08-10-11 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 10, 2011 COMMUNITY SURVEY Mayor Blesener reported that Bill Morris and Peter Leatherman of Decision Resources were here this evening to present the results of the City's Community Survey. Dr. Bill Morris, Decision Resources, reported that Little Canada last did a survey in 2006. The current survey is an update, but also took into account a few new directions particularly in respect to budgeting issues. The survey results show that overall citizens are satisfied with the way things are going in Little Canada. Morris noted that a couple of issues are apparent from the results, but these issues are common to the metro area as a whole. The City is operating effectively and efficiently, and residents indicated that they intend to stay on in Little Canada. Morris noted that Little Canada has never been viewed as a suburb by its residents, which is unique. Residents view Little Canada as an exurban area and most view the City as a small town. Residents appreciate the small town atmosphere and are interested in preserving it. Morris then reviewed the survey methodology used. He noted that the survey was a telephone survey using a 400 random household sample. This sample size results in an accuracy rate of +/- 5.0% in 95 out of 100 cases. The average interview time was 26 minutes with some residents staying on the phone for over an hour. Morris reviewed the demographics produced by the survey which show 57% of residents have lived in the City for 11 years or more. 25% of residents are senior households and 28% have school -aged and /or pre- schoolers. 61% of residents own their homes, while 39% rent. 5% of residents own /manage a Little Canada business, and 13% of residents work in Little Canada. Morris then noted that 52% of residents are financially stressed, while 47% indicated they are financially comfortable. Morris noted that the 52% is a little higher than the suburban norm of 43 %. With regard to quality of life, Morris indicated that 95% of residents rate the quality of life in Little Canada as good to excellent. The 38% rating quality of life at excellent places Little Canada within the top 10% of communities within the metropolitan area. Morris indicated that those surveyed were asked what they like most about Little Canada, and indicated that no one thing stood out from the responses received. This is a pattern that is evident in exurban areas and small towns rather than suburban areas. He noted that of the responses, location at 16 %, quiet /peaceful at 12 %, small town ambiance at 11 %, and close to shopping at 10% received the highest percentages. Residents were then asked what the most serious issue was facing Little Canada. 2