2006-07-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 - July 11, 2006 New Brighton Council Minutes The Acting City Manager, Jeanna Troha introduced the item. The City Council discussed this at a work-session in June. Staff upon hearing discussion items ~om council sought to obtain more information. The slUVey would be a lephone survey contacting a random sample of 400 residents. Questions asked auld promote resident feedback related to city finances, taxes, city services, evelopment, and how residents communicate with the City. The cost of the survey would be $4,600. This slUVey would provide the City Council with information to use in preparation of the 2007 budget. It was stated there is adequate fimds available in the budget. Upon approval, the survey would begin within about one week, with results expected sometime in mid August. Council Member Bauman stated her dissatisfaction with surveys in general; additionally she felt that by questioning 400 residents, that was a small percentage of the population. Council Member Doffing asked the other Council Members why they were in favor of the community survey. Council Member Hoffman replied she feels a sense of trust for the professionals administering the questions. Council Member Burg agreed with Council Member Hoffman, stating that Decision Resources Ltd. is experienced in this type of survey. Also it was stated that the City Council was able to create the questions, and amend if needed. Mayor Larson felt that 400 willing participants would be very valuable, both now and in the future. Council Member Doffmg read a few sample questions, explaining why she felt ~me questions are vague, and perhaps residents may not fully understand the estions; for this reason Council Member Doffing opposes this survey. ouncil Member Doffing expressed concern that the sruvey would be used as a I to validate a couple of people on the council-who's right on the Council?" It was stated that the residents of New Brighton have indicated in the past that they are not willing to pay an increase in property taxes. Council Member Burg reiterated the Council's ability to write the questions, and change wording as necessazy. Council Member Bauman stated she was opposed to using dollar amounts in the questioning, because the end result would vary-. Council Member Doffll1g requested including a questionnaire with utility bills. The Acting City Manager, Jeanna Troha offered clarification on a couple items, relating to dollar amormts: Decision Resources has found that using dollar amounts is most effective because people tend to think in dollar amOlll1ts-not in percentages. Secondly, if surveys were to be included with utility bills, the results would not be available in time for 2007 budget preparation. Council Member Doffing questioned the directive to follow upon receiving the survey results. Mayor Larson felt that a fair representation of the resident's opinions on City Sexvices would be obtained and that would be valuable in preparing the budget. Council Member Doffmg and Bauman both reminded the others that last year it Is evident that the residents at the truth in taxation hearing were opposed to tax creases, and a sruvey will reveal the same results. uncil Member Doffing stated she was troubled by the fact that at a Council etreat earlier in the year, she offered up a couple of ideas to possibly reduce the City Budget. All year long, nothing has been looked at to reduce spending. Council Member Doffing stated she feels she owes it to the residents to keep taxes down.