04-26-06 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 26, 2006 Canada since the last survey. He did, however, compare 2006 Little Canada ratings to those of other metro cities. Morris reported that 93% of survey respondents rated Little Canada's quality of life at excellent or good. This is in the top 25% of suburbs. When asked what residents liked most about Little Canada, 29% responded location, which is a typical suburban response. After that response, most residents identified things that are typical to a small town such as small town ambiance, quiet, peaceful, nice people. When asked what residents liked least, 34% said nothing. Morris reported that this is among the highest in the Metro area with the norm being at 6 to 10%. Morris reported that anything identified as being liked least by 25% of survey respondents would be a major concern, and at 10% to 25% would be a moderate concern. When asked about the most serious issue facing the City, 24% were unsure, ] 4% said nothing, 18% said taxes, and I 1 said crime. Therefore, there is some concern about Caxes and crime in Little Canada. Residents were then asked about Che most important quality of life aspect, and 45% said public safety. Morris reported that public safety and education are typically the highest responses. He noted that the 45% public safety rating was high; the norm is usually 30%. The ranking of good schools at 3% was unusually low. Morris reported that the next survey question focused on what could be fixed or improved in Little Canada, with 30% being unsure and 19% saying nothing. Needed street repairs ranked at 10%. When asked what was missing from the City, 27% were unsure and 25% said nothing. However, retail and restaurants ranked at 13% and a grocery store at 12%. Morris reported that later in the survey, residents indicated that the City's use of financial incentives for redevelopment should include a grocery store. He indicated that there is strong support for family dining as well as a grocery store. The survey Chen focused on the direction in which Little Canada is headed, and 9l % felt the City was headed in the right direction. Morris reported Chat Chis is the highest rating that he has seen in the last 5 years. The 5% that said Che City was headed in the wrong direction expressed concern about too much growth and rising crime rates. Residents ranked community identity at 82% very strong or somewhat strong. Morris stated that this was the highest ranking he has seen, and those people who ranked this area low indicated their intent to move from the City within the next five years. Respondents also ranked their closest community connection to the City at 20% and to their neighborhood at 59%. Only 8% ranked their connection to the school district, which Morris reported is unusual in his experience. Some responders indicated the need for the School District to change its name to include "Little Canada" in the name. 2