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Home My WebLink About2004-11-17 - AGENDA REPORTS - POLL RESULTS PARKS OPEN SPACE (2)Agenda Item: 1. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Kellar & Councilmember FROM: Ken Pulskamp, City Manager'W'4-- DATE: November 17, 2004 SUBJECT: POLL RESULTS OF PROPERTY OWNERS' OPINIONS ON PAYING FOR MORE PARKLAND AND OPEN SPACE RECOMMENDED ACTION Receive report and provide direction to staff. BACKGROUND Pursuant to Council's direction, staff initiated action to search out methods to raise funds for parkland and open space. To this end, staff hired the voter polling firm, Godbe Research, to determine the property owners' interest in this subject. Working with Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission members, the consultant and staff have created a survey which was given to 450 Santa Clarita Property owners. The 19 -minute survey was given to 383 registered voters, 50 non -registered voters, and 17 commercial property owners, of whom many are residential property owners as well. The essence of what the poll was asking property owners was twofold. First, are the quality and quantity of our parks, trails, and open space sufficient and a benefit to the quality of life in Santa Clarita? Second, would you support an increase to your property tax bill to support more improved parks, trails, and open space, and, if so, how much would you be willing to pay? The attached final report stratifies responses in greater detail. The survey tool used closed-end questions, except for one question. The open-ended question asked: "What do you think is the most important issue facing the City of Santa Clarita today?" Seventy-two percent (72%) of the respondents picked growth issues. Traffic congestion was the number one answer at 36%. No parkland or open space issues surfaced in conjunction with this question. In a broad measure, what the poll tells the reader is that fifty-eight percent (58%) of those polled would definitely or probably support a $25 dollar annual fee to support parks, trails, and open space. This percentage drops to 45% for those supporting a $50 annual fee. POLL RESULTS - PARKLAND AND OPEN SPACE Page 2 Respondents also stated the following when specifically responding to parkland, trail, and open space questions: • They favored preserving open space over the maintenance and acquisition of parkland and trails. • They thought improving and expanding parks, trails, and recreation facilities as somewhat to not at all important. • They thought creating new parks, trails, and recreation facilities as very important to somewhat important. • They thought protecting open space was very important to somewhat important. • They thought protecting the hills around Santa Clarita to be very important to somewhat important. The number one answer respondents gave on how they would like the dollars from an annual fee used on was upgrading children's playground equipment. The number one answer respondents gave on what they would not want the dollars from the annual fee used on was constructing lighted tennis courts. Top answers supporting an argument with the most impact to vote for an assessment fee were: I . Preventing the development of open space and nature lands to help improve local air quality. 2. Having well-maintained parks, trails, and recreation areas to improve property values. 3. Protecting open space and public lands will help prevent runaway growth. Strong arguments on not supporting an assessment fee were: • By opening more land for public use, this measure will bring more outsiders into our area. • This measure will hurt individuals on fixed incomes, like seniors. Overall, the respondents' assessment of City parks, trails, and open space was good. • Fifty-nine percent (59%) of the respondents say that the number and variety of park, recreation, and open space facilities in the City is very to somewhat adequate. • Eighty-three percent (83%) of respondents believe the quality of the parks, recreation, and open space is excellent to good. The number one answer to what respondents would like to see more of is natural wildlife areas. The number one answer to what respondents would like to see less of is dog -off -leash areas. POLL RESULTS - PARKLAND AND OPEN SPACE Page 3 Finally, the survey found that the general satisfaction with the job the City is doing to provide services was very good. Eighty-six percent (86%) of the respondents reported that they were very to somewhat satisfied. ATTACHMENT Godbe Report on Property Owners Supporting Parkland, Trails, and Open Space (Attachment to be provided separately.) KRP:DEL:hds (3,wts�DMIMN]ster study sesvon doc Godbe Research October 2004 Toplines Santa Clarita Property Owner Survey (n=450) Time Began Time Ended Cluster # Hi, may I please speak to . Hi, my name is and I'm calling on behalf of GRA, a public opinion research firm. We're conducting a survey concerning issues that are important to voters in your area and I'd like to ask you a few questions. (IF NEEDED) This is a survey about important issues in your community and I'm not trying to sell anything. (IF THE INDIVIDUAL ASKS WHY YOU ONLY WANT TO TALK TO THE PERSON LISTED, OR ASKS IF THEY ARE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE INSTEAD OF THE PERSON LISTED, THEN SAY:) I'm sorry, but for statistical purposes, this survey must only be completed by this particular individual. Before we begin, could you please tell me if you currently rent or own your home? Rent-------------------------- Own-------------------------- (DON'T READ) Refused And are you a registered owner of this home? Yes (DON'T READ) Refused ------------ (TERMINATE) ---- 100% (CONTINUE) ------------ (TERMINATE) 100% ------- (TERMINATE) ------- (TERMINATE) 1. How long have you lived in the City of Santa Clarita? Less than five years ------------------------------ 17% Five years to less than ten years ------------- 17% Ten years to less than fifteen years --------- 14% Fifteen years to less than twenty years ----- 18% Twenty or more years --------------------------- 35% (DON'T READ) Refused ----------------------- 0.2% Santa Clafita Godbe Research Page I 2. And do you live in Valencia, Newhall, Saugus (SAW -GUS), or Canyon Country? [if respondent asks for a description of an area: Valencia: East of I- 5, South of Decoro, North of Wiley Canyon; Saugus: East of the 1-5, Northwest of Bouquet Canyon Road Avenue; Newhall: East of the 1-5, South of Wiley Canyon, West of the 14 Freeway; Canyon Country: West of the 14 Freeway, North of Placerita Canyon, East of Bouquet Canyon Road] Valencia --------------------------------------------- 33% Newhall ---------------------------------------------- 15% Saugus---------------------------------------------- 21% Canyon Country ----------------------------------- 30% (DON'T READ) Other (Specify: --- 0.7% (DON'T READ) DK/NA ---------------------------- 1% 3. What do you think is the most important issue facing the City of Santa Clarita today? (ONE RESPONSE ONLY) Traffic congestion --------------------------------- 36% Uncontrolled growth ------------------------------ 26% Overpopulated/ too crowded -------------------- 6% Not enough roads ---------------------------------- 6% School overcrowding ------------------------------- 4% Water quality and supply ------------------------- 3% Crime rate/ safety ----------------------------------- 3% Pollution/ air quality -------------------------------- 1% Stopping the Cemex mining project ----------- 1% Taxes/ economy ------------------------------------ 1 % Education ------------------------------------------ 0.4% Other--------------------------------------------------- 5% (DON'T READ) No important issue ------------ 2% (DON'T READ) DK/NA/Refused ---------------- 6% Santa Clatita Godbe Reseamh Page 2 4. To begin, I'd like to ask you about a number of community issues facing Santa Clarita. residents. For each one, please tell me if it is extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not at all important to you personally. Here's the (first/next) one: —. Do you think this issue is extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not at all important? (DONT RANDOMIZE Extremely Very Somewhat Notatall READ) Importan importan Importan Important DKINA A. Maintaining water quality and availability ------------------------------ 49%---- 42% ------ 7% ------ 2% ----- 0.4% B. Limiting growth and development - 39% ---- 32% ----- 22% ----- 7% ------ 1% C. Reducing crime ------------------------- 37% ---- 41% ----- 20% ----- 2% ----- 0.2% D. Reducing traffic congestion --------- 61% ---- 33% ------ 6% ----- 0.2% ---- 0% E. Preventing local tax increases ------ 25% ---- 37% ----- 30% -r --- 7% ------ 1 % F. Protecting air quality ------------------- 37% ---- 45% ----- 16% ----- 2% ----- 0.2% G. Improving and expanding parks, trails, and recreation facilities ------------ 14% ---- 29% ----- 49% ----- 8% ----- 0.4% H. Maintaining parks, trails, and recreation facilities ------------------ 18% ---- 42% ----- 37% ----- 3% ----- 0.2% 1. Protecting open space ---------------- 27% ---- 42% ----- 25% ----- 4% ------ 2% J. Protecting the hills around Santa Clarita ----------------------------------- 30% ---- 42% ----- 24% ----- 3% ------ 1% In the upcoming months, property owners in your area may be asked to vote on a local ballot measure. Let me read you a summary of the proposal: In order to: • Maintain and improve parks and recreation facilities, • Acquire and preserve open space and undeveloped lands in and around the City of Santa Clarita, and • Maintain and develop hiking, biking, and running trails shall property owners in the City of Santa Clarita be assessed up to 50 dollars per year for each average sized property that they own? If asked to vote today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER, THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)? Definitely yes --------------------------------------- 26% Probably yes --------------------------------------- 23% Probably no ---------------------------------------- 15% Definitely no ---------------------------------------- 30% DK/NA ------------------------------------------------- 5% Santa Clarita Godbe Research Page 3 6. The measure we just discussed would raise money through annual property taxes paid by residential and business property owners in your area. If you knew that the proposed measure would be an annual property fee increase of (READ ITEM A FIRST) for each property that you own, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER, THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)? (IF RESPONDENT SAYS 'DEFINITELY YES'TO ANY AMOUNT, RECORD 'DEFINITELY YES'TO ALL LOWER AMOUNTS AND SKIP TO 07) DO NOT RANDOMIZE Definitely Probably Probably Definitely (DON -T READ) yes 20— B-0 DK/NA A. 50 dollars ----------------- 25% --------- 20% --------- 12% --------- 39% --------- 4% B. 40 dollars ----------------- 30% --------- 18% --------- 12% --------- 37% --------- 3% C. 30 dollars ----------------- 39% --------- 14% --------- 10% --------- 33% --------- 3% D. 25 dollars ----------------- 43% --------- 15% --------- 9% ---------- 30% --------- 3% E. 20 dollars ----------------- 46% --------- 14% --------- 7% ---------- 30% --------- 2% 7. Now, I'd like to talk more specifically about how the money from this measure might be spent by the City of Santa Clarita, As I read each statement, please tell me if it would make you more or less likely to vote for the measure. If you knew that some of the money would be used to — (INSERT RANDOMLY SELECTED ITEM), would you be more or less likely to vote ves on the measure? (GET ANSWER THEN ASK:) Would that be much (more/less) likely or somewhat (more/less) likely to vote yes on the measure? RANDOMIZE Much swt. (DON -r SWL Much (DON -r More More READ) Less Less READ) k1M k!�� kLo Effect k&N k%ft D"A A. Develop an off leash dog park ------------------------- 15% ----- 16% ---- 12% ---- 16% ----- 39%--0.4% B. Upgrade children's playground equipment ------- 31% ----- 30% ----- 8% ----- 14% ----- 15% ----- 2% C. Build an outdoor amphitheater ------------------- 19% ----- 28% ----- 8% ----- 16% ----- 27% ----- 1 % D. Add shaded structures to current recreation areas --------------- 21% ----- 31% ----- 9% ----- 16% ----- 22%--0.7% E. Build more children's playgrounds -------------------- 28% ----- 30% ----- 9% ----- 16% ----- 18%--0.7% F. Construct a second community aquatic center ------------------ 13% ----- 20% ----- 8% ----- 20% ----- 36% ----- 2% G. Expand the Santa Clarita Sports Complex ------------------------- 16% ----- 25% ---- 12% ---- 18% ----- 26% ----- 4% Santa Clarita Godbe Research Page 4 H. Acquire new land for additional parks ----------------------------- 30% ----- 26% ----- 8% ----- 14% ----- 20% ----- 1 % Much swt. (DON -r swL Much (DON7 More More READ) Less Less READ) L&Ly UKSU hLo Effect IMLy kl� DKtNA 1. Construct lighted tennis courts ----------------------------- 8% ------ 14% ---- 13% ---- 22% ----- 41% ----- 2% J. Develop hiking, biking, running, and equestrian trails --------- 27% ----- 29% ----- 7% ----- 15% ----- 21%--0.2% During the next several months, voters in your area will hear arguments from supporters and opponents of the proposed measure we have been discussing. As I read each of the arguments, please tell me if you would be more or less likely to vote for the measure given the argument. RANDOMIZE 08 AND 09 8. Supporters of the measure say: (INSERT RANDOMLY SELECTED ITEM). Does hearing this make you more or less likely to vote yes on the measure? (GET ANSWER, THEN ASK): Is that much (more/less) likely or somewhat (more/less) likely to vote yes? RANDOMIZE Much swt. (DON7 sWL Much (DON -r More More READ) Less Less READ) L!�� LIM hLo Effect LMLy LftLy DK/NA A. Preventing the development of open space and nature lands will help improve local air quality ---------------------------- 35% ----- 32% ---- 10% ----- 9% ------ 14% ----- 1% B. Recreation keeps kids and teens out of crime and away from drugs and gangs ----------------------- 38% ----- 28% ---- 10% ----- 9% ------ 13% ----- 1% C. Well maintained parks, trails, and recreation areas improve property values ---------------- 37% ----- 35% ----- 9% ------ 8% ------ 11%--0'7% D. An annual independent audit and Citizens Oversight Committee will ensure that the money is spent properly ----------------- 36% ----- 29% ---- 11% ----- 8% ------ 15%--0.9% E. This measure will improve our quality of life by expanding recreation opportunities for children, seniors, and people of all ages ------------- 33% ----- 32% ----- 9% ------ 9% ------ 15% ----- 1 % F. City residents will be charged lower user fees and have priority registration over non-residents ------------ 29% ----- 29% ---- 10% ---- 11% ----- 18% ----- 3% G. By protecting open space and public lands, this measure will help prevent runaway growth Santa Clarita Godbe Research Page 5 in our community -------------- 42% ----- 25% ----- 9% ------ 8% ------ 13% ----- 3% Santa Clarita Godbe Research Page 6 9. Opponents of the measure say: (INSERT RANDOMLY SELECTED ITEM). Does hearing this make you more or less likely to vote yes on the measure? (GET ANSWER, THEN ASK): Is that much (more/less) likely or somewhat (more/less) likely to vote yes? RANDOMIZE Much swL (DON -r swt. Much (DONT More More READ) Less Less READ) k�� 9h9jy hLo Effect 11KRIY !M!y D" A. Property taxes are already too high even without this measure - 14% ----- 12% ---- 19% ---- 26% ----- 27% ----- 1 % B. If this measure passes, the City will mismanage the money - 10% ----- 10% ---- 21% ---- 22% ----- 32% ----- 4% C. By opening more lands for public use, this measure will bring more outsiders into our area ------ 10% ----- 12% ---- 19% ---- 24% ----- 33% ----- 3% D. This measure will hurt individuals on fixed incomes, like seniors-- 11 % ----- 11% ---- 17% ---- 30% ----- 27% ----- 3% E. The facilities are being paid for by City residents but will be used by non-residents ------------------- 10% ----- 12% ---- 21% ---- 22% ----- 32% ----- 3% F. The maintenance and construction of parks and recreation facilities should be funded by increasing user fees, not increasing taxes -- 22% ----- 22% ---- 15% ---- 17% ----- 20% ----- 4% 10. Now that you know more about the proposed measure, let me read you a summary of it again: In order to: Maintain and improve parks and recreation facilities, Acquire and preserve open space and undeveloped lands in and around the City of Santa Clarita, and Maintain and develop hiking, biking, and running trails shall property owners in the City of Santa Clarita be assessed up to 50 dollars per year for each average sized property that they own? If asked to vote today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER, THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)? Definitely yes --------------------------------------- 27% Probably yes --------------------------------------- 22% Probably no ---------------------------------------- 11% Definitely no ---------------------------------------- 37% DKINA--------------------------------------------------- 30/. Santa Clarita Godbe Research Page 7 11. Next, I'd like to read you the opinions of three residents in Santa Clarita. Smith, Jones, and Lee disagree on their opinions about how the City should prioritize the development of new park, recreation, and open space facilities. As I read their opinions, please tell me which one is closer to your own opinion. RANDOMIZE ORDER OF JONES, SMITH, & LEE Jones believes the City should focus on developing more local parks that have sports fields, playgrounds, and other traditional recreation facilities. Smith believes the City should focus on developing more natural areas that have more undeveloped open space for hiking and enjoying nature. Lee believes the City should focus on developing more trails within the City for running, hiking, and bicycling. Whose opinion is closer to your own? [REREAD DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH PERSON IF RESPONDENT HESITATES OR IS NOT CLEAR ON THEIR CHOICES], Jones (develop traditional parks) ------------- 29% Smith (develop natural areas) ----------------- 38% Lee (develop trails) ------------------------------- 19% (DON'T READ) All of the above ------------- 0.4% (DON'T READ) Combination Jones/Smith ------------------------------------- 0.4% (DON'T READ) Combination Jones/Lee -- 0.4% (DON'T READ) Combination Lee/Smith ------ 1 % (DON'T READ) None of the above ------------ 9% (DON'T READ) DK/NA/Refused ---------------- 3% 12. Would you say that the number and variety of park, recreation, and open space facilities in the City is adequate or inadequate? (GET ANSWER, THEN ASK): Would that be very (adequ ate/inadequ ate) or somewhat (adequate/inadequate)? Very adequate ------------------------------------- 23% Somewhat adequate ----------------------------- 36% Somewhat inadequate -------------------------- 25% Very inadequate ----------------------------------- 10% (DON'T READ) DKINA ---------------------------- 6% Santa Clarita Godbe Research Page 8 13.Thinking of park, recreation, and open space facilities in the City, how would you rate the quality of the maintenance of these facilities? Would you say that the maintenance is excellent, good, fair, poor, or very poor? Excellent -------------------------------------------- 32% Good------------------------------------------------- 51% Fair----------------------------------------------------- 9% Poor---------------------------------------------------- 1 % Verypoor --------------------------------------------- 0% (DON'T READ) DK/NA ---------------------------- 7% 14. Overall, would you like to see more or less in the City or do you feel there is currently an adequate number? (REPEAT QUESTION FOR EACH ITEM) RANDOMIZE (DON -r READ) More Less Adeauat DK/NA A. Swimming pools ------------------------ d-4-0/ - ----- 3% ----- 56% ----- 7% B. Trails for hiking and running -------- 43% ----- 2% ----- 50% ----- 5% C. Trails for biking ------------------------- 38% ----- 4% ----- 49% ----- 8% D. Tennis courts ---------------------------- 21% ---- 11% ----- 50% ---- 18% E. Playgrounds ----------------------------- 36% ----- 2% ----- 56% ----- 5% F. Grass fields for organized sports, such as soccer and football ------- 40% ----- 4% ----- 49% ----- 7% G. Softball or baseball fields ------------ 28% ----- 3% ----- 58% ---- 11% H. Skate parks ------------------------------ 33% ----- 8% ----- 42% ---- 17% 1. Natural wildlife areas ------------------ 55% ----- 4% ----- 34% ----- 7% J. Recreation centers -------------------- 37% ----- 4% ----- 49% ---- 10% K. Dog off leash areas -------------------- 31% ---- 14% ----- 35% ---- 20% L. Public gymnasiums -------------------- 32% ----- 7% ----- 43% ---- 18% M. BMX or bicycle parks ------------------ 28% ---- 10% ----- 40% ---- 22% N. Neighborhood parks ------------------- 36% ----- 3% ----- 58% ----- 3% 0. Senior recreation services ----------- 40% ----- 2% ----- 34% ---- 24% 15. Generally speaking, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the job the City of Santa Clarita is doing to provide city services? (PROBE:) Would that be very (satisfied/dissatisfied) or somewhat (satisfied/dissatisfied)? Very satisfied -------------------------------------- 36% Somewhat satisfied ------------------------------ 50% Somewhat dissatisfied ---------------------------- 9% Very dissatisfied ------------------------------------- 3% (DON'T READ) DK/NA ---------------------------- 2% Santa Clafita Godbe Research Page 9 Now, I just have a few questions for comparison purposes A. If you received a vote by mail ballot for your residence, who would decide on how your household would vote? Yourself (respondent) --------------------------- 43% Spouse or co-owner of home -------------------- 2% Joint decision -------------------------------------- 51% (DON'T READ) DK/NA ---------------------------- 4% B. How many children under the age of 18 do you have living in your household? None------------------------------------------------- 52% One--------------------------------------------------- 17% Two--------------------------------------------------- 22% Three or more --------------------------------------- 6% (DON'T READ) DK/NA ---------------------------- 3% C. During the past 12 months, have you or any member of your household used any of the parks, trails, or recreation facilities managed by the City? Yes-------------------------------------------------- 79% No---------------------------------------------------- 18% (DON'T READ) DK/NA --------------------------- 2% D. During the past 12 months, have you or any member of your household participated in one of the many recreation programs offered by the City? Yes-------------------------------------------------- 41% No---------------------------------------------------- 57% (DON'T READ) DK/NA --------------------------- 2% E. Do you own any commercial property or apartments within Santa Clarita? Commercial property ------------------------------ 3% Apartments ------------------------------------------- 0% Both------------------------------------------------- 0.4% Neither----------------------------------------------- 94% (DON'T READ) Refused -------------------------- 2% Those are all of the questions I have for you. Thank you very much for participating! Santa Clarita Godbe Reseamh Page 10 F. Gender (Recorded from voice): G. Age: Male-------------------------------------------------- 50% Female---------------------------------------------- 50% 18-29 years ------------------------------------------- 5% 30-39 years ----------------------------------------- 16% 40-49 years ----------------------------------------- 30% 50-64 years ----------------------------------------- 30% 65+ years ------------------------------------------- 12% Refused----------------------------------------------- 7% INFORMATION FROM SAMPLE SHEET FOR RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNER VOTERS (n=398) H. Party: Democrat ------------------------------------------- 31% Republican ----------------------------------------- 52% Other--------------------------------------------------- 4% DTS--------------------------------------------------- 13% 1. Voting History: Voted 6/98 ----------- Voted 11/98 --------- Voted 3/00 ----------- Voted 11/00 --------- Voted 3/02 ----------- Voted 11/02 --------- Voted Recall 10/03 Voted 3/04 ----------- J. Times Voted: Poll Mail No 36% ------- TO -01 -- ------ 6'5-0/o 47% ------- 13% ------ 41% 42% ------- 12% ------ 47% 59% ------- 18% ------ 22% 30% ------- 10% ------ 60% 51% ------- 14% ------ 35% 60% ------- 20% ------ 21% 49% ------- 15% ------ 36% 0 Of 8 --------------------------------------------------- 5% 1 of 8 ------------------------------------------------- to% 2 of 8 ------------------------------------------------- 10% 3 of 8 --------------------------------------------------- 8% 4 of 8 --------------------------------------------------- 9% 5 of 8 ------------------------------------------------- 10% 6 of 8 ------------------------------------------------- 11% 7 of 8 ------------------------------------------------- 17% 8 Of 8 ------------------------------------------------- 20% Santa Clarita Godbe Research Page I I K. Voted Absentee in One of the Last Eight Elections: Yes--------------------------------------------------- 37% No----------------------------------------------------- 63% L. Permanent Absentee Voter: Yes----------------------------------------------------- 5% No----------------------------------------------------- 95% M. Household Party Type: Democrat (1) --------------------------------------- 11% Democrat (2+) ------------------------------------- 11% Republican (1) ------------------------------------- 14% Republican (2+) ----------------------------------- 25% Other (1) ---------------------------------------------- 8% Other (2+) --------------------------------------------- 4% Democrat & Republican ------------------------- 12% Democrat & Other ---------------------------------- 6% Mixed--------------------------------------------------- 9% N. Likely November 2004 Voter Yes--------------------------------------------------- 95% No------------------------------------------------------- 5% 0. Likely March 2005 Voter Yes--------------------------------------------------- 48% No----------------------------------------------------- 52% P. ZIP CODE Q. PRECINCT NUMBER Santa Clarita Godbe Research Page 12