Email provides updates, welcomes participation

The city of Albert Lea began issuing a weekly e-newsletter last week to give residents a greater idea of what is happening in the community.

In the newsletter, City Manager Chad Adams gave a brief description of the progress being shown in Albert Lea, along with improvements the city can make.

A brief preview was given of the Albert Lea Fire Department open house that was held Saturday, as well as a short note about Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. looking for nominations for his newly created Mayor’s Community Service Awards.

The city has added a feature to its website through which residents can subscribe to the e-newsletter.

In addition, sign-up sheets are located at all windows within City Hall, including the Utilities Department and library.

The city also releases a paper newsletter.

“I wanted to create another avenue to keep residents apprised of what is going on in the community, as well as provide a more frequent source of news,” said City Manager Chad Adams in a press release earlier this month. “After reviewing the results of the Citizen Survey, it was critical to find a way to build community spirit, welcome citizen participation and inform residents about the direction the city is taking.”

Approximately 250 people have signed up for the e-newsletter, said Public Information Coordinator Teresa Kauffmann.

The city is trying to boost its Facebook profile and has plans to make greater use of Facebook to communicate with residents.

Since the start of the year, the city has added approximately 570 followers on Facebook, according to city staff.

The city has also employed a door-to-door approach to increase communication between city government and citizens.