ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at 12:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor DeBoer called the meeting to order at 12:03 p.m.

ATTENDANCE
City Council: Councilors Laws, Amarotico, Jackson and Hearn were present. Hartzell arrived at 12:15 p.m.
Councilor Morrison was absent.
Staff: Management Analyst, Ann Seltzer, Community Development Director John McLaughlin, Public Works Director Paula Brown, Fire Chief Keith Woodley and City Administrator Gino Grimaldi.

I. 2003 Citizen Attitude Survey (attached).
Tammy Lockwood from Lockwood Research presented the 2003 Citizen Attitude Survey. This is the third citizen survey conducted since 1998.

She noted that the overall objective of the research was to measure change in the community's attitudes and opinions since the Benchmark study was conducted in November 1998 and the Tracking study in November 2000.

The following research objectives were identified and the pros and cons were pointed out:
· Measure the Community's level of satisfaction with the quality of life.
· Measure the Community's satisfaction with the current level of City services.

She explained how to read the charts that were used and how to understand the rating scores used for the survey
Council discussed affects of growth survey results.

· Identify how the Community views City government.
· Identify the methods the Community uses to gather information about the City.
· Measure the incidence of RTVD transit use.

It was pointed out that the sample age group was 45 years of age or older. Lockwood showed that the census indicates households with individuals 65 years or older is 23.5%. She stated that it is difficult to reach younger generations.

Options or changes for future surveys were discussed. It was noted that the survey results should be made available to the Budget Committee. And, that council should consider how they would use these survey results and to take this into consideration when debating the necessity of any future surveys. It was pointed out that cross tabulations were available. Continued discussion on the merit of the survey and what questions should be included in future surveys.

II. Discussion regarding redesign of Council Chambers, with respect to seating, sound and web access (2003 Council Goal).
Management Analyst Ann Seltzer explained that staff is requesting from council their input on updating the council chambers. She introduced Bill Street, John Fields and Tim Bewley who are available to assist in any updates or improvements.

Council discussed the need to keep the meeting directed toward the council rather than the audience. Discussion proceeded on how this could be accomplished. Bill Street was noted that flexibility is needed when conducting meetings and that when a speaker's back is to the audience, it does not feel like they are part of the meeting. He suggested using a podium. It was pointed out that the room is used for multiple uses and needs to be flexible.

RVTV suggested raising the lights in order to place a large size screen that would be easier to view. It was noted that there is a need for instructions on how everything works. Other needs were identified as updated sound systems and new technology tools.

It was pointed out that under Public Meetings Law, the public has the right to attend meetings, but does not have the right to participate unless invited to do so by the governing body.

Staff will contact Judge Drescher to find out the needs of Court.

Meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder

End of Document - Back to Top