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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />FEBRUARY 9, 1994 <br />Anderson stated that a survey will help set the <br />direction for the future. A survey will tell the City <br />how people perceive it, what they think about it, and <br />where they want to go. <br />Niebuhr reported that a random sample of 375 residents <br />would provide the City with an accuracy rate of plus or <br />minus 5%, or a confidence level of 95%. The 375 sample <br />is based on statistical tables for accuracy of data and <br />the number of residents in Little Canada. A survey of <br />100 businesses is recommended based on the total number <br />of businesses within the City. <br />Morelan asked why a higher percentage of businesses <br />would be surveyed than residents. <br />Anderson replied that a larger percentage is required <br />of a smaller number and a smaller percentage is <br />required of a large group in order to achieve the same <br />confidence level. In surveying businesses, the City <br />would also be able to target subsets of different types <br />of businesses, or exclude some types, such as fast-food <br />restaurants, for example. <br />The Administrator asked if it was typical that a City <br />survey contain a business component. <br />Niebuhr replied that it was, but was certainly not <br />required. A business survey is an option. Business <br />opinion is very important in some communities, and that <br />opinion may make a difference in a City's plans for the <br />future. <br />The Administrator felt there was the need and desire to <br />get businesses involved. The Administrator asked if <br />survey questions were more focused to residents than <br />businesses. <br />Anderson replied that there could actually be two <br />surveys, one for residents and another for businesses. <br />Some questions could be asked of both groups, but <br />others would be more focused to either residents or <br />businesses. Another option would be to have in-depth <br />interviews with business leaders. This is a less <br />expensive way of surveying the business community if <br />the survey is geared more to residents. <br />Niebuhr reported that once survey questions are <br />compiled, the survey would be pre-tested to make sure <br />it works, is understood by those being surveyed, and <br />answers can be obtained. Niebuhr reported that their <br />firm does both telephone and mailed surveys, and <br />receive a hiqh response rate with both forms. <br />Page 3 <br />