CCMIN10172017 - Laserfiche WebLink

• Mr. Below addressed visits to the golf course, theater or arts center. Brief discussion followed regarding the number of adults using soccer fields and other facilities and use of the golf course, compared to other surrounding golf courses. Councilmember Pentin commented on the use of recreational facilities, not just golfers. Mr. Below addressed communicating with the City, a ranking of potential sources of information; reported voters are most likely to pay attention to their friends and neighbors and presented a summary of conclusions, including topics the City should consider for future community engagement. Councilmember Pentin stated the City is holding its own, but there seems to be a change in the way people view government. He asked whether there is discourse, with respondents about how they feel about the government. Mr. Below stated that may have some impact, but it's been found people are more satisfied with local government and less satisfied with the federal government. In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry regarding asking questions about elected officials, City Manager Fialho reported the City is prohibited from doing so, as it would take on the look and feel of a political poll. He added the City conducts a survey, every two years and merges the results with some of the City's operational metrics. Staff presents the qualitative and quantitative results on an annual basis, which provides a reflection on the City's use of funds. He reported growth and traffic circulation are major concerns but noted the City has an excellent Traffic Division and this is not a reflection of their work. Mayor Thorne stated the data must be put into context in terms of what is happening when the survey is conducted. Councilmember Pentin added growth and traffic has a lot to do with the growth of the economy and the growth of surrounding communities. Mayor Thorne opened public comment. John Bauer stated he would like to see surveys continuing, adding that it is money well-spent. He commented positively on the results and referenced those who .expressed dissatisfaction. He suggested the need to find out why they are dissatisfied and whether there is an opportunity for them to be satisfied. He referenced slides 21 and 22.of the presentation, noted there is a downward trend in terms of voters' satisfaction with City services and the management of the City budget and finances and wondered, why. Mayor Thorne closed the public comment. Mayor Thorne agreed with Mr. Bauer's comments and asked that future surveys include suggestions on how to improve voters' ratings. Mr. Below suggested overall economic times influence the level of satisfaction. He reported impressions on the federal government tend to weigh heavily on local government. Mayor Thorne agreed with the need to continue the surveys and suggested adding context in terms of the economic and federal and state government environments. Councilmember Narum stated it seems clear City' staff is doing a great job and felt that opportunities exist in terms of quality of,developments, traffic, communication, water supply and City Council Minutes Page 4 of 5 October 17,2017