Red Bay OKs website redesign

RED BAY — Town Square Group will redesign the city’s website, a move officials said would improve communication with residents and visitors while helping address outdated information appearing online.

Mayor Mike Shewbart said the contract with Town Square Group costs $200 per month, which includes hosting, ad targeting, reporting of traffic and unlimited support.

The approval of the proposal followed a work session last week during which Town Square Group representatives outlined plans for a website that would serve as a central source of information for city departments, events, tourism information, and parks and recreation activities.

Much of the discussion focused on challenges created by outdated online information.

“We’ve probably got at least 10 different Facebook pages,” Parks and Recreation Director Dean Hubbard said. “I think we can consolidate.”

Hubbard said city officials have struggled for years with outdated websites, and social media pages containing incorrect information about city facilities, including admission prices, hours and other details related to the Red Bay Fun Park and water park.

Hubbard said many parks and recreation announcements currently are distributed through Facebook and school communication channels. He said information is spread across multiple Facebook pages, which can complicate efforts to keep residents informed and direct people to the most current information.

Shewbart said visitors have told him they sometimes arrive in town without knowing what attractions, businesses and amenities are available.

The website also would allow residents and visitors to sign up for email newsletters and text-message alerts.

Town Square Group representatives said email newsletters and text alerts are becoming increasingly more important for reaching residents.

Theysaidtheredesigned website would include calendars, registration information, department information, frequently asked questions, and community announcements.

The proposed site also would allow city officials to update information more quickly, and promote local attractions, campgrounds, businesses, and community events.

Town Square Group representatives said about 70% of website traffic now comes from mobile devices, making mobile-friendly design an important part of the project.

They said the website could be operational with- in a few weeks once the necessary information is gathered and transferred to the new system.

The work session also included a discussion of the parksandrecreationdepartment’s use of RecDesk, an online system used for registration, scheduling, and financial reporting.

Town Square Group representatives said the city could continue using RecDesk while linking it to the new website.

In other business councilmembers: Appointed Valerie Marlar to a five-year term on the Cemetery Association Board.

Announced a public hearing for 2 p.m. June 17 regarding an alcohol beverage license application submitted by Dollar General Corporation.

The next council meeting is scheduled for June 17 following a 3 p.m. work session at Red Bay City Hall.