More from In the NEWS: Plans

Interactive Web site ranks as high priority
Grand Terrace wants city to go 24/7
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 03/01/2007 12:00:00 AM PST


GRAND TERRACE - Even after the lights are turned off and the doors locked each day, City Hall will remain open in cyberspace.

Creating a top-notch Web site with interactive features is one of the City Council's top goals for 2007.

"We want to be a 24-hour service city," said Mayor Maryetta Ferre. "If somebody has a problem, they can look up information on the Web site and get an answer right away."

The council identified its main priorities for the year at a goal-setting workshop Tuesday afternoon.

Besides improving the Web site, council members are seeking to expand programs and housing for seniors.

Another objective is enhancing public safety by establishing a paramedic program.

"All of these things are important," Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia said. "I think it's going to be a very busy time in our city."

Some issues considered top priorities in previous years - such as a new high school - are lower on this year's list.

The high school is still important, Ferre said, but the Colton Joint Unified School District is the lead agency in making sure it gets built.

The high school, slated for Taylor and Main streets, is expected to open with freshmen and sophomore students in fall 2009.

City officials said that redesigning the Web site is necessary to get residents more involved in local government affairs and become aware of issues that affect their lives.

The updated Web site, which is expected to be operational July 1, will allow residents to receive e-mail notices when an emergency occurs. Residents can sign up to receive electronic messages about annual events such as Grand Terrace Days.

Residents also will be able to report potholes and broken street lights online. There will be a process for the city to track how many requests are received and how quickly they are resolved, officials said.

"I think that this is really going to make the difference in our small town," Garcia said. "We're going to be very well connected to each other and make sure people are well informed."

Other priorities include a neighborhood shopping center, a freeway-oriented retail project, red-light enforcement cameras and a wilderness park on Blue Mountain.

Another goal is working with Southern California Edison to develop programs to increase energy efficiency.