Keokuk is trying to find ways that it can better open the lines of communication between the city and its residents.
The issue came up during the Keokuk City Council's most recent workshop.
Former Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chuck Betts approached the panel with a list of things he would like to see the city do or at least attempt.
He specifically cited the lack of information being made available about the Grand Avenue reconstruction project, though he noted the issue stretches into other areas.
Mayor Tom Marion does not believe the city has a communication problem.
He says, for example, he always makes himself available if residents visit Keokuk City Hall or call his office at (319) 524-2050.
Marion says there is room for improvement, though, in the city's online and social media presence.
"From my standpoint," says Marion, "I don't do a lot of that. I don't 'twitter' and I don't do a lot of those other things. Anyway we can communicate, I think we need to have open communication."
Marion has asked city staff to look into creating a Facebook account for the city and to improve the website, which he feels is lacking.
He says he also wants to add a special phone line at city hall where he could record announcements.
Marion says the best way to know what is going on in Keokuk, though, is to attend city council meetings. They are held the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, starting at 5:30 P.M.
