Responsive Government
People sometimes complain that the government is not responsive. I probably have so myself, but I want to share a super responsive experience I had and maybe a takeaway.
Broken sidewalk near fire hydrant
I saw the above broken sidewalk and curb near Sunset and Lookout View. Conveniently I had seen our city’s concrete contractor Fasick nearby on East street about the same time. I reached out to the City Streets supervisor, Steve Kurtz, and the director of public works Anne Bierle. Steve said he would add it to the work plan. THE NEXT DAY, the concrete and the corner were torn up and framed in. The ADA ramp, which was not there, was installed immediately after. That’s it!
The original problem was just at the left edge of this.
How can you get responsiveness like this? Run for and be on city council! Or if that is too hard, and is somewhat said tongue in cheek, then make it really easy for the city to address it.
Take pictures
Think about timing
if you see the camel (sewer jet cleaner) near by, that’s a time to ask sewer questions. If you see tests of hydrants near by, that’s a time to ask about water issues. If you see someone cleaning a storm sewer grate, that’s a time to ask about drainage issues. If you see a blocked sidewalk due to overgrowth or debris, that is a code enforcement issue. Pictures are key because a work order can be created even without a site visit, which saves time. And, if it results in action being taken, that is much better than just calling it in.
Use the city’s street closure app to see why work is being done in your area too.