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11-06-89 agendaCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 3~4" Study Session November 6, 1989 Issue Statement: Consideration of alternative parking arrangements for city hall. Background• City hall is experiencing a shortage of parking. Residents in the 6600 block of Fifth Avenue have complained about employees and patrons of city hall parking on the residential street. The parking lot is frequently full and visitors to the city hall complain that there is insufficient parking available. The City Council has previously directed staff to consider alternatives to resolve the parking problem. Staff has reviewed a number of alternatives including: ® Car pooling s Van pooling with city supplied van ® Remote parking for employees ® Use of Memorial Park land e Construction of underground garage ® Acquisition of residential properties in the vicinity of city hall for parking. General non-contract city employees were surveyed regarding the first three options. The only option which appeared to be able to gain support of the employees is an option which would provide an incentive to employees to park on 68th Street adjacent to Memorial Park. Other options were either too expensive to implement, required additional study, or did not gain favorable review. The Capital Improvement Budget for 1990 includes $10,000 for a city facility analysis. The analysis would assess the adequacy of work and parking space at city hall, and provide recommendations to resolve any deficiencies identified. Recommendation• The council should advise staff of their opinion regarding a plan to provide an incentive to employees who park on the north side of 68th Street along Memorial Park. The incentive would be one day of vacation for each six months the employee parks in that location. Basis for Recommendation: 1. This option appears to be the only option which may provide for some temporary relief of the parking shortage at city hall. 2. Parking on 68th Street would provide approximately 10 to 12 spaces. Alternative Recommendation: 1. Do nothing at this time. Wait for the facility report. 2. Do not encourage parking on residential streets, even in front of the park. Encouraging employees to park in residential areas is inconsistent with staff direction to businesses within our community. 3. Advise homeowners on the west side of Portland, south of city hall, north of 68th Street, that the city would be willing to buy their homes should their homes become available. Discussion/Decision Mode: This matter will be presented for discussion at the November 6, 1989 study session. Respectfu ly submitted, James Prosser City nager JDP/ej a CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 33 Agenda November 6, 1989 Issue Statement• Discussion regarding concerns and potential improvements in City Council audio broadcast quality and capability. Background• Periodically after a City Council meeting, the Administrative Services Director may receive a telephone call commenting on the quality of the broadcast. The caller is typically someone who was either in the audience or who watched the broadcast of the meeting at home. Most often, the calls indicate a positive impression of the City Council meeting, but occasionally a specific problem is brought to our attention. Recently, a phone call was received by someone who was present at the October 9, 1989 City Council meeting. The caller indicated that it was very difficult to hear what was going on during the New Fordtown portion of the Council meeting. It was his impression that the problems stem from Council Members leaning away from a microphone while they were speaking and when the microphone was not adjusted to a proper level in the case of a citizen addressing the Council at the podium. In response to that call. and concerns of that nature, it may be appropriate to review what seems to be problematic in delivering a good audio presentation. A) Council Dais Microphones - The permanently mounted microphones on the Council dais are quite good at picking up normal conversation delivered by City Council Members at the dais. However, if Council Members lean back in their seats, the microphone will not adequately pick up the dialogue for the audience to hear. The microphone could work in that fashion, but the volume output would have to be set extraordinarily high to do so, and, as such, would severely feedback (squeal) when picking up the same voice(s) while Council Members were seated straight upright or leaning in toward the microphone. B) Citizens addressing the City Council vary greatly in height. Thus, the microphone setting may vary from person to person. Unfortunately, most such microphone adjustments are not made. As a result, dialogue may be missed. To help to alleviate this problem, citizens could be reminded to speak into the microphone, adjusting it as necessary. C) A final problem which periodically arises, is the situation where a member of the audience either queries or comments to the City Council without benefit of speaking from the podium. Besides technically being out of order, this dialogue is usually completely lost to the viewing audience. The result is a "deadspot" on the broadcast audio portion, followed by a reply to a question/comment by a Council Member without the viewer having heard the initiating question/comment. City staff is exploring ways to remedy the equipment short comings that also hamper audio performance. One solution that will be tried on an experimental basis is the wall mounting of two high quality speakers approximately halfway back on each side of the Council Chambers audience seating area. These speakers should deliver additional sound to the rear of the Chambers without adding to the feedback problems. Recommended Motion: None. Discuss the audio problems that currently exist. Basis for Recommendation: 1. Citizens periodically raise concerns regarding the inadequate quality of portions of the audio broadcast of the City Council meetings. 2. The problems identified in the letter are primarily responsible for audio problems. Alternative Recommendation: None. Discussion/Decision Mode: This item should be addressed at the next available City Council Study Session so that improvements may be made as soon as possible. Respectf ly submitted, Jame Prosser Cit anager JDP:ff CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 32 Study Session November 6, 1989 Issue Statement' Review of suggested changes to city logo. Background• For sometime city staff has been working with various agencies and artists to design a different logo for the city. The latest designs were made by Laurie McRostie of OSM. Recommendation• Review the logos presented. Basis for Recommendation: 1. The staff has been requested to redesign the city logo. Alternative Recommendation: 1. Do nothing and continue to use the present logo. Discussion/Decision Mode: The logo's will be available for council review on Monday night. Respectfully submitted, James- Prosser City Manager JDP/ej a CITY OF RICHFIELD Study Session Letter No. 31 Agenda, November 6, 1989 Issue Statement: Public Safety staff has identified the need for a specialized position to focus on juvenile problems within our community. Background: It has long been recognized that a significant portion of crime in any community is committed by juveniles. Richfield is no different. Close to half of all arrests made by Richfield Police in the first six months of this year were juveniles. What is difficult to address is how many reported crimes which are not solved were committed by juveniles. Estimates range from 60-90$. Richfield Police have long been the leaders in crime prevention programs and certain programs dealing with our youth. Some success has been noted (our junior police program, our law classes at the high school, fire safety and crime prevention discussions with elementary age children, to name a few). We also do a fair job with coordinating information with the schools. We need to do a better job for the future of our community. Another significant issue has risen to the top of our priorities this year: youth gangs. We have identified a number of juveniles who live in our community who are affiliated with youth gangs. These individuals are involved in any number of crimes: drugs, assaults, thefts, break-ins, arson, vandalism, etc. While we feel we know what they may be doing and who they are, we are limited to reacting as opposed to some proactive approaches. Over the past 12 months, Public possibility of using an officer At first it seemed like a good dismissed as: Safety has discussed the to act as a Juvenile Specialist. idea, but has recently been - Not cost effective. - The position would be rotated every two years, leaving inconsistency. - Officers burn out and want to go back on the street. - Officers do not have the credentials for an assignment like this. - We would need an additional officer to do this. We can no longer afford to take any more officers off of the street for special assignments. Recommendation: Attached is a memorandum from the Public Safety Director which outlines what the position is and the duties it will be responsible for. Juveniles, youth gangs, drugs and direct. contact with school officials are a community priority. Public Safety clearly is the focal point of these issues, and yet we are a little short on the resources necessary to fulfill these obligations. A well-educated, trained professional Youth Resource Specialist will provide the direction needed to address these critical areas. Positions like this in other communities have proven their worth in a very short time. We did not originally propose this in the budget because of this year's early budget preparation and not knowing at that time that this was the most effective approach to the problem. Alternative Recommendation: 1. Do nothing. Do not add the position to Public Safety's 1990 budget request. 2. Use the unfunded officer position in Public Safety and fund it, which would mean an officer at greater expense would fulfill this assignment. Discussion/Decision Mode: Authorize staff to include this position and funds in the 1990 Public Safety Budget which will be given a full hearing in early December. Resp ly submitted, Jam s Prosser Cit anager JDE:lmv CITY OF RICHFIELD Memorandum DATE: September 28, 1989 TO: James Prosser, City Manager ~~ FROM: John D. Erskine, Director of Public Safety. ~~, SUBJECT: Youth Resource Specialist As we have discussed, I have directed our staff to research the concept of a Youth Resource Specialist position for our Police Division. The essential work has been completed and is attached (memo Lt. Suech to me). I am at this juncture recommending we move forward with this position. The need for this is many-fold. Statistically and empirically our work focuses on young people. Drugs, gangs and "pesky" crimes in most instances revolve around people under- eighteen. Our relationship with the school(s) is not what it should be ~.n "keeping on .top" of problems and problem kids.. Our police resources are stretched and by taking another officer off the street for this function only compounds the situation. Furthermore, I do not recommend using a sworn position for this function for the following reasons: - It would be rotated (short. term), which would jeopardize continuity. - Generally, police. officers burn out in positions like this and want to move on to other things - again continuity is lost. - Officers in positions like. this are in the "spotlight" and tend to shine in promotions thus giving a somewhat unfair advantage to others who have not had similar opportunities. • - Cost, officers in positions like this cost $10,000 to $15,000 more than using non-sworn. - Credentials. Officers usually do not possess the credentials for this function. As spelled out in Lt. Suech's memo, this position will be responsible for a myriad of areas. In addition, however, it will. also: ~" James Prosser, City Manager September 28, 1989 Page 2 Focus on the Junior and Senior High Schools by being a resource and close contact. This is .not intended to be the school's disciplinarian, but a resource and liaison between the police and the schools in a less threatening (no guns, cuffs, etc.) way. Most juveniles who come in contact with our police could be referred to this position. The Youth Resource Specialist (Y..R.S.) can then decide the course of action (i.e., refer to Storefront, parental conference, warn and release, defer to Juvenile Court or other agencies). While the Y.R.S. would not be a "uniformed officer" it is our intent to make the person .visible by: - ,The blazer concept.: - Constant contact with schools. - Articles, etcetera, in Your City .and Schools,. the S'un and. perhaps cable. The Cost: This is an additional position we are requesting and of course there are costs associated with it. The following is what the projected costs are: 1~M INITIAL 1989 Salaries Benbfits (30$) Office Furniture Clothing Conference & Schools Mileage/Misc. $ 6,300 (2 months) 1,890 1,200 '800 110 $10,300 Our expectations of this position include: - Closer contact with our younger citizens. RECURRING 1990 $28,000 8,400 350 1,000 .1.300 $39,050 Diversion of the less serious criminal activity by juveniles to .something other than the "system." - Amore meaningful professional relationship with our school system. James Prosser, City Manager September 28, 1989 Page 3 - A reduction in repeat offenders. - A reduction in crime. I have discussed this idea briefly with Mary Ellen Harris (SYA). She felt essentially as I do, it is not a threat to their programs but it would in .all probability enhance the relationships. Conversely, I have not discussed this with the school system, but am confident they will endorse it as .well since they were lobbying for something similar in the past.. I do, however, insist that we~control-this position no matter what arrangements we have with the schools. As I pointed out earlier, this concept is not meant to be .the schools disciplinarian. It is a "community" resource that is part of, not a part from the Public Safety function.. I trust this provides the catalyst for .you to make some decision. Public Safety is prepared to provide any additional information you may need. JDE:slm xc: Captain Richardson Captain Lambert . Lieutenant Suech r CITY OF RICHFIELD Memorandum DATE: September 26, 1989 TO: Director Erskine FROM: Lieutenant Suech',~~ SUBJECT: Youth Resource Specialist Position (Non-Sworn) At your direction, I have researched the non-sworn position of Youth Resource Specialist. I requested and received position descriptions and salary information from Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Fridley, and Plymouth. While each city has a slightly different name for the position, all four have the same .basic functions. A discussion of. the commonalities of the position from the four listed cities follows: POSITION OBJECTIVE: To assist the investigative staff in handling juvenile cases. To work primarily with children in need of protective services (CHIPS). To divert juveniles from more extensive involvement in the Juvenile Justice System and preventing the occurrence of delinquent behavior. To assist in the prevention of juvenile delinquency by developing, implementing and participating in prevention programs that provide for the best interests of children and the community. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: o The processing of all juvenile. status offenses o The follow-up investigation of assigned cases o Conduct preliminary investigations of alleged child abuse o Referral of juveniles to appropriate criminal justice or social service agencies o Conduct interviews with juvenile witnesses, victims or suspects o Provide Department personnel with assistance or advice in the proper method of referral or placement of juveniles or children o Assist officers in the investigation of criminal offenses that involve juveniles or children 1 YOUTH RESOURCE SPECIALIST POSITION .(NON-SWORN) September 26, 1989 o -Serve as liaison .with elementary and secondary schools. o Establish and maintain working relationships with appropriate representatives of the school districts serving the City o Write a regular column in City newsletter and local papers o Assist Crime Prevention Officers in presenting crime prevention programs o Provide .counseling to juveniles and other family members o Appear in court as required o Appear before community organizations or civic groups to present appropriate material regarding juvenile or child related matters. o Attend appropriate seminars and workshops QUALIFICATIONS: B.A. or B.S. degree in criminal justice studies, sociology, psychology or related behavioral science field. Three years' experience in counseling youth in asocial service and/or law enforcement agency. Should possess excellent communications.skills, knowledge of educational techniques, and general knowledge of the criminal. justice system, especially in the areas of juvenile delinquency, chemical .dependency, child abuse, sexual abuse, and other juvenile or family related topics. 1989 SALARY RANGES: Crystal - $35,917 (ten years experience at the position) and standard city benefits Fridley - $21,145 Starting salary plus standard city benefits Plymouth.- $20,120 - $28,188 plus standard city benefits (CSO) SUMMARY Chief Don Davis, Brooklyn Park P.D., says that it has proven to be one of the most successful ventures at .his department. When the non-sworn position first began, officers were skeptical, but 2 YOUTH RESOURCE SFECIALIST POSITION (NON-SWORN) September 26, 1989 after a short time, his officers became the position's. greatest supporters. Susan Carstens,-Crystal P.D., says that this position began in 1976 with a three-year LEAH grant. At ,the end of the grant period, the department saw the value of the position and chose to continue funding it exclusively out of the police budget. She has served in that position for ten years. Due to periodic reassignment of police officers, school officials and community agencies often feel that police juvenile involvement at the school. level doesn't work. Having a permanent person for contact, problems, and education would perhaps increase educators' receptivity to programs such as D.A.R.E. and other police involvement in this ii'nportant educational arena. While at first, officers may perceive.the position as a lost: promotional or career enhancement opportunity, Brooklyn Fark and Crystal experience has shown that .with experience, officers become the position's biggest supporters. Getting .the right person for the position is very important to the success of the idea. If we could get an experienced person initially, it w©uld certainly get the position off to an excellent beginning. I will keep the information received from the submit-bing cities on file, should you .need to see individual statistics. or information on this position. 3 CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 30 Agenda, November 6, 1989 Issue Statement• In August of 1988, a State Statute became effective dealing with pornography. To date, cities have been reluctant to pursue enforcement of this statute because of its ambiguity and potential for costly litigation. Background• At a regular Council meeting earlier this year, the Council directed Staff to provide them with information on how the Police intended to enforce the pornography statute. Included in this information should be the risks to the City and the resource allocation necessary to be successful. Staff has worked closely with: - The City Prosecutor - Other municipalities - Other prosecutors (county & state) - Richfield Citizens Against Pornography - Video store owners Our conclusion and alternatives will be discussed with Council at the Work Study session. The discussion will be led by the Public Safety Director, John D. Erskine, and the City Prosecutor, Martin Costello. Recommendation• None Discussion/Decision Mode: None Resp y submitted, James Prosser City M ager JDE:lmv CITY OF RICHFIELD Study Session Letter No. 29 Agenda, November 6, 1989 Issue Statement: Policy and Strategy Recommendations for Airport Related Issues. Background• The Richfield Airport Strategy Group has reviewed issues and events relating to airport issues and has provided recommendations for policy and strategy implementation. The following items were reviewed at the October 19, 1989, RASG meeting. -Airport Adequacy Study. The Interactive Technical Session was held October 18, 1989. Representatives from key agencies in the Twin Cities attended (Legislature, Metropolitan Council, MAC, MnDot and others). Consultants working on the study presented general information about the joint study being done for Bloomington-Richfield. Key issues were identified from the study to the participants that need to be addressed during the implementation of the dual track study. The comments and feedback given by participants at the session will be used in the final product of the Airport Adequacy Study. The purpose of the final report is to broaden the Met Council/MAC legislative analysis. Bob Mendelsohn of Mendelsohn Associates and consultants working on the study met with Bloomington-Richfield staff on October 19. The final product of the Airport Adequacy Study will be available to Bloomington and Richfield in November. The consultants advised the two cities to: - Educate policy-makers (public officials and opinion formers) and the general public on the Bloomington-Richfield view that additional issues must be addressed as part of the Dual Trac approach. - Ensure that Bloomington and Richfield are actively involved in the decision-making process with the Met Council and MAC on the MSP Airport future. - Efforts must be made and continue to gain public and political support for full funding for implementation of Track 1. - Develop political allies in the region with informal one-on- one meetings and formal sessions. Recommendations to make the Bloomington-Richfield point of view visible to the metropolitan area were made at the R.A.S.G. meeting on October 19, 1989. New Ford Town and Rich Acres Unsurvey. The survey respondents want to know the future of their neighborhoods -- the overwhelming and underlying response to all the. questions in the survey. Respondents feel uninformed by the city officials. Many state the services provided to their neighborhoods have been inadequate in regards to police visibility and-park upkeep. They believe the city has been ineffective in the decision-making process regarding the future of their properties. As a way to resolve the airport expansion issue, they want the city to buy- out their property and to protect the residents. A representative from Decision Resources, Ltd. will be present at the meeting to review the survey and recommendations. There is a need for the city to inform the citizens of the airport issues and the effects of these issues on their neighborhoods. This would be a means of educating the citizens of the various decision-making agencies (i.e. Met Council, MAC, Legislature) that the city has no control over. Recommendations were made at the R.A.S.G. meeting to solve this problem. Recommendation• - Airport Adequacy Study. At the R.A.S.G. meeting on October 19, 1989, members recommended the following steps be taken with the Executive. Summary, Bloomington-Richfield Airport Adequacy Study: 1. Present the Executive Summary at available forums, ie -- a citizens group such as the League of Women Voters, the Citizens League, and the Chamber of Commerce. 2. Follow the presentation/s with an opinion editorial piece in the Star/Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press to educate citizens of the dual track program and its ramifications to both Bloomington and Richfield and for the entire region. Bob Collette and D.J. Leary will work on the editorial together. 3. Identify an action committee to start the dialogue in the metropolitan area. Committee members could include: - metro area Chamber of Commerce representatives. - business people - Citizens League - New Ford Town and Rich Acres Unsurvey. The following recommendations were made by the R.A.S.G. committee: -- Increase police visibility. The Richfield Police have already increased efforts to establish watch programs and visibility of police force. -- Make park improvements. New Ford Town park had been scheduled for drainage improvements within the 1989 budget. The work has recently been completed. Play ground equipment will be ordered in the near future for installation in early 1990. -- Newsletter. This piece will: - provide answers. - develop a program in a timely fashion answering questions in a simple way. - provide a good solid piece of information to educate the citizens and to can contact City Hall if they have any questions/problems/concerns. Smith-Patterson Company will assist in writing the monthly newsletter. Alternative Recommendation: A variety of alternative recommendations may be discussed at the November 6, 1989 Study Session. Discussion/Decision Mode: These matters will be discussed at the November 6, 1989 Study Session. Respectf ly submitted, James Prosser City a ager JDP:kab .~ 1~E~#~ To: Mr. ,fames D. Prosser, City Manager Richfield City Hall From: Robert M. Smith Smith Patterson & Ca. Date: 4ctaber 27, 1988 Over the past sin weeks our firm has eaamiaed the issues concerning the ltiehfield neighbarhaads of "New Ford Taws" and "Rich Acres," studied the research data complied bT Decision Resources and the City, and became acquainted with the prabiems and perceptions of residents in thane two areas, As we have agraad, it is apparentthat -- whether ar net the City is respansibla -- the resident$ of New Ford'fown sad Rich Acres: ~- feel slighted and alienated from City Hall; • know they have responded to a survey (but have not yet heard say results); +• are uncertain about the future of their neighbarhaads in relation to airport e~tpansion; and + do not understand "who the players are" in relation to the airport issue. It is also clear that attempts to mitigate those misunderstandings have met with distrust and hostility from these people, Because of the current atmosphere, we recommend that the City of Richfield embark on atwo-pranged approach tawaxds this problem; ~ Iaitiata a .maAthly stewsletter which would gently start to opera communications with these citizens is~ s very canciiiatary and positive manner, The first issue should arrive in November just prior to Thanksgiving sad be very "law-key," aclsaarvledgingtha survey and indicating concern, ~'allowiag newsletters should be sent every mid-month for at least six maaths ~ Institute "visibility" campaigns which demonstrate the concern of Richfield through the presence of City departments in the area. On an immediate basis this could mean public safety sad fire department outreach programs, and on a longer farm include improvements by the engineering and Paris d~ Recreation Departments. SMITH PATTERSQN & CA. prapases to eater into as agreement with the City of Richfield umder which our cam,pany would handle communications between the Cfty and the two neighbarltoads by writing and assisting City sta~£f s'u the production of a monthly newsletter, and helping in the conception, planning and implementatiaa of special events towards the goals stated above. Our proposed fee For these services are S~5/hour for professional services not to eacaed twelve hours tS6BQ) par raaath to include tho writing of the newsletter and initial event planning, with additional fees paid at the same hauriy rate only upon special prier approve! by authorized city reprsseatatives. Theca proposed fees would not include printing costs or actual direct outwof-pocket sapenses. If you agree with the plssn and specifics proposed is this mama, ar feel that the "spirit and nature" of the proposal is fn line with the seeds of the City aP Richfield, please contact us sad ws will be happy to maetwith you and discuss details of an agreement, Thank you far your considerations, SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS NEW FORD-TOWN AND: RICH ACRES CENSII3 Methodology:. During September, 1989, Richfield residents. of the New. Ford Town and ,Riche.Acres areas were .mailed a questionnaire on "the future , uses of land in your area and the proposed expansion of the Minneapolis st. Paul International Airport." Of the 400 ~~es- tonnaires sent to area. residents, 162 analyzable responses were received before the September 30.,; 198$, cut.-off~date and were tabulated. The response,.rate.of 40:5 percent is-an unusual- ly high return fora "one-wave,.`,;no-reminders" mahout'. Howeder, two factors must be°~kep in `imind': (1) 59.5 percent of the residents did, not ;respgnd, and (2) .Mail `outs tend to :attract the responses of residents -, who feel exceptionally strong about .an issue; .these` respondents may not~be a'representatve sample of~the area. ,_ ., Keeping in mind'`these-two caveats, :the dscussion.beow summa- rites and discusses the answers-to each_query. -, Responses"and,Imphications: :; .The. questons~w,ll be`examned in the order. they-.were; presented in the questionnaire. 1. In general, do';you feel that the services provided by the, City o.f Richfield,.:. such .as .:police.. and fire protection, snow. ` plowing,. and;stree,t and: park maintenance, are ~s effective and ,efficient in-you= area as"in other parts.of;the.City?. "Why do; you feel that way? _ _ _ Responses could'be classifedinto the categories listed below: GOOD SERVICES/SATISF.IED WITH SERVICES::.:.43%' NO RESPONSE..... .-........'. ..2% LACK, OF, POLICE ~PATROLLiNG...:......:... ..17%- SLOW-SNOW REMOVAL..::.. .... .......6$ .:POOR~:PARK:MA_INTENANCE.... .. .. .. ..1:9% POOR STREET: MAINTENANCE........ .... ...I1%> _ 1 3128 Dean Court • Minneapolis, Ntinnesuta~ 55.16 • (GI2) 920-0337 SCATTERED PROBLEMS.. ........ ........,2% The tenor-of complaints about the parks in these neighborhoods was particularly critical. One park was repeatedly described as a 'littered."inudhole" and virtually. unusable. The City may~wsh to consider three initial course of action.: (1') Increasedv:isibility af-police in this area;. - (2~ Improvements to the .parks, especially-the "mudhole;" (3) More visibility of city: staff. and elected officials on, .ideally, a one-to-one basis.. While services are ranked "satisfactory" by a near majority of - residents, some broader dissatisfaction could be-altered by activities dealing with specific "perceived" deficiencies. 2. If you could, make ONE change or mprovement_in"they way in which .the City of Richfield ser_ves-youu'.and other residents in your -area, r what would- it be? Responses were gzouped into a'`number::.of classif-ications: MORE RESPONSIVE :TO RESIDENTIAL NEEDS.._....19%. MORE- HONESTY-IN COMMUNICATIONS.. .:.....'....`18% BETTER"-CITY-:SERVICES.. .9% STR3CTER .CODE_-ENFORCEMENT-..... .9% TREAT AREA ON A .PAR WITH-REST OF_CITY......8% .BUY OUT HOME-OWNERS.. ....~... ...,... .8% KEEP. RESIDENTIAL `ZONING... ....4% CUT PROPERTY. TAXES... .. .. .3%' REDUCE AIRPORT NOISE..... :........... ...2% S.CATTERED.: .... ... .......,...:..... .1% NO. ANSWER.. ..... ... ... .19% A key concern of residents can be addressed. through- increased communications: Home: owners in these areas should lie.apprised of city-.;actions`-- particularly as they apply: to the. Airport -- on a much-more regular basis. Since";they-will" be offected by' _ decision-making most--dramatically, they-'need--more frequent updates and. more details. , 3. The City is considering.the reclassification of-land. in New Ford Town and along Cedar-Avenue from::resdential only -- single family homes-and-multple units -- to allow:varous type of: commercial uses. Are there any types of commercial - uses.: you would-strongly favor..for land: in-this area? Two major groups.-were found to, dominate the responses: " NO COMMERCIAL-DEVELOPMENT.x....•............36% COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH BUY OUT.:....26% 2 INDUSTRIAL PARK:. ....... ..7~ _ AIRPORT SERVLCES:. ...... .. ... .4~ DINING,/RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES..... .........4~ HOTELS.... ... .. ... ...... ..........3~ INDIFFERENT...... .... ...... ...7~ SCATTERED.,..... ..............8~ NO ANSWER.... ... .. .. ... .....5~ A majority of respondents oppose commercial development, in and of itself. If the City were. to promote a buy out simultaneously wth~any commercial development efforts, resistance would substantially decrease,. But, a piecemeal approach to commercial development in this area will be viewed very great.hostility. 4. What do you think should be the chief goal of the City of Richfield in resolving the airport. expansion issue: Three major categories of answers were determined: _ MAKE A DECISION AND ;PROCEED WITH IT.......27% 'BUY OUT RESIDENTS:;", .23% ,_ PROTECT ;R'ESIDENTS TN ,ANY :DECI3IQNS.....;..-20~ KEEP AIRPORT IN PRESENT .LOCATION."......:...7~ -" SUPPORT NEW AIRPORT:. ..7~ .DECREASE AIRPORT NOISE.... .`4~ SCATTERED.. .....-. .... ...4~ -NO ANSWER".. .::..:`.:. ..".. .7~ Respondents are generally upset.'with the lack of ':.resolution of the airport .expanson'issue. It has had. a: particularly corrosive impact during the-past_:year,`~ Ideally, residents want to see a time table and plan; of action. Most respondents would also support a -buy outs program. :But,"; it is essential that ambiguity, ' be reduced and a, decision. be reached -gzrckly. It is clear ,that as time progresses;; morale will"further deteri= .orate aril a~major'problem for. "the City .will ensue. Buy out proponents are: adamant -and will only="accept that option."They. will remain unhappy with any solution-short of that result. Residents who wish to remain were mare open-to various approaches for resolyxig the problem. The. key"group are the~resdents who .want any type of resolutiori, but want it now..- .The census suggests that for the, long ,term"stability of the community, a buy out program: should be investigated and structured as-quickly as: feasible by, the City. S. What advice `would-you give to:polcy-makers- in"Richfield " about.the'r discussion"s with-the .Metropolitan Aizport Commssion?_ _ The three major pieces of`advice suggested by respondents mirrored the goals that were.outlined in"the .prior question: 3 DECIDE NOW.. ... ........23% BUY OUT.... .. .. ......2A% PROTECT THE•INTERESTS•OF CITIZENS.........20% WORK WITH MAC.. .. .. ... ....7% REDUCE AIRPORT NOISE.. .. ....... .6% SUPPORT .:A NEW AIRPORT........ ... .5% LISTEN TO: RESIDENTS.. .. .. ... .5% CITY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT•RESIDENTB.........4% SCATTERED...... .. .. .. ... .. .1% NO ANSWER....... ........ .9% While prescribed courses of action were discussed above, these results tend, to highlight the need for a: better- commuriicatons program. Citizens-need to know exactly what the City is attempting to accomplish in its deliberations with other bodies and agencies. (3) A special newsletter, or other communications device, should ,'be directed toward. these areas. It should be frequently pub- l$hed, to update residents on the latest developments, and concern plans with respect to these two areas. (4:), The feasibility of a structured buy out of property should be examined. Ideally, this should be'linked to--any introduction of new commercial uses in the areas. Clearlg, this .issue is a very-difficult one. And, many residents are. frozen into their current "positions: on the airport expansion and buy out possibilities. But, with more attention to the service needs of this. area, increased information about activities and plans, and a well-publicized definition of the. city's position,: the negative atmospherics present can be substantially reduced..