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<br />e computer system at the library to present and gather information about <br /> current issues from the citizens. <br /> Mr. Holmer suggested that it might be cost-effective for the City to consider <br /> a survey in cooperation with EWEB or the school district. Ms. Bellamy <br /> responded that because of the broad scope of such a survey, it is often <br /> difficult to obtain enough relevant information for each agency to make it <br /> worthwhile. <br /> Mr. Boles noted that the University of Oregon is interested in setting up a <br /> survey center, and it might be possible to reduce survey cost by using this <br /> through the private contract process. <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Schue, Ms. Bellamy said that the Dayton <br /> survey is contracted out annually to a private firm. She noted that Dayton <br /> uses a private contractor because it lacks the necessary resources to conduct <br /> a large survey, and the citizens appear to be more responsive to a survey <br /> that is conducted by a private agency. Ms. Bellamy said that the Dayton <br /> survey is conducted over the telephone; response rate is usually much higher <br /> with telephone communication. <br /> Mr. Rutan inquired about the effectiveness of a survey in Eugene. Mr. Boles <br /> said that given the literacy rate in Eugene, he felt it would survey quite <br /> well. Ms. Bellamy added that a survey is an information-gathering tool, not <br /> a decision-making tool. The council should use survey results as an <br /> information source about the community, but making decisions and shaping <br />e alternatives will still be the council's responsibility. <br /> Mr. Bennett requested that the results from this survey be encoded geographi- <br /> cally by council ward, so that the council can identify area-specific <br /> concerns. <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Green, Ms. Bellamy said the size of the <br /> Dayton survey was approximately 900 respondents. She indicated that a survey <br /> sample in Eugene of approximately 350 respondents would produce a 95 percent <br /> accuracy rate. <br /> Ms. Bascom noted that survey cost is not limited to the contracted service, <br /> but also includes the expense of using it as an information tool. <br /> Ms. Bascom questioned Mr. Boles about what he considers to be the greatest <br /> drawback of using the survey. Mr. Boles responded that one disadvantage of <br /> the survey is the possible community perception that council activity is not <br /> reflective of community input. Survey respondents might have this perception <br /> because citizens tend to focus narrowly on an issue, whereas the council must <br /> consider what is the best decision for the community as a whole. <br /> Mr. Holmer inquired about the role of the council in deciding on the <br /> substance of the survey questions. Mr. Boles said that the council could <br />e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 6, 1989 Page 2 <br />