Agenda - Council - 10/09/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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random sampling of the citizens. He asked who would cover this cost and whether it is included in the budget. Mayor Gamec stated that if the City Council authorized this, the City would pay for it. He stated that the City has used a company called Decision Resources for this type of service, with success in the past. Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated that it has not been included in the budget, but Environmental Coordinator Anderson has suggested that funds from the Environmental Services Budget be used. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that he also learned earlier tonight that a public survey can be funded by a private source. Councilmember Look stated that the City already has around 42 parks in the City and wonders how many more the City needs. He stated that he agrees with Councilmember Dehen's comments on finding out priorities from residents on things such as, subsidized housing, open space, or a community center. He stated that he would like to know the order in which residents prioritize these issues because there is a limited amount of discretionary funds. He stated that he also feels the wording of the survey or ballot is very important. Councilmember Dehen asked why the City could not include a survey with the Ramsey Resident asking residents to give input on their priorities, rather than spending a lot of money on another direct mailing or hiring a service to complete the survey. Mayor Gamec stated that using the Ramsey Resident may appear to be a less costly option, but he feels there would be significant staff time needed to put together the survey questions and compile the answers. He stated that he feels it would be much more costly to do the survey in house. Councilmember Strommen stated that her preference is not to have staff work on this, but to hire a professional firm who does this type of thing, because there is a science as well as an art to conducting surveys. Mayor Gamec stated that he feels the City Council needs to discuss this issue more and noted that he has gotten negative feedback from residents who live in the rural areas of the City because this gives the impression of land being taken away. Councilmember Look stated that he agrees a professional should conduct the survey, but does not agree that it should just be a random sampling. He stated that if the cost to survey the entire City is the same as a random sampling, he prefers that each household be contacted. Councilmember Strommen stated that if the cost is the same, she would agree that each household be contacted. City Council Work Session / September 25, 2007 Page 4 of 5