Meep should have an IRC. Easy to set up, free, and keeps the community together. Sometimes at work i sit bored but am unable to chat with everyone. I cant speak with a mic but i can certainly text type. Its pretty much a console for players.
IRC is a great way for town Mayors, Co-Mayors and staff to keep in touch when they cant fully be on. It allows the use of commands and lets a player see everything that would normally be sent to them in game, on a text message like application.
It would allow use of /msg, /g , /towny commands, tons more and is a great way for shops to stay open, even when the owner cant be on.
I hope you take it into consideration and let me hear opinions and discussion! Thanks!
-Klutch