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public. Additionally, the work area is in full view of <br /> the "counter" creating an uncomfortable situation for an <br /> employee who is not responsible for nor equipped to serve <br /> the citizen leaning over the "counter" while the <br /> appropriate employee is busy serving another citizen. The <br /> message that is conveyed with this type of architecture is <br /> that the citizen is not important and that the municipal <br /> staff is not willing to serve. This impression is <br /> anything but the truth and every effort should be made to <br /> correct this impression. <br /> The word processing system which is used by several <br /> departments is ineffective and outdated by ten years or <br /> more. Every user including the least skilled typist can <br /> out-type the word processor on a daily basis. This <br /> results in slow turn-around of clerical tasks and <br /> considerable frustration. Four years ago when our <br /> computer system was purchased the word processing system <br /> was expected to operate effectively on the same computer <br /> as the financial and police functions. Today we have <br /> learned that it may be more prudent to purchase equipment <br /> that serves the specific need of word processing and <br /> information management. The cost of inefficiency of our <br /> system continues to eat away at the overall efficiency of <br /> the people serving the City. <br /> Little effort is currently made to plan for public <br /> relations and public image, although this problem has been <br /> identified as a major need of Ramsey. With an improvement <br /> in the efficiencies stated above, this task can be <br /> addressed and hopefully result in an improved image for <br /> Ramsey. <br /> <br />There are several areas where this department has met or exceeded <br />the needs of the City and continues to do so. <br /> Agendas are prepared regularly and on time, usually <br /> including more information than is typically received by <br /> other local units of government. However, the procedure <br /> means that all other projects must take a lower <br /> priority. <br /> <br /> The public appears to be satisfied with the personable and <br /> friendly way in which it is greeted and served by this <br /> work group. However, the cost of this one-on-one service <br /> could be lessened by thoughtful improvements to the <br /> architecture and procedures at the Ramsey Municipal <br /> Center. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Stand-alone word processors should be purchased to improve upon <br />the efficiency of this work group and other departments. The <br />cost of these systems have been reduced to the point in recent <br />Staffing Report May 1988 Page 3 <br /> <br /> <br />