8. EDSR 06-13-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Citizen Satisfaction Survey After approving the 2011 Vision and Goals on May 16`'', the City Council authorized staff to enter into a contract with chandlerthinks to execute a scientific survey. Executing this survey is a step that will allow us to support two goals identified in the visioning process: "Develop neav programs and services to meet the needs of the communit~T', and "Enhance and Expand community Involvement and public participation' in addition to supporting a number of tasks that rely on a better understanding of City residents, and how they use, receive, and want city information and services. Often called a citizen satisfaction survey, this survey will help us understand the state of existing programs offered by the city, how and if they are used, as well as help us identify any new programs, services or processes that should be offered. We will also learn how citizens currently receive information, as well as their preferences moving forward. Completing this survey is necessary to allow Staff to obtain an accurate representation of the voice of the community and gain a better understanding of the needs of our residents in several key areas related to the provision of services. This information will ultimately be used to form and communicate recommendations for the Council's use. This survey will be executed following the branding survey and will work cooperatively with the vision and goals. We want to ensure participation with both surveys, and executing simultaneously will clearly define the difference. The survey is anticipated to be distributed late this summer. Energy CitX Educational Event Series Staff partnered with the Environmental Department to hold the 3`d event in a series of business educational events on June 15C. Local lenders, business owners, property managers and realtors joined us at the Elk River Public Library to learn about the new Energy Efficiency Improvement Micro Loan Program, 2011 utility rebates and federal tax credits. This event was attended by approximately 30 people and a survey distributed at the event indicated high satisfaction. Staff has received several follow-up calls and inquiries regarding the Micro Loan Program. Restaurant attraction and recruitment efforts Identifying the community's desire for additional restaurants, staff continues to proactively market Elk River as it relates to restaurant development. Staff has created a link on our city's website (www ci elk-river.mn.us/restaurants) tailored specifically for those looking for a location fox their next restaurant. This site includes financial programs and incentives, available sites, a map showcasing specific restaurant pads and more. In addition, detailed demographics are provided for site selectors to be able to quickly determine if Elk River meets their site selection criteria. Major restaurant chains have site criteria which must be met before locating their restaurant in a community. The Elk River City Council recently approved a sewer access charge and water access charge payment program available for full service restaurants. Also approved by the Utilities Commission, this program is one of very few in the state which allows applicants to pay these fees over a period not to exceed five years, in conjunction with their utility bill, instead at the time of building permit. 'This is a unique financing tool staff can use and partner with our Micro Loan