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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.b. Taxes vs. Services ,' economic development at the cost of increased suburbanization. Forty-seven percent favared the former approach; forty percent, the latter. But, this concern is future-oriented: the fact that a majority of residents feel changes in recent years have been for the better, and ninety-three percent rate the appearance of their neighborhoods as either "excellent" or "good, " indicates a high level of satisfaction with the past and present. When asked to evaluate various aspects of the quality of life in Rosemount, residents gave both "high average" as well as "low average" grades. The community was deemed an a good place to find housing which fits most budgets and lifestyles, an excellent place to raise children, and a good place to retire. It received middling ratings as a place to start a business. Much lower ratings were awarded Rosemount on the availablity of full-time head of household jobs and the variety of entertainment and dining opportunities. In determining its economic development strategy, three factors must be given priority: jobs creation, retail shopping, and leisure time offerings. Most residents of the city are justifiably proud of its � small town atmospherics. But, in questioning, it became clear that the small town ambience is linked ta the friendliness of . Rosemount residents rather than physical features of the � community. This result strongly suggests that decision-makers must afford residents the opportunity to interact in community-� spirited ways. Residents suggested policies to protect the downtown area and local business, control sprawl and . overdevelopment, and plan voluntary community-wide projects. The downtown area, in particular, must play a key role in continuing to foster the small town ambience which residents so highly prize. Rosemount citizens are not dogmatically "anti-taxes. " They are willing to support increases for demonstrable city needs or to insure that service levels are kept at their present levels' of quality. Fifty-one percent af the residents would support a property tax increase if it were required to maintain city services at their current level. This predis ositian is undoubtedly due to the feeling that propert t now . . , excessiye������� � �„�a wc,�,, _�.�rov o on ��e ta�X.:.a�> > ar. , There is, however, some confusion about the actual city tax burden. Most residents have no idea about the Rosemount's share of the property tax. Those that do tended to be very realistic in their estimates. But, in the future, it may be wise to underscore the cost-efficiency of city services through the provision of more information to the citizenry. City services were generally well-regarded by the respondents. Police protection, fire protection, and park maintenance received outstanding ratings. Snow •plowing, �ity street repair and maintenance, and animal control received moderately high grades, although in each case one-quarter of the 4 . L the past five years; only ten percent, that crimes against people had so risen. In comparison with other nearby suburbs, fears of a "crime wave�� are literally non-existent. While local schools were rated extraordinarily high, Rosemount residents were much more critical about the University of Minnesota. The quality of local schools was felt to be excellent by sixty percent of the respondents. Overall, the approval rating of eighty-seven percent is one of the highest which the researchers have encountered in the Metropolitan Area. But, the citizenry split forty percent to thirty-six percent in feeling that the University had not been responsible in the administration and use of the land it holds within the city borders. Whi,le there was a multitude of suggestions for use of that land, one clear consensus about ways it should not be used was registered: fifty-two parcent definitely opposed an airport on that site. Also, nearly seventy percent of the community felt that the City should lobby the legislature to place some controls on the use of the land, with a majority still supporting that action, even if a modest property tax increase were required to cover the costs. There was a seemingly uneasiness found in the relationship between many residents and the Koch Refinery. Seventy-eight percent of the sample was aware that the refinery laid within the city limits. But, while forty-one percent of the sample approved of the actions of Koch as a corporate citizens of the city, forty--seven percent disapproved. Better pollution and odor control were the major concerns of most respondents when asked about the company. These xesults stand in marked contrast to the highly positive view that Cottage Grove residents, for example, take of 3M/Chemolite. There has been substantial discussion lately about means for dealing with the disposal of solid wastes. Some cammunities favor the landfill approach, while others boost incinerators. Rosemount residents, by a clear sixty-two percent to thirteen percent majority, opted for an incinerator. While part of the support for an incinerator stemmed from opposition to landfill sites, in general, many residents also believed that an incinerator was also safer, more efficient, and the better technology for the problem. If one issue excited residents the most, it was the subject of the construction of a new Twin Cities Airport in or near Rosemount. While only twelve percent supported the project, an incredible eighty percent opposed it; most opposed it strongly? While increased traffic and its direct effect on the "small town" ambience of the city motivated some opposition, noise levels were the key concern. Since many residents came to Rosemount in a quest for a "small town" atmosphere, the impact of a major airport nearby would certainly destroy the many fine points which define the community in the minds of its residents. The downtown area is viewed by many as a unique and integral 6 part of the community, one to be protected and nurtured by future development plans. A eonsensus exists about what constitutes "Downtown: " to almost sixty percent of the citizenry, Downtown is the area within a few blocks of Highway #3 and 145th Street. 'Another twenty percent would expand the definition to include other sections of Highway #3 . But, residents also feel that in the future it should expand alang Highway #3 to include County Road 42 ; just under two-thirds af the population prefer the treatment of this area by the City as one development zone. In discussing what they liked most about downtown Rosemount, respondents dwelled on two features: first, thirty-six percent mentioned its convenience as a shopping area; and second, twenty- eight percent pointed to its distinctive '�smal�. town" personality. In future plans, efforts should be made to reinforce these two images. On the downside, residents were critical of the limited selection of goods and merchandise and the construction of "white buildings. " More diversity should be encouraged in the types of enterprises settling into this area. And, as will be discussed, the aesthetics of Downtown Rosemount are particularly important to many -residents. A clear pattern of planning to incorporate the natural beauty of the area into future developments was exhibited by many residents. Sixty-three percent of the respondents would support the construction of a nature preserve, even if a tax increase were required for financing. Seventy-seven percent of the residents would support the construction of a corridor trail system in the city, even if a tax increase were required. Alsa, two-thirds of the city approved af the current allocation of up to one-half of the city's land for agricultural purposes. These positions certainly reflect and expand upon the "small town" ambience that most residents pri2e. As suburbs to the North have grown quickly during the past few years, a general concern has developed in Southern Dakota County about over-population. Residents were asked if they would cap the city's population at some level in the future. Forty-two percent would halt grawth at some level between 10,000 and 20, 000 residents. The median level suggested was 14 ,500, smaller than either Lakevill.e or Inver Grove Heights. Obviously, residents wha saw the community as a rural, small town settlement tended to support levels even smaller than this average figure. There was a general lack of interest in extensive public transportation systems. Only seventeen percent of the residents could be projected as ridership of a future system connecting Rosemount with Downtown Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Downtown Saint Paul. Residents split evenly in indicating that they would be most likely to use public transport for journeys to work and school or for shopping and entertainment. But, consistent with the view of many other suburbanites, Rosernount residents have a deep and abiding attachment to their automobile. 7 L � On development issues, Rosemount residents are balancing the need for jobs in the area with the desire to maintain the rural, small town nature of the city. When queried about the type of development they would prefer, respondents opted for industrial, retail, commercial, and housing, in that order. Eighty percent favored an aggressive effort by the City to attract new commercial and light industrial projects to the area. In fact, an unusually high sixty-one percent to thirty percent majority even favored awarding development incentives to induce developers to the city. On the question of heavy industrial development, a closer split was found: forty-eight percent of the residents would support more of that kind of construction and operation if it would favorably impact the tax base; thirty-five percent opposed it, even if property tax benefits would result. Not surprising, given these and earlier findings, residential summary judgments defined the top two priorities for the future as the preservation of open spaces to keep a small town atmosphere and the attraction of more head-of-household jobs to the city. Residential opinions about further development in the Downtown area were very consistent with prevailing opinions about the current status of that part of the city. By a three-to-one margin, citizens feel that retail development priorities should be on the attraction of new facilities to the downtown area rather than constructing small malls further out. Fifty-four` percent, a majority of respondents, favor specific design and aesthetic standards for businesses located dawntown to promote a common character, even if some businesses do not move to the city in reaction to these restrictions. But, a majority also feel that similar standards should not apply to businesses located outside of the downtown area. Once again, the Dawntown area is treated by most residents as a "special place, '� almost, to speak metaphorically, as the "heart and soul" of the community. Rosemount citizens are clearly willing to accept trade-offs to pursue desired development objectives. Solid majorities wauld accept rapid population growth to attract light and/or heavy industrial plants as well as more retail shopping opportunities. A less decisive majority would accept population growth to , attraet more commercial office developments. Greater traffic on area streets would be tolerated by strong majorities in return for more retail shopping opportunities and commercial office developments, A narrower majority would accept the traffic in exchange for additional light and/or heavy industrial plants. In short, population growth is more controversial if the purpase is to attract office space; similarly, traffic congestion is a more heated . issue in pursuit of industrial plants. Otherwise, citizens are willing to accept prudent trade-offs to foster more economic opportunity. Zoning and land use decisions by the City received a lower � than normal approval rating from residents. Fifty percent, about ten percent below the norm, approved of past decisions; however, thirty-six percent were unable to answer the question, due to a lack of information. Only forty-seven percent felt there was an 8 , ,. adequate opportunity for input; a relatiuely high twenty-two percent through those opportunities were inadequate. The process, then, needs some re-examination to insure both the perception and reality of residential participation. The general direction of past decisions, however, came under far less criticism. Sixty-four pe=cent felt that the pace of development was about right for the cammunity. Fifty-three percent viewed development across the city as well-pl.anned for the future. A strong three-quarters of the citizenry also viewed housing as offering residents a wide choice. Certainly at this point in time, there is no perceptible "development crisis" taking place in the residents; fears tend to based on the future, rather than the past or present. Rosemount citizens exhibited a high degree of antipathy toward multi-family housing units. This reaction has been common throughout Dakota County, perhaps in reaction to developments in Burnsville and Bloomington. Seventy-one percent oppose develop- ment incentives to attract more apartme�ts and condominiums to the city. A majority of fifty-two percent oppose any further multi-family projects, even if they aesthetically blend into the present character af the community. And, consistent with this feeling, sixty-seven percent oppose deve3.opment incentives to attract higher quality and more pleasing multi-family units._, At this juncture, any attempts to place large scale complexes within the city will be met with significant hostility. Residents take a moderate approach to further housing construction. Sixty percent support keeping the current minimum lot size at 10, 000 square feet; however, almost thirty percent favor a larger minimum. Additionally, fifty-eight percent support further rural residential construction that allows no tie-in to city sewer and water services. On single family homes, there is a consensus behind present policies. Most Rosemount citizens view the opportunity to add on community facilities to the new armory in a highly favorable light. Seventy-three percent favor additional recreational con- struiction as an extension to the facility; only fourteen percent opposed. Even if a tax increase were required, the average resident would be willing to pay as much as an additional $37.50 yearly to underwrite the costs. Residents also expressed very definite preferences about facilities for inclusion in the armory addition. The strongest NET support levels were present for: day care and latchkey facilities, a community theatre, a band shell, and an exercise and fitness room. Moderate net support levels favored an outdoor wading pool, a gymnasium, and an indoor ice arena. Opinions were more closely divided on an indoor swimming pool. Racquet ball courts, indoor tennis courts, and a whirlpool bath and spa registered net opposition. But, these are aggregate support/opposition scores which rnore often reflect general community interest and commitment rather than a decision to favor 9 or oppose the overall project. Viewing these results from another perspective, it is possible to discuss those facilities which are especially impartant to people, rather than those which' they feel would be a good idea. Five additions were especially important: day care and latchkey facilities, a gymnasium, an exercise and fitness room, an indoor swimming pool, and a community theatre. An indoor ice arena registered a moderately high importance rating; it palarizes citizens -- there is a large segment favoring the ice arena, but a relatively sizable group in opposition to it. For planning purposes, these intensity ratings correlate both with support in a referendum and usage levels. Some mix of facilities that possess a high general interest level among the citizenry and have significant pockets of adamant support may be the optimal planning strategy. Rosemount is in need of a more standardized and regular communications system between the City and its residents. Citizens presently rely upon local newspapers and the grapevine for information about City government and its activities. In fact, about eighty-five percent of the community reported reading `� � both "This Week News" and "Countryside, " excellent circulation figures. But, the consideration of a newsletter or other city- sponsored vehicle for explaining activities and policies should be undertaken. Seventy-one percent of the respondents favored the publication of a quarterly newsletter. In fact, fifty-seven percent, a compelling majority, supported its publication even if funds had to be reallocated in the current budget. Current city practices simply are not reaching enough residents: forty percent of the sample were unaware of the Bi-Annual Town Meetings. This finding is not meant to suggest that meetings should be discontinued; it simply indicates that a supplementary communications device is called for. Symptamatic of the lack of a regular communications vehicle are residents' inability to comment on the activities of either the staff or elected officials. Citizens po�sess a high general 1eve1 of knowledge about the Mayor and Gity Council: forty two percent felt they knew either a great deal or a fair amount about their activities. But, there was an abysmal level of information on concrete actions. The Mayor and Council approval rating of sixty-seven percent was relatively strong in comparison with other suburbs; the disapproval at nine percent was abaut average. But, twenty-four percent of the sample could nat evaluate their actions -- a high proportion of uninformed citizens. Further, the approval rating, with one notable exception, was based upon fuzzy generalizations; there was a lack of specific comments on policies or actions. The one exception, unique to Rosemount, was the one-in-seven people approved of City Government actions beeause of the style and activities of the new Mayor. The data suggest strongly that this good reservoir of support for the City Council can be expanded and solidified with better --�-1� , � / .M communications. City staff was familiar to thirty-seven percent oF the residents, a tad above the suburban norm. The fifty-seven percent approval rating was somewhat lower than average, while the disapproval rating of seventeen percent was somewhat higher. But, again, about one-quarter of the residents were unable to evaluate the staff. More than in other communities, evaluations were more heavily based upon specific interactions rather than hearsay or media reporting. Communications about the actions of staff, even though they might not directly impact a resident, would still build good will and help reduce the perception of "invisibility" expressed by thase holding no opinions. The handicap of no city publication certainly bears upon these ratings. In summary, Rosemount citizens are very pleased with their community. They are satisfied, for the most part, with past policies and actions. The areas of most concern appear to center around the course of future development -- maintaining the "small town" ambience during a period of projected area growth. Preserving and enhancing this highly positive image of a well-run "small town" in a mass suburban setting, while encouraging growth and economic development to meet community needs, wi11 be the key issue facing decision-makers in the future. 11