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Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday,July 14, 2014 <br /> Page 15 <br /> Since park renewal efforts and the program itself had been in the community for <br /> years, Councilmember Etten questioned if that lack of awareness may be related <br /> to a lack of funding in place to pursue the program, and delay in the projects. <br /> Mr. Morris opined that this would explain a lot, and as people see the renewal <br /> process happening,that would serve to increase their awareness. <br /> Given the considerable attention in various media sources for an extended time, <br /> Councilmember Etten noted that this had caught his attention. <br /> Councilmember Laliberte concurred, if nothing else than the significant amount <br /> of money being expended; and questioned how it could have been missed, wheth- <br /> er from the cost perspective or from actual construction occurring. <br /> Mr. Morris suggested, when doing these projects, billboards or signage clearly <br /> identify "Park Renewal Project" as part of their verbiage, allowing residents to <br /> make the connection. Mr. Morris opined that the 20% awareness needed to in- <br /> crease over the next few years, and he would anticipate and prefer 50% within the <br /> next three years. <br /> Councilmember Willmus noted that, when the survey was conducted, ground had <br /> yet to be broken on the first project; and opined that the significant two-year delay <br /> between planning and identified funding allocation may have increased this per- <br /> ceived lack of awareness. <br /> Mr. Leatherman qualified survey results, by clarifying that the ceiling was not <br /> 100% of what it is; with referendum cycles and votes quite often didn't exceed a <br /> 75% awareness level; and since the ultimate ceiling was not at 100%, he'd con- <br /> sider a 50%to 60%rating as a solid base. <br /> Councilmember McGehee stated that she'd also found this shocking, but noted <br /> that of course, a referendum had not been held, even though it was shocking to <br /> her to find that nobody knew about it. At the same time, Councilmember McGe- <br /> hee noted that 98% of respondents were saying that everything was good to excel- <br /> lent and they were happy with what the City was doing, and expressed her hope <br /> that within that three year period,residents remained happy. <br /> Mr. Morris clarified that the movement should be from "good" to "excellent." <br /> Mr. Morris reiterated the need for making sure the City is identified with pro- <br /> grams in place, emphasizing connecting trails to Central Park and the Nature Cen- <br /> ter, as an example. While updating parks may be of lower awareness, if signage <br /> needed to be allocated, he would suggest that signage be given to the top three ar- <br /> eas of interest expressed by survey respondents as noted. Mr. Morris noted that <br /> facilities appeared to be meeting the needs of the community, with survey results <br />