| Author |
Message |
    
Dave
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 5, 2001 - 9:55 am: |     |
How can the township government be more responsive to the fact that most of its adult citizens now
work outside the township and therefore cannot make it to town hall during normal business hours? Do you think that a few early evening hours twice a month is sufficient to meet this need? |
Admin
| | Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2001 - 7:45 am: | |
SCOTT KISCH:
Ya know, this stuff isn't rocket science.
I donât need to look any further than my own eye doctor to answer this question. Dr. Sally Bregman (763-5525) offers flex-hours on Wednesday of each week. The standard 8/9-hour workday remains the same, but it is merely shifted to cover the late hours of the day/night. In town hall, we should consider expanding the two-Tuesday/month pm hours to a weekly basis. (in consultation with the department heads and workforce). We should consider special Saturday morning hours as well. Finally, I agree that summer months make for less traffic and, therefore, these after-hours should probably be scaled back (but not eliminated completely).
Also, I would like to implement a government services "concierge." If we can vote by absentee ballot, why canât we develop a system to cover other government administrative functions in absentia? Government services/forms/applications should be available at the train station the same way that dry-cleaning is available.
In many places, one can pay for parking tix and other violations online and over the phone. Even at some public golf courses, one can make tee-times via phone/fax/e-mail. I agree that our local government needs to start using 21st century methods.
On a final note, I would follow the example of the Essex County Clerk, Pat McNally, who has taken his office "on the road" to provide services in each town, during unconventional hours. As a trial, we might even consider using the Jitney(s) as mobile town halls. Or (don't laugh) revamp an old ice-cream or lunch truck. Provide/accept forms and offer consultations or referrals. |
Admin
| | Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2001 - 7:49 am: | |
DAVID HUEMER:
Currently, the Municipal Building is open the first and third Tuesdays until 7:00 p.m. The Township Committee is considering keeping it open until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. Residents can take care of some town business at the concierge at the train station.
I support having the Municipal Building open one or two Saturday mornings a month, if there is sufficient demand to warrant the additional expense. Two employees would be needed to staff those hours, in compliance with the employees' collective bargaining agreement.
See my answer to the next question on ways to increase local government responsiveness.
(DH refers to response to question on improving communications. -Admin) |
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