GARDINER — The city recently unveiled a new website design and a mobile app, both designed to provide better access to information and to allow residents to file complaints more easily.

The website also uses the city’s new logo featuring a gazebo icon, approved by the City Council in October, and its cool color scheme of greens and blues.

The website redesign, last done more than a decade ago, cost $1,500, and the new software for resident requests will cost $3,000 annually, according to city staff.

City Manager Scott Morelli said people had complained that the old site was clunky and difficult to navigate. The new website aims to make finding information easier for site visitors, Morelli said.

The software for residents to submit complaints or questions online or via the mobile app also tracks previous requests, so city staff can easily see the history of complaints and if they’ve been fixed, Morelli said.

The mobile app, available on Android and Apple devices, allows people to submit photos of the issues, like a pothole that needs fill or an abandoned car. The app will also feature a community calendar and restaurant listings.

“In terms of software technology, we have one of the more robust outreach efforts of any municipality in the state,” Morelli said. “It’s geared toward making it easy for people to give us feedback.”

He said the software will give city staff a better idea of where time is spent for the public works and code enforcement departments.

“We’re hoping it provides value, and we’ll be able to evaluate that during the budget process next year,” Morelli said.

Paul Koenig — 621-5663
pkoenig@mainetoday.com