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May 2012 Connection CITY CONNECTION Volume 8, Issue 8 May 2012May 2012May 2012May 2012 Calendar May 2012May 2012May 2012May 2012 1 City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 1212 Avenue M 2 Yard Waste Trimming Collection 3 Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 12 p.m. 9 Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste 15 City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 1212 Avenue M 16 Yard Waste Trimming Collection 17 Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 5:30 p.m. 23 Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste 30 Yard Waste Trimming Collection June 2012June 2012June 2012June 2012 5 City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 1212 Avenue M 6 Yard Waste Trimming Collection 7 Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 12 p.m. 13 Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste 19 City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 1212 Avenue M 20 Yard Waste Trimming Collection 21 Planning & Zoning Commission - City Hall at 5:30 p.m. 27 Heavy Trash & Large Yard Waste Submit requests for Heavy Trash pick-up before noon on Monday, the week of the pick-up at 294-5796. Survey answer key:Survey answer key:Survey answer key:Survey answer key: For the following questions, you will be asked to indicate if you feel very satisfied or dissatis- fied, very safe or unsafe, or if you want more, less or the same level of certain City features. For each answer, if you are asked if you feel Very Satisfied, Satisfied, Dissatisfied, Very Dissatisfied or have no opinion, you may answer with the following abbreviations: VS = Very Satisfied S= Satisfied D = Dissatisfied VD = Very Dissatisfied NO = No opinion The 2012 Citizen Survey is printed on pages two and three of this month’s City Connection, and the participation of all citizens is crucial to the continued im- provement of City services. The Citizen Survey is a biennial effort by the City of Huntsville to gauge citizens' satisfaction or dissatisfaction in certain areas. It includes approximately 35 ques- tions related to City services, quality of life and future development. The survey will also be printed in next month’s City Connection, and a link to the survey will also be available on the City's Web site, www.huntsvilletx.gov. The sur- vey will be available on the Web site for the same time period as the paper sur- veys, from May 1 to June 30, 2012. For those residents who choose to complete the physical form of the survey - the survey on pages two and three of this edition - several return options will be avail- able. Citizens may (1) Bring the completed survey to City Hall - 1212 Avenue M; (2) Mail the survey to City Hall - 1212 Avenue M, Huntsville, TX 77340; or (3) Re- turn the survey in the same envelope as their monthly utility bill. Additional post- age should not be required. "The Citizen Survey is extremely important to the City because it helps us know what you, the citizens, would like to see improved or changed," City Council mem- ber and Communications and Service Committee member Lydia Montgomery said. "Whether you choose to complete a physical survey or the online survey, you'll answer the same set of questions and help identify changes you would like to see. "The City is here to serve you, and the completed surveys we receive will help us to serve you more efficiently." Printed surveys should be returned to the City no later than July 1 or as soon as possible after distribution of the June City Connection. With any questions, please contact the City Secretary's office at (936) 291-5403 or (936) 291-5413. 2012 Citizen Survey Issue2012 Citizen Survey Issue2012 Citizen Survey Issue2012 Citizen Survey Issue Survey will assist City in improving services to citizens www.huntsvilletx.govwww.huntsvilletx.govwww.huntsvilletx.govwww.huntsvilletx.gov 1. How long have you lived in Huntsville? 1. How long have you lived in Huntsville? 1. How long have you lived in Huntsville? 1. How long have you lived in Huntsville? Less than one year 1 - 3 years 4 - 6 years 7 - 10 years 10 - 20 years 20+ years Decline to answer 2. In which of the City's four wards do you reside?2. In which of the City's four wards do you reside?2. In which of the City's four wards do you reside?2. In which of the City's four wards do you reside? Ward 1 Ward 2 Ward 3 Ward 4 Unsure 3. In the last five years, do you feel that 3. In the last five years, do you feel that 3. In the last five years, do you feel that 3. In the last five years, do you feel that ---- as a community as a community as a community as a community ---- Huntsville Huntsville Huntsville Huntsville has improved, stayed about the same, or gotten worse?has improved, stayed about the same, or gotten worse?has improved, stayed about the same, or gotten worse?has improved, stayed about the same, or gotten worse? Improved Same Worse No opinion 4. Describe your level of involvement in the community:4. Describe your level of involvement in the community:4. Describe your level of involvement in the community:4. Describe your level of involvement in the community: Very Involved Somewhat involved Involved when issues affect me I just live in the city No opinion 5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the quality of life in your 5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the quality of life in your 5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the quality of life in your 5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the quality of life in your community? Are you: community? Are you: community? Are you: community? Are you: Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied No opinion 6. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the work the City of 6. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the work the City of 6. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the work the City of 6. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the work the City of Huntsville has done in:Huntsville has done in:Huntsville has done in:Huntsville has done in: (Very Satisfied, Satisfied, Dissatisfied, Very Dissatisfied, No Opinion) Providing a safe community VS S D VD NO Providing services in an efficient manner VS S D VD NO Keeping citizens informed about city business VS S D VD NO Maintaining a qualified workforce of employees VS S D VD NO Planning for future needs of residents VS S D VD NO Having employees that respond to citizen needs VS S D VD NO Providing an adequate forum for public input VS S D VD NO Working with county organizations including Walker County, Huntsville ISD or Sam Houston State University VS S D VD NO The overall appearance of your City VS S D VD NO The overall appearance of your neighborhood VS S D VD NO 7. Currently, would you consider the following potential issues in or 7. Currently, would you consider the following potential issues in or 7. Currently, would you consider the following potential issues in or 7. Currently, would you consider the following potential issues in or around Huntsville to be a major concern, a minor concern or of no around Huntsville to be a major concern, a minor concern or of no around Huntsville to be a major concern, a minor concern or of no around Huntsville to be a major concern, a minor concern or of no concern to you? concern to you? concern to you? concern to you? (MA, MI or NO) Houses in need of repair MA MI NO Stray animals MA MI NO Junk vehicles MA MI NO Weeds and unmowed grass MA MI NO Trash and litter MA MI NO Fences in disrepair MA MI NO Condition of streets MA MI NO Condition of sidewalks MA MI NO Traffic flow into your neighborhood MA MI NO Crime MA MI NO Adequate water supply MA MI NO Inter-racial communication MA MI NO Youth activities MA MI NO Hazardous trees in public areas MA MI NO 8. Regarding roadways in Huntsville, how important or unimportant 8. Regarding roadways in Huntsville, how important or unimportant 8. Regarding roadways in Huntsville, how important or unimportant 8. Regarding roadways in Huntsville, how important or unimportant would it be to spend additional funds on the following items? would it be to spend additional funds on the following items? would it be to spend additional funds on the following items? would it be to spend additional funds on the following items? (Very Important, Important, Unimportant, Very Unimportant, No Opinion) Filling in potholes VI I U VU NO Resurfacing roads VI I U VU NO Placement and maintenance of street lighting VI I U VU NO Flooding and drainage control VI I U VU NO Reducing traffic congestion VI I U VU NO Timing of traffic signals VI I U VU NO Clearing brush and tree limbs in right-of-way VI I U VU NO Improved street signage VI I U VU NO 9. Do you believe there are traffic concerns in Huntsville, and if so, in what 9. Do you believe there are traffic concerns in Huntsville, and if so, in what 9. Do you believe there are traffic concerns in Huntsville, and if so, in what 9. Do you believe there are traffic concerns in Huntsville, and if so, in what areas?areas?areas?areas? 10. Regarding customer service, have you had contact with a City employee 10. Regarding customer service, have you had contact with a City employee 10. Regarding customer service, have you had contact with a City employee 10. Regarding customer service, have you had contact with a City employee during the past year?during the past year?during the past year?during the past year? Yes or No 11. If so, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the following areas?11. If so, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the following areas?11. If so, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the following areas?11. If so, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the following areas? The courtesy of the person answering the telephone VS S D VD NO Directed to the correct department VS S D VD NO Employee(s) seemed concerned about my problem VS S D VD NO Employee(s) asked adequate questions to determine the nature of my problem VS S D VD NO Employee(s) returned my call in a reasonable time VS S D VD NO Issue(s) adequately dealt with by employee(s) responding VS S D VD NO Follow-up from City to ensure my concerns were addressed VS S D VD NO Employee(s) showed pride and concern for quality work VS S D VD NO Employee(s) I worked with represented the City well VS S D VD NO 12. Rate the following City services: 12. Rate the following City services: 12. Rate the following City services: 12. Rate the following City services: (Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, No Opinion) Fire services E G F P NO Solid waste E G F P NO Police E G F P NO Street maintenance E G F P NO Recycling E G F P NO Sidewalks E G F P NO Water service E G F P NO Sewer service E G F P NO Animal control E G F P NO Restaurant inspection E G F P NO Park facilities E G F P NO Code enforcement E G F P NO Main Street events E G F P NO Building permits and inspections E G F P NO Recreation programs E G F P NO Library E G F P NO Arts and cultural services E G F P NO Drainage E G F P NO 13. For the following list of City services, indicate which you would be most 13. For the following list of City services, indicate which you would be most 13. For the following list of City services, indicate which you would be most 13. For the following list of City services, indicate which you would be most willing to pay increased rates to improve or expand. (Select all that apply.)willing to pay increased rates to improve or expand. (Select all that apply.)willing to pay increased rates to improve or expand. (Select all that apply.)willing to pay increased rates to improve or expand. (Select all that apply.) Fire services Solid waste Police Recycling Sidewalks Water service Street maintenance Sewer service Animal control Restaurant inspection Park facilities Code enforcement Main Street events Building permits and inspections Recreation programs Library Drainage Arts and cultural services 14. How would you rate the following public safety services?14. How would you rate the following public safety services?14. How would you rate the following public safety services?14. How would you rate the following public safety services? Efforts to prevent crime E G F P NO Visibility of police in neighborhoods E G F P NO Overall quality of police protection E G F P NO Enforcement of traffic laws E G F P NO Quality of animal control E G F P NO Visibility of police in retail areas E G F P NO How quickly police respond to emergencies E G F P NO Quality of local ambulance service E G F P NO Police safety education programs E G F P NO Police officer professionalism E G F P NO Firefighter professionalism E G F P NO Overall quality of fire protection E G F P NO Fire personnel emergency response E G F P NO Fire safety education programs E G F P NO 15. How safe or unsafe do you feel in the following city locations?15. How safe or unsafe do you feel in the following city locations?15. How safe or unsafe do you feel in the following city locations?15. How safe or unsafe do you feel in the following city locations? (Very Safe, Safe, Unsafe, Very Unsafe, No Opinion) In your neighborhood VS S U VU NO At the City park closest to your home VS S U VU NO When shopping in Huntsville VS S U VU NO At a Huntsville ISD school function VS S U VU NO In or around Sam Houston State University VS S U VU NO 16. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the number and con-16. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the number and con-16. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the number and con-16. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the number and con- dition of the following recreational opportunities in the City?dition of the following recreational opportunities in the City?dition of the following recreational opportunities in the City?dition of the following recreational opportunities in the City? Athletic fields VS S D VD NO Sports facilities VS S D VD NO Dog parks VS S D VD NO Aquatic center VS S D VD NO Lighted basketball courts VS S D VD NO Jogging/biking trails VS S D VD NO Playgrounds VS S D VD NO Natural habitat/interpretive areas VS S D VD NO Community center/meeting space VS S D VD NO Park restrooms VS S D VD NO 17. Last year, City implemented mandatory Stage 2 water restrictions. 17. Last year, City implemented mandatory Stage 2 water restrictions. 17. Last year, City implemented mandatory Stage 2 water restrictions. 17. Last year, City implemented mandatory Stage 2 water restrictions. Were you aware of the restrictions? Were you aware of the restrictions? Were you aware of the restrictions? Were you aware of the restrictions? Yes No No response 18. If you were aware of the Stage 2 restrictions, which steps did you take 18. If you were aware of the Stage 2 restrictions, which steps did you take 18. If you were aware of the Stage 2 restrictions, which steps did you take 18. If you were aware of the Stage 2 restrictions, which steps did you take to conserve water? (Select all applicable answers.)to conserve water? (Select all applicable answers.)to conserve water? (Select all applicable answers.)to conserve water? (Select all applicable answers.) Fix leaks around the home Reduce landscape watering Low-flow appliances/plumbing fixtures Reduce other outdoor water use like car washing 19. Following the completion of the renovated/expanded Huntsville Public 19. Following the completion of the renovated/expanded Huntsville Public 19. Following the completion of the renovated/expanded Huntsville Public 19. Following the completion of the renovated/expanded Huntsville Public Library, which services/features are you most likely to utilize?Library, which services/features are you most likely to utilize?Library, which services/features are you most likely to utilize?Library, which services/features are you most likely to utilize? Children's Area Teen Area Friends' Cafe Genealogy Room Computer Room Board room Adult reading areas Conference rooms 20. In the past 12 months, have you visited downtown Huntsville to partici-20. In the past 12 months, have you visited downtown Huntsville to partici-20. In the past 12 months, have you visited downtown Huntsville to partici-20. In the past 12 months, have you visited downtown Huntsville to partici- pate in any of the following activities?pate in any of the following activities?pate in any of the following activities?pate in any of the following activities? Shopping Dining Attended an event Walker County Courthouse Business services Have not visited 21. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the work the City Council has 21. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the work the City Council has 21. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the work the City Council has 21. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the work the City Council has done in the following areas?done in the following areas?done in the following areas?done in the following areas? Working to promote the community VS S D VD NO Encouraging economic growth VS S D VD NO Maintaining quality of life VS S D VD NO Developing effective land use regulations VS S D VD NO Working to keep taxes reasonable VS S D VD NO Planning for the future needs of residents VS S D VD NO Managing city funds VS S D VD NO Providing an adequate forum for public input VS S D VD NO Developing a future vision for the City VS S D VD NO 22. For the following list of developments, would you like to see more of 22. For the following list of developments, would you like to see more of 22. For the following list of developments, would you like to see more of 22. For the following list of developments, would you like to see more of this type, the same level or fewer? this type, the same level or fewer? this type, the same level or fewer? this type, the same level or fewer? (M, S, F) Retail stores M S F Major supermarkets M S F Full-menu restaurants M S F Fast food restaurants M S F Professional services (i.e. medical, legal) M S F Large lot homes M S F Starter homes M S F Apartments M S F Light industry and warehouses M S F General services (auto/home repair) M S F Office buildings M S F Family-oriented entertainment M S F 23. In the past 12 months, have you accessed or utilized the following 23. In the past 12 months, have you accessed or utilized the following 23. In the past 12 months, have you accessed or utilized the following 23. In the past 12 months, have you accessed or utilized the following City sources to find out about what's going on in Huntsville?City sources to find out about what's going on in Huntsville?City sources to find out about what's going on in Huntsville?City sources to find out about what's going on in Huntsville? (Yes, No, Don’t remember) City web site, www.huntsvilletx.gov Y N DR City Tourism web site, www.huntsvilletexas.gov Y N DR City staff Y N DR City Council Y N DR Local newspapers Y N DR Radio Y N DR Public access television, Channel 7 Y N DR The City Connection, inserted in utility bills Y N DR City/Police Department Facebook page Y N DR City Twitter page Y N DR Word of mouth Y N DR 24. If you have visited the City's Web site, how easy is it for you to navi-24. If you have visited the City's Web site, how easy is it for you to navi-24. If you have visited the City's Web site, how easy is it for you to navi-24. If you have visited the City's Web site, how easy is it for you to navi- gate through the site and find desired information?gate through the site and find desired information?gate through the site and find desired information?gate through the site and find desired information? Very Easy Easy Difficult Very Difficult No opinion 25. Regarding budget documents on the City Web site, how satisfied or 25. Regarding budget documents on the City Web site, how satisfied or 25. Regarding budget documents on the City Web site, how satisfied or 25. Regarding budget documents on the City Web site, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the City's efforts to provide financial transparen-dissatisfied are you with the City's efforts to provide financial transparen-dissatisfied are you with the City's efforts to provide financial transparen-dissatisfied are you with the City's efforts to provide financial transparen- cy?cy?cy?cy? Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied No opinion 26. Regarding the live streaming feature on the City Web site, how satis-26. Regarding the live streaming feature on the City Web site, how satis-26. Regarding the live streaming feature on the City Web site, how satis-26. Regarding the live streaming feature on the City Web site, how satis- fied or dissatisfied are you with the ability to watch live or archived meet-fied or dissatisfied are you with the ability to watch live or archived meet-fied or dissatisfied are you with the ability to watch live or archived meet-fied or dissatisfied are you with the ability to watch live or archived meet- ings online?ings online?ings online?ings online? Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied No opinion 27. In which of the following age groups would you be categorized?27. In which of the following age groups would you be categorized?27. In which of the following age groups would you be categorized?27. In which of the following age groups would you be categorized? 18 - 24 Years 25 - 34 Years 35 - 44 Years 45 - 54 Years 55 - 64 Years 65 and Older Decline to Answer 28. Do you have any children, in the following age ranges, currently living 28. Do you have any children, in the following age ranges, currently living 28. Do you have any children, in the following age ranges, currently living 28. Do you have any children, in the following age ranges, currently living in your home? (Select all that apply)in your home? (Select all that apply)in your home? (Select all that apply)in your home? (Select all that apply) Under 6 6 - 12 13 - 18 No children Decline to answer 29. Do you attend Sam Houston State University?29. Do you attend Sam Houston State University?29. Do you attend Sam Houston State University?29. Do you attend Sam Houston State University? Yes No Decline to answer 30. Did you vote in the most recent City Council election, held in Novem-30. Did you vote in the most recent City Council election, held in Novem-30. Did you vote in the most recent City Council election, held in Novem-30. Did you vote in the most recent City Council election, held in Novem- ber 2011? ber 2011? ber 2011? ber 2011? Yes No Decline to answer 31. Do you own your primary residence, or do you rent?31. Do you own your primary residence, or do you rent?31. Do you own your primary residence, or do you rent?31. Do you own your primary residence, or do you rent? Own Rent Decline to answer 32. Which grouping best describes your ethnic background?32. Which grouping best describes your ethnic background?32. Which grouping best describes your ethnic background?32. Which grouping best describes your ethnic background? Caucasian/White African-American Hispanic Asian Other Decline to answer 33. What would you say is the most important issue facing Huntsville?33. What would you say is the most important issue facing Huntsville?33. What would you say is the most important issue facing Huntsville?33. What would you say is the most important issue facing Huntsville? Page 4 CITY CONNECTION Stats for March 2012Stats for March 2012Stats for March 2012Stats for March 2012 Fire:Fire:Fire:Fire: Police:Police:Police:Police: Calls for service: 4377 Accidents investigated: 64 Animal Control complaints investigated:85 Calls for service:103 Main alarm calls:19 Police/Fire: Police/Fire: Police/Fire: Police/Fire: Posting your address Posting your address Posting your address Posting your address ---- Can 911 find you?Can 911 find you?Can 911 find you?Can 911 find you? A 911 address is the unique physical locaon of you r home or business as assigned by and on record with the city or county, depending on your locaon. If you are unsure of, or to verify your address for 911 purposes please call: Outside city limits: Walker County - (936) 436-4939 Within city limits: City of Huntsville - (936) 294-5783 Addressing Rules Both New and Existing Businesses and Residences 1) Must be posted on: a building, house, mailbox or other clearly visible monu- ment, pole, or sign. 2) At least 4 inches tall. 3) At least ½ inch stroke width. 4) Contrasting with background. 5) Visible from street. 6) Visible at night. 7) Plainly legible position. 8) Free of all plant growth. Why is a 911 address important? When You Dial 911, some informaon does pop up on the dispatcher’s screen. However, neither direcons to your house nor a descripon of your house is available to the dispatcher. It is required by the Internaonal Fire Code which is presently adopted by the City of Huntsville as well as the State of Texas. Just as your phone number gives others a way to get in touch with you, your address is the primary means for others to find you. When 911 sends any emergency service to your residence or business and you need them immedi- ately, having your address properly posted and visible enables the responders to help you quickly.