Council workshop flags website overhaul, better public notice and records-scanning options

City staff told the Columbia Falls council workshop the city will pursue website improvements, a ‘notify me’ feature for agenda documents, easier Zoom/phone access for remote participation and a longer-term approach to scanning records for staff and public access.

Staff said the current website needs refreshed content and improved search-engine keywords to help visitors find zoning, permit and event information. The presentation described collaboration with the Destination Marketing Organization and Chamber to avoid duplicative content and to share updated park and tourism links; staff cited the site discovercolumbiavault.com as an existing partner link the city uses.

Staff proposed adding a notification function so that users receive an email or text when agenda documents are posted or changed. The workshop also discussed making remote participation easier for callers and reducing prior security problems with public Zoom sessions by adopting new procedures.

On records retention and access, council members and staff discussed scanning completed permit files and other records for staff use and public access. Staff noted outside vendors can provide bulk scanning services (an example cost from a county project was cited in the workshop), but staff also noted scanning is an extra expense and recommended scanning new records first while developing a longer-term plan for older archives.

No formal council action was taken; staff said they will research options and report back with cost estimates and possible timelines.