Monitor Photo/Denise York
Gun Barrel City Planner Brooke Atkinson (left) and Street Superintendent Ernest Willis hold up a graphic representation of new software the city has purchased to track requests and facilitate communication on city projects. SeeClickFix is downloadable for Android and Apple products.

GUN BARREL CITY–The Gun Barrel City (GBC) Chapter of the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce met for their monthly breakfast meeting May 18 at Chicken Express.
GBC Street Superintendent Ernest Willis and City Planner Brooke Atkinson addressed the group concerning new software the city purchased to streamline street repairs. The app, called SeeClickFix is part of a suite of applications created by Civic Plus, a software firm with headquarters in Kansas, that specializes in technology solutions for government.
The app purchased by the city gives a better system for street repairs and reporting of issues affecting the roads maintained by the city. It allows for the reporting of non-emergency issues such as potholes, missing signs and tree limbs down. Other things that may be reported are unsafe structures or trash and debris issues which would be reported to code enforcement. The app is able to route the issue to the right person. The app also allows city officials to target notices to specific areas, including those sent out by emergency management.
The app is being rolled out to the POAs and HOAs to keep the city offices from being bombarded with service requests. Willis was quick to point out that the app is only for issues within the city limits for issues the city currently is able to handle, street repairs for city streets only, not issues within county jurisdiction or state highways under TxDOT.
The app, which is free to both Android and iPhone users, allows residents to choose Gun Barrel City as their location. They will be able to see a list of reports to avoid duplication, upload photos to go with the issue and see updates along the way. The app can be used on a phone, tablet or computer and it is possible to submit requests without the public seeing your identity. City personnel will have access to your phone number or email and may reach out with questions. The app also is linked to the city website, allowing residents to view information there.
Kate Weller said, “This app is so easy to use. Our POA (Arboado) has used it and if I’m telling you it’s easy, a child can do it.”
The system is also designed to filter out hate speech and objectionable language. Willis pointed out that the system has been live for two months and has worked well so far.
The Spotlight speaker for the breakfast was Ebby Halliday Realtor Foster Brady who told members about the advantages the firm offers.
Attendees heard vendors are needed for July Fest, slated for July 29.