significant enhancements in the area of public safety and how new technologies and features will provide for a greater level of interaction between law enforcement and the public.