Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Chairperson McDilda advised that the last time this was presented to the Council some of the <br />members challenged the survey aspect stating that they do not believe in survey results and he <br />believed that feeling may still be there regarding surveys. He explained that they did have this <br />discussion in the past with Cordelia Pierson and referendums without surveys to determine the <br />correct wording have not been as successful as referendums where surveys have been completed. <br />His concern was how they would get the word out so that this item would not just look like <br />someone asking for more money on the ballot. He explained that a survey would give them not <br />only the correct wording for the question on the ballot but also what is appropriate for the <br />citizens in terms of the referendum. <br /> <br />Board Member Max confirmed that the survey would tell them what to include and what the <br />priorities of the citizens of the City are. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda advised that they could look at sister cities to put together wording but <br />explained that from past experience they know that the way the citizens of Ramsey word and <br />view things is very different from that of surrounding cities. He questioned if it would be <br />possible.to complete a survey and still make the September deadline. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski advised that he would forward on that question tomorrow and let them <br />know what the answer is. <br /> <br />Board Member Max questioned if they would have enough time to launch a campaign for this <br />prior to it being added to the ballot. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski advised that Andover launched their open space campaign around the <br />same time and they actually just made the September deadline that year. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda advised that some of the candidates are just announcing their candidacy <br />now and thought it would be a good opportunity for this issue to be brought up during open <br />debates so that the candidates could address the issue and the public would become aware of it as <br />well. He advised that there would be enough time to campaign and thought that is where the <br />EPB could step in and help as education is something that the EPB promotes. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski stated that in regard to the community center they are not going to do a <br />survey, they are instead going to hold five or six focus groups over a two-week period. <br /> <br />Board Member McDilda questioned why they would go to another W orksession with this issue. <br />He did not see the need to bring this to a W orksession and thought that it should be brought to a <br />regular City Council meeting instead. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski advised that prior to this the issue was around whether the feasibility <br />study should be completed but now that has been done and the issue is now pressing forward for <br />a referendum or to complete a survey. <br /> <br />Board Member Max advised that time is a concern and with the growing population there may <br />not be the luxury of having open land in the future for acquisition. He questioned what the view <br />on this matter would be from the Parks Department. <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / June 17, 2008 <br />Page 5 of8 <br />