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y-=- - . -''i i: ___ .._ ._,_.s _- --..__ ...- . ---- . . '---` `- I . I_ _ rr.:-. k'°--Y Information Sources: The major information source about City Council delibera- tions and decisions was the Bulletin Newspaper. Farty-four percent mainly relied upon its reporting, while twenty-six per- cent cited it as a secondary source of information. It was particularly important to over 65 year olds. The City Newsletter ranked next, primarily relied upon by twenty-five percent. 35-44 year olds and Precinct 2 tended to be its target audience. The Focus Newspaper followed at sixteen percent. 55-65 year olds showed a partiality to this publicationa Overall, both news- papers were cited more often than the city newsletter as a source of information. Word-of-mouth was an information source for thirty-three percent of tlie community; it was the principal source for six percent of the residents. Of tho,se using the "grapevine," only twenty-eight percent had ever called City Hall for verification or clarification of the information they had received through informal channels. And, only nineteen percent were either "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to use a 24-hour "Hot Line" for clarification or verification. Clearly, those utilizing the grapevine" were not interested in using formal channels to evaluate its content or accuracy. The preferred way for the City to communicate with its residents was a mailed newsletter, mentioned by forty-five per- cent. PreciT cts 3& 4 residents expressed greater preferences for this approach. Newspapers were cited next at sixteen per- cent. Telephone calls from City Staff and City Council members were suggested by seven percent, while more meetings were key for four percent. Like most suburban communities, a mailed newslet- ter has the greatest potential for impacting residents. Citv Survevs° Eighty-nine percent supported the use of statistically valid random sample telephone surveys to seek out opinions and views on key issues. In fact, forty-six percent strongly supported their use. 18-24 year olds and over 65 year olds, as well as Precincts 1& 3 residents were particularly supportive of the use of sur- veys. Only eight percent were opposed to this methodology. Conclusions° Mounds View residents were wary of eztpenditures leading to moderate property tax increases. They did no possess enough information about a new Police Department Facility to pass a bond referendum. Instead, residents reacted to the tax implications rather than the neede To be successful at the polls, a major communications effort would be required. They approved of the idea of purchasing wetlands, but not if it required a significant 4