02-09-11 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 9, 2011 conducted three community surveys in the past, those being in 1988, 1995, and 2006. The 2006 survey contained approximately 110 question units. There was discussion about the value that past surveys provided, with the consensus being that they did provide valuable information and direction to the City. The Administrator noted that 2012 will be a very tough year for cities financially, and a survey would provide direction to the City in terms of the continuation or elimination of various services relative to their cost. The Administrator also noted that at the Goal Setting Session there was discussion about conducting a business survey. He noted that Decision Resources recommendation would he to conduct a business focus group, the cost of which would be $3,750. Keis indicated that given the cost, he was not sure the survey was necessary questioning the City's ability to reduce services such as policy, fire, and public works. He indicated that he would be more in favor of conducting a business focus group. The City Administrator explained that given survey results are based on a 400 random sample, a focus group format is preferred for the business community. Relative to a residential survey, the Administrator indicated that some issues that come to mind would be to gauge support for the Montreal Courts officer position, whether or not the Demont skating rink should remain closed or not, citizen support for the City's deer culling program. Other issues include capital improvement projects such as the need for park equipment replacement. The Administrator felt that a survey may help the City prioritize some things. McGraw indicated that he has reviewed the 2006 survey and was impressed with it. McGraw felt that perhaps the number of question units could be reduced so that the City can obtain valuable information at less cost. McGraw noted the budget issues facing the City, thus the need to determine which services are most valuable to citizens. He felt that issues addressed in past surveys, such as the value of the City's newsletter, need not be addressed. McGraw felt the survey would provide valuable information to the Council in setting the 2012 Budget. He noted that today's economic conditions are different from what they were five years ago. Blesener felt that the City should conduct a more targeted survey. He noted that the City will be facing budget issue and it is important to find out if citizens are willing to pay more to keep services, or where cuts should be made. The Administrator indicated that a target survey will be 5