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Home My WebLink About2008 Orono Citizen Survey Results2008 City of Orono Residential Study Volume One: Analysis, Frequencies and Graphics Decision Resources, Ltd. October 2008 3128 Dean Court a Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416 a (612) 920-0337 a Fax (612)929-6166 Survey Overview Decision Resources, Ltd., is pleased to present the results of this study to the City of Orono. This section provides a brief introduction to the specifications of the survey and a guide to the organization of the written analysis. While the most statistically sound procedures have been used to collect and analyze the information presented herein, it must always be kept in mind that surveys are not predictions. They are designed to measure public opinion within identifiable limits of accuracy at specific points in time. This survey is in no way a prediction of opinions, perceptions, or actions at any future point in time. After all, in public policy analysis, the major task is to impact these revealed opinions in a constructive fashion. The Principal Investigator for this study was Dr. William D. Morris; the Project Director overseeing all phases of the research and analysis was Ms. Diane Traxler. Research Design This study contains the results of a telephone survey of 400 randomly selected residents of the City of Orono. Survey responses were gathered by professional interviewers across the community between July 7' and 28`h, 2008. The average interview took twenty-eight minutes. All respondents interviewed in this study were part of a randomly generated sample of the City of Orono. In general, random samples such as this yield results projectable to their respective universe within 15.0 percent in 95 out of 100 cases. Interviews were conducted by Decision Resources, Ltd., trained personnel from telephone banks in St. Paul, Minnesota. Approximately twenty percent of all interviews were independently validated for procedure and content by a Decision Resources, Ltd., supervisor. Completed interviews were edited and coded at the company's headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Statistical analysis and cross -tabulations were produced by the company's CfMC Mentor Analysis System and SPSS 16.0 FOR WINDOWS. Organization of the Study The results of this study are presented in the following order: The Analysis consists of a written report of the maj or findings. The results contained herein were also presented verbally to the client. The Questionnaire reproduces the survey instrument as it was used in the interviewing process. This section also includes a response frequency distribution for each question. Any further questions the reader may have about this study which are not answered in this report should be directed to either Dr. Morris or Ms. Traxler. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter One: Residential Demographics ............................................ 6 Residential Demographics ................................................. 7 Residential Longevity .............................................. 7 Household Composition............................................8 Present Residence Property..........................................9 Age of Respondent................................................11 Gender.........................................................11 Precinct........................................................II Summary and Conclusions .......................................... 12 Chapter Two: Quality of Life Issues .............................................. 13 Quality of Life Issues .................................................... 14 Qualityof Life...................................................14 Image of the City.................................................15 LikeMost.......................................................17 Most Serious Issue................................................18 Best of the Past to be Preserved......................................19 Fixed or Improved for the Future.....................................20 Currently Missing.............................................21 Safe in your Neighborhood.........................................22 Summary and Conclusions .......................................... 23 Chapter Three: City Services and Taxes ........................................... 24 City Services and Taxes..................................................25 City Service Ratings...............................................25 CityWater......................................................30 City Tax Rating..................................................31 General Value of Services .......................................... 32 Tax Increase to Enhance...........................................33 Summary and Conclusions .......................................... 34 Chapter Four: Development Issues ............................................... 36 Development Issues.....................................................37 Development Opportunities.........................................37 Specific Types of Development ...................................... 45 Navarre.........................................................47 Housing Development.............................................48 Summary and Conclusions .......................................... 50 Chapter Five: Environmental Issues .............................................. 52 Environmental Issues....................................................53 Leader in Lake Minnetonka Environmental Causes ...................... 53 Environmental Concerns ........................................... 54 3 Natural Area Buffer Zone .......................................... 59 Sustainability....................................................60 Protecting Forested Areas .......................................... 64 Buckthorn and Invasive Exotic Plant Species ........................... 65 Summary and Conclusions .......................................... 65 Chapter Six: Parks and Recreation ............................................... 67 Parks and Recreation....................................................68 Recreational Activities ............................................. 68 Satisfaction with Amount of Information .............................. 79 Principal Source of Information about Parks and Recreation ............... 80 Current Mix of Parks and Recreation Facilities .......................... 82 More Extensive Park System ........................................ 82 Park and Recreational Development Efforts ............................ 83 Used City Facilities ............................................... 84 Use Lake Minnetonka.............................................86 Orono Golf Course................................................87 Local Trails and Sidewalks ......................................... 90 Big Island Park...................................................91 Summary and Conclusions .......................................... 92 Chapter Seven: Transportation Issues ............................................. 94 Transportation Issues....................................................95 Location to Work.................................................95 Ease of Getting to and from Work .................................... 96 Use Public Transportation .......................................... 96 Intra-City Travel..................................................97 Expanded Automobile Traffic Corridors ............................... 98 Expanded Park and Ride Lot ........................................ 99 Light Rail Corridor...............................................100 Summary and Conclusions ......................................... 100 Chapter Eight: City Hall ...................................................... 101 CityHall.............................................................102 Contact City Hall ................................................ 102 City Hall Service Ratings .......................................... 104 Summary and Conclusions ......................................... 106 Chapter Nine: Communications................................................. 107 Communications......................................................108 Current Level of Information.......................................108 Source of Information............................................109 Communication Rating ........................................... 113 Participation in Comprehensive Plan Update .......................... 114 Summary and Conclusions ......................................... 117 Chapter Ten: Final Thoughts .................................................. 118 Final Thoughts........................................................119 4 Orono Residents were asked a series of questions about their demographic backgrounds. These questions were asked for two reasons: first, to validate this sample against the updated 2000 U.S. Census findings; and, second, to track any differences between subgroups and the rest of the population. There were no statistically significant differences between the findings of this survey and the census data. And, throughout the course of this study, subgroup differences will be discussed. Residential Longevity Respondents were asked: Approximately how many years have you lived in the City of Orono? The typical adult resident lived in the community for 15.7 years: LESS THAN TWO YEARS ........................... 4% TWO TO FIVE PEARS ............................. 11% SIX TO TEN YEARS ............................... 21% 11 TO 20 YEARS .................................. 29% 21 TO 30 YEARS .................................. 21% OVER THIRTY YEARS ............................. 15% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Fifteen percent are city residents for five years or less, while the same percentage is long-term residents for over thirty years. "Less than two years" is posted at a higher rate by: • those contacting City Hall "Two to five years" indicated more often by: • households with children • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer • eighteen to forty-four year olds • Precinct Four residents "Six to ten years" is stated more frequently by: • households with children 7 • eighteen to forty-four year olds "Eleven to twenty years" is reported most frequently by: • those with septic tanks • Precinct One residents "Twenty-one to thirty years" is cited at a higher rate by: • "empty -nesters" • those living on the lake • over fifty-five year olds "Over thirty years" is mentioned more often by: • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Three residents Household Composition Respondents were instructed: Could you please tell me how many people in each of the following age groups live in your household Three age ranges were then read: Persons 65 or over? Twenty-three percent of the households in Orono contain seniors: NONE........................................... 770 0 0 ONE ............................................ o TWO OR MORE ................................... 15% Senior couples outnumber single seniors by almost two -to -one. Adults under 65? The typical residence contains two adults: 0 NONE ........................................... 5 0 0 ONE ........................................... 2 0 8 0 TWO ........................................... o THREE OR MORE .................................. 7% Fifteen percent of the households are composed entirely of seniors. School -aged children or pre-schoolers? Thirty-nine percent of the households contain school -aged children or pre-schoolers: NONE ........................................... 20 0 ONE ........................................... 180 0 0 THREE OR MORE .................................. 9% Most households with children contain more than one. Present Residence Property Respondents were asked: Do you own or rent your present residence? Ninety-four percent own their current residences: 0 a DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Only six percent are currently renting their residences. Home -owners were asked two follow-up queries. First, lot size was considered: On how large of a lot is your present residence located -- less than % acre, % acre to one acre, one or two acres, two acres to five acres, or over five acres? The typical lot size is 1 % acres within the community: LESS THAN''/z ACRE ............................... 5% '/z TO 1 ACRE ..................................... 29% 1 TO 2 ACRES .................................... 32% 2 TO 5 ACRES .................................... 28% MORE THAN 5 ACRES .............................. 4% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% W Next, property values were considered: Which of the following categories contains the approxi- mate value of your residential property -- under $300,000, $300,0004600,000, $600,00041,000,000, or over $1,000,000? The median property value of owner -occupied housing in Orono is $736,000.00: UNDER $300,00.................................... 6% $300,0004600,000................................. 28% $600,00041 MILLION .............................. 34% OVER $1 MILLION ................................ 22% DON'T KNOW ..................................... 2% REFUSED ......................................... 8% Thirty-four percent post home values under $600,000.00, while 22% indicate home values over $1,000,000.00. Next, Orono residents were asked: Do you live on the Lakeshore? Twenty-eight percent of the city's household are on the lakeshore: 0 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Seventy-two percent are not. Connection to the city sanitary sewer system was considered: Are you connected to the city sanitary sewer system or do you have your own septic system? Sixty-three percent report their homes are connected to the city sanitary sewer system: CITY SEWER ..................................... 63% OWN SEPTIC ..................................... 36% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% Thirty-six percent have their own septic system. 10 Age of Respondent Respondents were queried: What is your age, please? The typical adult resident of the community is 51.9 years old: 0 25-34............................................ 7% 0 0 0 65 AND OVER .................................... 18% REFUSED ......................................... 0% Twelve percent are under 35 years old, while 19% are 65 years old or older. Gender The gender of each respondent was noted: MALE ........................................... 70 0 FEMALE ......................................... 53% Women outnumber men by six percent in the City of Orono. Precinct The precinct of each household was also noted: PRECINCT 1...................................... 31% PRECINCT 2...................................... 20% PRECINCT 3...................................... 19% PRECINCT 4...................................... 31% Thirty-one percent each reside in Precinct One and Precinct Four. Twenty percent live in Precinct Two, while 19% live in Precinct Three. 11 Summary and Conclusions The typical adult Orono resident has lived in the city for 15.7 years. Fifteen percent moved there during the past five years, while 15% have resided there for more than 30 years. Twenty-three percent of the households contain seniors; in fact, 15% of the households are composed exclusively of senior citizens. Thirty-nine percent of the households contain school -aged children or pre-schoolers. The typical Orono adult resident is 51.9 years old. Twelve percent are under 35 years old, while 18% are 65 years old or older. Women outnumber men by six percent in the sample. Ninety-four percent own their present residences. The typical residential property has an approximate value of $736,000.00. Thirty-four percent post values of under $600,000.00; 22% state values of over $1,000,000.00. Thirty-one percent live in either Precinct One or Precinct Four, while 20% reside in Precinct Two and 19% dwell in Precinct Three. Twenty-eight percent report they live on the Lake. Sixty-three percent are connected to the city sanitary sewer system; thirty-six percent have septic tanks. Sixty-eight percent have a private well, and 28% report connection to city water. 12 13 Orono residents were asked a series of questions about their quality of life. First, a general rating was given. Then, the image of the city was discussed. Next, aspects of the community they liked most, they think should be preserved for the future, they would fix or improve, and think are missing from the community. Concerns about safety were discussed. Finally, the most serious issue facing the city were identified. Quality of Life Respondents were queried: How would you rate the quality of life in Orono — excellent, good, only fair, or poor? Ninety-nine percent rate the quality of life in Orono favorably; in fact, 62% give it an outright "excellent" rating: EXCELLENT ...................................... 62% 0 ONLY FAIR ........................................ 1% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. Residents awarding the quality of life a rating lower than "excellent" were asked a follow-up question: If you could advise the City, what actions would you recommend to significantly improve the quality of life in the City of Orono? Twenty-one percent are "unsure" and 10% report "nothing:" UNSURE ......................................... 21% NOTHING ........................................ 15% PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT ...................... 6% LOWER TAXES ................................... 10% STREET REPAIR .................................. 10% WATER AND SEWER SERVICE ...................... 5% MORE TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS .................... 4% STOP GROWTH .................................... 7% 14 GROCERY STORE .................................. 8% FINISH HIGHWAY 12 ............................... 2% ENFORCE BUILDING CODES ........................ 2% IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY ........................ 2% IMPROVE CITY SERVICES .......................... 4% MORE RETAIL ..................................... 2% SCATTERED ...................................... 3% Ten percent each mention "lower taxes" and "street repair." Another eight percent would like to see a "grocery store." "Nothing" is posted at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • those very or somewhat informed about city government and its activities • Precinct Four residents "Lower taxes" is desired more often among: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • Precinct Four residents "Stop growth" is reported more often by: • residents for twenty years or more • those connected to city water "Protect environment" is cited at a higher rate by: • owners of residences on more than two acres • forty-five to fifty-four year olds Image of the City Residents were told: When residents are asked what comes to mind when they think of their communities, many things can occur to them. Minneapolis residents think of the lake system, Chaska residents think of their town square, and Saint Paul residents think of the State Capitol. 15 They were then asked: What image comes to mind when you think about the City of Orono? Thirty-nine percent point to "the Lake:" NOTHING ......................................... 4% OPEN SPACE ..................................... 22% SMALL TOWN FEEL ................................ 6% THE LAKE ....................................... 0 o LARGE LOTS ...................................... 5% SCHOOLS ......................................... 9% PARKS AND TRAILS ............................... 2% QUIET AND PEACEFUL ............................. 3% WEALTH .......................................... 6% SCATTERED ...................................... 4% Twenty-two percent recall "open space." Nine percent cite the "schools." "The Lake" is cited more frequently by: • residents for twenty years or more • "empty -nesters" • those connected to city sewer • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Three residents "Open space" is key to: • owners of residences on more than two acres • those with septic tanks • Precinct Four residents "Schools" is reported more often by: • households with children • those with septic tanks "Wealth" is posted at a higher rate by: • owners of residences on less than one acre • Precinct Two residents [V Like Most Residents were queried: What do you like most about living in Orono? "Open space" ranks first, at 29%: OPEN SPACE ..................................... 29% SMALL TOWN FEEL ............................... 11% 0 LARGE LOTS ..................................... 14% SCHOOLS ......................................... 4% 0 QUIET AND PEACEFUL ............................ 10% CONVENIENT LOCATION ........................... 5% SENSE OF COMMUNITY ............................ 4% SCATTERED ...................................... 3% Sixteen percent cite "the Lake," while 14% indicate "large lots," 11 %, "small town feel," and 10% mention "quiet and peaceful." "Open space" is key to: • residents for eleven to twenty years • owners of residences on more than two acres • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds "The Lake" is important to: • residents for twenty years or more • those contacting City Hall • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer • men • Precincts Two and Three residents "Large lots" is posted at a higher rate by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on one to two acres • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • forty-five to fifty-four year olds "Small town feel" is reported more often by: 17 • those not contacting City Hall • women • Precinct Two residents "Quiet and peaceful" is indicated more often by: • residents for twenty years or more • those very informed about city government and its activities • Precinct Four residents Most Serious Issue Next, Orono residents were asked: What do you think is the most serious issue facing the City of Orono? A comparative moderate 29% point to "high taxes:" UNSURE .......................................... 8% NOTHING ......................................... 8% TOO MUCH GROWTH .............................. 9% QUALITY OF SCHOOLS ............................. 9% HIGH TAXES ..................................... 29% LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ................... 5% POOR STREET REPAIR ............................. 7% LACK WATER AND SEWER SERVICE ................ 4% TRAFFIC CONGESTION ............................. 6% UNEVEN CODE ENFORCEMENT ..................... 4% HIGHWAY 12 CONSTRUCTION ...................... 5% LACK OF GROCERY STORE ......................... 3% SCATTERED ...................................... 3% Nine percent each cite "too much growth" and "quality of schools." "High taxes"is a concern among: • residents for twenty years or more • those not contacting City Hall "Too much growth" troubles: • those contacting City Hall • men "Nothing" is posted more frequently by: 18 • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • eighteen to forty-four year olds "Poor street repair" is cited at a higher rate by: • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million Best of the Past to be Preserved Residents were initially asked: Let's talk about the future.... Wliat, if anything, do you consider to be the best of the past that should be preserved as the City moves forward into the future? A 40% consensus points to the community's "open space:" UNSURE ......................................... 15% OPEN SPACE ..................................... 40% WETLANDS ....................................... 3% LAKE WATER QUALITY ........................... 10% FORESTED AREAS ................................. 9% PARKS............................................ 5% LOT SIZES ........................................ 8% HISTORIC AREAS .................................. 2% GOLF COURSE .................................... 2% SCHOOL QUALITY ................................. 3% 0 Ten percent want to preserve "lake water quality," nine percent think the same about "forested areas," and, eight percent nominate "large lot sizes." "Open space" is reported most frequently by: • those connected to city water • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued over $1 million "Lake water quality" is mentioned more often by: • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • those connected to city sewer • over fifty-five year olds iM "Forested areas" is indicated more often by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those very informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • those with septic tanks "Lot sizes" is stated more frequently by: • residents for twenty years or more • those not contacting City Hall • households with seniors • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • men Fixed or Improved for the Future Respondents were next asked: What aspects, if any, of the community should he faced or improved in the future? Twenty-eight percent urge "street repair:" UNSURE ......................................... 15% NOTHING ......................................... 6% SENSE OF COMMUNITY ............................ 4% STREET REPAIR .................................. 28% TRAILS ........................................... 5% CABLE SERVICE ................................... 2% PUBLIC TRANSIT .................................. 2% WATER QUALITY .................................. 3% SCHOOL FUNDING ................................. 4% LOWER TAXES .................................... 7% NO MEGA HOMES ................................. 2% WATER AND SEWER SERVICE ...................... 4% HIGHWAY 12 CONSTRUCTION ...................... 5% CITY SERVICES ................................... 3% RETAIL........................................... 4% 0 SCATTERED ...................................... 4% Seven percent want "lower taxes," and six percent see "nothing" needed to be fixed or improved in the future. 20 "Street repair" is pointed more often by: • residents for twenty years or more • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities "Lower taxes" is posted at a higher rate by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • Precinct Three residents Currently Missing To conclude this discussion, respondents were asked: What, if anything, is currently missing from the City of Orono which, if present, would greatly improve the qual- ity of life for residents? Twenty-two percent think a "grocery store" would greatly improve the quality of life for residents: UNSURE ......................................... 15% NOTHING ........................................ 17% RESTAURANTS .................................... 7% STREET REPAIR ................................... 4% COMMUNITY CENTER ............................. 5% WATER AND SEWER SERVICE ...................... 4% GROCERY STORE ................................. 22% TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS .......................... 3% RETAIL ........................................... 5% DOWNTOWN ...................................... 5% PUBLIC TRANSIT .................................. 3% YOUTH ACTIVITIES ................................ 2% BETTER CITY SERVICES ........................... 5% SCATTERED ...................................... 4% Seventeen percent, though, think "nothing" is currently missing that, if present, would greatly improve the quality of life for residents. "Grocery store" posted at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • owners of residences on more than two acres • those with septic tanks 21 • eighteen to forty-four year olds • women "Nothing" is indicated more often by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those with a private well • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • Precinct Three residents "Restaurants" is posted at a higher rate by: • men Safe in your Neighborhood Residents were initially asked: Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? Only two percent do not feel safe in their neighborhood: 0 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% "Yes" is indicated more often by: • those with septic tanks This very small sub -sample was then asked: Why don't you feel safe? In each case, the absence of street lights was the basis for this feeling: NO STREET LIGHTS .............................. 100% There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. 22 Summary and Conclusions Sixty-two percent of the City rates their quality of life as Excellent," while another 37% rate it as Good." EXCELLENT" ratings are among the highest in the Metropolitan Area. Only two suggestions are made by a moderate 10% of residents to significantly improve the quality of life in Orono: "better street repair" and "lower taxes." Three images come to mind when respondents think about the City of Orono. Thirty-nine percent pictures "Lake Minnetonka," while 22% visualize "open space." A smaller nine percent think about the city's "schools." Similarly, in identifying the aspects of the community they like most, "open space," at 29%, and "Lake Minnesota," at 16%, rank the highest. Just behind, respondents point to "large lots," at 14%, "small town ambience," at 11%, and "quiet and peacefulness," at 10%. The most serious issue facing the community is "high taxes," cited by 29%. "Too much growth" and "quality of schools" are both pointed to by nine percent. Boosters, at eight percent, feel there are "no serious issues" facing the city. "Open space," at 40%, is the key aspect of the community which residents think is the best of the past that should be preserved as Orono moves forward into the future. "Lake water quality" is mentioned by 10%, "forested areas," by nine percent, and "lot sizes" is pointed to by eight percent. "Street repair," at 28%, and "lower taxes," at seven percent, lead the list of improvements the community should make in the future. Seventeen percent think there is "nothing" currently missing from the City of Orono which, if present, would greatly improve the quality of life for residents. But, 22% point to the need for a "grocery store," and seven percent want more "restaurants." Fear of crime is a non -issue in Orono. Ninety-eight percent report they feel "safe" in their neighborhood. The two percent who feel "unsafe" want "more street lighting." 23 24 Orono residents were asked a series of questions about city services and taxes. City services were rated and the quality of drinking water was discussed. Next, property taxes was discussed. A rating of their current level and the value of services in light of property taxes were examined. Finally, the willingness to increase property taxes to enhance services or offer new ones was measured. City Service Ratings Respondents were instructed: I would like to read you a list of a few city services. For each one, please tell me whether you would rate the quality of the service as excellent, good, only fair, or poor? A list of nine city services was then read: Police protection? Ninety-three percent rate police protection highly, while five percent are more critical: EXCELLENT ...................................... 37% 0 ONLY FAIR ........................................ 4% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. Fire protection? Eighty-seven percent rate fire protection favorably, while six percent rate it unfavorably: EXCELLENT ...................................... 32% a ONLY FAIR ........................................ 4% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 8% 25 Ratings are higher among: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those not contacting City Hall • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • forty-five to fifty-four year olds They are lower among: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those with septic tanks • Precinct Three residents Sanitary sewer service? Sixty-three percent rate sanitary sewer service as either "excellent" or "good," while 15% rate it as "only fair" or "poor:" EXCELLENT ...................................... 13% 0 ONLY FAIR ....................................... 11% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 22% Twenty-two percent are unsure. Ratings increase among: • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • those connected to city sewer • Precinct Two residents They decrease among: • those not contacting City Hall • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million Municipal water service? Forty-four percent rate the municipal water service highly, while 13% are more critical: EXCELLENT ...................................... 10% GOOD........................................... 34% ONLY FAIR ........................................ 8% 0 26 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 44% Forty-four percent are simply unsure. Favorable ratings are given more often by: • residents for less than ten years • those connected to city water • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer • eighteen to forty-four year olds • Precinct Two residents Unfavorable ratings are posted at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those with septic tanks • men Accommodation and control of storm water run-off? Sixty-six percent rate the accommodation and control of storm water run-off favorably, while 26% rate them unfavorably: EXCELLENT ....................................... 9% 0 ONLY FAIR ....................................... 23% POOR ............................................ 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 9% Favorable ratings are cited most frequently by: • those connected to city water • households with children • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • eighteen to forty-four year olds Unfavorable ratings are mentioned at a higher rate by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on one to two acres • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • forty-five to fifty-four year olds Next, residents were instructed: For the next four city services, please consider only their 27 job on city -maintained streets and roads in neighbor- hoods. That means you should exclude state and county roads, such as County Roads 15, 19, 84 and State High- way 12, that are taken care of by other levels of gov- ernment. Keeping that in mind, would you rate each of the following as excellent, good, only fair or poor.... They were then asked: City street maintenance? Forty-five percent rate city street maintenance as either "excellent" or "good," and 54% rate it as "only fair" or "poor:" EXCELLENT ....................................... 6% GOOD........................................... a o ONLY FAIR ....................................... 44% POOR........................................... 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Ratings increase among: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those connected to city water • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer They decrease among: • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • those with septic tanks • owners of residences on more than two acres • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • forty-five to fifty-four year olds • men Snowplowing of city streets? Sixty-eight percent rate snowplowing of city streets h iglily, while 32% are more critical: EXCELLENT ...................................... 13% GOOD ........................................... 50 0 ONLY FAIR ....................................... 30% POOR............................................ 20 0 28 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Favorable ratings are posted at a higher rate by: • those contacting City Hall • those very informed about city government and its activities • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • men Unfavorable ratings are indicated more frequently by: • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • those with septic tanks • eighteen to forty-four year olds Street lighting? Fifty-three percent rate street lighting as either "excellent" or "good," while 42% rate it as "only fair" or "poor:" EXCELLENT ....................................... 6% GOOD ........................................... 0 7 0 ONLY FAIR ....................................... 37% POOR............................................ 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 6% Ratings peak among: • residents for less than ten years • owners of homes valued over $1 million Street sweeping? Sixty-one percent rate street sweeping favorably, while 32% rate it unfavorably: EXCELLENT ...................................... 10% 0 ONLY FAIR ....................................... 30% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 7% Ratings are higher among: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those connected to city water 29 those very informed about city government and its activities those connected to city sewer Precinct Two residents They are lower among: • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • those with septic tanks The City may wish to further examine issues related to street lighting and city street maintenance. City Water Respondents were queried: Do you have a private well or are you connected to city water? Sixty-eight percent report they have a private well: PRIVATE WELL ................................... 68% CITY WATER ..................................... 28% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 5% Only 28% report they are connected to city water. "Yes" is reported more often by: • owners of residences on more than two acres • Precinct One residents "No" is indicated more often by: • those contacting City Hall • owners of residences on less than one acre • Precinct Two residents Next, residents were asked: How would you rate the quality of drinking water -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? Seventy-two percent rate the quality of drinking water as either "excellent" or "good:" EXCELLENT ...................................... 19% 30 0 ONLY FAIR ....................................... 11% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 15% Only fourteen percent rate the quality lower. Ratings are higher among: • those connected to city water • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Two residents They are lower among: those very informed about city government and its activities those with septic tanks forty-five to fifty-four year olds Precinct One residents City Tax Rating Orono residents were asked: Do you consider city property taxes in Orono to be very high, somewhat high, about average, somewhat low, or very low? Seventy-nine percent rate city property taxes as either "very high" or "somewhat high:" VERY HIGH ...................................... 36% SOMEWHAT HIGH ................................ 43% ABOUT AVERAGE ................................ 17% SOMEWHAT LOW ................................. 2% VERY LOW ........................................ 0% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Only 17% regard property taxes as "about average." "High" is reported most frequently by: • residents for less than ten years • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall 31 • owners of residences on more than two acres • owners of homes valued over $1 million • those with septic tanks "About average" is indicated more often by: • residents for twenty years or more • those connected to city water • those contacting City Hall • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • those connected to city sewer • forty-five to fifty-four year olds General Value of Services Respondents were queried: When you consider the property taxes you pay and the quality of city services you receive, would you rate the general value of city services as excellent, good, only fair, or poor? A very high 85% rate the general value of city services as either "excellent" or "good:" EXCELLENT ....................................... 9% GOOD ........................................... 70 0 ONLY FAIR ....................................... 21% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Twenty-two percent rate the general value as either "only fair" or "poor." Favorable ratings are posted at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer Unfavorable ratings are indicated more often by: • owners of residences on more than two acres • those with septic tanks 32 Tax Increase to Enhance Orono residents were asked: Would you favor or oppose an increase in city property taxes to enhance current city services or offer additional city services? Eighty-two percent oppose an increase in city property taxes to enhance current city services or offer additional city services: FAVOR .......................................... 10% OPPOSE .......................................... 82% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 9% A comparatively small 10% would favor a property tax increase for this purpose. Supporters tend to be: • those contacting City Hall • forty-five to fifty-four year olds • men Opponents are more likely to be: • owners of homes valued over $1 million • women The small minority of supporters were asked a follow-up query: What services would you like to see enhanced or offered? Forty-three percent would enhance "street repair:" UNSURE ......................................... 11% STREET REPAIR .................................. 43% STREET LIGHTS ................................... 5% 0 WATER AND SEWER .............................. 14% COMMUNITY CENTER ............................. 5% SCATTERED ...................................... 7% Fourteen percent would allocate the funds to "fire services" or "water and sewer services." "Street repair" is posted at a higher rate by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities 33 "Fire" is cited at a higher rate by: • "empty -nesters" • Precinct Two residents A second question was asked this small subgroup of residents: How much would you be willing to pay in additional property taxes to enhance city services or offer addi- tional city services? How about $ per year? How about $ per year? The typical supporter would support a property tax increase of $46.80 per year: NOTHING ......................................... 0% a 0 $80.00 5% $100.00............................................ 8% $120.00............................................ 3% $140.00............................................ 3% $160.00........................................... 11% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 5% "$60.00" is cited more often by: • households with children "$100.00" is indicated more frequently by: • those not contacting City Hall "$160.00" is posted at a higher rate by: • Precinct One residents Summary and Conclusions Orono residents award two city services a positive rating of 85% or higher: police protection and fire protection. Next, residents assign favorable ratings in the 60%-range to four city services: snowplowing of city streets, accommodation and control of storm water run-off, sanitary sewer services, and street sweeping. Fifty-three percent rate street lighting positively. Two services are given favorable ratings in the 40%-range: municipal water service and city street maintenance. In the case of the municipal water service, a large 44% are unable to rate that service. But, in the 34 case of street maintenance, 54% post negative ratings — even so, this rating is at the norm for the Metropolitan Area suburbs. In particular, residents are very positive about the quality of drinking water. Seventy-two percent rate the quality highly, while only 14% are more critical. In rating the general value of city services in terms of property taxes paid, nine percent give services a rating of Excellent," and 67% rate them as Good." Critical judgments —'only fair" or Poor" — are a relatively low 23%. A decisive 82%-10% margin opposes an increase of city property taxes to enhance current city services or offer additional city services. This margin is in line with the results in neighboring suburbs. The small percentage of tax increase supporters would enhance "street repair," "fire services" and "water and sewer services." Part of the antipathy to a tax increase can be attributed to current opinions of city property taxes. Seventy-nine percent, a very high percentage, regard Orono property taxes to be either "very high" or "somewhat high." Only 17% see them as "about average." 01 36 Orono residents were asked a series of questions about development and redevelopment issues facing the community. First, development preferences were established. Next, the focus shifted to preferred development along Highway 12, the city's rural areas, and in Navarre. Citizen views of current patterns of development were explored. Finally, feelings about very large single homes was ascertained. Development Opportunities Respondents were instructed: Let's talk about development opportunities in Orono. For each of the following types of development, please tell me if you feel the city has enough, too many, or too little.... A list of sixteen opportunities was then read: Affordable housing, defined by the Metropolitan Council as a single family home costing less than $201,000? Fifty-two percent think there is "enough" affordable housing in the community: ENOUGH ......................................... 52% 0 TOO LITTLE ...................................... 29% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 10% Twenty-nine percent see "too little." "Enough" is posted at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • men • Precinct Four residents "Too much" is indicated more often by: • those connected to city water 37 "Too little" is cited most frequently by: • residents for twenty years or more • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • Precinct One residents Rental units? A solid 69% think there are "enough" rental units in Orono: ENOUGH ......................................... 69% 0 TOO FEW ......................................... 8% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 16% "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • residents for eleven to twenty years • those very informed about city government and its activities • those with a private well • owners of residences on one to two acres • men "Too many" is reported most often by: • eighteen to forty-four year olds "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • over fifty-five year olds Townhomes? A very solid 77% think there are "enough" townhouses in the community: ENOUGH ......................................... 77% 0 TOO FEW ......................................... 6% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 10% "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • those very informed about city government and its activities • men 38 "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on one to two acres • those connected to city sewer Starter homes for young families? A 65% majority see "enough" starter homes for young families in Orono: ENOUGH ......................................... 65% TOO 0 MANY ....................................... 2 /o TOO FEW ........................................ 28% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 5% But, 28% think there are "too few." "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities "Move Up" housing? A very high 80% feel there is "enough" "move up" housing in the city: ENOUGH ......................................... 800zo 0 T MUCH ....................................... 4/0 TOO LITTLE ...................................... 12% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 4% "Enough" is mentioned at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • owners of residences on more than two acres • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • forty-five to fifty-four year olds "Too much" is stated most often by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower "Too little" is selected most frequently by: • households with children • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • eighteen to forty-four year olds Higher cost housing? Seventy-nine percent see "enough" higher cost housing: ENOUGH......................................... 79% TOO MUCH ...................................... 13% TOO LITTLE ....................................... 4% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 5% "Enough" is mentioned at a higher rate by: • those with septic tanks "Too much" is stated most often by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower Senior housing? Fifty percent think there is "enough" senior housing in the community: ENOUGH ......................................... 50% 0 TOO LITTLE ...................................... 28% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 16% Twenty-eight percent think there is "too little" in the city. "Enough" is mentioned at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • those very informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on one to two acres "Too much" is stated most often by: • Precinct Three residents "Too little" is selected most frequently by: • "empty -nesters" 40 Hobby farms? Sixty-one percent think there are "enough" hobby farms in the City of Orono: ENOUGH ......................................... 61% 0 TOO FEW ........................................ 16% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 20% "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • those with a private well • owners of residences on one to two acres • women "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • those not contacting City Hall • households with children • owners of residences on more than two acres Parks and open spaces? Sixty-nine percent also feel there are "enough" parks and open spaces: ENOUGH ......................................... 69% 0 TOOFEW ........................................ 19% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 7% Nineteen percent see "too few." "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on one to two acres • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Four residents "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • Precinct One residents 41 Trails and bikeways? Seventy-three percent think there are "enough" trails and bikeways in the community: ENOUGH ......................................... 73% 0 TOO FEW ........................................ 22% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Twenty-two percent, though, see "too few." "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • residents for twenty years or more • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Four residents "Too many" is reported most often by: eighteen to forty-four year olds Precinct One residents Public transit opportunities? Fifty-one percent think there are "enough" public transit opportunities in Orono: ENOUGH......................................... 51% 0 TOO FEW ........................................ 40% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 7% But, 40% think the opportunities are "too few." "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • those very informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued under $600,000 "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • "empty -nesters" • Precinct Four residents Retail shopping and service opportunities? Fifty-three percent think there are "enough" retail shopping and service opportunities: 42 ENOUGH ......................................... 53% 0 TOO FEW ........................................ 41% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% But, a significant 41 % feel there are "too few." "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • Precinct Three residents "Too many" is reported most often by: • eighteen to for year olds "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • owners of homes valued over $1 million Business office space? Sixty-three percent think there is "enough" business office space in the community: ENOUGH......................................... 63% 0 TOO FEW ........................................ 22% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 8% Twenty-two percent see "too few." "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • men • Precinct Four residents "Too many" is reported most often by: • Precinct Two residents "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • those contacting City Hall Industrial and manufacturing space? 43 Sixty-three percent think there is "enough" industrial and manufacturing space already in the City of Orono: ENOUGH ......................................... 63% 0 TOOFEW ........................................ 22% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 7% Twenty-two percent see "too few" industrial and manufacturing spaces. "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • owners of homes valued over $1 million "Too many" is reported most often by: • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds • Precinct One residents "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • women Dining establishments? Forty-six percent think there are "too few" dining establishments in the community: ENOUGH ......................................... 43% 0 TOO FEW ........................................ 46% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% But, 43% see "enough" dining establishments. "Too many" is reported most often by: • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds • Precinct One residents • Precinct Two residents "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • forty-five to fifty-four year olds 44 Full-time job opportunities? While 41 % think there are already "enough" full-time job opportunities in the community, 36% see "too few:" ENOUGH ......................................... 41% a TOO MANY ....................................... 9 0 TOO FEW ........................................ 36% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 15% "Enough" is cited at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • those very informed about city government and its activities "Too many" is reported most often by: • residents for eleven to twenty years • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds • Precinct Two residents "Too few" is indicated most frequently by: • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities There is significant support for more of four types of development: full-time job opportunities, public transit opportunities, retail shopping and service opportunities, and dining establishments. Specific Types of Development Residents were asked: Are there any types of development you would like to see along Highway 12? What would they be specifically? A high 28% would like to see a "grocery store" located along Highway 12: UNSURE .......................................... 3% NOTHING ........................................ 38% RETAIL ........................................... 8% PARKS............................................ 2% GROCERY STORE ................................. 28% RESTAURANTS .................................... 8% PUBLIC TRANSIT .................................. 6% 45 OFFICE ........................................... 2% SUPER TARGET ................................... 3% SCATTERED ...................................... 4% Forty-one percent have no suggestions about Highway 12 developments. "Nothing" is reported at a higher rate by: • those very informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Three residents "Grocery store" is posted more frequently by: • owners of residences on one to two acres • forty-five to fifty-four year olds • women • Precinct One residents "Restaurants" is indicated at a higher rate by: • men "Retail" is mentioned most frequently by: • men Next, the rural areas of Orono was considered: Are there any types of development you would like to see in the rural areas of Orono? What would they he specifically? Ninety percent have no suggestions for development there; in fact, 83% would not allow development there: UNSURE .......................................... 6% NOTHING ........................................ 83% PARKS............................................ 2% SCATTERED (PUBLIC TRANSIT/HOUSING/ FARMER'S MARKET/COMMUNITY CENTER) .................................... 9% No suggestion was made by more than two percent of the respondents. "Nothing" is indicated most frequently by: 46 • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities Navarre Residents were asked: How great a priority would you give the reinvestment, redevelopment, and beautification of Navarre — top priority, high priority, medium priority, low priority, or no priority at all? Only 34% see the reinvestment, redevelopment, and beautification of NAVARRE as either a "top priority" or a "high priority:" TOP PRIORITY .................................... 10% HIGH PRIORITY .................................. 24% MEDIUM PRIORITY ............................... 46% LOW PRIORITY ................................... 13% NO PRIORITY AT ALL .............................. 5% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% A clear plurality see it as a "medium priority." "Top priority" is posted more often by: • residents for twenty years or more • those connected to city water • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Two residents "High priority" is stated more frequently by: • those connected to city sewer • women • Precinct Three residents "Medium priority" is cited more often by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those with a private well • owners of residences on more than two acres • those with septic tanks • Precincts One and Four residents IN "Low priority" is selected more often by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • Precinct Three residents Housing Development Orono residents were asked: As you may know, the City of Orono has primarily al- lowed higher density development, typically lots smaller than two acres, near Lake Minnetonka and lower dens- ity developments in Northern Orono, typically lots larger than two acres. Do you support or oppose continuing this pattern of development? Do you feel strongly that way? By a solid 80%-14% margin, residents endorse the continuation of the current pattern of residential development: STRONGLY SUPPORT ............................. 23% SUPPORT ........................................ 57% OPPOSE .......................................... 12% STRONGLY OPPOSE ............................... 2% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 7% Support is higher among: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those contacting City Hall • those connected to city water Opponents tend to be: • those with a private well • those very informed about city government and its activities Residents opposing the current pattern were asked a follow-up query: Could you tell me one or two reasons for your decision? Forty-two percent of the opponents would "limit growth by allowing only large lots:" UNSURE .......................................... 2% SMALLER LOTS EVERYWHERE .................... 25% LIMIT GROWTH BY ALLOWING ONLY LARGE LOTS . 42% 48 NO MEGA HOMES ................................. 4% LARGE LOTS EVERYWHERE ....................... 19% PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT ...................... 6% SCATTERED ...................................... 2% Twenty-five percent would prefer "smaller lots everywhere." "Limit growth by allowing only large lots" is cited more often by: • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • those very informed about city government and its activities • those with septic tanks "Smaller lots everywhere" is stated most often by: • those connected to city sewer Next, residents were asked specifically about very large single family homes: Do you support or oppose the City of Orono allowing more very large single family homes along the Lake- shore? Do you feel strongly that way? By a 52%-38% margin, residents oppose allowing more large single family homes along the lakeshore: STRONGLY SUPPORT .............................. 3% SUPPORT ........................................ 35% OPPOSE .......................................... 30% STRONGLY OPPOSE .............................. 22% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 11% Support soars among: • those connected to city sewer • men Next, they were asked: Which of the following statements do you most prefer. - A) Very large single family homes should be located only along the lakeshore area of the community; OR B) Very large single family homes should be located across the city, even in your neighborhood? Forty-seven percent prefer neither statement: STATEMENT A .................................... 5% M STATEMENT B................................... 44% NEITHER ......................................... 47% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 5% Forty-four percent express a preference for locating these homes across the city, even in their neighborhood. "Statement B" is stated more frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • those connected to city sewer • Precinct Three residents "Neither" is reported more often by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on one to two acres • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • those with septic tanks • Precinct Four residents Summary and Conclusions When evaluating types of development opportunities, ranging from residential and commercial to retail and recreational, on only two types do a majority of residents not think there are "enough" already in the city. One is "dining establishments," where 46% feel there are "too few," and 43% see "about the right amount." The other is "full-time job opportunities," where 41 % think there are "about the right amount" and 36% see "too few." But, significant percentages of respondents think there are "too few" of several other types of development: "starter homes for young families" and "senior housing, each at 28%; "affordable housing," at 29%; "public transit opportunities," at 40%; and "retail shopping and service opportunities," at 41%. Twenty-eight percent of respondents would also like to see a "grocery store" built along Highway 12. Only 34% see the reinvestment, redevelopment, and beautification of Navarre as either a "top priority" or a "high priority." Forty-six percent regard it as a "medium priority," while 18% think the redevelopment of Navarre is either a "low priority" or "no priority at all." Residents significantly the current pattern of development, placing higher density development near Lake Minnetonka and lower density development in Northern Orono. By a solid 80%-14% margin, residents favor this pattern. The small level of opposition is motivated primarily by the 50 wish to limit growth by allowing only large lots. Consistent with other findings, Orono residents also oppose allowing more very large single family homes along the lakeshore. In fact, 44% think that very large single family homes should be located across the city, including their own neighborhoods. 51 52 Orono residents were asked a series of questions about environmental concerns. First, the importance of Orono as a leader in Lake Minnetonka environmental causes was discussed. Then, local environmental concerns were rated on their levels of seriousness. Next, a mandated buffer zone on the lakeshore was raised. Sustainability was discussed in depth. Finally, forested areas and invasive exotic plant species rounded out the topics of concern.. Leader in Lake Minnetonka Environmental Causes Respondents were queried: How important is it to you for the City of Orono to he a leader in Lake Minnetonka environmental causes -- very important, somewhat important, not too import- ant, or not at all important? Ninety-three percent consider the City's leadership to be "important:" VERY IMPORTANT ............................... 46% SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT ......................... 47% NOT TOO IMPORTANT ............................. 4% NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT .......................... 3% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% In fact, 46% see it as "very important." "Important" is stated more often by: • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • forty-five to fifty-four year olds "Not important" is cited more frequently by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued over $1 million • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds 53 Environmental Concerns Respondents were instructed: I would like to read you a list of environmental concerns. For each one, please tell me if you think it is a very seri- ous concern in Orono, a somewhat serious concern, not too serious of a concern, or not a concern at all in Orono. A list of ten environmental concerns was then read: Quality of water in lakes and streams? Sixty-three percent view the quality of water in lakes and streams to be a "very serious concern:" VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 63% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 27% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................. 9% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL .......................... 1% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% This was the second highest ranking issue. "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower Preserving open space? Seventy-two percent rate preserving open space as a "very serious concerm" VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 72% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 21% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................. 6% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL .......................... 1% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% This was the highest ranking issue. 54 "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • owners of residences on one to two acres "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued over $1 million Storm water run-off management? Forty-four percent think storm water run-off management is a "very serious concern:" VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 44% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 31% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................ 20% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL .......................... 5% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • residents for twenty years or more • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on one to two acres • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer Air quality? Forty percent view air quality as a "very serious" issue: VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 40% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 28% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................ 24% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL .......................... 8% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities 55 • owners of residences on more than two acres • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds • women "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: • residents for eleven to twenty years • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • men Light pollution? Thirty-two percent see light pollution as a "very serious" issue: VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 32% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 29% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................ 24% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL ......................... 11 % DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • women "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • men Noise pollution? Thirty-eight percent think noise pollution is a "very serious" issue: VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 38% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 26% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................ 25% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL ......................... 10% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% 56 "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on more than two acres • women "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: • those very informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • men Wildlife management? Forty percent see wildlife management as a "very serious concern:" VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 40% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 34% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................ 16% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL ......................... 10% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • those with a private well • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on more than two acres "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: • owners of residences on less than one acre • Precinct Two residents Climate change? Thirty-seven think climate change is a "very serious concern:" VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 37% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 30% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................ 19% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL ......................... 12% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities 57 • women • Precinct One residents "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • those very informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre �WINIl Protection of natural areas, such as wetlands and forests? Sixty-one percent think the protection of natural areas, such as wetlands and forests, is a "very serious concern:" VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 61% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 26% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................. 9% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL .......................... 4% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% This was the third highest ranking concern among Orono residents. "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those not contacting City Hall • households with children "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those contacting City Hall • "empty -nesters" Lakeshore property maintenance, such as buffers and mowing restrictions? Thirty-nine percent regard lakeshore property maintenance, such as buffers and mowing restrictions, to be a "very serious concern:" VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ......................... 39% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS CONCERN ................... 31% NOT TOO SERIOUS OF A CONCERN ................ 16% NOT A CONCERN AT ALL ......................... 12% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% 58 "Concern" is posted at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those with a private well • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities "Not a concern" is cited more frequently by: those connected to city water those contacting City Hall those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities owners of residences on one to two acres The three major environmental concerns facing Orono are: preserving open space, quality of water in lakes and streams, and protection of natural areas, such as wetlands and forests. Natural Area Buffer Zone Respondents were asked: Would you favor or oppose the City of Orono requiring property owners on the lakeshore to maintain a natural area buffer zone on the water Is edge and restricting property owners from mowing in that buffer? Do you feel strongly that way? By a 55%-38% margin, residents favor requiring property owners on the lakeshore to maintain a natural area buffer zone on the water's edge and restricting property owners from mowing in that buffer: STRONGLY FAVOR ............................... 17% FAVOR.......................................... 0 o OPPOSE .......................................... 18% STRONGLY OPPOSE .............................. 20% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 8% Support is higher among: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those not contacting City Hall • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities It is lower among: those rating the quality of life as good or lower those connected to city water those contacting City Hall 59 • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • Precinct Three residents Sustainability Respondents were initially asked: There has been a lot of discussion about sustainability in the metro area.... How well do you understand the term sustainability — very well, somewhat well, not too well, or not at all well? A comparatively high 83% feel they have at least a moderate understanding of the term sustainability: VERY WELL ...................................... 43% SOMEWHAT WELL ............................... 40% NOT TOO WELL .................................. 12% NOT AT ALL WELL ................................ 5% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1 % A very high 43% think they have a solid understanding of the term. "Well" is posted at a higher rate ,by: • owners of residences on more than two acres • those with septic tanks • forty-five to fifty-four year olds "Not well" is indicated more frequently by: • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer • Precinct Three residents Respondents were next instructed: I would like to read you a list of issues relating to sustain ability. For each of the following, please tell me if that issue is very important to you, somewhat important, not too important or not at all important? A list of seven sustainability-related issues was then read: Promote energy efficiency? 60 Sixty-seven percent view the promotion of energy efficiency as "very important:" VERY IMPORTANT ............................... 67% SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT ......................... 28% NOT TOO IMPORTANT ............................. 3% NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT .......................... 2% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% This issue ranked third in importance. "Important"is cited most often by: • those not contacting City Hall • eighteen to forty-four year olds • women • Precinct One residents "Not important" is mentioned at a higher rate by: • those contacting City Hall • men Use environmentally preferable products and services? Sixty-five percent rate the use of environmentally preferable products and services as "very important:" VERY IMPORTANT ............................... 65% SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT ......................... 30% NOT TOO IMPORTANT ............................. 4% NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT .......................... 2% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% This issue ranked fourth in importance. "Important"is cited most often by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those with a private well • women "Not important" is mentioned at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • men 61 Reduce greenhouse emissions? Sixty-one percent think the reduction of greenhouse emissions is "very important:" VERY IMPORTANT ............................... 61 % SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT ......................... 28% NOT TOO IMPORTANT ............................. 6% NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT .......................... 3% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% This issue ranks sixth out of seven in importance. "Important"is cited most often by: • residents for less than ten years • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • those with septic tanks • women "Not important" is mentioned at a higher rate by: • those contacting City Hall • men • Precinct Three residents Expand mass transit options? Fifty-eight percent consider the expansion of mass transit options to be "very important:" VERY IMPORTANT ............................... 58% SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT ......................... 29% NOT TOO IMPORTANT ............................. 9% NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT .......................... 4% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% This issue ranks last on the list. "Important"is cited most often by: • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities "Not important" is mentioned at a higher rate by: • men • Precinct Four residents GYM Increase participation in recycling? Sixty-four percent see increasing participation in recycling as "very important" VERY IMPORTANT ............................... 64% SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT ......................... 29% NOT TOO IMPORTANT ............................. 5% NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT .......................... 2% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% This issue ranks fifth out of seven in importance. "Important"is cited most often by: • owners of residences on less than one acre "Not important" is mentioned at a higher rate by: • households with children Maintain healthyforests? Seventy-six percent view the maintenance of healthy forests to be "very important:" VERY IMPORTANT ............................... 76% SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT ......................... 22% NOT TOO IMPORTANT ............................. 2% NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT .......................... 0% DON'TKNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% This is the number one issue in importance. "Important"is cited most often by: • residents for twenty years or more • those with a private well • "empty -nesters" • those with septic tanks Protect and improve surface and ground water in the city? Seventy-four percent think the protection and improvement of surface and ground water in the city is "very important:" 63 VERY IMPORTANT ............................... 74% SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT ......................... 24% NOT TOO IMPORTANT ............................. 1% NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT .......................... 1% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% This issue ranks second out of seven in importance. There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. Each sustainability-related issue is viewed by at least 58% as "very important." Two are viewed the same way by at least 70% — maintaining healthy forests and protecting and improving surface and ground water in the city. Protecting Forested Areas Respondents were asked: In general, do you think the City of Orono does too much, about the right amount, or too little in protecting forested areas? Seventy-five percent think the City of Orono does "about the right amount' in protecting forested areas: TOO MUCH ...................................... 14% ABOUT RIGHT AMOUNT .......................... 75% TOO LITTLE ....................................... 4% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 8% Only 14% think the City does "too much," while four percent say the City does "too little." "Too much"is reported at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • households with seniors "About right amount" is indicated most often by: • those connected to city water M-A Buckthorn and Invasive Exotic Plant Species Residents were asked: How serious of a problem in Orono is buckthorn andl or other invasive exotic plant species -- very serious, somewhat serious, not too serious, or not at all serious? Eighty-seven percent view invasive exotic plant species as a "serious problem:" VERY SERIOUS ................................... 42% SOMEWHAT SERIOUS ............................. 45% NOT TOO SERIOUS ................................. 7% NOT AT ALL SERIOUS .............................. 3% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% In fact, a compelling 42% see it as a "very serious problem:" "Serious" is posted at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • Precinct Four residents "Not serious" is indicated more often by: • residents for less than ten years • those connected to city water • those contacting City Hall • owners of residences on less than one acre • those living on the lake • Precinct Two residents Summary and Conclusions Ninety-three percent think it is at least "somewhat important" for the City of Orono to be a leader in Lake Minnetonka environmental causes; in fact, forty-six percent think it is "very important." Residents identify three very serious environmental concerns facing Orono: "preserving open space," cited by 72%; "quality of water in lakes and streams," by 63%; and, "protection of natural areas, such as wetlands and forests," indicated by 61%. Specifically, a 55%-38% majority favor requiring property owners on the lakeshore to maintain a natural area buffer zone on the water's edge and restricting property owners from mowing in that buffer. 65 Eighty-three percent, a comparatively high level, understand "sustainability" at least "somewhat well;" forty-three percent understand the concept "very well." A majority of at least 58% report seven sustainability issues are "very important' to them — promote energy efficiency, use environmentally preferable products and services, reduce greenhouse emissions, expand mass transit options, increase participation in recycling, maintain healthy forests, and protect and improve surface and ground water in the city. In general, 75% think the City of Orono does about the right amount in protecting forested areas. And, specifically, 87% see buckthorn and/or invasive exotic plant species as at least a "somewhat serious" problem in Orono; forty-two percent actually rate the problem as "very serious." 66 67 Orono residents were asked a series on parks and recreation issues. First, recreational preferences among passive and active pursuits were established. Information sources were considered next. The adequacy of the parks and recreational facilities was reviewed in detail. The use of the Lake, the Orono Golf Course, and Big Island Park were considered. Finally, trails and sidewalks were discussed. Recreational Activities Respondents were instructed: I would like to read you a list of recreational activities. For each one, tell me how often you and other mem- bers of your household engage in that activity. Do you or any members of your household engage in that activity, weather and season permitting: almost daily, weekly, several times each month, monthly, several times each year, or never. Again, for seasonal activi- ties, please tell me how often you or household mem- bers participate during the appropriate season. A list of nine recreational activities was then read: Hiking? Twenty-three percent hike at least weekly, weather permitting: DAILY ............................................ 7% WEEKLY ......................................... 16% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 7% MONTHLY ....................................... 12% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ...................... 11% NEVER .......................................... 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • those contacting City Hall • households with children • owners of residences on more than two acres • owners of homes valued over $1 million • eighteen to forty-four year olds 68 Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • those not contacting City Hall • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on one to two acres • over fifty-five year olds Swimming in lakes? Thirty-one percent swim in lakes either "daily" or "weekly" during the appropriate season. DAILY ............................................ 5% WEEKLY......................................... 26% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH .................... 11% MONTHLY........................................ 8% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 5% NEVER .......................................... 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for eleven to twenty years • those contacting City Hall • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • households with children • owners of residences on less than one acre • those living on the lake • those connected to city sewer • eighteen to fifty-four year olds • Precincts Two and Three residents Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • those not contacting City Hall • those very informed about city government and its activities • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on one to two acres • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Four residents 69 Bicycling? Thirty-seven percent bicycle at least weekly, weather permitting: DAILY ........................................... 11% WEEKLY ......................................... 26% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH .................... 13% MONTHLY ........................................ 8% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 3% NEVER.......................................... 400 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • households with children • eighteen to fifty-four year olds Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds Nature walks? Fifty-six percent engage in nature walks either "daily" or "weeldy:" DAILY ........................................... 19% WEEKLY ......................................... 37% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH .................... 16% MONTHLY ........................................ 8% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 1% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • households with children • owners of residences on more than two acres • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more 70 "empty -nesters" over fifty-five year olds Exercise walking or jogging? Seventy-three percent exercise walk or jog either "daily" or "weekly:" DAILY........................................... 42% WEEKLY ......................................... 31% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 7% MONTHLY ........................................ 3% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 2% NEVER .......................................... 0 17 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million Less frequent users tend to be: • households with seniors • Precinct One residents Motor boating? Thirty-three percent motor boat at least weekly: DAILY............................................ 6% WEEKLY ......................................... 27% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH .................... 19% MONTHLY........................................ 9% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 5% NEVER.......................................... 50 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • those very informed about city government and its activities • households with children • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer • forty-five to fifty-four year olds • Precinct Two residents 71 Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Four residents Picnicking? Sixteen percent picnic either "daily" or "weekly," weather permitting: DAILY............................................ 5% WEEKLY ......................................... 11% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 8% MONTHLY ....................................... 18% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 9% NEVER .......................................... 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • households with children • owners of residences on more than two acres • eighteen to forty-four year olds Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on one to two acres • over fifty-five year olds Bird watching? Fifty-three percent bird watch at least weekly: DAILY ........................................... 37% WEEKLY ......................................... 16% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 4% MONTHLY ........................................ 3% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 2% NEVER.......................................... 380 0 72 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for twenty years or more • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • owners of homes valued over $1 million Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for less than ten years • households with children • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • eighteen to forty-four year olds Gardening? Seventy-four percent garden either "daily" or "weekly" during the appropriate seasons: DAILY........................................... 38% WEEKLY ......................................... 360Zo SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 3% MONTHLY ........................................ 3% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 1% NEVER .......................................... 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for twenty years or more • owners of residences on more than two acres • over fifty-five year olds • women • Precinct Three residents Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for less than ten years • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • eighteen to forty-four year olds • men Next, respondents were told: For the following activities, tell me how often you and 73 other members of your household engage in that acti- vity or go to observe that activity. Do you or any mem- bers of your household engage in or observe that act- ivity, weather permitting and season: almost daily, weekly, several times each month, monthly, several times each year, or never. Again, for seasonal activi- ties, please tell me how often you or household mem- bers participate or observe during the season. And, please keep in mind we are only asking about local amateur, school district, andlor neighborhood games. A list of nine recreational activities was read: Softball or baseball? Nineteen percent play softball or baseball at least several times each month: DAILY............................................ 3% WEEKLY ......................................... 12% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 4% MONTHLY ........................................ 4% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 1% NEVER .......................................... 0 76 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds Less fiequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds Volleyball? Eight percent play volleyball either "daily," "weekly," or "several time per month:" DAILY ............................................ 1% WEEKLY .......................................... 3% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 4% MONTHLY........................................ 3% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 1% 74 0 NEVER .......................................... 8 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • owners of residences on less than one acre • those living on the lake • over fifty-five year olds Hockey? Eleven percent play hockey at least several times per month: DAILY............................................ 2% WEEKLY .......................................... 6% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 3% MONTHLY........................................ 3% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 5% NEVER.......................................... 820 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • those with a private well • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • households with children • eighteen to fifty-four year olds Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • those connected to city water • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Four residents 75 Outdoor ice skating? Fifteen percent outdoor ice skate "daily," weekly," or "several times per month" during the appropriate season: DAILY ............................................ 2% WEEKLY.......................................... 9% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 4% MONTHLY ........................................ 5% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 5% NEVER .......................................... 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on one to two acres • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Four residents Soccer or football? Eighteen percent play soccer or football at least several times per month: DAILY ............................................ 3% WEEKLY ......................................... 11% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 4% MONTHLY ........................................ 4% SEVERAL, TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 4% NEVER .......................................... 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds 76 Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • those very informed about city government and its activities • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds Tennis? Twenty-one percent play tennis at least several times per month during warmer months: DAILY............................................ 2% WEEKLY......................................... 12% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 7% MONTHLY........................................ 4% SEVERAL, TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 2% NEVER .......................................... 0 73 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • households with children • eighteen to fifty-four year olds Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds Basketball? Eighteen percent play basketball on a regular basis: DAILY............................................ 4% WEEKLY......................................... 10% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 4% MONTHLY........................................ 2% SEVERAL, TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 1% NEVER.......................................... 780 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% 77 Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those with a private well • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds • Precinct One residents Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those connected to city water • "empty -nesters" • households with seniors • over fifty-five year olds Participation in a youth athletics league or organized sports? Twenty-five percent report participation in a youth athletics league or organized sport on a regular basis: DAILY............................................ 6% WEEKLY ......................................... 15% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 4% MONTHLY........................................ 1% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 0% NEVER.......................................... 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • those with a private well • households with children • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • eighteen to fifty-four year olds Less frequent users tend to be: • residents for twenty years or more • those connected to city water • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • those living on the lake 78 • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Four residents Participation in an adult athletics league or organized sports? Thirteen percent regularly participate in an adult athletics league or organized sports: DAILY ............................................ 2% WEEKLY .......................................... 8% SEVERAL TIMES EACH MONTH ..................... 3% MONTHLY ........................................ 1% SEVERAL TIMES EACH YEAR ....................... 1% NEVER.......................................... 850 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Frequent users are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • those with a private well • households with children • eighteen to fifty-four year olds Less frequent users tend to be: • those connected to city water • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds Satisfaction with Amount of Information Residents were asked: Let's talk about park and recreation opportunities in the City of Orono. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the amount of in- formation you have about parks and recreation facili- ties in the City? Do you feel strongly that way? An impressive 95% are satisfied with the amount of information they have about parks and recreational facilities in the City of Orono: STRONGLY SATISFIED ............................ 240Zo 79 SATISFIED ....................................... 71% DISSATISFIED ..................................... 4% STRONGLY DISSATISFIED .......................... 1% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% Satisfaction is higher among: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those not contacting City Hall • those connected to city sewer It is lower among: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those contacting City Hall The very small subsample who are dissatisfied were asked a follow-up query: Are you primarily dissatisfied because you do not have enough general information or are you dissatisfied be- cause you do not have the specific information you need? 'Not enough information" is the key complaint among this small group: NOT ENOUGH INFO ............................... 770Zo SPECIFIC INFO ................................... 24% NEITHER .......................................... 0% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. Principal Source of Information about Parks and Recreation Respondents were queried: What is your current principal information source about parks and recreational facilities in the community? Thirty-three percent rely upon the "city newsletter:" NOTHING ........................................ 13% PIONEER .......................................... 6% 80 CITY NEWSLETTER ............................... 33% 0 0 SUN............................................ 0 o BROCHURE ....................................... 9% WORD OF MOUTH ................................. 4% THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT MAILINGS ........... 2% SCATTERED ...................................... 1% Fourteen percent read the "Laker," and 13% go to the website. "City newsletter" is key to: • households with children • owners of residences on more than two acres • forty-five to fifty-four year olds "Laker" is posted at a higher rate by: • residents for twenty years or more • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • households with seniors "Nothing" is indicated more often by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • "empty -nesters" • those with septic tanks • Precinct Four residents "Website" is posted at a higher rate by: • residents for less than ten years • households with children • men • Precinct Four residents "Mailings" is selected more frequently by: • residents for eleven to twenty years • those very informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre "Pioneer" is cited more often by: • households with seniors 81 • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds Current Mix of Parks and Recreation Facilities Orono residents were queried: Do you feel the current mix and number of parks and recreation facilities in and around the community meet the needs ofyou and other members ofyour household? Ninety-five percent think the current mix and number of parks and recreation facilities in and around the community meet their household needs: YES........................................... 950 0 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. The small group of residents who feel the mix and number are inadequate were asked a follow-u query: What additional parks and recreational facilities would you like to see offered residents? Twenty-four percent each would like to see additional trails or parks: UNSURE ......................................... 18% SKATING RINKS .................................. 17% TRAILS .......................................... 20 0 BALLFIELDS...................................... 6% PARKS ........................................... 24% COMMUNITY CENTER ............................ 12% There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. More Extensive Park System Residents were queried: Do you think the City of Orono should develop a more 82 extensive park system or do you think that current faci- lities are adequate for city residents? A comparatively large 82% think the current facilities are adequate for city residents: MORE EXTENSIVE ................................ 16% ADEQUATE ...................................... 82% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Only 16% see a need for a more extensive park system: "More extensive" is posted at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those contacting City Hall "Adequate" is cited more often by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent • those not contacting City Hall • households with seniors • over fifty-five year olds Park and Recreational Development Efforts Orono respondents were asked: If the City were to undertake park and recreational de- velopment efforts.... Which of the following would you make the top priority of the City of Orono: A. Preserving more natural land areas, such as wetlands, scenic open spaces, and wildlife habitats, B. Developing additional active park facilities, such as ballftelds and playgrounds; OR C. Developing additional passive park facilities, such as walking trails and flower gardens. A decisive 62% majority would make "preserving more natural land areas, such as wetlands, scenic open spaces, and wildlife habitats" as the top priority for the City of Orono: STATEMENT A ................................... 62% STATEMENT B.................................... 9% STATEMENT C................................... 27% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% 83 A smaller 27% would prioritize "developing additional passive park facilities, such as walking trails and flower gardens." "Statement B" is cited more often by: • those with a private well • households with children • Precinct One residents "Statement C" is mentioned more frequently by: • owners of homes valued over $1 million Used City Facilities Residents were asked: During the past twelve months, have you used or visited any City -owned and operated park, beach, trail, or rec- reational facilities? Which have you visited most often? Seventy-six percent of the households report visiting or using City -owned and operated park, beach, trail, or recreational facility: 0 ANTOINE PLAYGROUND ........................... 1% BEDERWOOD PARK ............................... 3% CASCO POINT PARK, BEACH, OR ICE RINK ........... 2% CRYSTAL BAY PLAYGROUND ...................... 1% FRENCH CREEK PRESERVE ......................... 3% HACKBERRY PARK ................................ 2% HIGHWOOD NATURE TRAIL ........................ 2% LEE CARLSON BALLFIELDS ........................ 1% LOWRY WOODS NATURE AREA .................... 2% LYDIARD BEACH .................................. 1% NAVARRE PLAYGROUND .......................... 3% SAGA HILL PARK RESERVE ........................ I % SANDY BEACH .................................... 3% SEVEN NATIONS NATURE AREA .................... 3% SUMMIT PARK AND BEACH ........................ 1 % LUCE LINE TRAIL ................................. 37% OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD TRAIL ................... 3% OTHER........................................... 50 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 4% The most utilized recreational facility, at 37% of the city's households, is the Luce Line Trail. 29 `No" is selected most frequently by: • residents for twenty years or more • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on one to two acres • over fifty-five year olds "Luce Line Trail" is posted most frequently by: owners of residences on more than two acres those with septic tanks Respondents who indicated a visit were asked a follow-up query: What do you see as the most important maintenance or improvement needed there? A very large 61 % make no suggestions for maintenance or improvements: UNSURE.......................................... 5% NONE ........................................... 0 61 0 TRAIL MAINTENANCE ............................ 11% OVERALL GENERAL UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE ... 8% UP-TO-DATE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT ............ 2% MOSQUITO CONTROL .............................. 2% PET WASTE CLEAN-UP ............................. 2% MORE AMENITIES (BATHROOM/LIGHTS) ............ 4% LAKE WATER QUALITY ............................ 2% SCATTERED ...................................... 3% Eleven percent urge "better trail maintenance:" "None" is cited more often by: • those not contacting City Hall • owners of residences on more than two acres "Trail maintenance" is mentioned more frequently by: • those very informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre 85 Use Lake Minnetonka Respondents were asked: Do you or household members use Lake Minnetonka for recreational purposes? Does your household use the Lake for boating, swimming, or both? Seventy-three percent report their household members use Lake Minnetonka for recreational purposes: 0 YES/BOATING.................................... 21% YES/SWIMMING................................... 6% YES/BOTH....................................... 46% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Forty-six percent use the Lake for both swimming and boating. "No" is reported more often by: • residents for twenty years or more • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on one to two acres • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds "Yes/boating"is stated more frequently by: • those with a private well • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Four residents "Yes/swimming" is posted at a higher rate by: those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities "Yes/both" is selected at a higher rate by: • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • households with children • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer • forty-five to fifty-four year olds • Precinct Two residents 96 Orono Golf Course Initially, residents were asked: Do you or household members gor. Did you or house- hold members golf on the Orono Golf Course, the muni- cipally -owned nine -hole golf course during the past twelve months? Forty-five percent of Orono households golf: 0 YES/YES......................................... 31% YES/NO.......................................... 14% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Among golfers, 69% have played the Orono Golf Course during the past twelve months. "No" is posted more often by: • residents for twenty years or more • those connected to city water • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • eighteen to forty-four year olds "Yes/yes" is stated most frequently by: those rating the quality of life as excellent those with a private well those somewhat informed about city government and its activities "Yes/no" is mentioned more often by: • owners of residences on more than two acres • owners of homes valued over $1 million • those with septic tanks • forty-five to fifty-four year olds Orono Golf Course users were asked two follow-up questions. First, a rating of the golf experience there was requested: How would you rate your golf experience -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? Eighty-six percent report a favorable experience: 87 EXCELLENT ...................................... 30% GOOD........................................... 0 o ONLY FAIR ....................................... 10% 0 POOR ............................................ o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% Only 12% are disappointed. Unfavorable ratings are posted at a higher rate by: • owners of residences on one to two acres Next, the condition and maintenance of the course was discussed: How would you rate the condition and maintenance of the Orono Golf Course -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? Eighty-six percent are positive in their evaluations: EXCELLENT ...................................... 24% GOOD........................................... 0 a ONLY FAIR ....................................... 11% POOR............................................ 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% Thirteen percent are negative. Ratings are higher among: • those with a private well • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • owners of homes valued under $600,000 They are lower among: • residents for eleven to twenty years • those connected to city water • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • forty-five to fifty-four year olds Golfers who have not used the Orono Golf Course during the past year were also asked a follow- up query: Could you tell me one or two reasons you did not golf at the Orono Golf Course? 88 Fifty-two percent think the course is "too hilly:" UNSURE......................................... 14% TOO FAR AWAY ................................... 4% TOO HILLY ....................................... 52% ONLY NINE HOLES ............................... 11 % PREFER OTHER COURSES ......................... 20% Twenty percent "prefer other courses." "Too hilly" is posted at a higher rate by: • residents for eleven to twenty years • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • forty-five to fifty-four year olds "Prefer other courses" is stated more frequently by: • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million "Only nine holes" is indicated more often by: • men All residents were then asked: Did you or household members go sledding or skiing on the Orono Golf Course during the past winter? Twenty-eight percent go sledding or skiing on the Orono Golf Course during the past winter: YES........................................... 280,zo 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% "Yes" is cited more often by: • residents for twenty years or more • households with children • eighteen to fifty-four year olds • Precinct One residents "No" is posted at a higher rate by: • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on less than one acre • those living on the lake 89 Local Trails and Sidewalks Residents were asked: How important is it for your household to have a system of local trails or sidewalks that connect your neighbor- hood to a regional recreation trail, such as the Luce Line Trail or the planned Dakota Rail Trail -- very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important? Forty-eight percent consider a system of local trails to be "important:" VERY IMPORTANT ............................... 22% SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT ......................... 26% NOT TOO IMPORTANT ............................ 30% NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT ......................... 21% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% But, 5 1 % feel it is "not important." "Important" is cited more often by: • those contacting City Hall • those very informed about city government and its activities • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • households with children • Precinct Two residents "Not important" is indicated at a higher rate by: • residents for twenty years or more • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • "empty -nesters" • over fifty-five year olds Next, Orono residents were asked: Does your neighborhood have sidewalks? Do you sup- port or oppose the construction of sidewalks in your neighborhood? Seventy-four percent do not have sidewalks and oppose their construction in their neighborhood: YES............................................ 0 o a NO/SUPPORT..................................... 18% NO/OPPOSE...................................... 74% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Eighteen percent do not have sidewalks and support their construction in their neighborhood. "Yes" is reported most frequently by: • residents for less than ten years "No/support" is stated more often by: • residents for less than ten years • those contacting City Hall • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds • Precinct Two residents "No/oppose" is cited more frequently by: • residents for twenty years or more • owners of residences on one to two acres • owners of homes valued over $1 million • over fifty-five year olds Big Island Park Orono respondents were asked: As you may know, the City Is plan for Big Island Park envisions primarily passive uses, such as trails, nature watching, andpicnicking. How likely is it members of your household will use Big Island Park -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely? Fifty-four percent are at least "somewhat likely" to use Big Island Park: VERY LIKELY .................................... 15% SOMEWHAT LIKELY .............................. 39% NOT TOO LIKELY ................................. 23% NOT AT ALL LIKELY .............................. 18% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 5% 91 Likelihood increases among: • those connected to city water • those contacting City Hall • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • households with children • those connected to city sewer • forty-five to fifty-four year olds • Precinct Two residents It decreases among: • residents for twenty years or more • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct One residents Summary and Conclusions A majority of residents report they undertake four passive activities on at least a weekly basis: "gardening," at 74%; "exercise walking or jogging," at 73%; "nature walks," undertaken by 56%; and, "bird watching," by 53%. At least 15% report they undertake six active recreational pursuits at least several times per month: "participation in a youth athletics league or organized sport," by 25%; "tennis," indicated by 21 %; "softball or baseball," by 19%; "soccer or football" or "basketball," each undertaken by 18% of the households; and, "outdoor ice skating," by 15%. A very solid 95% are satisfied with the amount of information they have about parks and recreation facilities in the City. Principal information sources about parks and recreation facilities in the community include the city newsletter, by 33%, "The Laker," at 14%, and the city website, at 13%. A comparatively high 95% feel the current mix and number of parks and recreation facilities in and around the community meet their households' needs. As a result, 82% think current facilities are adequate for city residents; only 16% disagree. If the City were to undertake park and recreational development efforts, 62% think the top priority should be one preserving more natural land areas, such as wetlands, scenic open spaces, and wildlife habitats. Twenty-seven percent would prioritize developing additional passive park facilities, such as walking trails and flower gardens. During the past twelve months, 72% of the survey respondents report visiting a City -owned or operated park, beach, trail, or recreational facility. Thirty-seven percent specifically report using 92 the Luce Line Trail. About one-third of the Luce Line Trail users urge better trail maintenance in the future. Seventy-three percent of the households in the city report members use Lake Minnetonka for recreational purposes. Fifty-two percent swim there; sixty-seven percent boats there. Forty-five percent of the households contain golfers. Among golfing households, 69% golf on the Orono Golf Course. Eighty-six percent rate the golf course favorably, while only 12% are more critical. A similar evaluation is posted on the condition and maintenance of the Orono Golf Course. The principal reason golfers do not use the course is its "hilliness." Turning to a different season, 28% of Orono households report members go sledding or skiing on the Orono Golf Course. Forty-eight percent think it is at least "somewhat important' to have a system if local trails or sidewalks that connect their neighborhood to a regional recreational trail, such as the Luce Line Trail or the planned Dakota Rail Trail; twenty-two percent see it as "very important." Only seven percent of the sample says their neighborhoods have sidewalks. Among those living in areas without sidewalks oppose the construction of sidewalks in their neighborhoods. Fifty-four percent also think it is either "very likely" or "somewhat likely" members of their household will use Big Island Park. 93 94 Orono residents were asked a short series of questions about transportation issues. Commuter patterns were ascertained. The use of public transportation was discussed next. The ease of getting from place to place in the community was evaluated. The expansion of automobile traffic corridors within the community was examined. Finally, the construction of an expanded park - and -ride lot in Navarre and funding lobbying efforts to establish a light rail corridor to Downtown were reviewed. Location to Work Respondents were asked: Do you work in Orono, commute outside the city limit, or are you not currently working or retired? Forty-nine percent "commute outside of the city limits" to work: WORK IN ORONO................................. 17% COMMUTE OUTSIDE .............................. 49% NOT CURRENTLY WORKING ....................... 9% RETIRED ......................................... 25% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% Twenty-five percent are "retired" and 17% "work in Orono." "Work in Orono" is cited more often by: • those contacting City Hall • households with children • eighteen to forty-four year olds • Precinct One residents "Commute outside" is mentioned more frequently by: • residents for less than ten years • households with children • eighteen to fifty-four year olds "Not currently working" is posted at a higher rate by: • residents for less than ten years • those connected to city water • women 95 "Retired" is cited more frequently by: • residents for twenty years or more • those not contacting City Hall • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • those living on the lake • over fifty-five year olds • men • Precinct Three residents Ease of Getting to and from Work Respondents were asked: How would you rate the ease of getting to and from work -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? Sixty-nine percent rate the ease of getting to and from work as "excellent" or "good:" EXCELLENT ....................................... 6% GOOD ........................................... 0 o ONLYFAIR ....................................... 26% POOR ............................................ 0 5 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Thirty-one percent rate the case as "only fair" or "poor." Ratings increase among: • those with a private well They decrease among: • those connected to city water • owners of residences on less than one acre Use Public Transportation Respondents were asked: Do you use public transportation? 96 Four percent use public transportation: YES............................................ 4% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% "No"is reported more often by: • forty-five to fifty-four year olds • Precinct One residents Public transportation users were asked a follow-up query: Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the public trans- portation opportunities in Orono? Fifty-three percent are "satisfied:" SATISFIED ....................................... 53% DISSATISFIED .................................... 33% MIXED ........................................... 13% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Forty-six percent are either "dissatisfied" or "both satisfied and dissatisfied." There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. Discontents were asked: Why do you feel that way? "Times" and "destinations" are the major complaints: INCONVENIENT TIMES ............................ 40% DOESN'T GO WHERE NEEDED ..................... 40% NOT SAFE ........................................ 20% There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. Intra-City Travel Residents were asked: How would you rate the ease of getting from place to place within the City of Orono -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? 97 A solid 80% rate the ease of getting around the community as "excellent" or "good:" EXCELLENT ....................................... 9% GOOD........................................... 0 o ONLY FAIR ....................................... 14% 0 POOR ............................................ 5 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Nineteen percent are more critical int heir evaluations. Ratings are higher among: • residents for eleven to twenty years • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million They are lower among: • residents for twenty years or more Expanded Automobile Traffic Corridors Respondents were asked: Would you favor or oppose the City of Orono developing expanded automobile traffic corridors for commuter traffic moving within and through the community? Do you feel strongly that way? By a 52%-38% margin, residents favor developing expanded automobile traffic corridors for commute traffic moving within and through the community: STRONGLY FAVOR ................................ 3% FAVOR.......................................... 49% OPPOSE .......................................... 21% STRONGLY OPPOSE .............................. 17% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ........................... 11% Supporters tend to be: • those very informed about city government and its activities • households with children • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • eighteen to forty-four year olds 98 Opponents are more likely to be: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities Expanded Park and Ride Lot Residents were asked: Would you favor or oppose the City of Orono pursuing the construction of an expanded park -and -ride lot in the Navarre area or in northern Orono and establish more frequent bus service between the lot and Downtown Minneapolis? Do you feel strongly that way? By a 77%-16% margin, residents favor the City of Orono pursuing the construction of an expanded park -and -ride lot in the Navarre area or in northern Orono and establishing more frequent bus service between the lot and Downtown Minneapolis: STRONGLY FAVOR ............................... 12% 0 OPPOSE ........................................... 8% STRONGLY OPPOSE ............................... 8% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 8% Support is higher among: • those contacting City Hall • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities It is lower among: • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • households with seniors • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds Light Rail Corridor Residents were asked: Would you favor or oppose the City of Orono funding lobbying efforts to establish a light rail corridor con- necting Downtown Minneapolis with Hopkins, Minne- tonka, Wayzata, and Orono? Do you feel strongly that way? By a 73%-20% margin, resident favor the City funding lobbying efforts to establish a light rail corridor connected Downtown Minneapolis with Hopkins, Minnetonka, Wayzata and Orono: STRONGLY FAVOR ............................... 22% FAVOR.......................................... 51% OPPOSE .......................................... 14% STRONGLY OPPOSE ............................... 6% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 7% Supporters are more apt to be: • residents for less than ten years • those connected to city sewer • eighteen to forty-four year olds Opponents are typically: • households with seniors • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds Summary and Conclusions Seventeen percent of the sample works in the City of Orono. Forty-nine percent commute outside the city limits. Nine percent are currently not working, and 25% are retired. Sixty-nine percent rate the ease of their commute to and from work positively, while 31 % rate it negatively. Only four percent of the community uses public transportation. By a 52%-38% margin, residents favor the City of Orono developing expanded automobile traffic corridors for commuter traffic moving within and through the community. By a 77%-16% margin, residents also favor the City pursuing the construction of an expanded park -and -ride lot in the Navarre area or in northern Orono, as well as establishing more frequent bus service between the lot and Downtown Minneapolis. Finally, by a 73%-20% majority, respondents favor the City funding lobbying efforts to establish a light rail corridor connecting Downtown Minneapolis with Hopkins, Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Orono. 100 101 Orono residents were asked about their experiences in dealing with City Hall. First, residents contacting City Hall were asked about their most recent interaction. Then, they were asked about the quality of the customer service provided. Contact City Hall Residents were asked: During the past year, have you contacted Orono City Hall? Twenty-five percent report contacting Orono City Hall during the past year: 0 YES ........................................... 25 0 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% "Yes" is stated more often by: • those connected to city water • those very informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued over $1 million • Precinct Three residents "No" is mentioned more frequently by: • households with seniors • owners of residences on one to two acres Residents contacting City Hall were asked four follow-up questions: What was the nature of your most recent contact, that iN, what information or service did you want? Twenty-seven percent contacted City Hall for "permits," while 12% did so for "sewer services," and 10%, for "code information:" ASSESSOR'S ....................................... 2% PERMITS ......................................... 27% TAXES ............................................ 9% CODE INFORMATION ............................. 10% 102 RECYCLING ....................................... 6% SEWER.......................................... 12% FLOODING........................................ 2% TREE REMOVAL ................................... 3% STREET PARKING ................................. 3% DIVISION OF LAND ................................ 5% REPORT CRIME .................................... 3% PARKS AND RECREATION .......................... 3% ANIMAL CONTROL ................................ 3% LICENSE .......................................... 2% VOTING.......................................... 0 o SCATTERED ...................................... 6% "Sewer" is posted at a higher rate by: • owners of residences on more than two acres • Precinct Four residents Next, they were asked: Which department or offcial did you contactfirst? Twenty-one percent wanted "general information" and 15% sought information from "public works:" UNSURE ......................................... 16% PERMITS.......................................... 7% ASSESSORS ....................................... 3% PLANNING ........................................ 6% GENERAL INFORMATION ......................... 21% PUBLIC WORKS .................................. 15% RECYCLING....................................... 3% ADMINISTRATION ................................. 5% ZONING.......................................... 0 o BUILDING INSPECTIONS ........................... 6% ANIMAL CONTROL ................................ 2% FIRE/POLICE...................................... 2% SCATTERED ...................................... 7% Seven percent wanted "permits," while six percent each sought information from "planning," "zoning," and "building inspections." "Public works" is cited more frequently by: • those with septic tanks • Precinct Four residents A service rating of the most recent contact was requested: 103 In general, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with the service you received? Eighty-three percent are "satisfied," while 15% are "dissatisfied" or "both satisfied and dissatisfied" with the encounter: SATISFIED ....................................... 83% DISSATISFIED ..................................... 7% MIXED ............................................ 8% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Satisfaction is selected more often by: • those connected to city water • owners of residences on less than one acre • those connected to city sewer • Precinct One residents Dissatisfaction is encountered more often among: • owners of homes valued over $1 million "Mixed" is cited more often by: • Precinct Four residents Discontented City Hall users were asked: Why were you dissatisfied? "No response" or "slow response" are the sources of dissatisfaction: NO RESPONSE .................................... 43% SLOW RESPONSE ................................. 43% NOTHING DONE .................................. 14% There are no statistically significant sub -group differences. City Hall Service Ratings Respondents were instructed: Now, far each of the following characteristics, please rate the Orono City Hall facility or staff as excellent, good, only fair, or poor? Four service characteristics were then read: 104 Convenience of City Hall hours? Ninety-four percent rate the convenience of City Hall hours favorably: EXCELLENT...................................... 17% GOOD........................................... 77a 0 ONLY FAIR ........................................ 2% POOR............................................ 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% Only two percent post unfavorable ratings. Ratings peak among: • households with children • men Waiting time for service? Ninety percent rate the waiting time for service as either "excellent" or "good:" EXCELLENT ...................................... 20% GOOD........................................... 0 o ONLYFAIR ........................................ 3% POOR ............................................ 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 4% Five percent rate it as "only fair" or "poor." Favorable ratings are given more frequently by: • residents for twenty years or more • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those connected to city sewer • eighteen to forty-four year olds • men Courtesy of the staff? Ninety-five percent rate the courtesy of the staff favorably: EXCELLENT ...................................... 24% GOOD........................................... 70 0 ONLYFAIR ........................................ 1% POOR ............................................ 0 0 0 105 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 4% Only one percent rate courtesy lower. Favorable ratings are cited more often by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those connected to city sewer Responsiveness of the staff? Ninety-two percent rate the responsiveness of the staff as either "excellent' or "good:" EXCELLENT ...................................... 21% GOOD........................................... 71% ONLY FAIR ........................................ 0% POOR ............................................ 0 4 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% Only four percent post lower ratings. Ratings peak among: • men Contacts with City Hall provide residents with excellent customer service. Summary and Conclusions During the past year, 25% of respondents contacted Orono City Hall. Among this group, 27% called for information about permits; ten percent, for code information; and, 12% for sewer service information. Twenty-one percent initially contacted "general information," while 15% called the "Public Works Department" directly. Eighty-three percent are "satisfied" with the service provided, while 15% give the service at most "mixed" evaluations. "Slow response" and "no response" account for 86% of this dissatisfaction. On each of four dimensions of quality customer service — convenience of City Hall hours, waiting time for service, courtesy of the staff, and responsiveness of the staff — respondents award positive ratings higher than 90%. Since each evaluation exceeded the 80% threshold indicative of high quality customer service, Orono City employees are providing exemplary service to residents. 106 107 Orono residents were asked a series of questions about their sources of information in the community. First, information levels about Orono City Government were established. Then, the use and impact of various sources of information were tested. The job the City is doing in communications was evaluated. And, finally, the best ways to obtain information from residents about the updating of the comprehensive plan were determined. Current Level of Information Orono respondents were asked: How would you rate your current level of information about Orono City Government and its activities -- very informed, somewhat informed, not too informed, or not at all informed? A comparatively high 72% are at least "somewhat informed" about City Government and its activities: VERY INFORMED ................................. 15% SOMEWHAT INFORMED ........................... 57% NOT TOO INFORMED.............................21% NOT AT ALL INFORMED ............................ 6% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% Twenty-seven percent report lower levels of information. "Informed" is posted at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as excellent "Not informed" is cited more often by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower 108 Source of Information Residents were told: I would like to read you a list of possible sources of in- formation about the City of Orono. For each one, please tell me if you consider it to be a major source of information about the city, a minor source of informa- tion, or not a source of information at all for you. A list of five potential sources of information was then read: Articles in the "Laker" or "Pioneer" newspapers? Eighty-eight percent regard articles in the "Laker" or "Pioneer" as sources of information: MAJOR SOURCE .................................. 56% MINOR SOURCE .................................. 32% NOT A SOURCE ................................... 11% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% They are a "major source" for 56% of the sample. "Major source" is reported most frequently by: • residents for twenty years or more • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • "empty -nesters" • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • those with septic tanks • over fifty-five year olds "Minor source"is stated more often by: • households with children • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • eighteen to forty-four year olds • men "Not a source" is cited at a higher rate by: • residents for less than ten years • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those with a private well 109 Articles in the "Sun Sailor" newspaper? Fifty-four percent consider articles in the "Sun Sailor" newspaper to be a source of information: MAJOR SOURCE .................................. 25% MINOR SOURCE .................................. 31% NOT A SOURCE ................................... 43% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Twenty-five percent deem this a "major source" of information about City Government and its activities. "Major source" is reported most frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • owners of residences on less than one acre "Minor source"is stated more often by: • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • those connected to city sewer "Not a source" is cited at a higher rate by: • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • those with septic tanks The City Newsletter? Seventy-four percent see the City Newsletter as a source of information: MAJOR SOURCE .................................. 42% MINOR SOURCE .................................. 32% NOT A SOURCE ................................... 25% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% Forty-two percent heavily rely upon it. "Major source" is reported most frequently by: • those connected to city water • those contacting City Hall • those very informed about city government and its activities • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • Precinct Two residents 110 "Minor source"is stated more often by: • residents for less than ten years • those with a private well "Not a source" is cited at a higher rate by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • "empty -nesters" • those with septic tanks The City website? Fifty percent view the City website as either a "major source" or "minor source" of information: MAJOR SOURCE .................................. 28% MINOR SOURCE .................................. 22% NOT A SOURCE ................................... 48% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% "Major source" is reported most frequently by: • residents for less than ten years • those connected to city water • those contacting City Hall • owners of residences on more than two acres • Precinct Four residents "Minor source"is stated more often by: • residents for less than ten years • those contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • households with children "Not a source" is cited at a higher rate by: • residents for twenty years or more • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • households with seniors • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on one to two acres • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • Precinct One residents 111 Discussions with city staff or employees? Twenty-nine percent say discussions with city staff or employees is a source of information: MAJOR SOURCE .................................. 10% MINOR SOURCE .................................. 19% NOT A SOURCE ................................... 70% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 2% Ten percent see these discussions as a "major source" of information. "Major source" is reported most frequently by: • residents for eleven to twenty years • those connected to city water • those contacting City Hall • owners of homes valued over $1 million • those connected to city sewer • Precinct Two residents "Minor source"is stated more often by: • those rating the quality of life as good or lower • households with children • men "Not a source" is cited at a higher rate by: • residents for less than ten years • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • "empty -nesters" • owners of residences on one to two acres • women • Precinct One residents Conversations with friends and neighbors? Seventy-three percent think conversations with friends and neighbors are a source of information: MAJOR SOURCE .................................. 17% MINOR SOURCE .................................. 56% NOT A SOURCE ................................... 27% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% Seventeen percent rely upon the "grapevine" for information. 112 "Major source" is reported most frequently by: • owners of homes valued over $1 million • those living on the lake • those connected to city sewer • forty-five to fifty-four year olds • women • Precinct Three residents "Minor source"is stated more often by: • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million "Not a source" is cited at a higher rate by: • those with septic tanks Communication Rating Residents were asked: Overall, how would you rate the job the City does com- municating with residents -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? A very high 65% rate the overall job the City does in communicating with residents as either "excellent" or "good:" EXCELLENT ....................................... 7% GOOD........................................... 580 0 ONLY FAIR ....................................... 30% POOR............................................ 0 o DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 3% Thirty-three percent are more critical in their ratings. Ratings are higher among: • those with a private well • those very and somewhat informed about city government and its activities • Precinct Three residents They are lower among: • those connected to city water 113 • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • Precinct One residents Participation in Comprehensive Plan Update Residents were told: The City is currently updating its comprehensive plan which sets out the major guidelines far the future of the community during the next twenty years. Topics include development strategies, city services, enviro- nmental concerns, and transportation issues. The City is hoping to encourage widespread public in- volvement in this process. For each of the following, please tell me if you would be very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely to use that participation opportunity. A list of five potential communication channels was then read: Attend an evening public meeting at City Hall? Sixty percent are either "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to attend an evening public meeting at City Hall: VERY LIKELY .................................... 21% SOMEWHAT LIKELY .............................. 390A NOT TOO LIKELY ................................. 21 % NOT AT ALL LIKELY .............................. 19% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% "Likely" is stated more frequently by: • residents for twenty years or more • those connected to city water • those contacting City Hall • owners of residences on more than two acres • owners of homes valued over $1 million • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct Two residents 114 "Not likely" is reported most often by: • residents for less than ten years • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • eighteen to forty-four year olds Attend an evening public meeting in your neighborhood to discuss both city and area issues? Sixty-five percent are likely to attend an evening public meeting in their neighborhood to discuss both city and area issues: VERY LIKELY .................................... 28% SOMEWHAT LIKELY .............................. 37% NOT TOO LIKELY ................................. 17% NOT AT ALL LIKELY .............................. 18% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% "Likely" is stated more frequently by: • residents for eleven to twenty years • those connected to city water • those somewhat informed about city government and its activities • owners of residences on less than one acre • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million "Not likely" is reported most often by: • residents for less than ten years • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • Precinct Four residents Participate in an e-mail discussion blog? Thirty-eight percent express interest in participation in an e-mail discussion blog: VERY LIKELY .................................... 14% SOMEWHAT LIKELY .............................. 24% NOT TOO LIKELY ................................. 26% NOT AT ALL LIKELY .............................. 36% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% 115 "Likely" is stated more frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • households with children • owners of homes valued over $1 million "Not likely" is reported most often by: • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • those not too or not at all informed about city government and its activities • "empty -nesters" • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • Precinct One residents Complete and return a mail -out survey? Sixty percent are likely to complete and return a mail -out survey: VERY LIKELY .................................... 27% SOMEWHAT LIKELY .............................. 33% NOT TOO LIKELY ................................. 17% NOT AT ALL LIKELY .............................. 24% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ............................ 0% "Likely" is stated more frequently by: • those contacting City Hall • owners of residences on more than two acres • owners of homes valued over $1 million • women "Not likely" is reported most often by: • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • eighteen to forty-four year olds • men Review and comment on plans posted on the city's website? Fifty percent are either "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to review and comment on plans posted on the city's website: VERY LIKELY .................................... 18% 116 SOMEWHAT LIKELY .............................. 32% NOT TOO LIKELY ................................. 21 % NOT AT ALL LIKELY .............................. 27% DON'TKNOW/REFUSED ............................ 1% "Likely" is stated more frequently by: • those connected to city water • those very informed about city government and its activities • households with children • owners of homes valued between $600,000 and $1 million • owners of homes valued over $1 million • Precinct Four residents "Not likely" is reported most often by: • those with a private well • those not contacting City Hall • households with seniors • owners of homes valued under $600,000 • over fifty-five year olds • Precinct One residents Evening meetings and a mail -out survey would be the most effective strategy to encourage citizen participation. Summary and Conclusions A comparatively high 72% rate their current level of information about Orono City Government and its activities as either "very informed" or "somewhat informed." Only 26% feel less informed. The top source of information about the City of Orono is articles in the "Laker" or "Pioneer" newspapers, cited by 56% as a "major source." Next, the City Newsletter is relied upon by 42% of the sample. No other information source clears the 30% threshold as a major source of information. Overall, a very high — among the top five communities in the Metropolitan Area — 65% rate the City's job of communicating with residents as "excellent" or "good." A comparatively low 33% are more critical in their evaluations. To encourage widespread participation by city residents in the update of the Comprehensive Plan, the City should rely upon three communications channels. The most important is the scheduling of evening public meetings in Orono neighborhoods to discuss both city and area issues. These meetings should be held in tandem with an evening public meeting at City Hall to discuss citywide issues. And, third, coverage can be further expanded by a mail -out survey of residents. 117 118 The following conclusions can be drawn from the 2008 study of the City of Orono: • Orono residents are very satisfied with their quality of life, and the city ranks among the top four communities across the Metropolitan Area. • City services receive spotty ratings. Two — police protection and fire protection — are rated highly favorably. But, two services are rated comparatively low: street lighting, street sweeping. • Tax hostility is high. Seventy-nine percent consider their property taxes "high." In fact, a decisive 82% majority oppose an increase in city property taxes to enhance current city services or offer additional city services. • Most residents are satisfied with the current mix and number of parks and recreational facilities in and around the community. In fact, over four -out -of -five residents believe the current facilities are adequate and see no need to develop a more extensive park system. Instead, they prioritize the preservation of more natural land areas, such as wetlands, scenic open space, and wildlife habitats. Second, matching their recreational pursuits, residents would stress the development of additional passive facilities, such as walking trails and flower gardens over the development of additional active park facilities, such as ballfields and playgrounds. • Solid majorities of residents think the City is doing an exemplary job in protecting the local environment. "Sustainability" is both well understood and assigned high importance. Residents endorse the City taking a leadership in Lake Minnetonka environmental causes. And, they are particularly supportive of efforts to preserve open space in the community. • City residents express confidence in the current approach to residential development. They enthusiastically support higher density development near Lake Minnetonka and lower density developments in Northern Orono. One key development desire is a grocery store on Highway 12. • Concerns about safety are minimal. Only two percent believe they are unsafe in their neighborhood. • Interactions with City Staff rate among the most highly regarded in the Metropolitan Area suburbs. • Residents are progressive on transportation issues. While most rate their commute to and from work favorably, they also support a series of new facilities and efforts. A majority want expanded automobile traffic corridors for commuter traffic moving within and through the community. They solidly favor the construction of an expanded park -and - ride lot in the Navarre area or in Northern Orono and the establishment of more frequent 119 bus service between the lot and Downtown Minneapolis. Similarly, a decisive majority favor the City funding lobbying efforts connecting Downtown Minneapolis with Hopkins, Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Orono. The communications system within the City is dominated by print media. Most residents rely upon articles in the "Laker" or "Pioneer" newspapers, as well as the City Newsletter. In fact, almost three -out -of -four residents feel informed about City Government and its activities. And, by two -to -one, residents positively rate the job the City does in communicating with residents. The City of Orono is an exceptional community. It ranks among the top five percent of communities in the Metropolitan Area. When thinking about their community, residents take a long term perspective rather than a short term view. They are supportive of current policies as well as longer -term strategies. As a result, the City possesses a unique reservoir of goodwill, one which will serve it well in the future. 120