HomeMy WebLinkAbout6B - 1999 Community Survey Results
....
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
:~9USt2.1999 ~
Frank Boyles, City Mana~
AGENDA ITEM:
PRESENTATION BY DR. BILL MORRIS OF 1999 PRIOR LAKE
COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS
DISCUSSION:
History
The City Council, as part of its 1999 objectives, directed that a
community survey be conducted. The purpose of the survey is to
learn more about citizen perceptions of City services and issues
relating to their community and local government.
CurrentCifcumsffinces
A total of 400 persons were interviewed by telephone. Each
responded to some 107 survey questions. According to
representatives of Decision Resources, the survey process was very
successful and achieved a high degree of resident cooperation.
The survey has now been completed and tabulated. Dr. Bill Morris will
provide the City Council and general public with an overview of the
results, touching on various points of interest. I have attached for
information, a copy of the survey and the responses shown in
percentages.
We will publicize the survey results in a number of ways. The Prior
Lake American will, no doubt, publish articles. This presentation at the
Council meeting will be broadcast live and rebroadcast. An "Inside
City Hall" cable program will focus on this topic. In addition, future
"Wavelength" articles and presentations to civic organizations will
address the survey responses.
162D'<C~kJRRP.ts19.9~'i{a;>~tfIdifim72-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
DECISION RESOURCES, LTD.
3128 Dean Court
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416
247 P02
JUL 12 '99 14:41
PRIOR LAKE RESIDENTIAL
QUESTIONNAIRE
FINAL MAY 1999
Hello, 11m of Decision Resources, Ltd., a nationwide
polling firm located in Minneapolis. We've been retained by the
city of Prior Lake to speak with a random sample of residents
about issues facing the city. The survey is being taken because
your city representatives and staff are interested in your opin-
ions and suggestions. I want to assure you that all individual
responses will be held strictly confidential; only summaries of
the entire sample ~ill be reported. (DO NOT PAUSE)
~.
Approximately how many years have
have you lived in Prior Lake?
LESS THAN ONE YEAR.. ...2%
ONE OR TWO YEARS... ....9%
THREE TO FIVE YEARS. ..20%
SIX TO TEN yEARS.... ..21%
ELEVEN - TWENTY YRS.. .22%
TWENTY - THIRTY YRS.. .14%
OVER THIRTY yEARS.... .12%
2. In what city and/or state were you located immediately prior
to your residence here?
ALWAYS PRIOR LAKE, 6%; MINNEAPOLIS, 12%; BLOOMINGTON, 9%;
SAINT PAUL, 3%; ourSTATE MINNESOTA, ~O%; ANOTHER STATE,
6%; BURNSVILLE, 7%; SAVAGE, 3%; RICHFIELD, 3%; EDEN
PRAIRIE/MINNETONKA, 3%: SCOTT COUNTY, 2%; EAGAN, 1%;
APPLE VALLEY, 2%; SHAKOPEE, 3%; CHASKA/CHANHASSEN, 2%;
REST OF HENNEPIN COUNTY, .5%: REST OF DAI<OTA COUNTY, 3%;
REST OF RAMSEY COUNTY, 1%; REST OF METRO AREA, 1%; SCAT-
TERED, 1%.
3.
As things stand noW, how long in
the future do you expect to live
in Prior Lake?
4.
How would you rate the quality of
life in Prior Lake -- excellent,
good, only fair, or poor?
s.
What do you like MOST about living
in Prior Lake?
1
LESS THAN TWO YEARS....6%
TWO TO FIVE yEARS.... .14%
SIX TO TEN yEARS...... .9%
OVER TEN YEARS....... .55%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... .17%
EXCELLENT... ......... .28%
GOOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 %
ONLY FAIR. . . . . . . . . . . . .10%
POOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... ..1%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ...4%
LOCATION... .~. ..... ...25%
SMALL TOWN FEEL.... ...30%
QU r ET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 %
SAFE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 %
SCHOOLS.. ....... .... ...3%
NEIGHBORHOOD..... .... ..9%
THE LAKE...... ...... ..~9%
PEOPLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 %
PARKS AND RECREATION.. .1%
...--
6.
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
In general, what do you think is
the most serious issue facing the
community today?
Moving on.....
7.
10.
When you think about Prior Lake do
you see it as a small town or a
suburb?
8.
And, in the future, would you most
prefer Prior Lake to remain pri-
marily a residential community OR
become a more diverse community by
attracting more commercial and
light industrial business? (WAIT
FOR RESPONSE) Do you feel strongly
that way?
9.
How would you rate the general
sense of community among Prior
Lake residents -- excellent I good,
only fair, or poor?
11.
Now which of the following state-
ments comes closest to your
feelings?
A. I feel a real tie to the entire
prior Lake community.
B. I have strong ties to my neigh-
borhood,but 'Weak ties to the
rest of Prior Lake.
C. I have neither strong ties to
my neighborhood nor the comm-
unity as a ~hole.
Thinking about the past five
years, would you say the City of
Prior Lake has changed for the
better, changed for the worse, or
remained about the same?
2
.=-~,~ ~ -,:.':;~,~~
L.'_ .;;"._...j;J..... ~
247 P03
JUL 12 '99 14:41
DON'T ~OW/REFUSED.. ...8%
CRIME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 %
GROWTH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26%
TAXES. . . . . . . . . . ; . . . . . .11%
SCHOOLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19%
CITY SERVICES...... ....6%
TRAFFIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4%
CITY GOVERNMENT...... ..5%
LACK OF COMMERCIAL.... .7%
ENVIRONMENTAL LAKE
ISSUES.. ....... ...4%
LACK OF INDUSTRy.... ...1%
SCATTERED...... ...... ..2%
SMALL TOWN.. ......... .34%
SUBURB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55%
BOnt (VOL.)........... 10%
NEITHER (VOL.) ...... ...0%
DONIT KNOW/REFUSED... ..1%
RESIDENTIAL/STRONGLY..20%
RESIDENTIAL.... ...... .12%
BOTH EQUALLY (VOL) ....10%
DIVERSE............ .. .21%
DIVERSE/STRONGLy..... .35%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... ..2%
EXCELLENT. . . . . . , . . . . . ,15%
GOOD. . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . 60%
ONLY FAIR. . . . . . . . . . . . .17%
POOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ...4%
STATEMENT A........ ,..29%
STATEMENT B.......... .45%
STATEMENT C.. ... ... ...23%
NONE (VOL.)........... .1%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED. ....3%
FOR BETTER. ........ ...34%
FOR WORSE.. ." .... ....21%
REMAINED THE SAME.. ...36%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....~%
..-
---.-..~
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
247 P04
JUL 12 '99 14:42
IF A RESPONSE IS GIVEN, ASK: (N~363)
~2. Why do you feel that way?
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ..11%
GROWTH IS BAD.. '.' ... .13%
TRAFFIC.............. ..3%
GROWTH IS GOOD..... .,.24%
CRIME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2%
NO CHANGE.. ....... ....15%
NO NEW BUSINESSES......7%
IMPROVEMENTS MADE.. ....4%
NEW BUSINESSES HERE.. ..4%
SCHOOLS... ...... ... ....2%
PARK AND RECREATION... .2%
RESIDENTIAL GROWTH.....3%
ROADS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 %
POOR GOVERNMENT.. .... ..5%
SCATTERED. . . . . . . . . . . . . .4%
Changing focus....
13.
Would you favor or oppose an in-
crease in YOUR city property tax
if it were needed to maintain city
services at their current level?
FAVOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 %
OPPOSE...... ..... .... .57%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... .12%
14.
In comparison with nearby areas,
do you consider your total pro-
perty taxes to he very high, some-
what high, about average, somewhat
low, or very low?
VERY HIGH. ........ ... .26%
SOMEWHAT HIGH.... .....48%
ABOUT AVERAGE...... ...20%
SOMEWHAT LOW.... .... ...1%
VERY LOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 %
DON I T KNOW/REFUSED... . . .6%
The city of Prior Lake continuously reviews the cost effective-
ness of the services it provides to residents. Your opinions on
this portion of the survey are particularly important to deci-
sion-makers. I am going to read you a list of some of the cur-
rent services either directly provided by the city or partially
subsidized by it. For each one, please tell me if you feel it is
excellent. good. only fair or poor. If you don't have an opin-
ion, just say so. ... (ROTATE LIST)
EXCL GOOD FAIR POOR D.K.
15. police protection? 25% 60% 8% ~% ei%
16. Fire protection? 24% 56% 7% 1% 14%
17. Utilities, or sewer & water? 9% 52% 25% 9% 6%
18. Animal control? 8% 38% 17% 13% 26%
19. Park maintenance? 18% 56% 16% 4% 7%
20. Recreation services? 17% 4~% 20% 4% 1.9%
21. Building inspection and permits? 7% 28% 20% 18% 27%
22. 91~ emergency response time to
calls? 15% 29% 3% 1% 52%
23. Zoning code enforcement? 4% 25% 17% 14% 40%
3
.,,--
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
24. Quality of cable television
transmissions?
25. city library?
247 P05
JUL 12 '99 14:A2
EXCL GOOD FAIR POOR D.K.
2% 18% ~7% 40% 24%
14% 37% 22% 6% 22%
For the next two city services, please consider only city
streets. In particular, do not consider State Highway 13 or
County Roads 21, 42, 82 and 83, as these are not maintained by
the City of Prior Lake.
EXCL GOOD FAIR POOR D.K.
26. City street repair and maintenance? 6% 53% 30%
27. Snow and ice control? 18% 58% ~6%
Moving on.. . .
28.
How would you rate the general
appearance of your neighborhood
excellent, good, only fair, or
or poor?
9%
6%
3%
3%
EXCELLENT. ..... ...... .33%
GOOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56%
ONLY FAIR _ . . . . . . . . . . . . .8%
POOR. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....O%
NO'!'
TOU
23%
27%
29%
14%
11%
15%
11%
11%
17%
ABO
RIG
53%
49%
56%
72%
67%
70%
52%
61%
39%
For each of the following, please tell me whecher the City is too
tough, about right, or not tough enough in enforcing city codes
on the nuisances.
38.
Other than voting, do you feel
that if you wanted to, you could
have a say about the way the City
of Prior Lake runs things?
TOO
TOU
29. Animal control? 1%
30. Junk cars? 1%
31. Messy yards? 1%
32. Noise? 2%
33. Construction site
management? 1%
34. Exterior home maintenance? 2%
35. Snow shoveling of side-
walks? 1%
36. Maintenance and appearance
of property line fences
between residential pro-
perty and city streets? 2%
37. Prevention of soil erosion
on city bluffs? 2%
4
J&;. ~~IA'a.miill:,.,,"~,"7;..~..
_:~ h.
,",w.... 'd'lWt';'; ~;
DK/
REF
24%
24%
14%
12%
21%
14%
36%
27%
43%
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6 %
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....8%
...-
~/l,." ,'>..;,;i,U~..,~
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
39.
How much do you feel you know
about the work of the Mayor and
City Council -- a great deal, a
fair amount, or very little?
40.
From what you kno~, do yOU ap-
prove or disapprove of the job
the Mayor and City Council are
doing? (WAIT FOR RESPONSE) And do
you feel strongly that way?
247 P06
JUL 12 '99 14:43
GREAT DEAL.. .......... .8%
FAIR AMOUNT. ........ ..47%
VERY LITTLE......... ..44%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ...2%
STRONGLY APPROVE... ...11%
SOMEWHAT APPROVE. .-. ..40%
SOMEWHAT DISAPPROVE.. .14%
STRONGLY DISAPPROVE...14%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... .21%
IF OPINIONS ARE STATED IN QUESTION #40, ASK: (N=317)
41. Why do you feel that way
about the Mayor and City
Council?
42. How much first-hand contact have
you had with the Prior Lake city
staff -- quite a lot, some, very
little, or none at all?
43.
From what you have seen or heard,
how would you rate the job per-
formance of the Prior Lake city
staff -- excellent, good, only
fair, or poor?
IF A RATING IS GIVEN, ASK: (N=324)
44. Why did you rate city staff
as ?
5
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ...7%
GOOD JOB. . . . . . . . . . . . . - 26%
LISTEN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4%
POOR JOB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 %
DO NOT LISTEN....... ..16%
COULD IMPROVE-...... ..15%
ISSUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%
SPENDING. ............ ..1%
CONFLICTS ON COUNCIL. ..6%
NO PROBLEMS. ........ ...3%
NEED MORE BUSINESS.. ...2%
APPROVE OF MAYOR/
DISAPPROVE OF COUNCIL..4%
QUITE A LOT.......... .11%
SOME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34%
VERY LITTLE. ...... ... .38%
NONE AT ALL......... ..16%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... ..1%
EXCELLENT. ..... ... .....8%
GOOD. . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . 44%
ONLY FAIR. . . . . . . . . . . . .23 %
POOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED....19%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ...5%
GOOD JOB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 %
LISTEN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9%
POOR JOB... . . . . . . . . . . . . .7%
DO NOT LISTEN. ..... ...11%
ISSUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5%
COULD IMPROVE....... ...9%
HELPFUL. . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . .3%
FRIENDLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2%
NO PROBLEMS........ ....2%
SLOW RESPONSE....... ...2%
NOT HELPFUL........ ....3%
SCATTERED......... .....1%
..--
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
45. During the past year, have you
contacted by telephone or in
person any staff member at
Prior Lake city Hall?
IF I'YES, II ASK: (N=18S)
46.
On your last contact of City
Hall, which department did
you reach -- police, Finance,
Planning, Building In~pec-
tion, Public Works/Engineer-
ing, Farks and Recreation,
the Information Desk, Admin-
istration/City Council, En-
gineering, Zoning Code En-
forcement, Utility Billing,
or something else?
247 P07
JUL 12 '99 14;43
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . 46%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... ..1%
POL ICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 %
FINANCE. . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . .3%
PLANNING.. ........ ... .11%
BUILDING INSPECTION...24%
PUBLIC WORKS... ...... .12%
PARK AND REC.... .... ..13%
INFORMATION DESK..... ..2%
ADMIN/CITY COUNCIL.... .7%
ENGINEERING. ..... ... ...4%
ZONING CODE ENFORCE... .6%
UTILITY BILLING.... ....5%
CITY MAIN'I'ENANCE. . .'. . . . 3 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....2%
Thinking about that last contact, for each of the following
characteristics, please rate the Prior Lake City Hall facility
or staff as excellent, good, only fair, or poor....
EXCL GOOD FAIR POOR DK/R
47. Courtesy of the
Information Desk
receptionist?
48. Waiting time for
service?
49. Ease of reaching a
department staff
member who could
help you? .
so. Efficiency of the
department staff?
51. Courtesy of the
department staff?
52.
In the past, have you used
the voice mail system to
leave a message at City Hall?
(IF "YES," ASK:) Did you re-
ceive a timely response to
your message?
ASK EVERYONE:
Moving on......
(;
.~ .~, _.~.J1.:" .,::
;if .1t """1'.1.."..,,,,,, ~ .,,,""'~il\!'i!h. ,*,
30%'
49%
10%
3%
8%
28%
45%
17%
8%
3%
24%
45%
19%
9%
3%
20%
44%
21%
1.0%
5%
31%
41%
19%
7%
3%
yES/yES.... ..... ..... .32%
YES/NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12%
yES/UNSURE..... ...... ..2%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... ..3%
..--
. .'iIl ;:.I~(" .11
. '.
53.
54.
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
Do you feel that crime in Prior
Lake has increased, decreased, or
remained about the same during the
past five years?
Do you feel that police service
currently provided meets the
needs of the city?
247 P08
JUL 12 '99 14:43
INCREASED....... .... ..42%
DECREASED....... ..... ..4%
REMAINED THE SAME.... .43%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED. ...12%
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 9 %
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... ..7%
I would like to read you a short list of public safety concerns.
55. Please tell me which one you consider to be the greatest
concern in Prior Lake? If you feel that none of these prob-
lems are serious in Prior Lake, just say so. (READ LIST)
56. Which do you consider to be the second major concern in the
city? Again, if you feel that none of the remaining prob-
lems are serious in the city, just say so. (DELETE FIRST
CHOICE AND RE-READ LIST)
57.
58.
59.
FIRST
SECOND
Violent crime............................. 4%. . . . . . . . .5%
Traffic congestion............... 0 "'_0. .17%....... .13%
Drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . .23% . 0 . . . . . .12%
Youth gangs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - .6% . . . . . . . .10%
Business crimes, such as shop-
lifting and check fraud..... ...-... ..4%...... ...6%
Residential crimes, such as
burglary, theft, and vandalism... ...25%....... .22%
ALL EQU.ALL Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 %. . . . . . . . . 5 %
NONE OF THE ABOVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%. . . . . . . .1.7%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED........... . . . . . . . . . . . . .6%. . . . . . . .12%
Do you feel that crimes against
property in Prior Lake have in-
creased, decreased, or remained
about the same during the past
five years?
How about crimes against people,
have they increased, decreased, or
remained about the same during the
past five years?
How would you rate the amount of
patrolling the police department
does in your neighborhood -- would
you say they do too much, about
the right amount, or not enough?
7
INCREASED...... ..... ..39%
DECREASED........... ...2%
REMAINED THE SAME.... .43%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... .17%
INCREASED. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 %
DECREASED....... .......2%
REMAINED THE SAME.... .48%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... .19%
TOO MUCH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 %
ABOUT RIGHT AMOUNT... .62%
NOT ENOOGH..... ." ... .31%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.... .5%
..-
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
60.
Prior to this survey, were you
aware of the school-related pro-
grams provided by the Prior Lake
Police Department, such as DARE
and the Police Liaison Officer
(IF "AWARE, II ASK:) Do you support
or oppose the offering of these
programs by the Police Department?
61.
Are you aware of a neighborhood
crime watch program in your
neighborhood?
IF "YES," ASK: (N=108)
62. Do you participate in the
program'?
IF II NO , II ASK: (N=273)
64.
Would you participate in or-
ganizing a neighborhood crime
watch program in your area
under the guidance of the
Police Department?
Do you feel the current police
facility at City Hall is adequate
or inadequate for Police Depart-
ment and city needs?
63.
247 P09
JUL 12 '99 14:44
UNAWARE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 %
AWARE/SUPPORT.... .....78%
AWARE/OPPOSE...........3%
AWARE/UNSURE...,.. .....5%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED. ....2%
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 %
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 a %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.... .5%
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 %
NO. . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50%'
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....O%
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . 31 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED....12%
ADEQUATE......... .....47%
INADEQUATE..... ... ... .14%
DON I T KNOW/REFUSED. . . .39%
Let's talk about economic development for a few minutes.....
65. Prior to this survey, were you
aware the City of Prior Lake has
been planning the redevelopment
of its old Downtown Area?
AWARE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 %
UNAWARE..... ........ ..23%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....2%
6G. If the City of Prior Lake were to improve the Old Downtown
area, what changes do you think should be made? (PROBE)
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED, 29%; NONE, 9 % ;
RANTS, 27%; UPDATE BUILDINGS, 10%;
BETTER LIGHTING, 2%; MORE PARKING,
INGS, 2%; IMPROVE ROADS, 4%; KEEP
LESS BARS, 3%; SCATTERED, 2%.
MORE RETAIL/RESTAU-
LANDSCAPING, 6%;
2%; BUILD NEW BUILD-
"OLD TOWN LOOK", 6%;
I would like to read
of the Old Downtown.
strongly support it,
strongly oppose it.
you a list of ideas about the redevelopment
For each one, please tell me if you would
somewhat support it, somewhat oppose it, or
If you have no opinion, just say so....
8
~"':~ ...
...--
.1
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
STS
67. Attract more retail and office
businesses, such as shops and
restaurants? 48%
68. Install new landscaping, benches,
and lighting? 30%
69. Create a community gathering
space, much like a "town
square? II 28%
70. Reduce the number of bars and
auto repair shops? 23%
71. Attract public services, such as
a post office? 22%
72. Improve the entries to downtown
off of Highway 13? 33%
73. Install a traffic signal at the
Intersection of County Road 21
and Main Avenue? 19%
74. Create additional parking? 21%
75. Add pedestrian and bicycle links
to Lakefront Park? 38%
76. Improve the existing park and
ride lot? 16%
77. Provide higher density housing,
possibly for senior citizens? 18%
SMS
37%
41%
40%
29%
32%
30%
28%
40%
42%
32%
40%
247 P10
SMO
7%
10%
13%
19%
18%
17%
20%
15%
7%
13%
11%
JUL 12 '99 14:44
STO
4%
12%
11%
17%
15%
10%
19%
12%
6%
9%
19%
DKR
5%
7%
8%
13%
14%
11%
15%
13%
9%
30%
14%
For each of the following items, please rate the City of Prior Lake
on a scale of one to five where five is excellent and one is
poor. If you have no opinion, just say so....
78.
To find housing which fits the
budgets and lifestyles of most
people. 5% 8%
To find full-time employment
opportunities for the head of
a household. 31% 28%
To start a business. 15% 20%
To raise children. 1% 3%
To spend one's retirement
years. 5% 8%
79.
80.
81.
82.
33% 28%
14% 10%
27% 16%
19% 40%
26% 30%
13% 13%
5% 13%
4% 19%
29% S%
21% 11%
Let's talk about the commercial/shopping areas of Prior Lake. ...
83. What do you like the most about the commercial/shopping
areas of Prior Lake?
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED, 23%; CONVENIENT, 25%; NOTHING, 30%;
GROCERY STORE, 6%; FRIENDLY PEOPLE, 3%; SMALL TOWN FEEL,
10%; MIX OF SHOPS, 3%; SCATTERED, 1%.
9
..'-"
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
247 P11
JUL 12 '99 14~45
84. And, what do you like least about the commercial/shopping
areas in Prior Lake?
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED, 28%; NOT ENOUGH VARIETY/QUANITY, 56%;
TOO MANY BARS, 2%; TOO SPREAD OUT, 5%; HIGH PRICES, 4%;
RUN DOWN, 2%; STRIP MALL, 1%; TRAFFIC/ACCESS, 1%; SCAT-
TERED, 2%.
Now, one question about city development policy....
85.
Would you favor or oppose the City
of Prior Lake granting incentives
and tax breaks to attract desired
commercial and light industrial
development to the community?
(WAIT FOR RESPONSE) Do you feel
strongly that way?
How would you rate your ability
to get where you need to go in
Prior Lake in a reasonable amount
of time -- excellent, satis-
factory, marginal, or poor?
86.
IF "MARGINAL" OR "POOR," ASK: (N...28)
87. Why do you feel that way?
Turning to park and recreation issues.....
STRONGLY FAVOR.... ....33%
FAVOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 %
OPPOSE...... ..... .... .11%
STRONGLY OPPOSE. .... ...9%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....9%
EXCELLENT. ........... .31%
SATISFACTORy........ ..62%
MARGINAL...... ...... ...6%
POOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....O%
TOO MUCH TRAFFIC......32%
TOO MANY STOPLIGHTS...l1%
POOR ROADS..... .... ...43%
TOWN IS SPREAD OUT... .11%
SCATTERED.. ....~.. .... .4%
The Prior Lake Park System is composed of smaller neighborhood
parks designed to serve residents within a one-half mile radius,
larger community parks containing ballfields and other athletic
amenities, open space parks which accommodate passive recreation,
and a trail system. For each of the following park types, please
indicate whether members of your household use it frequently,
occasionally, rarely or not at all.
88. Smaller neighborhood parks?
89. Larger community parks, such as
Lakefront, Memorial, Ponds, and
Sand point?
90. Open space parks, such as Wood-
view Park or Raspberry Ridge?
91. Trails?
FRE OCC RAR NOT DKR
28% 28% 18% 25%
1%
27% 33% 22% 18%
1%
4% 13% 26% 52%
18% 30% 20% 30%
5%
3%
From what you have seen or heard, how would you rate the quality
of each component in the park system? Would you rate them as
excellent, good, only fair, or poor?
10
... ".."..... ,-,~. .... '
...--~
',y''b. ,;;. ~, .
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
Smaller neighborhood parks?
Larger community parks?
Open space parks?
Trails?
Overall, would you rate the park
and recreational facilities in
Prior Lake as excellent, good,
only fair, or poor?
Have you or members of your house-
hold participated in city recrea-
tion progra~s during the past two
years?
IF "YES, II .ASK: (N-=132)
98. How would you rate your ex-
perience with the City
recreation programs -- ex-
cellent, good, only fair or
poor?
99.
Do you or members of your house-
hold regularly leave the City of
Prior Lake to use leisure-time re-
creational facilities or programs
in other cities? (IF II'~ES, 11 ASK l )
what types of facilities or pro-
grams are you using elsewhere?
247 P12
JUL 12 '99 14:45
1.00.
Would you favor or oppose the
City of Prior Lake building and
operating a youth center for
adolescents and young teens? (IF
"FAVOR, II ASK:) Would you still .
favor it if a moderate property
tax increase were needed to fund
its construction and operation?
EXC GOO FA! POO DKR
1.8%
21.%
9%
14%
51%
56%
45%
52%
15%
10%
8%
9%
2%
2%
1.%
2%
14%
12%
38%
23%
EXCELLENT........ ... ..20%
GOOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65%
ONLY FAIR..... ...... ..10%
POOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED. ....5%
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3 %
NO. . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . 6 6 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....l%
EXCELLENT........ .... .37%
GOOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50%
ONLY FAIR......... ....10%
POOR. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... ..0%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED. .,. .1%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2 %
GOLF COURSES........ ..12%
TRAILS. . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6%
SWIMMING POOLS.. ...... .5%
HEALTH CLUBS...... .... .6%
SHOPPING.. ...... ..... ..6%
SPORTS TEAMS..... .... ..3%
LAKES/PARKS.......... ..8%
MOVIE THEATERS.... .... .3%
SCATTERED. ............ .1%
FAVOR/STILL FAVOR... ..49%
FAVOR/NO...... '.' .....13%
FAVOR/UNSURE..... .... .13%
OppOSE............. ...16%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... .1.0%
In an upcoming election, voters may be asked to raise property
taxes for the construction of a new public safety and administra-
tion building. The new facility will better house the Prior Lake
police Department, as well as provide much needed space for city
operations.
11
....---~
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
101. Which of these three statements
best describes your feelings?
A. I would vote AGAINST almost
any tax increase for a new public
safety and administration build-
ing.
B. I would vote FOR a tax in-
crease under some conditions, but
AGAINST it under other conditions.
C. I would vote FOR almost any
tax increase for a new public
safety and administration build-
ing.
247 P13
JUL 12 '99 14:A6
STATEMENT A. . . . . . . . . . ..26%
STATEMENT S........ ...63%
STATEMENT C... .... .....6%
NONE OF ABOVE.. ...... ..2%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....3%
IF "STATEMENT A" IS CHOSEN ASK: (N",,103)
102. Would you oppose a property
tax increase for any purpose
OR do you just oppose an in-
crease for a new public
safety and administration
building?
IF "B" IS CHOSEN, ASK: (N-=253)
103. Under what conditions would
you vote for a tax increase
for a new public safety and
administration building?'
104.
If the City were to construct a
new public safety and administra-
tion building, would you prefer it
to be located in the existing gov-
ernment servioes ~omplex or at a
difference location?
ANY PURPOSE.... .......65%
JUST FOR LAND/FACIL...32%
DONIT KNOW/REFUSED.. ...3%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....5%
NEED MORE INFORMATION.51%
PRICE IS RIGHT. ...... .16%
I F NEEDED. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 %
PUBLIC SAFETY ONLY.. ...2%
ADMINISTRATION ONLY....2%
SCATTERED............. .2%
EXISTING COMPLEX......50%
DIFFERENT LOCATION....12%
INDIFFERENT (VOL) .....19%
NEITHER (VOL). ...... ...5%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED....16%
As we mentioned earlier, funding for the bond referendum compon-
ents we have just discussed would require a property tax in-
crease.
Suppose the City of Prior Lake proposed a new public safety and
administration facility whieh you considered to be a reasonable
approach. The proposal would be placed on referendum ballot for
approval by the voters. In order to fund construction of the new
faoility, residents would be asked to approve a property tax
increase.
12
iili ..
~~_;_~,,:t r<i7
" '!II!'~i\i':JI1i'<t',~I;W"~1 'I .
.....--
.i! ,....'M:~ I' ~ .. .
..
. I
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
105.
How much would you be willing to
see your property taxes increase
to fund this proposal? Let's say,
would you be willing to see your
monthly property taxes increase by
$ ? (CHOOSE RANDOM STARTING
POINT; MOVE UP OR DOWN DEPENDING
ON R~SPONSE) How about $____ per
month? (REPEAT PROCESS)
Now, let's talk about another proposal....
247 P14
JUL 12 '99 14:46
NOTHING.. ....... .... ..24%
$3.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14%
$6.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8%
$9.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15%
$1.2.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12%
$15.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6~
$18.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4%
DON'T KNOW.... ....... .18%
REFUSED. . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . 1 %
As you may know, there has been some discussion about the City of
Prior Lake building a water treatment plant. The plant would
remove iron and manganese from the water; it would not soften the
water. The water treatment plant would cost about six million
dollars to build. In order to issue construction bonds, property
owners in the community would see an increase in their sewer and
water bills.
106.
Would you support or oppose an in-
crease in your sewer and water
bill to fund the construction of a
water treatment plant in Prior
Lake? (WAIT FOR RESPONSE) Do you
feel strongly that way?
STRONGLY SUPPORT... ...12%
SUPPORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21%
OPPOSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 %
STRONGLY OPPOSE... ... .29~
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ...8%
DEPENDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13%
Let'S talk about past development for a moment....
1.07. In general, do you approve or dis- APPROVE... ..... ...... .37%
approve of the zoning and land use DISAPPROVE..... .., ....34%
decisions made by the city? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... .29%
IF A RESPONSE IS GIVEN, ASK: (N~284)
108. Could you tell me why you
feel that way?
109.
Do you feel that Prior Lake resi-
dents have an adequate opportunity
to provide input into the zoning
and land use decision-making
process?
1.3
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... .12%
TOO MUCH GROWTH. ..... .18%
NOT ENOUGH GROWTH.. ....5%
GROWTH IS GOOD....... .34%
TOO MUCH RESIDENTIAL..12%
NOT PLANNED FOR
TRAFFIC........ ...2%
ISSUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5%
NEED MORE COMMERCIAL. ..2%
UNFAIR TO RESIDENTS.. ..7%
WELL-PLANNED....... ... .2%
SCATTERED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 %
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ..24%
----
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
110. Do you think the pace of develop-
ment in the city has been too
rapid, about right, or not fast
enough?
247 P15
JUL 12 '99 14:~6
TOO RAPID.... .........33%
ABOUT RIGHT.. .........44%
NOT FAST ENOUGH.... ...~5%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED. ....8%
11~. Does the development throughout YEs... ..... ..... .... ..~9%
the City seem well-planned for the NO... .................39%
future of Prior Lake? DON'T KNOW/REFUSEP....22%
IF "NO," ASK: (N=156)
1~2. Could you tell me one or two
reasons why you feel that
way?
TOO MUCH GROWTH..... ..17%
DOESN'T SEEM TO BE
PLANNED. ....... ..65%
DON'T LISTEN..... ......1%
NEED MORE COMMERCIAL...8%
NOT PLANNED FOR
TRAFFIC.. ....... ..6%
SCATTERED. ..... ...... ..3%
113. Do you think that Prior Lake cur- yES...... ........ .....65%
rently has a wide range of housing NO........ ... ..... ....26%
choices to offer its residents? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ...9%
IF "NO, II ASK: (N:;10S)
114. What types of housing do you
feel are missing from the
community?
Changing focus.....
115.
How familiar are you with the
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority
__ MVTA -- and the public trans-
portation services it offers --
very familiar, somewhat familiar,
not too familiar, or not at all
familiar?
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....1%
LOW INCOME HOUSING....24%
APARTMENTS.. ......... ..8%
TOWNHOMES...... ....... .8%
MIDDLE INCOME HOUSING.38%
HIGH INCOME HOUSING....2%
SENIOR HOUSING. .......19%
AlrL TYPES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 %
VERY FAMIL!AR....... ...6%
SOMEWHAT FAMILIAR. ... .21%
NOT TOO FAMILIAR..... .33%
NOT AT ALL FAMILIAR...41%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED. ....0%
116. Have you ridden an MVTA bus in the yES....... ". ..........6%
past twelve months? NO......... ...........94%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.... .0%
IF "YES, II ASK: (N=23)
14
- .'.I..,J(t~ 1f.~. -:1,:
.. 1'\
...--"
l.,;tlIi''li,f:.r, "'~'
'~Y".
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
117. How often do you ride
during an average month
daily during the workweek.
two or three times a week,
weekly, several times a
month, or once a month?
118. Were you satisfied or dis-
satisfied with your exper-
ience?
Moving on.. . .
119.
If you could choose the best way
for you to receive information
about City government and the
issues facing the community, which
of the following would it be --
(ROTATE LIST) weekly newspaper
column. cable television program,
quarterly mailed city newsletter,
internet homepage, or something
else?
247 P16
JUL 12 '99 14:47
DAILY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35%
TWO-THREE TIMES/WEEK. ..9%
SEVERAL/MONTH....... ..17%
ONCE/MONTH.......... ...0%
LESS THAN/MONTH..... ..39%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ...0%
SATISFIED. . . . . . . . . . . . .83%
DISSATISFIED....,.. ....9%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... ..9%
NEWSPAPER COLUMN..... .47%
CABLE TELEVISION..... ..5%
CITY NEWSLETTER...... .40%
INTERNET HOMEPAGE.... ..7%
SOMETHING ELSE..... ....0%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED., ...3%
For each of the following communication channels, please tell me
whether it is a major source, minor source or no source at all
about Prior Lake news, activities, events or City policies?
MAJ MIN NOT DKR
120. The "Prior Lake American?" 87% 10% 2% 1%
121. Cable television Channels
50 & 51? 6% 28% 54% 12%
122. "Wavelength, II the city newsletter? 36% 41% 16% 7%
123. Co-workers/Neighbors? 23% 42% 28% 8%
124. The Star Tribune? 12% 35% 46% 8%
125. Does your household currently sub- YES. ........ ....... ...68%
scribe to cable television? NO.........- ....... ...32%
REFUSED... ... ..... .....1~
126. Do you own or have access to a
modern-equipped personal computer?
(IF "NO," ASK:) Do you expect to
have access in the near future?
IF "YES" OR "NO/YES," ASK: (N=314)
127. Would you be interested in
receiving city information
through computer on-line
services?
15
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 %
NO/YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8%
NO /NO. . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 %
NO/UNSURE. ..... .... ....2%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED. ....1%
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 %
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....4%
...--
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
247 P17
JUL 12 '99 14.: 47
IF "YES," ASK: (N=169)
128. What kind of information
would you like to have
available on-line?
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED. ....9%
CODES/ORDINANCES.. ....11%
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES. .25%
MEETING CALENDAR.... ..11%
CITY SERVICE INFO.....29%
BUDGET INFO.......... ..5%
CITY PLANNING.. ... .....4%
PARK AND REC.... ... ....1%
COMMUNITY EVENTS.. .....2%
SCATTERED....... ...... .3%
Now, just a few more questions for demographic purposes....
Could you please tell me how many people in each of the following
age groups live in your household. Please include yourself in
the proper age group. Let's start oldest to youngest....
129. First, persons 65 or over?
NONE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 0 %
ONE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 %
2 OR MORE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 %
130. Adults under 651
0..................... .8%
1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9%
2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69%
3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11%
4 OR MORE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 %
131. School-aged children?
0.................... .58%
1. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . 18 %
2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18%
3. . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . .5%
4 OR MORE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 %
REFUSED... ... ..........1%
132. Pre-schoolers?
o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79%
1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15%
2 OR MORE. ...... .... ...5%
REFUSED............... .1%
133. Do you own or rent your present
residence?
OWN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3 %
RENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....O%
IF "OWN, II ASK: (N...370)
134. Is your lot on Prior Lake?
YES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 8 %
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.. ...5%
16
...--
~.~, ,~~"O~.,'_...,_.
, .:,u,~..,
6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES
135.
Which of the following cate-
gories would contain the
approximate value of your
residential property -- under
$75,000, $75,000-$150,000,
$150,000-$250,000, or over
$250,OOO?
136. Do you own a boat or other water
craft you use on Prior Lake?
137. What is your age, please?
(READ CATEGORIES, IF NEEDED)
247 P18
JUL 12 '99 14:48
UNDER $75,000...... ....1%
$75,000-$125,000. . . . . .18%
$125,000-$150,000. ....21%
$150,000-$250,000.... .35%
OVER $250,000..... ....18%
DON'T KNOW........... ..2%
REFUSED. ....... ...... ..6%
YES. . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45%
NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:2%
DON'T KNOW/REFUSED... ..3%
18 -24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5%
25 -34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :20%
35-44................ .31%
45-54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22%
55-64................ .12%
6S AND OVER........... .8%
REFUSED. . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 2 %
138. What is your occupation and the occupation of your spouse or
partner, if applicable?
PROFESSIONAL-TECHNICAL, 16%; OWNER-MANAGER, 22%; CLERICAL-
SALES, 21%; BLUE COLLAR, 24%; RETIREES, 12%; SCATTERED,
St.
139. What is the last grade of school
you have completed?
LESS THAN HIGH SCH.....2%
HS GRADUATE....... ....1~%
VO-TECH/TECH COLL... ..11%
SOME COLLEGE..... .....19%
COLLEGE GRADUATE.... ..39%
POST-GRADUATE. ........11%
REFUSED 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 %
And now, for one final question, keeping in mind that your an-
swers are held strict~y confidential....
140. Is you pre-tax yearly household
income over or under $50,000?
IF "OVER," ASK:
Is it ove,r $75,000? (IF "YES,"
ASK:) Is it over $100,000?
IF "UNDER," ASK:
Is it under $35,0001 (IF "YES,"
ASK:) Is it under $25,000?
141. Gender (BY OBSERVATION:
DO NOT ASK)
142. ZONE (FROM LIST)
17
UNDER $25,000.... ......3%
$25,001-$35,000....... .6%
$35,001-$50,000....... .8%
$50,001-$75,000...0.. .25%
$75,001-$100,000. . . . . .21%
OVER $100,000. ..... ...18%
DON'T KNOW.... ..... ... .3%
REFUSED.. ..... .'. .....17%
MALE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50%
FEMALE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50%
PRECINCT 1.. ........ ..21%
PRECINCT 2... ...... o. .21%
PRECINCT 3............ 21 %
PRECINCT 4...... ......13%
PRECINCT 5. ..... .... ..25%
...--