Is there a pothole in the middle of the road that needs to be fixed? Or some graffiti on a property that needs removal? Then SeeClickFix it.
Chula Vista’s newest 3-1-1 information system is a tool to help citizens report non-emergency services to the city.
With SeeClickFix citizens can report such things as a malfunctioning traffic signal, dead animal removal, sewage problems and potholes.
Chula Vista Geographic Information Systems Manager Bob Blackwelder said Chula Vista brought the New Heaven, Conn., based SeeClickFix to help streamline the reporting process.
“It’s great for citizens but also great for staff to use to help us monitor and track the issues,” Blackwelder said.
The system launched in August with graffiti removal, the most commonly reported issue, Blackwelder said.
He added that most issues have been public works related.
During a presentation about SeeClickFix at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Blackwelder reported that 329 requests have been issued since the program’s inception.
Of those 329 requests, 148 are for graffiti removal and 40 are street related issues. The city has reportedly addressed 114 graffiti removal requests.
Under SeeClickFix, 18 pothole issues were reported by citizens with 16 of them fixed.
Blackwelder said the number of telephone requests to the city has decreased as more people are learning about the new reporting method.
Citizens can report city issues using SeeClickFix as a web tool or using the phone application by downloading the iPhone or Android app.
Once downloaded, a SeeClickFix user can add the location, description and photographic information pertaining to the issue. If phone has GPS capabilities, it will automatically locate the issue.
Requests can be submitted anonymously and in multiple languages.
The app also provides additional city information like access to the city calendar, city council information and an interactive bike map.
When a request is made, the citizen receives an email with a tracking number where a person can monitor the status of the request. Once the issue is fixed, a status update is given.
The program automatically routes that issue to the appropriate city department.
Because of its success, Blackwelder said he wouldn’t be surprised if more cities start adopting a similar system.
“I know the city of Chula Vista is the first in the county to use SeeClickFix,” he said. “This is becoming a popular program and system.”
The free-to-use program costs the city of Chula Vista about $12,000 annually, Blackwelder said.
Blackwelder said SeeClickFix gives the citizens a quality service.
“The ultimate goal with this kind of system is to provide the best service to the community,” he said.
To report issues online visit www.chulavistaca.gov.
