City Manager Tom Ambrosino’s newest initiative centers on creating a welcoming and helpful atmosphere at City Hall.
Two new greeters, Fatima Melara and Tania Ceja, have been brought on staff to assist residents in navigating City Hall and expediting their business with the municipality. City Manager Tom Ambrosino had proposed this new initiative as part of mid-year budget requests submitted last December.
It may seem somewhat unusual for New England, but Chelsea City Hall has taken the step of hiring two greeters to welcome visitors and help them conduct their municipal business efficiently.
“I have long stressed to Department Heads and Employees the critical goal of providing customer service to our residents and the need to make City Hall more ‘user-friendly,’” he said. “It is still the case that many visitors to City Hall wander our corridors searching for their desired destination. They often end up asking for directions or assistance in other offices unrelated to their needs, creating frustration for both visitors and our staff. We have installed an information desk in the foyer area and have staffed it with personable, bi-lingual employees.”
Upon entering City Hall, visitors will immediately notice a new desk positioned at the main entrance.
Either Fatima Melara or Tania Ceja will staff this desk. Both have resided in Chelsea for more than 10 years and possess strong ties to the community.
Melara is 20 years old, a UMass-Boston student, and has called Chelsea home for 11 years. A Chelsea high school graduate, she has been active in community affairs and is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Ceja, 24, has lived in Chelsea since age 4. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and expressed her commitment to ensuring that all City Hall visitors have a positive experience.
“As a greeter at City Hall, I’m hoping to make everyone’s visit with us pleasant, faster, and easier,” she said. “My goal every day is to ensure you leave with a smile on your face.”