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Commission considers survey and FGCU partnership to gather public input; asks for cost proposals
Summary
The commission discussed commissioning a statistically defensible survey and partnering with Florida Gulf Coast University for student research to broaden public input, with members asking for proposals and cost estimates before committing funds.
Commissioners discussed ways to gather public input beyond in-person meetings, including hiring a consultant to design and analyze a statistically defensible survey and pursuing a research partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University.
Chair Jim Dunlap proposed a paid survey to reach seasonal residents and others who cannot attend meetings. At least two commissioners raised concerns about ensuring the survey reaches residents rather than nonresidents; staff and commissioners agreed any vendor proposal should explain sampling and how the resident universe would be defined.
Dunlap said he had contacted FGCU about a possible student research project that could survey practices in similar municipalities and provide comparative case studies. Commissioners welcomed the idea but asked Dunlap to return with more detail and potential costs. Several commissioners said they would prefer the commission to pursue lower-cost options first and asked staff to check for available budget and to seek quotes before any expenditure.
The commission also approved the creation of an official email (crc@fmbgov.com) and a commission web page to receive public comments and materials; staff said they would post previously archived minutes and council materials related to prior charter review work and circulate those documents to commissioners.
No funding was committed at the meeting; commissioners asked for proposals with scope, cost and sampling details to review at a future meeting.
