Temple City approves $56,700 for polling and outreach on potential pavement funding measure

The Temple City Council unanimously approved funding to gauge public sentiment about pavement improvements and potential funding mechanisms, authorizing an immediate contract with Pinsky Research and appropriating $56,700 from general fund reserves for municipal election research, community outreach and public education.

City Manager Cook described a two-part proposal: a scientific random-sample survey of approximately 300 Temple City residents to measure public understanding and receptiveness, and a follow-up focus group to explore survey findings in depth. The manager said a properly designed 300-respondent sample can provide a representative picture of community sentiment (a margin of error of about ±5.8%), and the focus group would allow staff to drill down on issues flagged by the survey.

Cook requested authority to execute the Pinsky Research agreement immediately and to appropriate funds for future outreach with Grassroots Lab at a later step; council members clarified that the Grassroots Lab contract was intended as a funding placeholder and would return to the council for authorization when staff was ready to proceed.

Staff confirmed the cost breakdown presented: $29,100 for the 300-survey effort and $7,500 for one focus-group session; the requested appropriation of $56,700 from general fund reserves would cover the survey and related outreach work. Council Member Chen moved the measure; the motion passed by unanimous roll call.

The action authorizes staff to begin polling work and directs the city manager to return to council with additional contract details for any subsequent community outreach agreement.