HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 06-08-2004 Special 2Agenda
City of Plymouth
Special City Council Meeting
Tuesday, June S, 2004
5:30 p.m.
Public Safety Training Room
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
1. Call to Order
2. Receive citizen survey results
3. Adjourn
DATE: June 3, 2004
TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager
FROM: Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director, and Helen LaFave,
Communications Manager
SUBJECT: PRESENTATION ON CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS
Attached is the executive summary of the citizen survey results. Bill Morris of Decision
Resources will be at the June 8 study session to share survey highlights, draw
comparisons between the 1999 and 2004 surveys, discuss how Plymouth compares to
other metro cities and answer questions.
The presentation starts at 5:30 p.m. It will be held in the Public Safety Training Room.
2eciJio12 /<eJourceJ) oL td.
3128 Dean Court
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416
612) 920-0337
wdmgdrlmpls.com
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2004 City of Plymouth
Methodology:
This study contains the results of a telephone survey of 400 randomly selected residents of the
City of Plymouth. Survey responses were gathered by professional interviewers across the
community between March 291" and April 16`", 2004. The average interview took thirty-three
minutes. In general, random samples such as this yield results projectable to the entire universe
of adult Plymouth residents within ± 5.0 percentage points in 95 out of 100 cases.
Residential Demographics:
Plymouth was found to be a moderately stable, comparatively young and relatively upscale
community. The median longevity of adult residents is 11.1 years. Twenty-seven percent of the
sample report moving to the city during the past five years, while twenty-four percent have been
there for over two decades.
Strong neighborhoods and attractive housing opportunities" prove to be the key reason for
moving to the community, cited by thirty-two percent. Twenty-one percent came to Plymouth
because of the city's "location." Fourteen percent each point to the "schools" or "available jobs."
Seven percent cite "good community" as their major reason for moving to the city.
Thirty-nine percent of the households contain at least one school -aged child or pre-schooler,
almost identical with the 1999 survey level. Eighteen percent also report the presence of senior
citizens, with thirteen percent of the households composed exclusively of senior citizens. The
average age of respondents is 47.5 years old. Fifty-five percent of the sample fall into the 35-54
years old age range, while fifteen percent report ages under 35 years old. Women outnumber
men by two percent in the sample. Forty-three percent of the households are categorized as
married or partnered with no children at home," while thirty-eight percent are "married or
partnered, with children at home." Thirteen percent are "single, with no other family at home,"
while five percent are "single parent with children at home."
Page 1
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
Seventy-five percent own their present residences, while twenty-five percent rent them. Sixty-
two percent of the sample live in single family homes; twenty percent reside in townhouses or
condominiums; and, eighteen percent, in apartments. The typical resident owns or leases two
automobiles; twenty-three percent, though, report having three or more vehicles.
The typical Plymouth resident has an 18% minute commute to their job location. While forty-
four percent report jobs in other suburban locations, twenty-seven percent work in the
community and seventeen percent commute to the City of Minneapolis. Three percent own a
business outside of their home, but located in the City of Plymouth; six percent operate home
businesses. The median household yearly income is $68,500.00, approximately $12,500 higher
than the current Metropolitan Area suburban norm. This estimate may, however, understate the
actual household median since 18% refused to provide that information.
Fifty-five percent of the adult population are college graduates. Twenty percent report some
post -secondary educational experience, while twenty-four percent had high school educations or
less. Ninety-two percent of the residents are White, five percent are African American, and two
percent are Asian -Pacific Islanders. Similarly, ninety-eight percent of the sample report English
as the primary language spoken at home. Ninety-six percent state there were no members of their
household having physical limitations making it difficult to access City services. Residents are
classified according to the ward in which they reside: twenty-six percent reside in Ward One;
twenty-five percent, in Ward Two; twenty-four percent live in Ward Three; and, twenty-six
percent reside in Ward Four.
Community Character:
Location" within the Metropolitan Area and "strong neighborhoods" are the most liked features
of the city. Each are mentioned by thirty-five percent, and outdistance all other responses.
Good schools" and "open space" follow next, at seven percent each. Five percent state "safe
area." On the other hand, "growth," as thirty-three percent, and "high taxes," at twenty-three
percent are thought to be the most serious issues facing the City of Plymouth. Ten percent point
to "traffic. But, it is noteworthy that eleven percent report there were "no problems" facing the -
community; this "booster" segment is twice as high as the norm for the Metropolitan Area.
Social Services and Volunteerism:
By a 60%-38% margin, residents favor the use of public funds to support community social
services, such as food shelves, housing shelters, and at -risk teen programs.
Page 2
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
Seventy-one percent report awareness of the City of Plymouth's Volunteer Program. In fact,
fifteen percent have volunteered in the City's program.
General Quality of Life Rating:
Ninety-five percent rate the quality of life in Plymouth as either "excellent" or "good," while four
percent are more critical. But, only thirty-seven percent rate it as "excellent," down nineteen
percent from the 1999 study. An overwhelming majority of residents, seventy-eight percent,
expect the quality of life to "remain about the same" during the next five years or so; eleven
percent foresee an "increase," while only five percent predict a "decrease." Feelings about
growth tend to be the primary basis for seeing changes during the next five years.
A strong ninety percent rate the City of Plymouth as an "excellent" or "good" place to raise
children; only five percent are more critical. Similarly, seventy percent rate the city "excellent"
or "good" as a place to retire, while twenty percent see it as "only fair" or "poor" on this
dimension. Focusing nearer to home, ninety percent rate the overall appearance of their
neighborhood as either "excellent" or "good," while ten percent see it as "only fair." Positive
ratings regarding neighborhoods have dropped by seven percent since the 1999 survey.
Tax Climate and City Services:
Plymouth residents are generally receptive to current city property tax levels. The typical
resident estimating the City's property tax share thought it is 18.5 percent. But, twenty-eight
percent of the sample admit to having no idea about the proportion. Fifty-four percent consider
the city's share to be "about average" in comparison with neighboring cities, while thirty-one
percent label it "high" and three percent call it "low." When considering the value of city
services — quality versus cost — seventy-four percent rate it highly, while nineteen percent are
more critical.
City service evaluations are consistently positive. Police protection, fire protection, water
pressure, and park maintenance are all rated highly by at least ninety percent. Sanitary sewer
service, recycling service, snow plowing of city streets, and boulevard trees and plants receive
approval ratings in the eighty percent range. Quality of drinking water, taste of drinking water,
accommodation and control of storm water run-off, animal control, condition of trails,
recreational programs, pavement repair and patching on city streets, and street lighting score
approval ratings between seventy and seventy-nine percent. Building inspection, code
enforcement, and snow removal on city trails post approval ratings between fifty-three percent
Page 3
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
and fifty-seven percent, with uncertainty levels averaging thirty-three percent. Forty percent rate
the snow plowing of cul-de-sacs favorably, while fifty-one percent are uncertain. When the
entire array of city services is considered, the average positive evaluation level is 76.0%, a very
strong mean rating; similarly, the average negative evaluation level is a low 12.8%. These two
percentages do not add to 100%, since some residents were unable to rate each service in the list.
One rating receives negative evaluations higher than the suburban norm: street lighting. While
pavement repair and patching on city streets score the highest negative rating, at thirty-one
percent, this level is consistent with other Metropolitan Area suburbs. However, residents feel
very intensely about "potholes," and enhanced City efforts on this problem would be the most
cost-effective way to address any underlying dissatisfaction in the community.
By a fifty-three percent to thirty-eight percent margin, respondents oppose an increase in their
city property taxes if it were needed to maintain city services at their current level. This finding
reverses the support found in the 1999 study. Similarly, residents reject a property tax increase to
be used to improve and enhance current city services by a 52%-38% margin.
Fifty-three percent think water and sewer charges in Plymouth were "about average" in
comparison with other communities, up seven percent since the 1999 survey. Twenty-two
percent place them comparatively "high," also up seven percent, and two percent see them as
comparatively "low." A large twenty-seven percent, though, admit they were uncertain.
Residents were told the City of Plymouth currently included a surface water fee of $3.25 per
month on their bi-monthly water and sewer bill, used for the improvement of the quality of lakes
and wetlands within the city. By a 51%-36% margin, residents favor an increase in the surface
water fee to keep up with inflation and to pay for services not currently funded, such as cleaning
ponds. The typical resident would support a 92¢ per month increase in the surface water fee to
fund the cleaning of ponds. This result is very consistent with the two top environmental
concerns residents registered: water quality of lakes, streams and wetlands, as well as mosquito
control.
A very solid eighty-eight percent, a sixteen percent increase in five years, think the City is "about
right" in its enforcement of City Codes on nuisances such as animal control, garbage disposal,
junk cars, messy yards and noise. Only one percent see it as "too tough," while nine percent feel
the City is "not tough enough." The small number of critics think there is room for improvement
in two areas: junk cars and messy yards. There is also some sentiment that inspectors should
stay out of people's homes and yards."
Page 4
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
Budget Priorities:
Plymouth residents were asked to reduce the 2003 City Budget by ten percent. To simplify this
reduction, the budget was compressed into eight categories and then normalized to add to
1,000.00. The results of the budget reduction exercise are summarized below:
City Service Function 2003 Total After-
Reduction
Mean Total
Percentage
Reduction
Police services 307 284 7.5%)
Fire services 73 69 5.5%)
Parks, trails and recreation 195 170 12.8%)
Street maintenance reconstruction and snow
plowing
178 168 5.6%)
Building inspections and planning 77 67 13.0%)
Administration 114 91 20.2%)
Community programs 20 20 0%
Housing and redevelopment programs 36 31 13.9%)
TOTAL 1,000 900 10.0%)
To accomplish the ten percent reduction, residents target "Administration" for the largest cut, at
about 20%. The next level of major cuts, about 13% each, include "housing and redevelopment
programs," "building inspections and planning," and "parks, trails and recreation." "Fire
services," "police services," and "street maintenance, reconstruction and snow plowing" average
budget cuts of 6%. Only "community programs," a small part of the budget, is spared any
reduction at all.
Clearly, residents protect basic city services — police, fire, and street maintenance — from major
budget cuts. Community programs, including volunteer and social services programs, are spared
entirely, while every other category took an average cut of over 10% to compensate for the much
lower cuts in basic services.
Page 5
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
City Government:
Residential empowerment within the community is at a moderately low level. Fifty-seven
percent report they could have a say in the way the City of Plymouth runs things, if they wanted.
Thirty-eight percent think they could not, and six percent are uncertain. This group of
unempowered citizens is above the Metropolitan Area suburban norm of thirty percent.
Forty-one percent feel they know "a great deal" or "a fair amount" about the work of the City
Council. This level of knowledge is thirteen percent higher than the Metropolitan Area suburban
norm. While sixty-eight percent approve of the job of the Mayor and City Council, ten percent
disapprove. Only twenty-two percent report uncertainty. When asked about the basis of positive
evaluations, fifty percent perceive officials are doing "an overall good job" and fourteen percent
see "no problems." As for negative ratings, eleven percent see "room for improvement" and
seven percent report "they did not listen." Twenty-two percent report contacting a City Council
member during the past three years; seventy-four percent of this group state they were "satisfied"
with the response, but the rest think "the elected officials did not listen" or "no follow-up action
took place"
City Staff.
Twenty-eight percent of the residents report they had "quite a lot" or "some" first-hand contact
with the PIymouth City Staff, at the suburban norm. The City Staff receive a job approval rating
of sixty-five percent and a disapproval rating of only fifteen percent; twenty percent are unable to
provide a rating. The approval rating is fourteen percent higher than the Metropolitan Area
suburban norm.
Thirty-four percent report they contacted Plymouth City Hall during the past year. "Building
Inspection" is the most frequently reported last contact, followed by "Public Works Department,"
Parks and Recreation Department," and "Police Department." In evaluating that interaction,
eighty-eight percent rate the "waiting time for the receptionist to help them" as "excellent" or
good." Ninety percent think similarly about "courtesy of the city staff," and eighty-four percent
rate the "ease of obtaining the service they needed" as either "excellent" or "good." Twelve
percent said their request was handled by leaving a voice mail message, one-half of the 1999
level; of this group, a moderately low 58% state they received a timely response.
Page 6
City ofPlymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
Public Safety Issues:
Seventy-seven percent think crime has remained "about the same" in their area of the city during
the past two years. Seventeen percent report it has "increased," while four percent report it has
decreased." Seventy-seven percent state they feel safe walking in their neighborhood at night;
twenty-two percent disagree; disagreement has more than doubled during the past five years.
Ten percent of the respondents said they or someone in their household had been the victim of a
crime in Plymouth during the past twelve months; eighty percent of this group reported the
crime to the police. Seventy-six percent are aware of the city's Neighborhood Watch Program,
although only eighteen percent actually are members; membership has declined by one-third
since the 1999 study.
When asked to rank a series of public safety concerns, thirty-seven percent each point to "traffic
speeding" or "youth crimes and vandalism" as one of the major public safety concerns facing the
community. Just behind, at thirty-six percent, is "residential crime." Twenty-one percent cite
business crimes," while eighteen percent point to "drugs." Speeding is considered to be a
serious neighborhood problem by thirty-six percent of the sample. Similarly, stop sign and
traffic signal violations is viewed as a serious neighborhood problem by twenty-three percent.
Only seventeen percent are either "very concerned" or "somewhat concerned" about terrorism
affecting the City of Plymouth.
Redevelopment Efforts:
By a sixty-four percent to twenty-four percent judgment, residents favor the City pursuing
redevelopment or rehabilitation of commercial/industrial properties in order to maintain or
improve the city's tax base; opposition has increased, however, by ten percent since the 1999
study. By a sixty-five percent to twenty-three percent margin, residents support the City
providing development incentives and tax breaks to direct and encourage redevelopment efforts.
Interestingly, the only type of business or service moderate numbers of residents think is missing
is "small retail stores," at seven percent.
Housing:
Seventy-one percent of the sample thought Plymouth currently possesses an adequate mix of
housing to meet the needs of all residents; twenty-four percent disagree. Disagreement primarily
stem from the perception of insufficient low income housing and homes for first-time buyers. In
Page 7
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
fact, by a fifty-six percent to thirty-nine percent margin, respondents favor the City pursing the
development of affordable housing for low and middle income families. And, by a narrow 50%-
45% margin, residents also favor the City providing development incentives and tax breaks to
direct and encourage development of housing for low and moderate income families.
Commuting and Public Transportation:
Ninety-two percent report they commuted to work by "driving alone." Four percent ride in "a
van or car pool," while two percent "take a bus." Among those not using public transportation,
fifty-six percent state they would do so if it were "convenient;" however, forty-four percent state
they would not do so even if inconvenience were no longer a factor. This latter group report
they needed the car for work," "working close to home," and "hours were irregular." A large
ninety-three percent related they were aware of the Metrolink Transit service.
By a 68%-13% margin, residents favor extending Dial -a -Ride service to operate on weekends or
to add weekday hours. But, by an 86%-11% split, residents overwhelmingly think additional
hours should be covered by an increase in user fees rather than by a property tax increase.
Solid Waste Management Programs:
The vast majority of residents are satisfied with the current program, while very limited
sentiment is also registered for "larger bins" and "accepting larger items."
Parks and Recreational Issues:
Plymouth residents remain committed outdoor enthusiasts. A high eighty-one percent of the
households surveyed have used neighborhood and community parks. Sixty-nine percent have
been on city trails. Thirty-eight percent visited the Plymouth Creek Center and twenty-five
percent report their households use the Plymouth Ice Center. In the case of each component,
over ninety percent of those holding opinions rate them as "excellent" or "good." Overall,
eighty-nine percent rate park and recreational facilities in Plymouth as "excellent" or "good,"
while only five percent are more critical. Park facilities, then, continue to be viewed very
positively by Plymouth citizens and rank among the top ten suburban Metropolitan Area
communities.
Page 8
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
Recreational Programs:
Twenty-five percent of the households in the city contain members who have participated in city -
sponsored recreation programs. The most popular are "sports teams" and "individual sports
lessons." A nearly unanimous ninety-eight percent report satisfaction with the experience. Fifty
percent registered for recreation programs in-person, while twenty-seven percent registered by
telephone, ten percent, by mail, and nine percent registered by the Internet. Regardless of the
method of registration, ninety-seven percent are generally satisfied with the process.
Eighty-five percent state the current mix of recreational programming in the community
adequately meets the needs of their household; only four percent disagree. The vast majority of
residents could see no further recreation programs they would add to current offerings.
Among those who had an opinion, eighty percent believe that enough activities beyond sports or
recreational programs are available for teens in the City of Plymouth; this level was twenty-one
percent higher than the 1999 result. Similarly, ninety-three percent of those holding opinions
report there are enough activities beyond sports or recreational programs for seniors in the
community; this level also has increased, by eighteen percent, in five years.
Funding Issues:
By a 50%-38% margin, residents oppose spending city funds to add new trails to the current
system. Further, support slips to twenty-four percent if it requires a tax increase or a bond issue.
But, by a fifty-seven percent to thirty-one percent margin, residents also support spending funds
to acquire more open space for preservation or recreational development purposes. Once again,
though, support slips to forty-five percent if it requires a bond issue or tax increase. Forty-four
percent would prioritize acquiring open, space while ten percent would add new trails first;
fifteen percent, though, would prioritize both projects equally, and twenty-three percent would
prioritize neither.
City Communications:
Over the years, the City has developed an extensive and focused communications system. The
city newsletter, "Plymouth News," is key to forty-four percent in providing information about
city government and its activities. Newspapers, primarily the "Sun Sailor," are relied upon by
thirty-four percent. "Cable television" is used by five percent, while the "grapevine" — "other
people" — similarly proves critical to five percent. Print media, then, are the dominant
Page 9
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
information channels used by most residents, and the city newsletter, in particular, is the most
effective communications device. The "Plymouth News," indicated by forty-six percent, was the
best way for residents to receive information about City government and the issues facing the
community. Nineteen percent think the best way is through "mailings," while the "Sun Sailor"
was pointed to by seventeen percent.
Fifty-eight percent regularly read the "Star Tribune," down twenty-eight percent in five years.
Seventy-one percent report regularly reading the "Plymouth Sun -Sailor." Only twenty-three
percent, though, read the "Lakeshore Weekly News."
Eighty-five percent of the residents report receiving the "Plymouth News." Seventy-nine
percent rate the newsletter overall as either "excellent" or "good." Most think it is "informative"
and "well organized." Of those receiving the newsletter, eighty-five percent regularly read it.
This newsletter reach is one of the highest in the Metropolitan Area.
Residents receiving the newsletter were reminded of the supplement, "The Environmental
Extra." Sixty-five percent report reading this supplement. Among readers, eighty-five percent
rate the book as either "excellent" or "good."
Eighty-four percent recall receiving the Park and Recreation Brochure from the City. Among
those receiving the brochure, eighty-five percent rate the brochure overall as either "excellent" or
good."
Seventy-five percent of the surveyed households subscribe to cable television, an increase of
fourteen percent since the 1999 study. Thirty-one percent of the subscribers either "frequently"
or "occasionally" watch Plymouth City Council Meetings or Planning Commission Meetings,
well above the suburban viewing norm.
Thirteen percent of the sample have attended a City Council meeting during the past two years.
Seventy-five percent of the sample have access to a computer connected to the Internet at either
home or at work, with seventy percent having access at home. Among those with access to the
Internet, thirty-nine percent have accessed the City of Plymouth's website. Website users
indicate they went to the site for: "parks and recreation information," at 25%; "general city
information," at 15%; "information on codes and ordinances," at 14%; and, "information
concerning city services," at 12%. A large 93% were able to find the information they sought.
There is no consensus about adding additional information to the website, 82% seeing no need
to do so.
Page 10
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
In grading the City's overall performance in communicating key local issues to residents in its
publications and on cable television, seventy-four percent award it "excellent" or "good"
evaluations, up ten percent in five years. Only fifteen percent prove more critical, while twelve
percent are uncertain. This rating was among the highest across the Metropolitan Area.
Conclusions:
In general, and similar to the 1999 study, Plymouth residents are very satisfied with their
community. The survey found a very large number — eleven percent — of residents who see no
major problem facing the City of Plymouth. Concerns about growth and taxes are at normal
levels for a growing second -ring suburban community. Traffic is not a particularly serious
concern, in fact it is much lower than in neighboring areas. Residents rate the quality of life in
Plymouth highly, although "excellent" ratings have dropped almost twenty percent while "good"
evaluations have increased by almost the same amount. Residents also express a deep
satisfaction with their neighborhoods, feeling connected to their neighbors and see themselves
living in an attractive area. The major change noted in this study is the weakening intensity of
positive evaluations: while residents offer overall favorable evaluations of the city, enthusiasm
has waned in the five years between studies.
The key issues facing decision -makers in the future remain balancing growth and development
with natural ambience and the efficient provision of city services. Even so, in balancing the
needs and wishes of residents against their concerns as taxpayers, City government and staff
strike an excellent balance when compared with other suburban communities. However, tax
hostility has increased during the past five years: more residents see their city property taxes as
comparatively higher, and a majority oppose a tax increase to either maintain city services or
improve and enhance them. Residents did support fee or tax increases for two purposes: cleaning
ponds and acquiring more open space for preservation and/or recreational development.
Improvements in already relatively strong service ratings include police protection, fire
protection, boulevard trees and plants, and snow plowing of city streets. Decreases in positive
ratings, though, are found in all other services tested in both studies; the average drop was about
5'/z%. In the budget reduction exercise, residents protect three of the basic services, holding an
improves rating, from major cuts. Overall, about three-quarters of the residents again view city
services as a good value at least.
Crime and public safety has emerged as a growing concern in this study. Almost twice as many
residents as five years ago feel crime has increased in their part of the city. Over twice as many,
22%, feel unsafe walking in their neighborhood at night. Simultaneously with a one-third
Page 11
City of Plymouth
2004 Residential Survey
June, 2004
membership decline in Neighborhood Watch, concerns about resident crime has increased by
one-third. The City may need to consider more aggressive action in reducing anxiety about
crime.
The parks and recreational facilities in the community continue to be a highly prized amenity.
Usage was again extensive, and expectations increased even more on requiring the City to
maintain a comprehensive and well -kept park and recreation system. The emphasis on further
park and recreational development has switched, from expansion of current facilities to acquiring
open space for preservation and future recreational development.
The City of Plymouth has done an exceptional job in communicating with residents about city
government and policies. The "Plymouth News" remains among the most well-read and
regarded city newsletters in the Metropolitan Area. City Council and Planning Commission
telecasts also register a high viewership rate. And, the city website has been both well-received
and highly utilized for obtaining information.
Overall, Plymouth residents continue to grade the city enterprise highly. Service and job
performance ratings remain solid in comparison with other suburban communities as well as
extremely competitive with other "growth" areas. In fact, the job approval rating of the Mayor
and City Council increased by fourteen percent, from 54% to 68%, while positive City Staff
evaluations rose by nine percent, from 56% to 65%, since the 1999 study. At the same time, the
sense of empowerment — the ability to have a say in the way the City of Plymouth runs things —
has declined: thirty-eight percent of the residents do not feel they can have a say, up ten percent
in five years. Given the high positive ratings, though, the sense of empowerment must be viewed
as a latent issue, but one needing to be addressed to prevent major citizen alienation in the long
run. At present, residents endorse both the direction of the city and trust officials to protect the
key attributes — strong neighborhoods, natural ambience, and balanced growth — which has
defined Plymouth as the community it is today.
Page 12