MARLBOROUGH – The city is getting ready to upgrade its website.
During the City Council meeting on Jan. 22, members heard a request from the mayor’s office for a transfer of $40,000 from free cash to the city’s Information Technology Department.
The funds will be used toward the website redesign.
In a letter to the City Council, Mayor J. Christian Dumais said the website has not been updated in close to 10 years.
“Due to that, we have been limited in our ability to serve residents in a modern, accessible manner,” said Dumais. “Our city website is the central point of information for the city, its residents, business owners, stakeholders and employees. It is imperative that we continue to invest in our city’s digital infrastructure and seize fiscally responsible opportunities, such as this, to do so.”
Dumais added that the upgrades will include increased Americans With Disabilities Act-compliance tools; improved functionality; increased accessibility for residents and business owners; and enhanced security.
A new feature will be ChatBot, a feature powered by artificial intelligence that will assist users to better navigate the website and receive services.
“In addition to increased accessibility for users, the intended benefit of ChatBot is to reduce call volumes to city departments by answering basic questions and easily directing users to common services and information located on our website,” said Dumais.
Should the transfer be approved, the upgrades will be done by CivicPlus, the city’s current website vendor. Dumais said that once the measure receives approval, the upgrade would take about six months.
“It will be a great improvement,” said Councilor Mark Oram. “It will make it easier for the user.”
The request was approved by the council’s Finance Committee, 5-0, on Monday, Jan. 29, and approved by the full council on Monday, Feb. 12.
New scoreboard
The council also accepted the gift of an electronic scoreboard for the new Dek hockey rink at Ghiloni Park.
The scoreboard was donated by the New England Sports Center and friends of the late Wes Tuttle. The scoreboard is in memory of Tuttle, who was an avid player, coach and supporter of youth hockey.
