New app available for city issues

Anyone who wants some Lorain news on their mobile devices can use a new app dedicated to the city.

The new app was announced Aug. 28 by city Information Technology Director Dave Comer.

The same day, Mayor Chase

Ritenauer began spreading the word about the new app.

“This new digital tool will provide an on-the-go connection for individuals seeking city of Lorain resources, news and information from their smart phones, tablets or hand-held devices,” according to the city’s official description.

The app follows the redesign of the city’s official website, cityoflorain.org.

The new look went live March 9.

Creating the app was part of the plan to upgrade the city’s online presence, Ritenauer said.

“In order to make city affairs more convenient for people, we thought this was really important,” he said. “For me, it’s just another option

to access city services.”

The app was part of the city’s technology budget and will not require additional money appropriated this year, the mayor said.

The app will make available many of the same features available on the city’s official website, city of lorain. org.

App services will include reporting concerns, a calendar of events, submitting crime tips, meeting agendas and minutes, utilities payments and bid information on public projects.

City employees will have access to the human resources portal and payroll data.

The city’s Information Technology Department offered instructions on obtaining the new app.

To download the app on an Apple device:

Go to the iTunes app store and search for Civic Mobile.

Be sure to choose Civic Mobile, not the Civic Mobile Preview or Civic Mobile Demo.

Once the app is downloaded, use the Find My Location feature or search for Lorain OH.

Look for the city seal as the icon for the mobile app.

Once “Lorain Ohio” has been selected for the first use, it will open the city of Lorain app each time it is used.

To download the app on an Android device, visit the Google Play app store and search for City of Lorain Ohio.

Incidentally, Ritenauer said as of Aug. 29, he has not downloaded the app himself.

The mayor uses an iPhone, but said he is overdue on program backups and updates.

“I’ve got, like, 60-some things I’ve got to update on my phone,” he said with a laugh.