Agenda - Council Work Session - 03/11/2014

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CC Work Session 2. 3. Meeting Date: 03/11/2014 Title: Select Resident Survey Method Information Purpose /Background: Purpose: Select preferred method to perform a regular resident survey. Background (resident survey): During the 2013 Strategic Planning process, discussion ensued related to initiating a resident surveying process. Generally speaking, survey results would benefit the City in a wide range of applications. However, relating to the Strategic Plan specifically, a resident survey allows the City to clearly analyze organizational performance measurements; including, the City's Strategic Plan balanced scorecard. Background (case): This case was originally brought before the Council on October 08, 2013; at which time, one method of surveying was presented (phone survey). The result of this discussion was direction for Staff to bring a case back in March 2014. At the time, Council had mixed perspectives on whether or not a resident survey should be conducted; and if so, what method should be utilized. Staff was requested to bring back a variety of survey method alternatives (beyond a phone survey). Lastly, because funding for a resident survey was not budgeted until 2014, the consensus of the Council was to revisit this discussion in 2014. Funding /Budget As a result of the City's Strategic Planning process, $7,500 was budgeted in 2014 for a resident survey. Furthermore, the City participates in the State of Minnesota's "City /County Performance Measurement" (CPM) program. Annually, the State allocates about $3,350 to the City of Ramsey for performance measurement related costs. In summary, the City has about $10,850 in funding budgeted for a resident survey in 2014. If additional funding is required, survey questions specifically related to individual departments or enterprise funds can be allocated accordingly. Alternatives /Methods A wide range of surveying methods exist. Ranking the value of different methods is a subjective exercise. Included in the attachments is an "alternatives" comparison chart. Included in the "alternatives" chart are common survey methods germane to the City of Ramsey; which, include general analytic information and Staff ratings (qualitative, subj ective). Benefits of Surveying Listed below is a general list of benefits resulting from a regular surveying program. • Support and follow up to the City's Strategic Planning Process (including the balanced scorecard) • Support to the City's budgeting process and general Council policy discussions • Support to City's ongoing efforts for increased efficiencies and organizational effectiveness • Accountability and the ability to attain regular, measurable, input from the public • Ability to attain comprehensive cross section of input from the public • Ability to analyze trends in public input over time • Ability to identify outlier components in public input (red flags and unique strengths) • Ability to compare Ramsey public input to other communities • Ability to attain public input in a timely /relevant fashion on major policy discussions.