10/19/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . Mr. Williams said he would like to see such a survey done, but he had e some concerns authorizing the expenditures without knowing the method- ology and the structure of questions to influence the results. He cited examples such as what the questions would look like, what kind of response would be expected, and the distribution of the question- na i re . Ms. Schneider replied the mode of the survey would be by person, telephone, or mail. She could not answer to his concern as to the results until the questions were written. She noted the difficulty of agreeing on wording of questions, but the function of the consul- tants waul d,be to try to mi nimi ze all di fferent ki nds of bi ases and conduct the survey as to the best accepted techniques. Mr. Williams wondered if there were going to be some form of specific questions with multiple-choice options, to which Ms. Schneider replied yes. Ms. Rutter clarified further that questions would revolve .around City services, how citizens would assess the effectiveness, whether they wanted more, the same, or less services. She said, for instance, citizens might be asked to prioritize services in order of importance to them as far as allocating of City monies. Also, questions regard- ing responsiveness of City staff would be included. Mr. Williams wondered if any research had been done on how the general public is able to respond to such questions. Ms. Schneider reported no work had been done in Eugene, and reviewed noting the problem of people being able to answer some kinds of questions. However, if questions are worded to seek information about which citizens have had experience, such as bike paths or streets, the general public is e able to answer those questions. She said they would try to word each question i~ such a way that people would be able to respond. Ms. Smith wondered if the timing of the survey was such that the results would be utilized by staff and Budget Committee for next year's plan- ning. Ms. Rutter replied the time schedule would allow for the pre- liminary analysis to be done between December 15 and January 1, so staff would be able to use those results in budget preparation. The final report would be ready for Budget Committee at its sessions next spring. She also noted that 1,000 questionnaires would be a represen- tative sample for this city. The questionnaire would most likely be mailed or hand-delivered, with follow-up by phone and personal pick-up. The consultants would distribute 1,200 surveys to allow for unreturned questionnaires. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, to direct staff to prepare resolution to draw funds from the operating contin- gencies. Motion carried unanimously, with Mr. Delay abstaining. Upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, meeting was adjourned to October 26, 1977 . ~ Charles T. Henry)~. City Manager -e CTH:DT:ml/CM12a1 10/19/77--8 lq~