The city of Cortez wants your feedback. And you don’t have to go to City Hall to give officials a piece of your mind.
The city has launched a new online tool that enables citizens to share their ideas and have their voices heard. City leaders plan to consider the digital feedback when making future decisions.
“It’s an open dialogue,” explained Mayor Karen Sheek. “It’s not just a one-way conversation.”
The website, Cortez Connects, allows citizens to create a customized profile account and comment on various topics, vote on polls and reply to surveys. Users collect points based on their participation, which can be redeemed for rewards, including, perhaps, a key to the city.
“Cortez Connects is a technological tool that allows citizens to provide input to the city from anywhere,” said Sheek.
Three city officials are monitoring the site for citizen remarks, including City Manager Shane Hall, Planning and Building director Kirsten Sackett and Heart and Soul coordinator Rocky Moss.
Hale explained that the city tackles issues that are sometimes complex, controversial and costly, and that comments from residents will help.
“The city council would love to hear any great idea that the community has to offer,” said Hale.
Hale understands it’s often unrealistic to expect citizens to attend a public hearing, and Cortez Connects offers them a platform to ensure their voices are heard.
“I think Cortez Connects can have a very positive impact,” said Hale. “We can solicit and accept the public’s input on current issues at their convenience.”
One of the first Cortez Connects topics is the city’s ongoing beautification effort. The city launched its comprehensive beautification project last year along South Broadway, which included new lighting and landscaping. Other upcoming enhancements include installing welcome signs leading into Cortez from Towaoc, Dove Creek, Dolores and Mancos.
Sheek said that adding curb appeal to city roadways helps instill and demonstrate community pride.
“If you were driving through a trashy town, would you stop?” she asked. “The beautification projects are important for tourism, plus our own residents deserve a lovely place to live.”
DHM Design, a Durango architectural firm, was hired to develop the city’s beautification concept plan. In addition to South Broadway, DHM recommended enhancement projects to improve safety and aesthetics along Main Street, East 7th Street, North Broadway and the intersection of U.S. 160 and Colorado 145.
To share your thoughts, log on to Cortez Connects at www.cortezco.mindmixer.com/signup.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
