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listed being considered extremely or very serious by more than 50% of those surveyed. When looking at comparisons over time, traffic congestion on freeways is a new concern over the last 2 years and growth and development has increased from 20% to 43% of respondents reporting it as extremely or very serious. The general concern over jobs and unemployment has decreased locally although those concerned with the cost of living has increased from 37% to 45%. Councilmember Olson asked if parking came up relative to traffic and congestion, noting that a recent study of business needs indicated that parking in the downtown was a serious issue. Mr. Below said parking was not asked about directly nor could he recall it being raised in the open ended questions. He did suggest that issues raised by the business survey could be injected here in the future to see what affect it really has on the larger community. He explained that the survey asked several questions very similar to those being posed in some of the statewide work relative to water conservation. He reported that the majority of respondents feel it is important to conserve water, a sentiment that is largely consistent throughout the state. 93% indicated they had reduced their water consumption during the course of the drought, with 2/3 reporting significant reductions. Approximately half of respondents indicated they have done all they can to reduce consumption, which can present somewhat of a psychological barrier when attempting to conserve further. In terms of city government, the city received an extraordinarily high rating on providing an adequate level of city services. Councilmember Pentin asked why neighboring cities such as Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville or Walnut Creek are not listed in the description of how Pleasanton compares to other cities. Mr. Below explained that he only provided data points for which his firm provided the service. He continued his presentation, noting that the city also scored impressively high in terms of management of finances and the quality of new development. While the majority of respondents still feel the city is doing an excellent or good job of planning for infrastructure needs, there has been some decrease in the intensity of positive responses. The survey also included a list of services in random order which residents were asked to rate in terms of .importance and then satisfaction. Satisfaction levels were incredibly high across the board, particularly those related to public safety. Nearly all services were identified as important, with the top priorities identified as 911 response and water quality. Over 2/3 of respondents felt city parks, open space, business development and senior programs were high priorities. By and large, residents are most satisfied with those services that rated as most important. The outliers are again related to water quality and then long-term planning. When asked what could be done to improve city services, the populous was generally satisfied and no particular theme was revealed. Vice Mayor Brown said she was surprised to learn that 90% of respondents found public library services to be extremely important and reported being very satisfied with the services offered. Mr. Below stated that when asked how often they interact with specific departments, respondents revealed that city parks are very well utilized as is the library. The golf course, arts center and theater reported relatively low utilization. About half of respondents reported interacting with some a city department or facility in some form with very high levels of satisfaction. In summary, the overall satisfaction level is very positive. Water, traffic congestion and growth and development are all existing or percolating concerns that could benefit from additional focus. City Council Minutes Page 12 of 14 August 18,2015