Performance Measures for Our Strategic Plan Community Engagement Summary

Transcription

1 Performance Measures for Our Strategic Plan Community Engagement Summary Project Description Following community-wide consultations, the City of Saskatoon created a 10-year Strategic Plan focused on 7 strategic goals. Performance targets will be set to help focus resources and to monitor our progress in achieving the goals. Engagement Strategy and Outcomes A communication and engagement strategy was implemented to increase awareness about proposed performance measures and to seek feedback about the measures for consideration by City Council prior to approval. Citizens, stakeholders, and employees were invited to learn more about proposed measures and provide input through a short survey, a more detailed survey, , and/or consultation meetings. messages were sent to over 200 community and business leaders inviting them to forward the information about the proposed targets to their networks and to provide feedback. They were invited to contact the City for additional information or to have a City representative meet with their group. A meeting was held with 44 environmental stakeholders on March 30, Staff conducted intercept surveys at the following 10 City facilities between March 13 and March 20, 2015 inviting citizens to complete the short survey there or to go on-line to complete the detailed survey, whichever they preferred: Lakewood Civic Centre/Cliff Wright Library Cosmo Civic Centre/Carlyle King Library Lawson Civic Centre/Rusty McDonald Library Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre Field House Shaw Centre The Library on 20th Street Mayfair Library Francis Morrison Library City Hall

2 Summary of Community Engagement Feedback A front page article in the February 24, 2015 Star Phoenix featured the proposed targets and three subsequent articles or letters referenced the targets. General support was expressed for the setting of targets but views were also expressed that it was important that the City follow through with actions to support the targets. Over 420 surveys were completed including: 343 short surveys 81 detailed surveys Respondents of the detailed surveys indicated they were in the following categories: 47% City of Saskatoon employees 15% business or community organization representatives 38% citizens The survey results are not a statistical representation of views of all Saskatoon citizens. Because the surveys are not random, the results are likely to more strongly reflect views of respondents with interests in certain issues. A total of 187 (55%) of the short survey responses were from intercept surveys at City of Saskatoon facilities. General Comments: The consultations provided a wide variety of views held by Saskatoon citizens, stakeholders and City employees. The following are general comments made by survey respondents: Opposing views were expressed for most of the targets with some people wanting higher more ambitious targets and some saying that the targets were too high or not realistic. Many comments focused on the need for action, with many recommendations for improving or changing various City services rather than commenting on specific targets (e.g. lowering prices for civic recreation centers, improving bus service). Concerns were expressed about the costs and measures that the City might take to meet the targets (e.g. landfill, bike lanes). Some people said that targets that the city has little influence on shouldn t be targets. Questions were asked about what some targets meant and how they were determined, particularly those expressed as per capita (e.g. Debt per capita, B Service Level ). Some comments emphasized the importance of transparency when reporting progress. Many suggestions were made for other areas that people would like to see targets set. Page 2 of 9

3 Importance of Targets The short survey asked how important each measure was. Relatively High Importance measures include the following: Improving condition of bridges, roads, sidewalks, water, and sewer infrastructure Decrease in crime rates Response time to fire calls Citizen perceptions of quality of life in Saskatoon Decrease in waste going to our landfill Citizen satisfaction with civic services Decrease in traffic collisions Relatively Low Importance measures include the following: Retail space per capita Amount of land available for new homes and businesses Population growth Increased diversity of the City of Saskatoon's workforce Increase in housing density in established neighbourhoods Building activity Agreement with Targets The detailed survey asked if people agreed or disagreed with the targets and why. Although the results are not statistically representative, the results provide a pulse of viewpoints and identify areas of likely contention. The targets that had relatively high agreement include the following: Respond to fire calls within six minutes and 20 seconds Divert 70% of waste from the Saskatoon landfill Decrease the crime rates by 5% annually over previous five-year average Reduce the City of Saskatoon s GHG emissions by 30% from 2006 levels The targets that had relatively high disagreement include the following: Annual municipal property tax increase equal to or less than Municipal Price Index (MPI) The City of Saskatoon's workforce represents the diversity of Saskatoon's population Maximum long-term tax-supported debt per capita of $1,750 Increase the amount of cycling-specific infrastructure by 10% Page 3 of 9

4 Summary of Comments for Proposed Measures The following provides a summary of feedback received through the communication and engagement strategy for each of the proposed measures. Overall Satisfaction with Civic Services (Indicator) High Importance Support was expressed for setting targets for satisfaction with basic City services that are important to citizens. Workforce Diversity Low Importance, Relatively High Disagreement Most comments reflected the view that hiring decisions should be based on who is most qualified for the job while others expressed support for a more diverse workforce. Frequency of Lost Time Injuries Comments reflected the views that while safety is important to focus on, zero was not realistic and a caution that a zero target could result in cover-ups of injuries that occur. Municipal Property Tax per Capita (Indicator) Medium Importance Indicator with no comments Municipal Property Tax as a Percentage of Total Revenues (Indicator) Medium Importance Indicator with no comments Annual Municipal Property Tax Increase Medium Importance, Relatively High Disagreement Many respondents commented that greater tax increases are needed to pay for better services and infrastructure while others indicated that the City should focus on efficiencies rather than increase taxes. Some people, including the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and a Canadian Taxpayers Federation representative who was quoted in a February 25, 2015 Star Phoenix article, suggested that the Consumer Price Index be used as the target. Page 4 of 9

5 Maximum Long-Term Tax-Supported Debt per Capita Medium Importance, Relatively High Disagreement Most comments expressed the view that the level was too high and some commented that the City was spending too much on new buildings and infrastructure and needs to slow down. Another view is that debt should be taken on as needed to support growth but should not be unrestrained. About one in four people said they were uncertain as to what the average debt level should be. Key Civic Infrastructure Status High Importance, Medium Agreement Several people said that they didn t know what a B Service Level means. Some respondents indicated that the target should be an A service level. Respondents said that more emphasis is needed on preventative maintenance and consideration of the impact of new subdivisions on infrastructure maintenance costs. Perceived Quality of Life (Indicator) High Importance Some respondents suggested that quality of life or well-being targets be set. Number of New Attainable Housing Unis Respondents expressed opposing views on the target with some saying a more aggressive target is needed and housing needs to be more affordable. Others said the target is too high or that the City should not be in the housing business especially with recent changes in supply and demand. Vacancy Rates for Rental Housing Some respondents indicated they would like to see higher vacancy rates. Other people said that the market should determine vacancy rates as the City has very little impact on vacancy rates. Some people indicated support for rent control. Participation Rates for City Recreation and Cultural Facilities People are generally supportive of increasing participation at city facilities with several comments focusing on the high cost and the need to keep rates affordable. Some respondents indicated that the target is difficult to understand or that it doesn t adequately capture the number of people participating in recreation and culture through other theaters, art galleries, museums, community associations, or public parks. Page 5 of 9

6 Crime Rates High Importance, Relatively High Agreement Although most people agreed with the targets, several people said that it was not achievable, especially given the influx of people to the City. Comments were made on the need to focus on mental health and poverty reduction to prevent crime. Fire Response Time High Importance, Relatively High Agreement Comments were generally supportive of the target and the existing service provided. Only one person said that the time should be faster and one said that we need to meet the needs of all areas of the city. Waste Diverted From the Landfill High Importance, Relatively High Agreement Comments were generally in agreement with the target and included support for a composting program for organics including food waste, increased recycling for businesses and the City, more blue-bin pick-ups and increased awareness of what can be recycled. Opposing views include skepticism that the target can be met, concerns that the costs are not being considered, and lack of viable alternatives or markets (e.g. few options for recycling glass). Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Medium Importance, Relatively High Agreement Although most people agreed with the target, strong opposing views also were expressed. On one side people said it was the most important target for the City to be taking action on and it should be higher. On the other side some people said it was not realistic given the need to respond to the City s growth and noted how much GHG emissions have increased since Some said they would like to see realistic incremental targets with a plan to meet them. The target was perceived by some to be for the city as a whole and the need to reduce the number of cars on the roads was noted. Population Growth and Rate of Change (Indicator) Low Importance Although there isn t a specific target about population and it wasn t included in the detailed survey on targets, some people commented that they would like to see less of a focus on growth and more focus on quality of life. Page 6 of 9

7 Residential Infill Development in Established Areas Some people commented that a higher target for infill development is preferred and that more creative ways and incentives are needed to achieve the target. Caution was also expressed that restrictions on development that is not in tune with what the market wants will drive development outside the city. People also said that infill guidelines need to consider the fit and character of neighbourhoods. Residential Density in Established Areas Low Importance, Medium Agreement Comments about the target varied with some saying that the target should be higher and others saying that it was too high. Comments supportive of increased density said that higher density will reduce the City s infrastructure costs. Comments opposed to increased density noted people s preferences for yards and open spaces and perceptions that increased density reduces quality of life. The residential infill and density measures were perceived to be the same by some people. Transit Rides Per Capita Comments on the target included the need for a more ambitious target, a preference for a shorter-term realistic target, preference for a cost recovery target, and difficulty relating to 62 rides per capita (what percentage increase is it?) Most of the comments were perceptions regarding the current state of the transit system and the various improvements that are needed. Some people said that taking the bus doesn t fit lifestyles. Kilometres of Cycling-Specific Infrastructure Medium Importance, Relatively High Disagreement Comments on the target were divisive with many people saying that the target was important and should be higher with more investments in cycling infrastructures. Several people said it was not important, too high or not a realistic target because of our winters and the relatively few cyclists. Several people said that bike lanes should not be at the expense of car lanes if they increase congestion. Transportation Choices Comments were split between those who said the target was too low and those who said it was too high and not realistic. Comments also included the need to improve cycling infrastructure and the transit system. Page 7 of 9

8 Traffic Collisions Most comments were generally supportive of the target although a few questioned how the city would achieve it particularly with population increases. Several people made suggestions on ways to decrease accidents such as increasing the length of yellow lights and the time for pedestrian crossings on busy streets. Amount and Value of Building Activities (Indicator) Low Importance Indicator with no comments Retail Space per Capita (Indicator) Low Importance This measure had the lowest importance rating for respondents. Indicator with no comments Supply of Residential and Industrial Land Low Importance, Medium Agreement A couple of people said that there should be a two-year supply of land for single family units. Other comments included difficulty in understanding the target, lack of comparability with other cities, potential conflict with the infill target, and the City should not be in the land development business. Page 8 of 9

9 Other Measures The surveys asked if there were other areas that they would like to see targets set and progress reported. The following are some of the many areas respondents suggested for targets that could be assessed and considered in the future: Service levels for basic services (e.g. snow clearing, road and sidewalk maintenance measures) Quality of life (e.g. well-being, happiness, overall health, social inclusion) Additional environmental measures (air and water quality, greenspace and natural areas protected, Saskatoon s ecological footprint, GHG reductions for Saskatoon as a whole, waste reduction per person, and percentage of power from renewable energy) Heritage buildings Traffic flow and reduced congestion Employee productivity and efficiencies Capital project performance Business-friendliest city in Canada Business growth Income growth Employment growth Non-residential assessment growth Tax competitiveness Transit cost recovery Other Comments The survey asked if people had more comments or input they would like to share about any of the measures or targets. Most comments repeated support or opposition to specific targets or were comments about specific city services. Comments from the surveys about city services have been sent to the relevant divisions for consideration. Page 9 of 9