HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 01-10-2019CITY OF PLYMOUTH
COUNCIL INFO MEMO
January 10, 2019
EVENTS / MEETINGS
Planning Commission Agenda for January 16 .................................................... Page 2
Official City Meeting Calendars .................................................................... Page 3
Tentative List of Agenda Items ..................................................................... Page 6
CORRESPONDENCE
Belgian Waffle Breakfast Set for January 27 ..................................................... Page 7
Rezoning PUD General Plan and Preliminary Plat for Westin Ridge (2018078) .............. Page 8
REPORTS & OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Philips Buys Boston Sci Building in Plymouth ................................................... Page 10
Volunteer Satisfaction Survey Final Report..................................................... Page 11
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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED
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January 2019
3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR Phone: 763-509-5000 Fax: 763-509-5060
7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT
CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED
5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Goals & Legislative Priorities for 2019 Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Parkers Lake Room
NEW YEAR’S DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED
7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Meeting with Legislative Delegation Medicine Lake Room
6:00 PM CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING
Discuss Labor Negotiations Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
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February 2019
3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR Phone: 763-509-5000 Fax: 763-509-5060
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING
Medicine Lake Room
5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Discuss Plymouth Creek Expansion Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
County Road 47 Discussion Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
PRESIDENTS DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING Medicine Lake
Room
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Fire & Ice Festival Parkers Lake Park
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SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
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March 2019
3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR Phone: 763-509-5000 Fax: 763-509-5060
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room
5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Board and Commission Recognition Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT
5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Discuss Boards and Commissions Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
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7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Parkers Lake Room
7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
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Tentative Schedule for
City Council Agenda Items
January 22, Closed Session, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room
• Discuss labor negotiations
January 22, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
• Announce Fire & Ice on February 2
• Accept streets for continual maintenance for Brynwood 3rd Addition (2015095)
• Approve renovation project for the Zachary Playfield playground
• Approve application from the Wayzata Youth Hockey Association to conduct off-site gambling
at an event at the Plymouth Ice Center on March 8-9
February 12, Special, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room
• Discuss Plymouth Creek Center expansion
February 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
• Adopt Drone Policy and approve purchase
• Public hearing on Wine and On-Sale 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor License applications of Akirsa
Pizza Company, d/b/a Firenza Pizza, 3225 Vicksburg Lane, Suite A
February 26, Special, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room
• County Road 47 discussion
February 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
March 12, Board and Commission Recognition, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room
March 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
• Recognize Board and Commission members
March 26, Special, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room
• Boards and Commissions discussion
March 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
April 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
April 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
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City of Plymouth
News Release
For Immediate Release
Jan. 8, 2019
Contact: Chris Fleck
Plymouth Creek Center Manager
763-509-5281
cfleck@plymouthmn.gov
Belgian Waffle Breakfast set for Jan. 27
Plymouth, Minn. – Plymouth’s annual Belgian Waffle Breakfast is set for 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday,
Jan. 27 at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.
A fundraiser for senior programming in Plymouth, the breakfast features all-you-can-eat, made-from-
scratch waffles by Dad’s Belgian Waffle Company. Waffles are served hot off the griddle with a host of
toppings, sausage, coffee and juice.
Cost is $7 for guests ages 6 and older, and $4 for guests ages 5 and younger. Payment is accepted at the
door.
For more information, call the Plymouth Creek Center at 763-509-5280.
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Page 9
A medical device manufacturing building Philips purchased at 5905 Nathan Lane N. in Plymouth comes with
several “clean rooms” and 27-foot interior ceiling heights. (Submitted photo: CoStar)
Philips buys Boston Sci building in Plymouth
By: Matt M. Johnson January 8, 2019 4:06 pm 0
Philips paid $11 million for a former medical device manufacturing facility in Plymouth that spent
more than two years on the market.
Page 10
City of Plymouth
Volunteer Satisfaction Survey Report
November 2018
Page 11
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Background ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Survey Objectives .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Survey Methodology ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Questionnaire Development ..................................................................................................................... 5
Pilot Testing............................................................................................................................................... 6
Data Collection .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Data Analysis ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Survey Findings ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Response Rate ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents .................................................................................... 6
Years of Voluntary Service ........................................................................................................................ 8
Reasons for Volunteering.......................................................................................................................... 9
Most Enjoyed Parts of Volunteer Work .................................................................................................. 10
Preference for Appreciation ................................................................................................................... 10
Intention to Continue Volunteer Work with the City and Encourage Others to Volunteer ................... 11
Experience during a Specific Assignment ............................................................................................... 11
Recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Suggestion for the City to Improve Volunteer Opportunities ................................................................ 12
Suggestion to Increase Diversity in the City Volunteers ......................................................................... 12
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Appendix A: City of Plymouth Volunteer Satisfaction Survey 2018 Questionnaire .................................... 14
Page 12
Executive Summary
For the past 25 years, the City of Plymouth Volunteer Services program has consistently provided
opportunities for teens, young professional adults and retirees to build social connections, contribute
towards creating a harmonious community and to harness understanding among its diverse population.
In 2017 alone, 2,309 volunteers contributed 27,232 hours serving in different programs and activities
across all City departments.
Since 2018 was the 25th anniversary of the volunteer program, the Volunteer Coordinator decided to
conduct a formal volunteer satisfaction survey. This was done to gain insight and perspective from
volunteers in order to build capacity, improve satisfaction, enhance retention, and to seek
recommendations on improving the process of volunteer activities and opportunities. A professional
program evaluator volunteer developed the volunteer satisfaction survey questionnaires. The data was
collected electronically and manually from May 2018 through July 2018. Individual volunteers who had
contributed hours from January 2017 - May 2018 were sent the survey. An electronic survey was
emailed to 911 volunteers and a paper survey was mailed to 116 volunteers. The response rate for the
paper survey (43%) was higher than the online survey (24.5%).
The analysis of the responses showed that a higher percent of females (58.4%) responded to the survey
as compared to males (40.5%). This finding could be reflective of the sex distribution of volunteers in
Plymouth in general. More than one-third of the surveyed volunteers were over the age of 66 years old,
which corroborates with the higher proportion of responding volunteers being retired (40.1%). More
than three-quarters of respondent volunteers were non-Hispanic white, the majority were retired and
more than a quarter were employed full time. About a quarter of the respondents had been
volunteering for more than 10 years. Their reasons for volunteering included “good way to give back to
the community” and “to make a positive difference” along with a list of other reasons. Most of the
volunteers enjoyed getting to know people and other volunteers, making new friends, connecting with
community and personal satisfaction through their volunteer
work.
About one-third of the respondents prefer the annual
volunteer recognition event as a way to show them our
appreciation. About the same percent of respondents
preferred not to have any appreciation for their service.
Some other suggested strategies to appreciate volunteers
included:
Play golf, go on a boat ride or have a bocce
tournament with other volunteers.
Summer volunteer cookout.
Prize drawings.
A very high proportion of volunteers showed interest to continue to volunteer (93.4%) and also to
encourage others to volunteer (95.7%). Some suggestions to improve volunteer recruitment for
prospective individuals included:
Partnering with local schools - especially over summer.
Use more technology - email blast, social media, online sign ups.
Use flyer or postcard - type invitations and monthly newsletter advertisement.
"I am thrilled to
see my work has
an impact on the
community."
- A comment from a
volunteer
Page 13
Offer breakfast, Twins tickets, movie tickets, gift cards, etc.
Respondents applauded the City Volunteer Coordinator’s efforts to increase diversity in volunteers. A
few recommendations noted were:
Encourage existing diverse volunteers to bring their friends, reach out to diverse groups within
Plymouth and do more events that are culture-based.
Getting involved with local companies, non-profit and congregation sites can help spread the
word. Additional advertising or postings in diverse magazines, respective gathering places,
stores, restaurants, places of worship and media, etc. Build visibility.
Writing articles requesting assistance and describing the options in Plymouth Magazine and in
the Sun Sailor newspaper.
In summary, the survey findings reveal that the volunteer program at the City is well-established,
volunteers are satisfied by the available opportunities, and they are willing to continue serving the City
and will encourage others to serve too.
Page 14
Background
For the past 25 years, the City of Plymouth Volunteer Services program has consistently provided
opportunities for its residents to build social connections, contribute toward creating a harmonious
community and to harness understanding among its diverse population. The City’s volunteer program
attracts people from all ages and backgrounds. Teens, young professional adults and retirees all
volunteer for a variety of reasons. New residents to Plymouth identify volunteering as an entry point to
engage with the community, while long-time citizens perceive it as a way to give back. In 2017 alone,
2,309 volunteers contributed 27,232 hours serving in different programs and activities such as planting
trees, flowers and shrubs; cleaning shorelines; coaching children’s sports; organizing Night to Unite
activities; supporting the annual parade and much more throughout the City.
The mission statement of the Volunteer Services program aims to strengthen the community by:
Providing unique opportunities for local residents to contribute to City government.
Facilitating active partnerships between City staff and community members.
Enriching city programs and services through volunteer involvement and participation.
Helping citizens become more familiar with City programs, services and issues.
Volunteers are recognized each year for their dedicated service to the City with an annual event. Their
work is also highlighted through various communication channels such as Plymouth News, the City of
Plymouth’s bi-monthly newsletter, the City’s website and other social media venues. The Volunteer
Coordinator regularly seeks informal feedback from volunteers on their experiences. Since 2018 was the
25th anniversary of the volunteer program, the Volunteer Coordinator decided to conduct a formal
volunteer satisfaction survey with the following objectives in mind.
Survey Objectives
To gain insight and perspective from volunteers about their volunteer experiences with the City
of Plymouth.
To understand the needs and expectations of volunteers, to build capacity, improve satisfaction,
enhance volunteer retention and adapt to changing community needs.
To obtain recommendations on improving the process of volunteer activities and opportunities.
A professional program evaluator volunteered to assist the Volunteer Coordinator to develop and
conduct the cross-sectional survey. Another volunteer, a retired project manager, also assisted in
planning and conducting this survey. Additionally, a City staff member converted the survey
questionnaire into an online survey.
Survey Methodology
Questionnaire Development
The first step in conducting the survey was creating a data collection tool. The Volunteer Coordinator
and the survey volunteer team reviewed volunteer satisfaction questionnaires from other cities that had
carried out similar surveys. Based on the survey objectives, the volunteer evaluator developed a survey
tool. The survey questionnaire which was used to collect the data is presented in Appendix A. A City staff
member converted the paper-based tool into an online survey using Survey Monkey, a platform for
collecting data electronically.
Page 15
Pilot Testing
Once the electronic version of the survey was created, the survey link was sent to 22 volunteers to pilot
test and to seek their feedback. Their in-depth feedback was valuable. The volunteer evaluator
incorporated the feedback from the pilot testing into the final survey questionnaire.
Data Collection
The data was collected using both electronic and paper surveys. Individual volunteers who had
contributed hours from January 2017 - May 2018 were sent the survey. The electronic survey link was
emailed to 911 volunteers and a paper survey was mailed to 116 volunteers in May 2018. The paper
survey was only sent to those who were not comfortable with the electronic version of the
questionnaire or who did not have access to emails/computers. A total of 1,027 volunteers received the
survey. The data collection was completed by July 2018. The online survey was collected using Survey
Monkey, an online survey platform. The online data was exported into MS Excel for cleaning and
analysis. The paper surveys were entered manually in MS Excel by a volunteer.
Data Analysis
The volunteer evaluator cleaned and analyzed the data using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social
Sciences) and MS Excel.
Survey Findings
Response Rate
The overall response rate for the survey was 26.7% (total number of respondents=274). The response
rate for the paper survey (43%) was higher than the response to the online survey (24.5%). Although the
majority of the survey respondents (83%) were Plymouth residents, 17% of the respondents were non-
Plymouth residents.
Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents
Chart 1 shows that a higher percent of females (58.4%) responded to the survey compared to males
(40.5%). This could be a reflection of what constitutes the sex of the volunteer population of Plymouth
in general. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics data collected through a supplement to the September
2015 Current Population Survey (CPS), shows that females (27.8% of general population) tend to
volunteer more than males (21.8% of the general population).1
1 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.nr0.htm. Accessed on 09/16/2018.
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Chart 2 below shows that more than one-third of surveyed volunteers were over the age of 66 years
(39.8%) which corroborates with the higher proportion of responding volunteers being retired in Table 2
(40.1%). Respondents in the category “Younger than 18 years” in Chart 2 represent students serving
through school volunteer programs such as Wayzata High School Club Y.E.S. (Youth Extending Service).
These volunteer opportunities are a good way to connect young people with their community and to
instill a sense of social engagement and belonging.
Table 1 provides information on the ethnicity of the respondents. More than three-quarters of
respondent volunteers were non-Hispanic white (86.9%). Over the past decade the City’s demographic
profile has been changing and this change has been noticed in the profile of the volunteers serving at
different City-sponsored events.
58.4%
40.5%
1.1%
Chart 1: Sex of the Survey Respondents
Female Male Prefer not to say
15.7%
3.3%
12.8%
28.5%
39.8%
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
Younger than
18
18 -25 26 - 45 46 - 65 66 and abovePercentage of Volunteer RespondentsChart 2: Age Group of Volunteer Survey Respondents
Page 17
Table 1: Ethnicity of the Survey Respondents
Ethnicity (274 Responses) Percent of Respondents
White (Non-Hispanic) 86.9%
Asian 4.0%
Asian Indian 3.6%
African American 1.1%
Others 4.4%
Table 2 presents the employment status of the responding volunteers. Although the majority of the
volunteers are retired, more than a quarter are employed full time. The table also shows that a good
proportion of students also volunteer at the City events and programs.
Table 2: Employment Status of the Survey Respondents
Employment Status
(274 Responses)
Percent of Respondents
Full-time Employed 30.7%
Part-time Employed 8.4%
Student 17.2%
Retired 40.1%
Not Currently Employed 3.6%
Years of Voluntary Service
The survey questionnaire asked the respondents to share the number of years they have served with
the City’s volunteer program. Chart 3 shows that about one quarter of the respondents have
volunteered with the City for more than 10 years. The following points need consideration while looking
at Chart 3.
There are a number of volunteers who have been consistently engaged in the same event or the
program over the past several years.
There are volunteers who participate in one or more events or programs during a year.
There are volunteers who volunteer only one time or at one event.
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Reasons for Volunteering
Chart 4 below summarizes the reasons for the respondents to volunteer at the City events. The most-
frequently marked reasons for volunteering included “good way to give back to the community” and “to
make a positive difference”. For more than half of the respondents, “personal satisfaction” was the main
reason for volunteering.
14.5%
22.7%18.4%19.9%24.6%
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
Less than one
year
One to three
years
Three to five
years
Five to 10 years More than 10
yearsPercentage of Volunteer RespondentsChart 3: Number of Years Volunteering
70.8%
62.0%
17.9%
4.0%
5.8%
15.0%
35.0%
9.1%
40.9%
24.8%
58.4%
Good way to give back to the community
Make a positive difference
Fulfill civic responsibilities
To advance professional career
Explore career possibilities
Gain experience
Use my talent and skill
Receive credit for school/work
Connect with others
Learn about Plymouth and the variety of…
Personal satisfaction
Chart 4: Reasons for Volunteering
Multiple responses were allowed for the question presented in chart 4. Therefore, the percentages don’t add up to 100.
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Most Enjoyed Parts of Volunteer Work
Survey respondents were asked to describe what they enjoyed most about their volunteer work.
Following were the most highly-reported responses.
Getting to know people and other volunteers.
Sense of community.
Making friends.
Connecting with community.
Coaching kids.
Helping others and seeing them satisfied.
Keeping parks and trails clean.
Personal satisfaction.
Preference for Appreciation
The City’s Volunteer Coordinator uses several ways to recognize the invaluable contributions of
volunteers such as individualized emails, hand-written notes, certificates and an annual appreciation
event. A question was included in the survey to find out whether current methods of appreciation were
aligned with the preferences of volunteers. Chart 5 shows the preferred ways to show appreciation.
About one-third preferred the annual volunteer recognition event as one of the ways to show
appreciation. About the same percent of respondents preferred not to have any recognition for their
service. One in four volunteers reported preferring to have in-person recognition at the time of
volunteering.
"Interacting and
brightening the day of
people more senior
than me."
"I am thrilled to
see my work has
an impact on the
community."
"The feeling of
helping out and
being
appreciated."
"I love learning
new skills!"
"Working with
kids."
"The ability to be
able to use my
skills from my work
experience."
"Using my talent."
"Knowing that
what I do helps my
community and it
keeps our city
clean."
In the Respondent’s Own Words
- Most Enjoyed Part of
Voluntary Work
Page 20
Although a vast majority of the respondents expressed that volunteering itself was rewarding and no
special recognition was necessary, some of them still suggested the following strategies to appreciate
volunteers.
Play golf, go on a boat ride or have a bocce tourney with other volunteers.
Summer volunteer cookout to get all the volunteers together to hang out/get to know each
other better/create a sense of camaraderie, etc.
Prize drawings.
A little token like a plastic coin to remember each and every time one volunteers.
Being treated like a valuable resource while at events. Also being asked for feedback about best
practices and things that could be improved.
One respondent encouraged the coordinator not to buy cheap pins and small tokens for appreciation.
Intention to Continue Volunteer Work with the City and Encourage Others to Volunteer
Table 4 shows that the majority of the respondents intend to continue serving the City. They are also
willing to encourage others to serve at City events and programs.
Table 4 : Intent of Respondents to Continue Volunteering
Respondents’ Intent Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Not Sure
(%)
Don't want to
Respond
(%)
Continue to be a Volunteer 93.4 1.2 4.7 0.8
Encourage Others to Serve 95.7 0.4 2.7 1.2
Experience during a Specific Assignment
Table 3 reflects the respondent’s experience regarding communication leading up to and during a
specific volunteer assignment.
25.5%
22.6%
31.8%
13.5%
9.5%
31.0%
In-person recognition at the time of volunteering
Through an email or a written letter
Volunteer recognition event
Small gift/token
Recognition certificate
None
Chart 5: Ways to Show Volunteer Recognition
Multiple responses were allowed for the question presented in chart 5. Therefore, the percentages don’t add up to 100.
Page 21
Table 3: Respondent’s Experience Before and During a Specific Volunteer Assignment
Statements Pertaining to with
Specific Volunteer Assignments
(256 Responses)
All the
time/Most of
the time (%)
Sometimes
(%)
Never
(%)
Not
Applicable
(%)
You received detailed
communications prior to the
volunteer assignment.
85.2 5.1 1.2 8.6
You were given clear instructions
about the task/service. 86.3 6.6 0.4 6.6
You were offered relevant training. 64.5 5.5 5.1 25.0
On site, you knew whom to
approach to ask questions for the
assigned task/service.
79.7 8.2 1.6 10.5
You received answers to your
questions about assigned
task/service.
88.3 3.1 0.0 8.6
Your time was used wisely and your
work was meaningful. 93.4 3.1 0.0 3.5
Recommendations
Suggestions for the City to Improve Volunteer Opportunities
The survey asked the respondents to provide their suggestions to improve opportunities for prospective
volunteers. Many respondents appreciated the work of the Volunteer Coordinator at the City and they
thought that the volunteer opportunities in the City were great. Following is the list of suggestions
respondents recommended. Some of these suggestions are already being implemented.
Partnering with local schools - especially over summer.
Use more technology - email blast, social media, online sign ups.
Use flyer or postcard-type invitations.
Create more variety of opportunities.
Offer breakfast, Twins tickets, movie tickets, gift cards etc.
More advertisement - monthly newsletter.
Suggestions to Increase Diversity in the City Volunteers
Respondents applauded what the City is already doing to increase diversity in their volunteers and they
suggested that the City should continue doing its good work. There were a few respondents who
questioned the reasoning behind this question in the survey. They thought it was not necessary as they
do see diversity in the City volunteers. However, a number of respondents provided the following
suggestions to increase diversity in the City volunteers.
Encourage existing diverse volunteers to bring their friends and reach out to diverse groups
within Plymouth.
Knowledge of the opportunity is the key thing - getting involved with local companies, non-
profits and faith-based organizations can help spread the word. Additional advertising or
Page 22
postings in diverse magazines, respective gathering place, stores, restaurants, places of worship
and media etc. Build visibility.
Writing articles requesting assistance and describing the options in Plymouth Magazine and in
local newspapers.
Do more events that are culture-based (Indian event, Chinese event, etc.). Market at cultural
events and recruit volunteers at the events with high diversity.
Plan a "travel expo" which can help increase diversity in volunteers because people are happy
and willing to tell their background and story. Many countries also like promoting tourism and
will support such event. We also have people, families and seniors always looking for valuable
tour information and coupons.
Conclusion
The survey findings reveal that the volunteer program at the City is well-established and volunteers are
satisfied by the available opportunities. The volunteers feel valued for their service. The majority of
them plan to continue serving the City and they will encourage others to serve, too.
Page 23
Appendix A: City of Plymouth Volunteer Satisfaction Survey 2018
Questionnaire
Objective of survey
To gain insight and perspective of City of Plymouth volunteers about their volunteer experiences
To understand needs and expectations of volunteers. To build capacity, improve satisfaction,
enhance volunteer retention and adapt to changing community needs.
To obtain recommendations on improving the process of volunteer activities and opportunities.
City of Plymouth Volunteer Satisfaction Survey 2018
Part 1: Demographic Information
1. Resident of Plymouth: [ ] Yes [ ] No
2. Sex: [ ] Male [ ] Female [ ] Prefer not to say [ ] Prefer to self-describe _____
3. Age Group (in years): [ ] Younger than 18 [ ] 18 – 25 [ ] 26 – 45 [ ] 46 – 65
[ ] 66 and above
4. Ethnicity: [ ] African-American [ ] American Indian [ ] Asian [ ] Asian Indian
[ ] Hispanic [ ] White (non-Hispanic) [ ] Others
5. Occupation: [ ] Retired [ ] Student [ ] Work Part-Time [ ] Work Full-Time
Part 2: Survey Questions
Note: All questions in this survey are referring to volunteer activities coordinated through the City of
Plymouth Volunteer Services program.
6. How long have you been volunteering with the City of Plymouth programs/activities?
[ ] Less than one year
[ ] One to three years
[ ] Three to five years
[ ] Five to 10 years
[ ] More than 10 years
7. How many hours do you estimate you volunteered for the City of Plymouth during 2017?
[ ] 0 – 10 hours
[ ] 11 – 20 hours
[ ] 21 – 30 hours
[ ] 31 – 40 hours
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[ ] 41 – 50 hours
[ ] More than 50 hours
[ ] Did not serve during 2017
8. What attracted you to volunteer with the city? Please choose all that apply.
[ ] Good way to give back to the community
[ ] Make a positive difference
[ ] Fulfill civic responsibilities
[ ] To advance professional career
[ ] Explore career possibilities
[ ] Gain experience
[ ] Use my talent and skill
[ ] Good way to give back to the community
[ ] Personal satisfaction
[ ] Receive credit for school/work
[ ] Connect with others
[ ] Learn about Plymouth and the variety of programs it offers
Other (Specify) ________________________
9. What have you enjoyed most about your volunteer work? Please describe.
10. How do you prefer to be thanked for your service? Please choose all that apply.
[ ] In-person recognition at the time of volunteering
[ ] Through an email or a written letter
[ ] Volunteer recognition event
[ ] Small gift/token
[ ] Recognition certificate
[ ] None
Any other ideas (Specify) ________________________
11. Please select an appropriate answer for each of the following statements. In responding to each
statement, please think about the time when you were volunteering.
Page 25
Statements All the
time
Most of
the time
Sometimes Never Not
applicable
You were provided with detailed
communications prior to the
volunteer assignment.
You were given clear instructions
about the task/service.
You were offered relevant
training.
On site you knew whom to
approach to ask questions for the
assigned task/service.
You received answers to your
questions about assigned
task/service.
Your time was used wisely and
your work was meaningful.
12. How can the city improve the process of offering opportunities to volunteer?
13. Please share suggestions to improve our work to make your experience worthwhile.
14. Would you like to continue serving as a volunteer for the City of Plymouth?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Unsure [ ] Don’t want to respond
15. If you chose “Yes” to Question 14, please select the appropriate option below.
[ ] I want to increase my volunteer hours.
[ ] I want to decrease my volunteer hours.
[ ] I plan to volunteer the same number of hours.
16. If you chose “No” or “Unsure” to Question 14, please select all the options from the following
list that apply.
[ ] Don’t have time
[ ] Volunteered in the past and completed school requirement
[ ] Spend my time elsewhere
[ ] Don’t feel my time is valued
[ ] Have health issues
[ ] Moved or moving out of Plymouth or Minnesota
Other (please specify) _____________________
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17. Would you encourage others to volunteer with the City of Plymouth?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Unsure [ ] Don’t want to respond
18. Do you think that volunteer opportunities with the City of Plymouth are welcoming and
culturally inclusive?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Don’t know [ ] Don’t want to respond
19. Please give us suggestions to increase diversity in our volunteers.
Thank you for your time! We appreciate your feedback!
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