HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/03/2006
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STUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
WHEAT RIDGE RECREATION CENTER
4005 Kiplin!:l St.
Dahlia Room
April 3. 2006
6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
a)
Staff Reports
1) Crime Lab (Type II)
b) Outside Agency Reports
Strategic Plan Update (Type III)
Budget Update (Type III)
1~
l
Leader's Guide 2005 Summary Report/Mayor and City CounciJ/Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Work Session Typology
I
I
WORK SESSION WORK SESSION WORK SESSION
TYPE I TYPE II TYPE III
PRE-REPORT DRAFT REPORTS BRIEFING
Provide directiOn and Refine proposed reports and Brief Mayor and City
guidance on major
Issues before staff recommendatIons prior to Council on major Issues,
analYSIS and report formal presentatIOn and upcommg opportumtIes
preparation. action. and operational matters.
TOPICS TOPICS TOPICS
1 Define thc Problems 1 Present Background 1 Present Background
InformatiOn
2. Idcntlly Issues 2. ReView and HIghlights of 2. DISCUSS Topics c-
AnalYSIS and Options
3 Establtsh Parameters 3 ReView and Refine 3 Explore City's Role or
and GUldeltnes RecommendatIOns Necd for Action
4 Focus on Possible 4 Finaltzc Deslrcd Goals 4 Focus on Overall Poltcy
Outcomes and Outcomes Direction and GUidelines
5 Outltnc Process and 5 Outlme Next Steps
POSSible Next Steps
6 Decide Whether or
Not Worth Pursuing
Copyrighl @ 2005 Lyle Sumek Associates, Inc.
05-MAR-53
Section XI - Page \
IfWIYBlDmDS
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
April 3. 2006
Meeting called to order by Mr. DiTullio at 6:30 p.m. City Council Members present:
Karen Berry; Terry Womble; Wanda Sang; Dean Gokey; Karen Adams; Mike Stites;
Larry Schulz; Lena Rotola; City Manager Randy Young; Deputy City Manager Patrick
Goff; City Clerk Pam Anderson, Tim Paranto, Director of Public Works; Alan White,
Director of Community Development; Dan Brennan, Chief of Police; Joyce Manwaring,
Director of Parks and Recreation.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
as printed.
Item 1.
Staff Reports
Chief Brennan presented a Type II staff report on the topic of Crime Lab personnel
issues. Consensus carried to proceed With the program as recommended by Chief
Brennan.
Patrick Goff distributed a draft of the Citizen Survey, and discussion followed. He also
briefed Council on an award of a RFP for an integrated security system.
Pam Anderson briefed Council on calendar items and letters to the Congressional
delegation as follow-up to the National League of Cities.
Outside Agency Reports
Terry Womble notified Council that the Carnation Festival web-site IS up and running.
www.wrcarnationfestlval.org
Mr. Schulz announced that he will be chairing a DRCOG ad-hoc committee for CDOT
on transit funds.
Item 2.
Strategic Plan Update (Type III)
Randy Young introduced the 4th Quarter Update of the Strategic Plan Goals &
Objectives. Staff summarized the status of objectives and action items under each goal of
the strategic plan, and Council members asked questions as the update continued.
Recess at 7:48 p.m. Reconvened at 7:56 p.m.
Item 3.
Budget Update (Type III)
Patrck Goff presented the staff report on the 2005 Year-end Budget report. He displayed
a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the report.
The Study Session Notes are the City Clerk's record of staff direction and Council
discussion of agenda Items. No formal action may take place by motion at a City Council
Study Session.
ITEM 1 A. 1
Study Session
April 3, 2006
WHEATRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
FROM:
Mayor Jerry DiTullio and City Council
Randy Young, City Manag~ r<f(;;("
Daniel G Brennan, Chief of Police ~.....
TO:
VIA:
DATE:
March 29, 2006
SUBJECT:
Forensic Crime Lab Services
In 2004, the City contracted with Dr Jerry Williams and Dr. Fred Rainquet to conduct an
organizational assessment of the Police Department. In the final recommendations
published in January, 2005 the assessment team commented that the police department
should explore conducting a process evaluation of the Forensics Crime Unit to
determine if the department should civilianize the two sworn positions assigned to that
unit. In 2005, the department brought in Sheriff Ronald Beckham (retired) to conduct an
evaluation of the Investigations Bureau. There were several recommendations made to
enhance the Investigations Bureau including a strong recommendation that the
department further explore the feasibility of civilian rather than sworn positions in the
forensic crime unit.
There were several justifications for making the sworn positions in the forensic crime unit
civilian positions. A majority of law enforcement agencies have transitioned from sworn
detectives in crime labs to civilian technicians, making sworn positions available for
operational assignments such as patrol or investigations. The training required for
today's forensic crime labs has become very focused and detailed Personnel who work
in this field often have college degrees in chemistry or forensic science Finally, the
salaries for non-sworn positions can be less than the salary of a senior police officer.
In January, 2006 the police department was presented with an opportunity to move in a
different direction with our crime lab functions The department received notice that one
of the detectives assigned to this unit was retiring from the police department. During
that same month the police department learned that our second forensic crime unit
detective had been called up by the Naval Reserves and was being sent to Kuwait for at
least a year
Our first challenge was to ensure our current forensic crime unit services continued
uninterrupted. The department worked out a short term agreement with the Jefferson
County Sheriff's Office to provide basic crime lab services to us, with the Lakewood
Police Department agreeing to provide assistance in case of a staffing conflict with the
Sheriff's Office. This left the department with four alternatives that needed to be
explored:
Staff Report on Forensic Crime Lab Services
March 29, 2006
Page 2
y Explore the feasibility of a Jefferson County Crime Lab that would serve
the entire county There have been discussions in the past between
Jefferson County law enforcement agencies to create a regional forensic
crime unit. Unfortunately, these discussions have not reached the stage
of achieving any congruence among the various law enforcement
agencies, particularly in the areas of salary, benefits, FSLA status and a
process on how to merge the various forensic crime units in the county.
y Begin discussions with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the
Lakewood Police Department to determine if either agency was interested
in developing a partnership to provide forensic crime unit services in
Wheat Ridge.
y Civilianize the Wheat Ridge forensic crime unit function.
y Continue to staff the forensic crime unit with sworn positions
The department began the task of contacting police agencies in the metro-area to
determine the best alternative for our department. We looked at determining how various
agencies staffed this function; were positions sworn or non-sworn, the types of services
provided by these forensic crime units; and their willingness to partner with other
agencies. The results of our research were predictable. The majority of metro-Denver
police agencies have civilian personnel working in their forensic crime units. The larger
agencies offered a much broader range of forensic crime lab services than smaller
agencies. Those forensic crime labs similar in size to Wheat Ridge, process fingerprint
evidence and have some photo enhancement capabilities. They send all other evidence
processing to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations or private labs.
The department's Command Staff reviewed each of these alternatives and determined
that our best alternative was to pursue a partnership with either the Jefferson County
Sheriffs Office or Lakewood Police Department. It was determined that both agencies
provided a broader array of forensic crime services and would prOVide us with the
opportunity to enhance our forensic crime lab services Our discussions focused on
determining if either of these agencies were interested in a partnership and could
accommodate the additional workload our agency would generate. We took into
consideration the size of each forensic crime lab, services provided, the time it would
take to transport evidence to and from our department for processing, availability of
personnel, and total costs. During initial discussions it appeared the Sheriff's Office
would not able to accommodate another person in their lab at this time.
Further research and discussion led us to consider a partnership with the Lakewood
Police Department's Crime lab lakewood currently has ten (10) employees in their
crime lab (Jefferson County only has seven (7) personnel); including three full time crime
scene technicians and a supervisor Staff from the lakewood Police Department has
examined our forensic crime unit needs and indicated they are interested in a forensic
crime lab partnership with Wheat Ridge Police Department. Lakewood feels by adding
one additional crime scene technician to their staff they can meet all of our needs plus
offer additional forensic crime scene processing
lakewood would make their crime scene technicians available to respond to our
department several times a week to process fingerprint evidence, take the fingerprint
Staff Report on Forensic Crime Lab Services
March 29, 2006
Page 3
evidence back to Lakewood and utilize their A.F I S. (Automated Fingerprint
Identification System) to compare our latent fingerprints to State and National databases
(we have had to schedule time to use the AFIS computer at the Sheriff's Office or CBI in
the past). Additionally, the technicians would provide crime scene processing for our
department at major crime scenes (homicides, serious assaults, etc.) and assist in the
collection of evidence and submission of the evidence Our department would also have
access to a wide array of other services that would enhance our investigative
capabilities. This is an increase in services over those we have been able to provide to
our community
At this time, each agency feels we should explore a one-year contract with the
Lakewood Police Department. At the end of one-year we would evaluate the
effectiveness of the partnership and address any issues to determine if a long-term
partnership is in order As proposed, the Wheat Ridge Police Department would give up
one sworn detective position from our forensic crime unit to pay for one new Crime
Scene Technician, including all costs (approximately $60,000 in salary and benefits)
associated with that position, compared to the cost of one sworn position ($72,069 in
salary and benefits). In addition, we would budget overtime monies ($16,000) to cover
callouts of additional crime scene personnel for major crime scene processing This
amount is close to what the department spent in 2005 for crime scene processing duties.
The second forensic crime unit detective position would be returned to a line position
(either Patrol or Investigations).
The Lakewood Police Department would be responsible for hiring, training and certifying
the crime scene technician. Lakewood would also be responsible for maintaining staffing
levels to meet both departments' needs. The Wheat Ridge Police Department would
budget overtime monies to cover callouts of additional Lakewood personnel for major
crime scene processing in our community By paying for this new position Wheat Ridge
Police Department would have immediate access to all of the crime lab personnel from
Lakewood We believe that service levels would improve at major crime scenes, more
resources would be available to us, processing time would decrease and an overall a
monetary savings would be realized
The department recommends pursuing an Inter-Governmental Agreement to contract
laboratory and crime scene services from the Lakewood Police Department for a period
of one year Total costs will be finalized as we pursue discussions on this matter At the
end of the contract period, both agencies would meet and discuss any issues with this
partnership Should a decision be made to end the relationship, the police department
would explore the aforementioned alternatives. If both parties agree the partnership is
working well for both agencies, an extension would be appropriate Discussions on a
regional crime lab remain on-going
DB
City of Wheat Ridge
Office of the Deputy City Manager
Memorandum
2006
THROUGH.
Mayor and City Council
Randy Young, City Ma~
TO:
FROM'
Patrick Goff, Deputy City Manager
DATE
March 29, 2006
SUBJECT.
Budget Update
On April3, 2006 at the City Council Study Session, I will be proViding a budget update to City Council
which will mclude 2005 year-end budget information based on revenues received and approprIations
expended through December 31, 2005 The purpose of this update IS to apprise City Council of the year-
end budgetary status. This update is based on December 31, 2005 finanCial statements prior to
completion of the 2005 Financial Audit which is scheduled for the week of April 3, 2006.
In addition to proViding 2005 year-end budget informatIOn, the Finance Office is in the process of
closmg financia1s for the penod endmg February 2006 I will also be presentmg current financial
informatIon for 2006
ITEM 1 A. 1
Study Session
April 3, 2006
WHEATRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
FROM:
Mayor Jerry DiTullio and City Council
Randy Young, City Manag~ ~
Daniel G Brennan, Chief of Police ~ 'V
March 29, 2006
TO:
VIA:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Forensic Crime Lab Services
In 2004, the City contracted with Dr Jerry Williams and Dr Fred Rainquet to conduct an
organizational assessment of the Police Department. In the final recommendations
published in January, 2005 the assessment team commented that the police department
should explore conducting a process evaluation of the Forensics Crime Unit to
determine if the department should civilianize the two sworn positions assigned to that
unit. In 2005, the department brought in Sheriff Ronald Beckham (retired) to conduct an
evaluation of the Investigations Bureau. There were several recommendations made to
enhance the Investigations Bureau including a strong recommendation that the
department further explore the feasibility of civilian rather than sworn positions in the
forensic crime unit.
There were several justifications for making the sworn positions in the forensic crime unit
civilian positions. A majority of law enforcement agencies have transitioned from sworn
detectives in crime labs to civilian technicians, making sworn positions available for
operational assignments such as patrol or investigations. The training required for
today's forensic crime labs has become very focused and detailed Personnel who work
in this field often have college degrees in chemistry or forensic science Finally, the
salaries for non-sworn positions can be less than the salary of a senior police officer
In January, 2006 the police department was presented with an opportunity to move in a
different direction with our crime lab functions. The department received notice that one
of the detectives assigned to this unit was retiring from the police department. During
that same month the police department learned that our second forensic crime unit
detective had been called up by the Naval Reserves and was being sent to Kuwait for at
least a year
Our first challenge was to ensure our current forensic crime unit services continued
uninterrupted The department worked out a short term agreement with the Jefferson
County Sheriffs Office to provide basic crime lab services to us, with the Lakewood
Police Department agreeing to provide assistance in case of a staffing conflict with the
Sheriff's Office This left the department with four alternatives that needed to be
explored
Staff Report on Forensic Crime Lab Services
March 29, 2006
Page 2
;.. Explore the feasibility of a Jefferson County Crime Lab that would serve
the entire county There have been discussions in the past between
Jefferson County law enforcement agencies to create a regional forensic
crime unit. Unfortunately, these discussions have not reached the stage
of achieving any congruence among the various law enforcement
agencies, particularly in the areas of salary, benefits, FSLA status and a
process on how to merge the various forensic crime units in the county
;.. Begin discussions with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the
Lakewood Police Department to determine if either agency was interested
in developing a partnership to provide forensic crime unit services in
Wheat Ridge
;.. Civi/ianize the Wheat Ridge forensic crime unit function.
;.. Continue to staff the forensic crime unit with sworn positions.
The department began the task of contacting police agencies in the metro-area to
determine the best alternative for our department. We looked at determining how various
agencies staffed this function, were positions sworn or non-sworn, the types of services
provided by these forensic crime units, and their willingness to partner with other
agencies. The results of our research were predictable The majority of metro-Denver
police agencies have civilian personnel working in their forensic crime units. The larger
agencies offered a much broader range of forensic crime lab services than smaller
agencies Those forensic crime labs similar in size to Wheat Ridge, process fingerprint
evidence and have some photo enhancement capabilities. They send all other evidence
processing to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations or private labs.
The department's Command Staff reviewed each of these alternatives and determined
that our best alternative was to pursue a partnership with either the Jefferson County
Sheriffs Office or Lakewood Police Department. It was determined that both agencies
provided a broader array of forensic crime services and would provide us with the
opportunity to enhance our forensic crime lab services. Our discussions focused on
determining if either of these agencies were interested in a partnership and could
accommodate the additional workload our agency would generate We took into
consideration the size of each forensic crime lab, services provided, the time it would
take to transport evidence to and from our department for processing, availability of
personnel, and total costs. During initial discussions it appeared the Sheriff's Office
would not able to accommodate another person in their lab at this time
Further research and discussion led us to consider a partnership with the Lakewood
Police Department's Crime Lab Lakewood currently has ten (10) employees in their
crime lab (Jefferson County only has seven (7) personnel), including three full time crime
scene technicians and a supervisor Staff from the Lakewood Police Department has
examined our forensic crime unit needs and indicated they are interested in a forensic
crime lab partnership with Wheat Ridge Police Department. Lakewood feels by adding
one additional crime scene technician to their staff they can meet all of our needs plus
offer additional forensic crime scene processing
Lakewood would make their crime scene technicians available to respond to our
department several times a week to process fingerprint evidence, take the fingerprint
Staff Report on Forensic Crime Lab Services
March 29, 2006
Page 3
evidence back to Lakewood and utilize their AF I S (Automated Fingerprint
Identification System) to compare our latent fingerprints to State and National databases
(we have had to schedule time to use the AFIS computer at the Sheriff's Office or CBI in
the past). Additionally, the technicians would provide crime scene processing for our
department at major crime scenes (homicides, serious assaults, etc.) and assist in the
collection of evidence and submission of the evidence Our department would also have
access to a wide array of other services that would enhance our investigative
capabilities This is an increase in services over those we have been able to provide to
our community
At this time, each agency feels we should explore a one-year contract with the
Lakewood Police Department. At the end of one-year we would evaluate the
effectiveness of the partnership and address any issues to determine if a long-term
partnership is in order As proposed, the Wheat Ridge Police Department would give up
one sworn detective position from our forensic crime unit to pay for one new Crime
Scene Technician, including all costs (approximately $60,000 in salary and benefits)
associated with that position, compared to the cost of one sworn position ($72,069 in
salary and benefits). In addition, we would budget overtime monies ($16,000) to cover
callouts of additional crime scene personnel for major crime scene processing. This
amount is close to what the department spent in 2005 for crime scene processing duties.
The second forensic crime unit detective position would be returned to a line position
(either Patrol or Investigations).
The Lakewood Police Department would be responsible for hiring, training and certifying
the crime scene technician Lakewood would also be responsible for maintaining staffing
levels to meet both departments' needs The Wheat Ridge Police Department would
budget overtime monies to cover callouts of additional Lakewood personnel for major
crime scene processing in our community By paying for this new position Wheat Ridge
Police Department would have immediate access to all of the crime lab personnel from
Lakewood We believe that service levels would improve at major crime scenes, more
resources would be available to us, processing time would decrease and an overall a
monetary savings would be realized
The department recommends pursuing an Inter-Governmental Agreement to contract
laboratory and crime scene services from the Lakewood Police Department for a period
of one year Total costs will be finalized as we pursue discussions on this matter At the
end of the contract period, both agencies would meet and discuss any issues with this
partnership Should a decision be made to end the relationship, the police department
would explore the aforementioned alternatives. If both parties agree the partnership is
working well for both agencies, an extension would be appropriate. Discussions on a
regional crime lab remain on-going
DB
Study Session
ITEM 3.
April 3, 2006
,:{"~
(,~i _ _
. ~ '
City of Wheat Ridge
Office of the Deputy City Manager
Memorandum
TO
Mayor and City CouncIl
Randy Young, City Ma~
THROUGH
FROM.
Patnck Goff. Deputy City Manager
DATE
March 29. 200b
SUBJECT
Budget Update
On Apnl 3.2006 at thc CIty Council Study SessIOn. 1 will be providIng a budget update to CIty CouncIl
whIch WIll Include 2005 year-end budget InformatIOn based on revenucs receIved and appropnations
cxpcnded through Dccember 31. 2005 The purpose of thIS update IS to appnse CIty Councll of the year-
cnd budgctary status. ThIS update IS bascd on December :I I. 2005 financial statements pnor to
completIon of the 2005 Financial Audit which IS scheduled for thc week ofApnl3, 2006
In addition to provldmg 2005 year-end budget mformatlOn. the FInance Office IS m thc proccss of
closmg financwls for thc penod endIng February 2006 I w1l1 also be presentmg currcnt financial
mformatlon for 2006
City of Wheat Ridge
In this space there is a large scale map that could not be scanned at
the this time. Please see the Wheat ridge Clerks office if you would
like to see the map.
City of Wheat Ridge
7500 W 29th Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001
(303) 235-2819
April 2006
Dear City of Whcat Ridge Residcnt:
The City of Wheat Ridge wants to know what you think about your community and local govcrnment.
That is why you have been randomly selected to participate in The City of Wheat Ridge 2006 Citizen
Survey
Please take a few minutes to fill out the enclosed Citizen Survey Your answers will help the City
government make decisions that affect your community You should find the questions interesting
and we will definitely find your answers useful. Please participate!
To get a scientifically reliable sample of Wheat Ridge residents, the adult (anyone 18 years or older)
in your household who most recently had a birthday should complete this survey Year of birth of the
adult does not malter.
Please have the appropriate member of thc household spend a few minutes to answer all the questions
and return the survey in the cnclosed postage-paid envelope. Your household has been selected at
random to participate in the survey Your responses will remain completely anonymous.
Your participation in this survey is very important - especially since your household is one of only
:-\,000 households being surveyed. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Debbie
Meixner at (303) 235-28]9
Pleasc help us make Wheat Ridge a great place to live! 'I11ank you for your help and pmiicipation.
Sincerely,
f?
JetTy l'iT\llli,'
May,'r
Refer to this map ot' H'heilt Ridge when responding to questlOn 24 ot'the survey
"~
~
City Council District Map
""""'AO<
-.
~
~
__r-
-
DISTRICT II
DeaD Gokey
Wanda Sang
DISTRICT lV
Lena Rotola
Lao;' Schulz
Wheat Ridge 2006 Citizen Survey
Project Timeline
Task
Develop survey instrument and mailing materials (iteratIve process)...........
Print survey matenals .... ..............
Mail preparation (stuffing, labeling, etc.).. ............. ...........
Mail postcard and letter pre-notification......... ............. .... ...... ..
Mail first wave survey..... ........ " . ... .... ..
Mail second wave of surveys
Data collection, cleaning and codmg of surveys ...
Electronic data entry ." .. ..... .. ........ .............
Data analYSIS and report wnting
Draft report sent by emall for review. ..
Review of draft
Feedback from Wheat Ridge on draft report due to NRC
PresentatIOn at City Council Study Session
Final report delivered by email to Wheat Ridge staff .....
PresentatIon at Town Hall meetmg ...
Date
. through March l7
.. March 20-24
week of March 27
. .... March 31
............ Apnl7
....Aprill4
.. April 17-May 19
................. ... May 22-26
.. . May 29-June 16
June 16
June 19-23
" .... June 23
.TBD
.. TnD
..TBD
2006 Wheat Ridge Citizen Survey
Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday The
adult's year of birth does not matter Your responses are anonymous and will be reported in group form only Thank you.
Community and Services
1. Circle the number that best represents your opmion:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't know
How do you rate Wheat Ridge as a place to live? ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
How do you rate your neIghborhood as a place to livc? ..............................1 2 3 4 5
How do you rate Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children? .................................1 2 3 4 5
How do you rate Wheat Ridge as a place to retire? ...........................................1 2 3 4 5
How would you rate the physical attractiveness of Wheat Ridge as a whole? .... 1 2 3 4 5
How do you rate the overall quality of life m Wheat RIdge? 1 2 3 4 5
2. Do you think the quality of life in Wheat Ridge is likely to improve, stay the same, or decline over the next 5 years?
o Improve a lot 0 Improve slightly 0 Stay the same 0 Decline slightly 0 DecIme a lot
3. Following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please first rate the quaJityof the
service and next rate the importance of each service.
Ouality
Imvortance
Very Somewhat
Important Important
Z 3
2 3
Z 3
Z 3
Not at all Don't
Important Know
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 "
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
Don't
Know
5
Excellent Good Fair Poor
Snow removaL....................................... 1 Z 3 4
Street repair and maintenance 1 2 3 4
Street cleaning......................................... 1 Z 3 4
Traffic enforcement...... I Z 3 4
Code enforcement Gunk vehicles, weed
control, trash, outside storage) .......... 1
Maintenance of eXlstlllZ city parks 1
Maintenance of open space and trails 1
Recreation programs ................. I
Recreation facilities................................. 1
Community/pubhc art ................. I
Services/programs for youth................. 1
ServIces/programs for semors............... 1
Municipal court ..................................... 1
Buildmg permits I
Building inspections ............................... 1
BUS1l1CSS expansion and recrUItment
programs........ I
General police services........................... 1
Pohce response tune to emergency
police calIs (not code enforcement) I
Police response time to non-emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) 1 Z 3 4 5 1 Z
4. Please rate the following aspects of transportation within the City of Wheat Ridge:
Excellent Good
ConditIon of city streets.................................................................................... 1 Z
Mass transit planning ........ 1 2
Ease of car travel in the city ............................................................................. 1 2
Ease of bus travel III the city 1 Z
Ease of walking in the city ............................................................................... 1 Z
Essential
1
1
1
1
"
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
2
Z
Z
2
Z
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
Z
2
5
2
2
2
3
3
4
4
1
1
3
3
5
Z
5
2
~~
4
2
3
3
Fair Poor Don't know
3 4 5
3 4 5
3 4 5
3 4 5
3 4 5
Page 1 of 5
Wheat Ridge Cihzen Survey
5. To what degree, if at all, are the following problems in Wheat Ridge:
Not a Minor Moderate Major Don't
problem problem problem problem know
Crime.................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
VandalIsm ..................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Graffiti............................................................................................... I 2 3 4 5
Drugs.............. ................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Too much growth ............................................................................ I Z 3 4 5
Lack of growth ................................................................................. I 2 3 4 5
Run down buildmgs......................................................................... I 2 3 4 5
Taxes ...................................................................................... I 2 3 4 5
Traffic congestion ............................................................................ I 2 3 4 5
Juvenile problems ........................................................... I Z 3 4 5
Availability of affordable housing ..................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of parks ..................................................................... I 2 3 4 5
Availability of bike paths................................................................. I 2 3 4 5
AvailabilIty of sidewalks ................................................................ I 2 3 4 5
Availability of recreation programs ............................................... I 2 3 4 5
Maintenance and condilion of homes............................................ I 2 3 4 5
Condition of properties (weeds, trash,junk vehicles) ................. I 2 3 4 5
6. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members participated in the
following activities in Wheat Ridge?
Never
Used Wheat Ridge recreation centers ................................................................ I
ParliClpated m a recreation program or actiVity ................. I
Used a city park or trail....................................................................................... I
Used a city bike/pedestrian path........................................................................ I
Attended a meeting of local elected officials or other local public meeting... 1
Watched a meetmg of local elected officials on cable television..................... I
Participated in a senior program........................................................................ 1
Visited the Commumty/Senior Center ............................................ 1
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant (other than fast food)............................... 1
Used the Wheat RIdge lIbrary ................................................... I
Used A-line service to DIA ................................................................................. 1
Rode an RTD bus ............................................................ ..................... 1
1-2 3-12 13- ZG More than
tImes tnnes limes 2G limes
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
Z 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
7. Wheat Ridge is pursuing city revitalization with the goal of making this a community of choice for families and
businesses looking for a new home. As a part of this plan, the City has created Wheat Ridge Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategies (NRS) and Wheat Ridge 2020 (WRZ020), a not-far-profit organization created to help
implement the NRS. Please indicate how familiar or unfamiliar you are with the NRS and WRZ020.
Very Somewhat Somewhat
familiar familiar unfamilIar
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies (NRS) ................................. I 2 3
Wheat Ridge 2020 (WR2020) 1 2 3
8. Please indicate the extent to which you support or oppose each of the following.
Strongly Somewhat Neither support Somewhat Strongly Don't
support support nor oppose oppose ~ know
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies
(NRS) ........................................................1
Wheat Ridge 2020 (WRZ020) 1
2
2
3
3
Wheat Ridge Citizen Survey
Very
unfamiliar
4
4
4
4
5
5
G
G
Page 2 of 5
City Government and Employees
9. How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city government?
o Excellent 0 Good 0 Fair 0 Poor 0 Don't know
10. Please rate the following statements by circling the number which best represents your opinion.
Strongly Somewhat Neither agree Somewhat
a3ree azree nor disa3ree disagree
I believe my elected officials generally act in the
best interest of the community at large............................ 1 Z 3 4
City of Wheat RIdge employees perform qualIty work. 1 Z 3 4
I receive good value and services for the amount of city
sales and property taxes that I pay ................................. 1 2 3 4
I am pleased WIth the overall direction the CIty IS takmg. 1 2 3 4
I am well informed on major issues within the City of
Wheat Ridge. ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4
Wheat Rtdge city government welcomes citizen
Involvement 1 2 3 4
Strongly Don't
disagree know
5 6
5 6
5 6
5 6
5 6
5 6
11. In the last 1 Z months, have you had any in-person or phone contact with an employee of the City of Wheat Ridge?
o Yes (so to question 12) 0 No (so to questIon 13)
12. What was your impression of the employee of the City of Wheat Ridge in your most recent contact? (Rate each
characteristic below.)
Excellent
Knowledge ........ .... ... ............ .................. .... ......... ...... ........ ... .... ........... .... .......... 1
ResponSIveness .............................................. 1
Courtesy........... .......... ........ ........ .... .... ............. .......... ... ....... ........ .,. ............ ...... 1
Makmg you feel valued ................................................................... 1
Overall Impression. ..................... ...... ... ........ ......... ........ ................ ...... .......... .... 1
13. Please rate how safe you feel in the following areas in Wheat Ridge:
Very Somewhat Neither safe
safe safe nor unsafe
Parks and playgrounds..................................... 1 2 3
RecreatIon centers. 1 2 3
In your neighborhood ...................................... 1 2 3
On the trail system 1 2 3
Retail! commercial areas. 1 2 3
Economic Development
14. Please rate the following statements by circling the number which best represents your opinion. The city should. .
Strongly Somewhat Neither agree Somewhat Strongly Don't
agree a:J.ree nor dIsagree disa~ree disagree know
Promote efforts to revitalize the CIty'S housing areas ........... 1 Z 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to reVitalize the city's business areas............ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Strengthen Wheat Ridge's community image and identity... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to attract and recrUIt new types of rei all
bUSIness to Wheat Ridge 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to revitalize business corridors such as
38th Avenue, 44th Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard
and Kipling Avenue............................................................ 1 Z 3 4 5 6
15. For each type of shopping, please estimate how frequently you make purchases in Wheat Ridge:
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don't
Never infrequent Iv infrequently frequentlv frequently know
Grocery shopping .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Health services ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Meals and entertainment ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Household Items ......... 1 2 :~ 4 5 6
Computers and electronics...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
General retail (shoes, beauticians, clothmg, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Wheat Ridge CItizen Survey
Cood Fair Poor Don't know
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
Z 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
Somewhat Very Don't
unsafe unsafe know
4 5 6
4 " 6
4 5 6
4 " 6
4 5 6
Paze 3 of 5
16. When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge, why do you shop outside of Wheat Ridge? (Check all that apply.)
o It IS convement; on my way to or from work or near my home
o I like the range of quality goods and services
o Desired Item is not available In Wheat Ridge
o It IS more affordable
o Other
17. The Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires that the city return to the citIzens any revenue collected annually
over the state imposed limits. To what extent do you support or oppose allowing the city to retain any excess
revenues to be used for general operating expenses?
o Strongly support
o Somewhat support
o Neither support nor oppose
o Somewhat oppose
o Strongly oppose
o Don't know
Information Sources
18. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members used the following
sources of information for news about Wheat Ridge?
1 -2 3-12 13-26 More than
times tunes times 26 times
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
Never
City "Connection" Newsletter .......................................................................... 1
Denver Post/Rocky Mountain News .............................................. 1
Radio news ........................................ ............... ....... ......... ...... ................... ......... 1
TelevisIOn news ................................................. ............................................... 1
Word of mouth............................ ........ ...... ....... .... .... ....... ........ ............... ........... 1
Cable TV Channel 8 (Government Access Channel) 1
Wheat Ridge Transcnpt....................................................................................1
City's Web site: www.ci.wheatndge.co us .......................1
19. Do you have a personal computer in your home?
o Yes, have a computer at home with Internet access
o Yes, have a computer at home Without Internet access
o No
20. Have you used the city's Web site in the last 12 months?
DYes
o No (so to questIon 22)
21. If yes, please rate the following aspects of the City of Wheat Ridge Web site.
Excellent
Content................. ....... ........... .... ....... ........ ...... ..... ..... .............. .... ....................... 1
Graph ICS............................. ..................................... .................. ....... ...... ...... 1
Look and feel ..................................................................................................1
Ease of use.................................... .......... 1
22. How likely would you be to conduct business (such as business licenses, sales taxes, request for information, job
applications, recreation program registration, etc.) with the city over the Internet if that opportunity were
provided?
o Very likely
o Somewhat likely
o Neither likely nor unlikely
o Somewhat unlikely
o Very unlikely
o Don't know
Wheat Rld;se Citizen Survey
Good FaIr Poor Don't know
2 3 4 5
Z 3 4 5
Z 3 4 5
Z 3 4 5
Pa!l;e 4 of 5
Demographics
Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are completely
anonymous and will be reported in group form only.
23. About how long have you lived in Wheat Ridge?
(Write 0 if six months or less)
years
24. In which district do you reside? (Please see map on
the letter at the front of this packet.)
o District 1 (south of W :~8th Ave, and east of
Wadsworth)
o District 11 (north of W 38th Ave. and east of
Carr St and Clear Creek)
o District III (south of Clear Creek and W 38th
Ave, and west of Wadsworth)
o District IV (north of Clear Creek and W 38th
Ave, west of Carr St and Clear Creek)
25. In what eity do you work? (If you work in more than
one city, check the box for the city in which you most
often work.)
o Arvada
o Aurora
o Boulder
o Broomfield
o Denver
o Englewood
o Golden
o Lakewood
o Littleton
o Louisville
o Northglenn
o Thornton
o Westminster
o Wheat Ridse
o Other
o Po Not Work (student, homemaker, retired,
etc .J
26. Please check the appropriate box indicating the type
of housing unit in which you live.
o Detached sin.'I,lc-family home
o Condominium or townhouse
o Apartment
o Mobile home
27. Do you rent or own your residence?
DOwn
o Rent
28. How many people (including yourself) live in your
household?
29. How many of these household members are 17 or
younger?
people
30. About how much do you estimate your
HOUSEHOLD'S TOTAL INCOME BEFORE TAXES was
in 2005? Please check the appropriate box below.
o Less than $15,000
o $15,000 to $24,999
o $25,000 to $34,999
o $35,000 to $49,999
o $50,000 to $74,9~)9
o $75,000 to $99,999
o $100,000 to $124,999
o $125,000 or more
31. What is the highest level of education you have
completed?
o 0- 11 years
o lIigh school graduate
o Some college, no degree
o Associate degree
o Bachelors degree
o Graduate or professional degree
32. What is your age?
o 18-24
o 25-34
o 35-44
o 45-54
o 55-64
o 65-74
o 7" +
33. What is your race? (Please check all that apply.)
o White
o Black or African American
o Asian or Pacific Islander
o American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut
o Other
34. Are you Hispanic/Spanish/Latino?
DYes
o No
35. What is your gender?
o Female
o Male
people 36. Did you vote in the last election?
DYes
o No
Thank you very muchT Please return the completed questionnaire to National Research Center, Inc.;
3005 30th St., Boulder, CO 80301 in the postage-paid envelope provided.
Wheat Ridge Clhzen Survey
rage 5 of 5