Clayton City Web Site gets Cyber Makeover

The city of Clayton recently launched its new Web site. Communications coordinator Judy Kekich took time to answer several questions via e-mail about what it offers and how the changes came about.

What happened that brought this idea to the table?

The previous Web site was no longer supported by a vendor and could not be updated.

What are the biggest benefits of the change?

Although there are many improvements over the old site, the improved navigation, the expanded calendar and tab display on the home page are some of the main benefits.

How will this help Clayton residents?

We hope that citizens will be able to find what they are looking for faster, and citizen engagement will be facilitated.

How has access to documents such as meeting minutes and agendas changed?

Agendas and minutes have improved, all agendas and minutes are now easier to find on the new site. They are available on each committee and commission’s page, and all of them are available on a single agendas and minutes page.

How can people find this section of the site?

The easiest way to find agendas and minutes is via URLs www.claytonmo.gov/agendas or www.claytonmo.gov/minutes. They can also be found via links from each of the commission’s pages

What are some other main changes in the site?

• The city surveyed citizens, business owners and employees, and the No. 1 request was to improve navigation. 
• The new site includes mega-menus for the main navigation. 
• Mega-menus appear when a user hovers over one of the main Web site categories. 
• Mega-menus display the most popular options for a specific section, which saves the user time. 
• Other new features include e-mail notifications, RSS feeds and an improved calendar.

Are there any plans to add text-messaging or mobile phone services from the city? 

Although not currently available, as the software is improved and updated by the vendor, the city will evaluate and add features as they become available.

Why did Clayton officials decide to go with a more distinct blue theme as opposed to the white background of the previous site?

First, the old site was analyzed and citizens, businesses and employees were surveyed. Then a design committee was formed. This group included representatives from the business and residential communities and city staff. The vendor then submitted several mockups, and the one that was chosen by the group included the blue background.

How much did it cost to produce this new Web site?

The cost for the new Web site was $39,000. This fee included a business process review, design, data conversion, training, implementation and licensing.

Who manages the Web site?

Communications coordinator Darren Young. He can be reached by e-mail,  dyoung@ci.clayton.mo.us, or by phone at 314-290-8563.

What are his day-to-day responsibilities?

All Web sites are works in progress. Daily work on the Web site includes updating and improving content.