Lower Burrell unveils new, more user-friendly website

Got a nasty pothole on your street that needs to be fixed but you don’t know who to call? Lower Burrell residents don’t even have to call.

They can send an email directly to the city’s public works department.

Timely public access is one of the features of a new website launched by Lower Burrell this week, providing residents with better ways to contact and learn about city departments, receive announcements and make some business transactions. The website address is cityoflowerburrell.com.

The new site is streamlined, searchable and user-friendly. It includes a section on the homepage titled, “How do I,” which offers information regarding city services such as paying taxes online, linking to the city street map, finding things for kids to do, park information and more.

“The ‘How Do I’ section includes the most common questions posed to city hall staff,” said Councilman Chris Fabry. “You no longer have to browse around endlessly looking for something.”

“The city’s previous website was severely outdated and in desperate need of an overhaul,” Fabry said. “The new one is much cleaner and more user-friendly, including a seamless mobile-friendly version.”

The new “Notify me” feature allows residents to receive emails or texts on areas of interest in city operations. Residents and businesses can report concerns through a widget on the home page and report a pothole or street light outage to Public Works.

Other website features will be rolled out in the future, including scheduling field usage at Kotecki Park.

“When the pandemic started, we struggled with how to get timely information to our residents,” said Amy Rockwell, city administrator.

With city offices closed to foot traffic during parts of the pandemic, the city needed a website to not only deliver information, but allow residents to complete transactions.

“In light of covid and restrictions on traveling and gathering, all organizations must strengthen their online presence, and Lower Burrell is no different,” Fabry said.

A new website had been on the back burner for years, he said. “Myself and the rest of council felt it was essential to not wait any longer,” he said.

Councilman Joe Grillo touted the new website on Facebook and upcoming features such as booking Fisher Hall or a pavilion.

“Not only is our website more user-friendly, it also meets ADA website requirements,” he said.