5.4. SR 07-11-2011 - 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 citizen satisfaction survey. Executing this survey is a step that will allow us to support two goals identified in the visioning process: "Develop nesv programs and services to meet the needs of the community", and "Enhance and expand community involvement and publicparticipation" 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. 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. The survey is currently being finalized and is anticipated to be available to the public the week of July 11. Data tabulation will occur late July, and results and final report are anticipated to be complete sometime in August. Energy City Educational Event Series Staff partnered with the Environmental Department to hold the third event in a series of business educational events on June 1. 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 the city's website (www.ci.elk-river.inri.us/restaurants) tailored specifically for those looking for a location for 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 program to utilize when responding to inquiries, meeting with developers and marketing our community. A direct mail outlining these incentives is anticipated to complete later this summer.