04-26-06 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 26, 2006 excellenC or good. Morris reported that one apartment complex in the City kept surfacing as an area of concern, and indicated that he would speak more on that complex later. The City's code enforcement efforts were rated at about right. Morris noted about a 50/50 split for more rigorous residential property code enforcement 46% in support and 43% opposed. Morris noted that 48% of residents support a winter streeC parking ban while 43% oppose such a ban. With regard to a year-round parking ban, 26% were in support while 64% oppose. Morris noted that there is extremely high support at 76% for continuation of Che City's goose round-up program. The next section of the survey focused on public safety issues. Morris reported that 49% of residents indicated that they were afraid to walk alone at night while 47% stated that they were noC. Morris reported that in response to this question, Chere was an unusually high percentage of reference to Montreal Court AparCments at 8% as well as 6% referencing LaBore Road (location of Montreal Court Apartment complex) as an area of safety concern. Morris reported that the norm for first ring suburbs is about 30% to 35% afi~aid Co walk alone at night. With regard to people feeling safe in their homes, 93% of Little Canada residents feel safe in their own homes. The survey then focused on what residents feel are major public safety concerns. High ratings were given Co residential crimes, youth crimes, and traffic speeding. 49% of residents feel that crime rates have remained about the same in the last five years, while 39% feel there has been an increase. The norm is typically 25% to 30%, therefore, Morris felC there is a strong perception that the City's crime rate has increased. Morris reported that 70% of residents feel neighborhood patrolling is about right. 47% of residents feel there are neighborhood speeding problems. 48% of residents indicated they are aware of and members of neighborhood watch groups. Given that 28% are aware of neighborhood watch and 24% are unaware, Morris suggested that Chis is an opportunity for Che City Co increase awareness and participation in neighborhood watch. Residents ranked the need for proposed public safety programs with strong support for additional policy on patrol, crime prevention/neighborhood awareness, and traffic enforcement. The nexC af•ea of the City addressed taxation and finance issues. Mon•is pointed out that 71% of residents felt Chey got excellent Co good value in the City services provided. 40% would favor a tax increase averaging about $26.50 annually to maintain these services, while 34% opposed a 4