Council authorizes community survey, adds four local questions and directs staff to proceed

The City Council authorized staff to proceed with a community survey contract and timeline at its May 6 meeting. City manager (speaker 8) explained the city contracted with Polco to prepare a standard questionnaire; the consultant’s 12 core questions were supplemented by four locally tailored items the council asked to add: interest in more playground equipment, local eating/shopping/entertainment options, priorities for spending additional funds (police/fire/streets/parks), and preferences for potential service reductions if funding is limited.

Councilmembers asked about survey length and expected response rates; members stressed keeping the survey accessible and noted demographic questions will be on a follow‑up or supplementary page. The city manager said the consultant will finalize survey boundaries and distribution lists (residents, businesses, university community) and staff aims to mail the survey by May 22 and keep it open for eight weeks; the council voted to authorize staff to proceed in accordance with the proposed timeline.

Council members emphasized ensuring good response rates and electronic delivery options; staff said demographic and residency/work status questions will be included to identify respondents (resident, worker, student). The council’s motion to proceed carried.