The City distributes a Community Survey each year with our fall/winter City Focus. Every other year, we take a comprehensive survey asking for general input on City services, programs and activities. During the alternate years, such as 2003, we gather more in-depth data and focus in on specific issues and activities.

As the City and community continue to deal with budget challenges and service reductions, the surveys help us monitor overall reactions and perceptions and respond as necessary. This year we received more than 250 responses, less than in past years, to the in-depth survey that focused on specific City services and programs. The survey was divided into three areas: 1) City Web site; 2) Stormwater Management; and 3) Traffic Management in regards to Lighthouse Avenue traffic changes.

Click here to review a comprehensive summary. Or review the brief outline below.

Here’s what we learned ...

• City Web site: Nearly 90% of respondents have access to the Internet, a significant increase from the numbers recorded in the survey in 1999. Of those who have access, more than half have visited the City’s Web site – more than twice the percentage in 1999. More than half of those with Internet access (53%) said they would pay for City services online. When respondents go to the City's Web site, they are most frequently searching for information on contact names and numbers (whom to call), special events, public meetings/agendas, employment/jobs and City news and updates (What’s New).

• Stormwater Management: Most respondents said that they know how to dispose of yard/landscaping waste, household hazardous waste and kitchen grease and that they know the difference between sewers and storm drains About 66% of respondents know how to dispose of used car oil, compared with 80% in 2001. Less than 50% know the laws regarding storm drains and the laws that pertain to blowing yard waste in the street. Only one in five (20%) knows whom to call if someone is breaking storm drain laws.

• Traffic Management on Lighthouse Avenue: In the 2002 survey, respondents identified traffic management as a top priority for the City. In May 2003, the City prohibited left-hand turns off Lighthouse Avenue. This year, we asked respondents to rate their experiences with 1) driving on Lighthouse Avenue after the left-hand turn restriction was implemented and 2) accessing nearby neighborhoods as a result of the adjustment. Most respondents indicated that they have experienced a huge improvement in congestion and traffic flow at all times –
  during commutes, weekdays and weekends. However, 14 of the 23 business owners who returned the survey said it made business worse. In addition, access to neighborhoods seems more difficult, according to about half of the respondents.

Respondents also included written comments and suggestions on all of the topics, as well as a variety of other subjects. The comments included at the end of the executive summary are a sample of those received.