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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, June 30, 2008 Page 17 a. Consider a Community Survey to Gauge Public Opinion on City Services City Manager Malinen reviewed the request for Council consideration for a com- munity survey based on the public opinion for overall performance management to establish a baseline for service being delivered today and areas for improve- ment periodically assessed. Pust moved, Willmus seconded, to NOT expend money for a community survey, at an amount of $12,000. Mayor Klausing spoke in opposition to the motion, supporting such an expendi- ture from the Communications Fund; opining that this tool would provide a benchmark for reaching short and long-term objectives and goals of the City. Councilmember Pust spoke in support of the motion; opining that she didn't feel the community would support a survey in light of discussions on budget con- straints; and further opined that it was a negative use of money. Councilmember Roe spoke in opposition to the motion, recognizing the financial concerns, while supporting the approach of City Manager Malinen for perform- ance-based management of the City and this survey as a tool to judge that per- formance. Councilmember Roe noted criticisms of past surveys based on the type of question used; however, opined that he was more confident of this survey to provide reasonable results and serving as a way to gauge the benchmarks. Councilmember Willmus opined that most surveys anticipated a 25-30% return rate, in addition to the rate of error, and then the need for another survey down the road; and spoke in support of the motion. City Manager Malinen reviewed the benefits and national recognition of the Na- tional Citizen Survey and its value as a tool in comparison of city services, as well as comparing those services with other communities as a way to glean more in- formation and learn more in an effort to seek continuous improvement. Public Comment John Kysylyczyn, 3083 N Victoria Street Mr. Kysylyczyn suggested to the city use the University of MN for a more local- ized survey. Council Rules of Procedure Action Mayor Klausing polled Councilmembers on continuation of the meeting; and moved to extend the meeting by 15 minutes to discuss the two remaining agenda items, seconded by Willmus. Roll Call Ayes: Willmus; Ihlan; Pust; Roe and Klausing. Nays: None.