City establishes new web site

Emma Sivers has worked hard at developing a useful web site for the City of Sisters. Photo by Shane Simonsen

The City of Sisters has a new address. It can be found on the information superhighway at www.ci.sisters.or.us.

The developing web site is intended to be a tool for the City of Sisters to disseminate information to its citizenry. City contact information, codes, meeting agendas along with forms for building permits, site plans and signs can be found at the web site, which boasts a western motif. A full list of contact information for services such as phone, electric and cable is also available for homeowners.

The web site focuses on matters of government, said City Finance Director and Web Site Developer Emma Sivers. Information on local businesses and recreation opportunities may be found on the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce's web-site (www.sisterschamber.com).

An online version of the Public Works Standards and the Model Code for Sisters may be accessed from the web site. This will be helpful to builders and homeowners, said Sivers, in that hard copies of these items are available at a cost of $25 apiece.

"I try to add at least one new area of information per month," Sivers said.

In the works to be added are the budget, ordinances, resolutions and minutes of city council meetings.

Also sure to progress is the form of the web site. Once all the information wanted is in place, Sivers plans to make navigation easier by redesigning the layout of the site.

"I am really pleased with the improvements thus far," said City Administrator Eileen Stein. "I think it will be useful for the community."

Evidence of the web site's effectiveness was shown recently when a California man who owns a parcel of land in Sisters requested a copy of the minutes of a comprehensive plan meeting. He was able to access this information via the Internet.

Sivers notes that she is not a web designer by trade. She received help on the project from Sisters resident Gary Miller, who designed the Chamber of Commerce's web site.

"Gary Miller is always there if I need him," said Sivers.

As the web site progresses, Sivers would appreciate any input the public may have in regards to features and information provided on the site. She may be contacted by e-mail or phone at [email protected]