| City of Carson Citywide Resident Survey Final Report 2008
Compiled by: Southwest Iowa Planning Council 1501 SW 7 th Street Atlantic , IA 50022
Table of Contents
Staffing .................................................................................................................................... 1 Daycare .................................................................................................................................. 2 Schools ................................................................................................................................... 2 Housing ................................................................................................................................... 4 Policing ................................................................................................................................... 6 Fire ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Animal Control ........................................................................................................................ 7 Emergency Management .......................................................................................................... 7 Water ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Sewer ..................................................................................................................................... 8 Solid Waste ............................................................................................................................. 9 Streets ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Parks and Recreation ............................................................................................................... 11 Cemetery ................................................................................................................................ 13 Community Center ................................................................................................................... 13 Communications ...................................................................................................................... 14 Community/Economic Development ......................................................................................... 16 General ................................................................................................................................... 17 CDBG .................................................................................................................................... 17 Other Comments ..................................................................................................................... 17
Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) completed a resident survey on behalf of the City of Carson . A total of 361 surveys were mailed on March 28, 2008. SWIPCO asked residents to return completed surveys by April 25, 2008. A total on 115 surveys were returned for a 31.9% response rate. The rate of return is acceptable and fairly represents community attitude.
Comments received are listed under the specific question with similar comments grouped together. The more common responses are placed at the top of the list. The responses to the questions are outlined below.
1. STAFFING a. Do you feel the city has enough staff to carry out city business? Yes: 93 (86.9) No: 3 (2.8%) Too Many: 11 (10.3%) If no, what areas are lacking? Maintenance 2 Police Snow Removal b. Are the City Hall office hours adequate? (M-F 8 AM-4:30 PM) Yes: 104 (93.7%) No: 7 (6.3%) If no, what should they be? Sat hours in office 2 Working people can't make it 2 8:30-5:00 9 to 5 Not close at noon • Are the City Maintenance hours adequate? (M-F 6:30 AM-3PM) Yes: 99 (92.5%) No: 8 (7.5%) If no, what should they be? It is very poor in this town 9 to 5 Add sat 8-12 Same as city hall Split shifts to cover until 6 pm Should change to winter hrs. 7:30-4
• Are there other staffing improvements you would like to see? Accountability for/New maintenance crew/supervisor 5 New mayor and city council Care of the park Ask for and use volunteers (copies, stuff envelopes, etc.) Brianne is an excellent city clerk. Kudos to her!! The city staff go back to not hiring out all their work Staff should do no construction work for Frenchie or Tibbles housing lots Why hire additional help to read meters? You do not collect garbage so there should be lots of time to read meters. New mayor, less maintenance people, everything used to be done by 1 person years ago.
2. DAYCARE. a. Do you have children who require day care? Yes: 19 (17.8%) No: 88 (82.2%) If yes, how is day care provided? Your home: 2 (10.0%) Another home in Carson : 6 (30.0%) Home outside of Carson : 7 (35.0%) Daycare facility: 3 (15.0%) Family members: 2 (10.0%) b. Is your day care provider licensed? Yes: 9 (52.9%) No: 8 (47.1%)
c. Would you be interested in services provided by a licensed day care center located in Carson ? Yes: 14 (41.2%) No: 20 (58.8%) Note: When responses were limited to those that answered yes to requiring daycare, the response is as follows. Yes: 8 (44.4%) No: 10 (55.6%)
d. Are there other daycare issues you would like to address? Need daycare in Carson 5 No center in town 2 Need before/after school program in Carson
• SCHOOLS. a. Should Carson provide more support (i.e. financial, leadership, etc.) to the school district? Yes: 23 (27.4%) No: 61 (72.6%) If yes, what type? Leadership 5 School activity Better teaching Provide ground to build a school They should try to keep the middle school in Carson ! Continued support from business club More school board members General Improve street by middle school for bus traffic Scholarship The council could work more positively with the school. Individuals need to attend events at the school.
• What key elements of the school district are most important to recruit families to our community? Note: As some surveys marked several responses, the percentages will total more than 100%. Test Scores: 46 (40.0%) Science Department: 14 (12.2%) Music Program: 17 (14.8%) Sports: 34 (29.6%) Facilities: 36 (31.3%) Teachers: 60 (52.2%) Teacher/Student Ratio: 48 (41.7%) Other: Better school spirit and morale 3 Education New school between Oakland-Macedonia on Hwy. 59 Prepare students for college or work world New and better administration Keeping school in Carson Housing developments Better communicator with students Sports shouldn't be, but they are.
• Do you think the City should become involved or take any action if the School District closes the current Middle School Facility? Yes: 57 (71.3%) No: 23 (28.7%) If yes, how should the City respond? Retain/utilize facilities for community 23 Organizing opposition/Don't let it happen 7 School responsibility 5 To much bussing for kids. More time on buses and too much money spent on busing. Fight to have school built in Carson Too late then We don't need a new school yet to raise our taxes Carry out plans discussed at town council meeting Make more housing available or lots for housing What are the options? Work with the board not hand out mandates. • What, if any, suggestions would you have for the future use of the middle school facility if the middle school relocates to Oakland ? Apartments 9 Nursing home/assisted living 9 Open gym/YMCA 6 Business/Industry 4 Child care 4 Work to prevent relocating 2 Medical clinic 2 Keep middle school and build new high school at Carson 2 Use it as a dormitory for Santa Village Camping for poor & disabled children Waste of money Additional community center Make school tear it down Why Oakland ? Library (books&computers), satellite to IWCC In 20 years no one will take care of it & want another new school again Boys-Girls Club/Health & Human Services Clinic Lots for housing • Are there any other areas of the school district needing improvement? New superintendent/board/leadership 5 Oakland shouldn't be in control 4 Education/understanding of each individual need of the students 2 Improve building/Appearance 2 Better road to new building and more parking Younger faculty Efficiency & budgetary restrictions. More voted actions from community We need track Lower school taxes TAG, music & fine arts programs, more class opportunities Less extra activities and better of the 3 R's Don't need new school or financial pitfall associated Teaching staff at high school-spirit-cohesiveness Build where everything can be done all in the same place Need a grocery store chain in town! Teachers and coaches Better curriculum Need to be out of riverside Pride More involvement from parents and entire community even if they no longer have children in school.
4. HOUSING. a. Are you renting or purchasing/own your residence ? Renting: 11 (9.9%) Purchasing/Own: 100 (90.1%)
b. How many years in your home? 14.2 years average, 11 years median, 0-45 range How many people? 2.3 average, 2 median, 1-6 range How many bedrooms? 2.9 average, 3 median, 1-5 range
c. Will you be looking for different housing within the next year? Yes: 7 (6.3%) No: 104 (93.7%) If yes, do you plan to rent or purchase? Rent: 1 Purchase: 6 d. Would you purchase a home if incentives were offered? Yes: 16 (28.1%) No: 41 (71.9%) If yes, what incentives would be most attractive to you? Down Payment Assistance: 9 (56.3%) Tax Abatement: 7 (43.8%) Low Interest Loan: 15 (93.8%) Other: Fixed low rate e. What type of housing would you prefer to own? Note: 3 surveys marked both New Construction and Acreage. New Construction Single Family Home: 17 (33.3%) Existing Single-Family Home: 14 (27.5%) Acreage: 16 (31.4%) Condominium: 4 (7.8%) Mobile Home: 0 (0.0%) Other: 0 (0.0%) • If you purchased a residence within a year, what price range would you look at, considering your household income? Less than $25,000: 2 (4.3%) $25,001-$50,000: 7 (15.2%) $50,001-$75,000: 9 (19.6%) $75,001-$100,000: 7 (15.2%) $100,001-$125,000: 14 (30.4%) $125,001-$150,000: 5 (10.9%) $150,001-$200,000: 2 (4.3%) $200,000+ : 0 (0.0%)
• If you own your home and need to remodel for health/safety purposes, which items are needed? Note: 54 surveys responded to question. As some surveys marked more than one answer, the percentages will total more than 100% Windows: 25 (46.3%) Doors: 13 (24.1%) Roof: 13 (24.1%) Foundation: 14 (25.9%) Siding: 14 (25.9%) Furnace: 13 (24.1%) Electrical: 9 (16.7%) Plumbing: 11 (20.4%) Insulation: 17 (31.5%) Water Heater: 12 (22.2%)
• If the city awarded another housing rehab grant in the future, would you be interested in participating in a housing rehabilitation grant program? Yes: 23 (31.5%) No: 50 (68.5%)
i. Are there other housing issues you would like to address? Continue removing old/dilapidated housing 3 Clean up yards & junk/be proud of your home 2 Keep the city out of housing/real estate 2 A new sewer system that hasn't been done in years. We need apartments Meals on wheels/senior care Back fill vacant lots Houses left for loan default Unnecessary new development on West side of river. Driveway Typically not much available between 80,000-120,000. Giving away land for new houses
5. POLICING. a. How should the department be operated? Sheriff's Department only (as is): 76 (77.6%) City Police Department only: 1 (1.0%) Combination Police/Sheriff: 21 (21.4%)
• How do you feel about the service provided by the Sheriff's Department? Note: 1-Strongly Agree; 2-Agree; 3- Disagree; 4-Strongly Disagree Is Responsive: 2.0 Is Helpful: 1.9 Uses Authority Wisely: 1.9 Is Reliable: 1.9 Is Courteous: 1.9
c. Are there other police dept. improvements you would like to see? Response time 3 Enforce stop signs 2 In town speed limits enforced 2 Shared police with surrounding towns More drug enforcement
6. FIRE. a. Does the department provide adequate level of fire service protection? Yes: 104 (100.0%) No: 0 (0.0%)
b. Should the Carson Fire Department merge with other local districts? Yes: 10 (10.6%) No: 84 (89.4%)
c. Does the department provide adequate medical emergency response/ambulance services? Yes: 98 (100.0%) No: 0 (0.0%)
d. Is it necessary for the City to continue to employ a full time paid EMT on City Staff during regular business hours? Yes: 68 (75.6%) No: 22 (24.4%)
e. Are there other fire dept. improvements you would like to see? A couple more new firetrucks in the near future. Shared fire/rescue with surrounding towns Better full time person-one who will take care of trucks/equip. Another EMT-people need help outside normal business hours Ambulance service is way too high in price Annual recognition would be appreciated. Do not stick it to people when ambulance use is not necessary 7. ANIMAL CONTROL. a. Are animals a problem or nuisance in Carson ? Yes: 39 (37.1%) No: 66 (62.9%)
b. Are you aware of the city's pet licensing requirements? Yes: 98 (90.7%) No: 10 (9.3%)
c. Would you like to see the city continue an annual free pet clinic day where licenses are obtained and rabies vaccinations are provided? Yes: 103 (95.4%) No: 5 (4.6%)
• Should the City consider contracting with Pottawattamie County Animal Control for coverage and responding to animals running at large, viscous/dangerous animal issues, neglect/endangered animal issues, etc. within the City limits? Yes: 63 (63.0%) No: 37 (37.0%)
• Are there any other animal control improvements you would like to see? Cats and dogs running free/barking 15 Ban on pitbulls/dangerous breeds 4 Dog poop in neighbors yards 3 Many dogs are left outside 24/7 on short chains & pretty much ignored. ASPCA needs to drive around town and enforce anti-cruelty laws. Shared with surrounding towns Not a problem Enforce the code of limited animals per household Kill cats that get into garbage on garbage day. Need a fenced area at the park for dogs to exercise without running loose. If Pott County can benefit the town Enforce ordinances Barrier fences not underground for large potentially vicious dogs.
8. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. a. Does the city provide adequate emergency warning? Yes: 99 (93.4%) No: 7 (6.6%)
b. Would you be willing to pay more for increased service? Yes: 17 (17.2%) No: 82 (82.8%)
c. Should Carson join the countywide communication center? Yes: 61 (76.3%) No: 19 (23.7%)
d. Are there other emergency mgmt. improvements you would like to see? More warning sirens in different spots of town 2 People who care about people, not money The siren needs to be louder, unless we are outside we cannot hear it on Central Street Don't know what is available Better communication system between departments What is the emergency plan? 9. WATER. a. Does the water department provide an adequate level of service? Yes: 96 (93.2%) No: 7 (6.8%)
b. How would you rate Carson 's drinking water? Note: 1-Poor; 2-Fair; 3-Good; 4-Excellent 2.3 Average c. Should Carson seek a regional water system for supply or franchise? Yes: 13 (15.7%) No: 70 (84.3%)
d. Should the city look into softening treatment systems? Yes: 50 (49.5%) No: 51 (50.5%)
e. Should the city install exterior meter pits at each residence? Yes: 16 (20.3%) No: 63 (79.7%)
f. Are there other water dept. improvements you would like to see? Water cost is already too high 5 Often smells like chemicals and is yellow 3 Very hard water, lots of iron 2 Better maintenance & responsibility I don't drink city water Meters that read from street- like Mid-American Drain hydrant more often Install a reverse osmosis plant Sewer bill not related to amount of water used More wells, new treatment plant Wish there was ability to water lawns in dry times. Contract Peoples Service to run water and sewer plants Water not good at all.
10. SEWER. a. Does the sewer department provide an adequate level of service? Yes: 97 (97.0%) No: 3 (3.0%)
b. How would you rate your sewer service? Note: 1-Poor; 2-Fair; 3-Good; 4-Excellent 3.0 Average c. Are there other sewer dept. improvements you would like to see? Rates too high 4 Money that was allocated to this problem needed to be done for sewer not for city vehicle Control sewer rats at all times Sewer bill not related to amount of water used Shouldn't have to pay for water not going into the sewer Don't pay attention to sewer after flushing. Contract peoples service to run water and sewer plants 11. SOLID WASTE. a. How would you rate your solid waste service? Note: 1-Poor; 2-Fair; 3-Good; 4-Excellent 3.1 Average
b. Do you participate in the voluntary recycling program? Yes: 84 (79.2%) No: 22 (20.8%) For: All recyclables: 22 (26.8%) Most recyclables: 35 (42.7%) Some recyclables: 25 (30.5%) If no, why? Inconvenient: 7 (43.8%) Lack of info: 5 (31.2%) Trailer location: 3 (18.8%) Isn't important: 1 (6.2%)
c. Should the city go to a curbside recycling program? Yes: 30 (30.6%) No: 68 (69.4%)
d. Should Carson continue to provide an annual clean-up day? Yes: 109 (99.1%) No: 1 (0.9%)
e. Should Carson continue to provide a yard waste area at the sewer plant? Yes: 105 (96.3%) No: 4 (3.7%)
f. Are there other solid waste improvements you would like to see? Return to city truck & share with surrounding towns Continue yard waste monthly Annual clean up day Saturdays Stand alone yard waste area Availability to yard waste area on weekends(hours to be open) Place to dispose of glass and plastic bags, which is most harmful to landfills Put lids back on garbage cans Yard waste is hard to get rid of for us older people Do it themselves since there are enough maintenance employees
12. STREETS. a. Are you satisfied with the current condition of the streets in town? Yes: 44 (42.3%) No: 60 (57.7%)
b. Is the snow removal service adequate? Yes: 82 (78.1%) No: 23 (21.8%)
c. Is the street cleaning service adequate? Yes: 66 (67.3%) No: 32 (32.7%)
d. Should the city hire a private contractor to trim trees in the right of way in lieu of maintaining this as an owner responsibility? Yes: 29 (29.6%) No: 69 (70.4%)
e. Is the current level of street lighting adequate? Yes: 88 (82.2%) No: 19 (17.8%) If no, where does it need to be improved? Alleys 2 Intersections All over Street light at corner of Hwy. 59 & North St. A lot of dark areas, better lights- too many By Methodist Church & Cemetery road in town Highway 59 & cemetery road Oak St. S. Dye St. Cul-de-Sac, light doesn't work They have several lights that don't work More lighting on east end of town Pleasant St. too dark Upgrade light poles and number of lights Brightness Northwest side of town seems dark.
f. Is the current level of stop signs adequate? Yes: 104 (99.0%) No: 1 (1.0%)
g. Should the City use speed bumps to control traffic speed? Yes: 15 (14.9%) No: 86 (85.1%)
h. If the City had enough money to improve two city blocks, which two would you improve? Dye St. between North Street & Broadway St. 8 Broadway 5 They all need it 3 Commercial 3 Washington 2 North Dye and Commercial St. 2 Rodeo Drive Commercial & pleasant Main N. Dye and Rodeo Broadway and Pleasant North and South Commercial Commercial and Central N. Central and N. Commercial Dye and Commercial Washington St. & Commercial Dye ST. Highway and Commercial i. How important is the availability of sidewalks to you and your family? Note: 1-Very; 2-Somewhat; 3-Not at all 2.2 Average
j. Do you believe the city should be responsible for the sidewalks? Yes: 40 (40.0%) No: 60 (60.0%) Would you be willing to split the costs? Yes: 39 (44.3%) No: 49 (55.7%)
• If you had to choose between the city upgrading streets or sidewalks, which would you choose? Streets: 88 (88.0%) Sidewalks: 12 (12.0%)
l. Are there other street dept. improvements you would like to see? Fill in potholes in streets 15 Proper storm sewers/curb & gutters 5 Clean the boulevards/no sand 3 Ongoing street repair 2 Better snow removal 2 Ramping all sidewalks ( Main Street ) for accessibility 2 All streets paved and curbed. Bike and walk trails We open paths for our cars and the town put snow right back in our paths. Widen the apron on Mildred & North intersection The alley between the 200 block of South Locust needs gravel, it is a mud swamp. They don't need stop signs on Dye St. going South or Oak St. at Pleasant I think we should pay for our own sidewalks. Need to maintain existing streets instead of wasting tax dollars putting new streets in subdivision Stop water running on private property
13. PARKS AND RECREATION. a. Are the park and recreational facilities in Carson adequate? Yes: 98 (93.3%) No: 7 (6.7%)
b. Are the existing facilities well maintained? Yes: 92 (94.8%) No: 5 (5.2%) c. How would you rate your parks? Note: 1-Poor; 2-Fair; 3-Good; 4-Excellent 3.0 Average
d. Should the city update the playground and other park equipment? Yes: 36 (40.0%) No: 54 (60.0%) If yes, in what areas? Playground equipment 9 Camping ground 2 Regular cleaning 2 General maintenance Try to update Make them safe Picnic tables Not now Park area is good, just needs some TLC Repair and replace as required Landscaping around millstone park needs improving Add on, basketball hoops As needed Fresh mulch and bright paint Just add to it
e. Should the city increase the area utilized for park purposes? Yes: 31 (33.3%) No: 62 (66.7%)
f. Should the City consider adding additional park recreational opportunities? Yes: 44 (52.4%) No: 40 (47.6%) Note: 46 surveys responded to this question (43 surveys that responded yes to question f, and 3 additional that did not respond). As some surveys marked more than one answer, the percentages will total more than 100%. Baseball fields: 14 (30.4%) Soccer fields: 6 (13.0%) Basketball courts: 11 (23.9%) Paved bike trail: 20 (43.5%) Unpaved walking trail: 26 (56.5%) Sand volleyball court: 13 (28.3%) Other: Tennis Courts: 3 (6.5%) Swimming pool: 1 (2.2%) ATV Trail: 1 (2.2%) Dog Area: 1 (2.2%) New playground equip.: 1 (2.2%) Skateboarding Area: 1 (2.2%)
• Park Pedestrian Bridge: If the construction of a Pedestrian Bridge over the Nishna Botna River connecting the Prairie Preserve Park (west side of the river) to the current park system (on the east side of the river) was fully-funded by grants would you be in favor this project? Yes: 54 (55.1%) No: 44 (44.9%) • Are there other park/recreation improvements you would like to see? Camping area 2 Walking/ATV trails 2 Replace the wood chips I don't like the park being so close to the river I would like to see restrooms that are always available to use. A pedestrian bridge Boat dock, fishing area More night lights Play lots Dog owners carry plastic bags and paper towels to pick up poop. We have a nice park, rodeo arena Put up sign to keep horses off the soccer/baseball fields.
14. CEMETERY. a. Are the grounds well maintained? Yes: 96 (97.0%) No: 3 (3.0%)
b. Does the city need to expand the cemetery? Yes: 26 (35.6%) No: 47 (64.4%)
c. Should the cemetery be lit to allow night visitation? Yes: 13 (14.4%) No: 77 (85.6%)
d. Should the cemetery be fenced? Yes: 11 (12.5%) No: 77 (87.5%)
e. Should the city provide a water source at the cemetery? Yes: 33 (37.5%) No: 55 (62.5%)
f. Are there other cemetery improvements you would like to see? Cut down the cedar pine trees Straiten stones Stones cleaned off after mowing has been done A nice entrance with signage Gopher mounds and tree branches Would be nice to have an electrical outlet plug in for sound system Remove snow from roads in winter
15. COMMUNITY CENTER . a. Are you satisfied with the facility and its functions? Yes: 96 (92.3%) No: 8 (7.7%)
b. What types of health/fitness workshops or classes would you like to see provided at the Community Center? Note: 64 surveys responded to this question. As some surveys marked more than one answer, the percentages will total more than 100%. Yoga: 15 (23.4%) Palates: 14 (21.9%) Tai Chi: 9 (14.1%) Aerobics: 23 (35.9%) Flu Shot Clinic: 42 (65.6%) Community Health Day (Child car seat safety, Blood Press Check, etc.): 29 (45.3%) Other: Dancing (Belly): 2 (3.1%) Senior activities: 2 (3.1%) Adult Education: 2 (3.1%) • Are the fitness center hours of operations adequate? Yes: 81 (97.6%) No: 2 (2.4%) If no, what hours would you recommend? No need to be paying an employee all those hours. Free
d. Are you satisfied with the choices of equipment provided in the fitness room? Yes: 58 (93.5%) No: 4 (6.5%)
e. Is parking at the facility adequate? Yes: 80 (88.9%) No: 10 (11.1%)
f. Is the building rental rate fair? Too low: 0 (0.0%) Just right: 53 (63.1%) Too high: 31 (36.9%)
g. Are there other Community center improvements you would like to see? Better Maintenance 3 The dance floor is too small 2 More senior activities/regular meetings in senior center 2 Waste of money 2 The kitchen was not planned very well/more supplies 2 Control water from downspouts. Building is setting too low. Finish landscaping in back Do something to eliminate some of the noise…special tiles or something Provide more dance opportunities Flowers, possibly more than what they have The fitness center is great but it is not safe to be so dark at night in the building & outside. I quit using it due to the large windows at night. An exercise/lap pool Very well managed. Residents get many great comments from people outside the community.
16. COMMUNICATIONS. • What newspaper do you subscribe to? Note: 81 surveys responded to this question. As some surveys marked more than one answer, the percentages will total more than 100%. Botna Valley Reporter: 59 (72.8%) Herald Journal: 12 (14.8%) Nonpareil: 43 (53.1%) Other: 22 (27.2%) Why? Local news 9 Habit Omaha World Herald, it's larger, more world news, news of surrounding areas Local, regional, national news Omaha World Herald has more informative articles Herald is informative and east to read, but city uses BVR Duh news Sports page and advertisements Because I'm interested I don't subscribe to a daily paper because of poor delivery I'm from Red Oak so I get their paper Keep up with events We like it for our news Cost
• The city uses the post office to post public notices. Should the city spend resources to communicate this information in other media forms? Yes: 27 (29.7%) No: 64 (70.3%) If yes, where? Newspaper 7 Newsletters 6 Mailed flyers 4 Community board/billboard 3 Community center 2 Tin cup Radio Web page City hall door Businesses-banks, gas stations
c. Do you read the messages printed on the utility bills? Yes: 97 (89.8%) No: 11 (10.2%)
d. Do you read the quarterly City Newsletter? Yes: 108 (98.2%) No: 2 (1.8%) If no, why? “Didn't know there was one.”
e. Have you ever accessed the City Website for information? ( www.carsonia.com ) Yes: 56 (51.4%) No: 53 (48.6%)
f. Are you satisfied with the service that Frontier provides? Yes: 82 (81.2%) No: 19 (18.8%) If no, why? Too expensive 13 Slow connections/don't get speed paid for 4 Monopoly/No choice 2 Internet stinks! Absolutely no customer service with problems Phone okay, internet no Can't always get the internet
g. What cable television service do you subscribe to? None: 11 (9.9%) Satellite (Dish Network/Direct TV): 40 (36.0%) Interstate Communications (Local Franchise): 60 (54.1%)
h. Are there other communication issues to address? Get rid of local franchise for cable 5 Not enough channels 3 Poor reception 2 Upgraded to access digital programming 2 High speed internet options Need better service for what we pay Lower prices Need more internet providers Cell phone-verizon The cable company needs to add sports packs and a Des Moines channel Broadband internet Satellite may be a good option when analog is shut off.
17. COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. • In the past 2 years, what is the most significant event to impact economic development in Carson ? Community Center 30 Housing development 7 Rodeo 7 Our mayor & city council Waste of resources for Tibbles Add. and community center School issue Poor maintenance Concrete plant, tin cup, wander Inn Business Club Gas prices Jubilee Days I didn't know there was any.
• Should the city spend public dollars promoting economic development? Yes: 44 (61.1%) No: 28 (38.9%)
• Are you satisfied with the level of regional cooperation the city is engaged in? (i.e. school, regional landfill, economic development coordinator) Yes: 63 (87.5%) No: 9 (12.5%)
• “Streetscape” is an update to physical appearances of a community's main street or corridor. Several ideas have been suggested, many will require grant assistance and sweat equity of citizens. Would you be willing to support this project? No: 23 (29.1%) Yes, financially: 13 (16.5%) Yes, physically: 31 (39.2%) Both financially and physically: 12 (15.2%)
e. Are there other community/economic development issues to address? Clean up Highway 92 through Carson/Gun shop/red house/yards/run down properties/west entrance 6 Need a dollar store/grocery store 2 More business 2 Bring in some kind of industry instead of just farming Is it possible to rehab upper stories downtown into apartments? Grants? Steps at Commercial & Broadway going south are dangerous Just fix up the streets, drains and such on the alleys and drive and such. Curb and gutters Mayor and council are driving people away from Carson
18. GENERAL. • There was some confusion in distributing 2000 census forms in Carson . If you were living in Carson at that time, did your household complete a census form? Yes: 68 (80.0%) No: 17 (20.0%)
19. CDBG GRANT Please indicate whether you support these projects. Yes: 89 (95.7%) No: 4 (4.3%)
Licensed Community Daycare Center Yes: 54 (61.4%) No: 34 (38.6%)
OTHER COMMENTS:
The city rushed to build the community building but I think if they would have waited the middle school building might have been a way better building and maybe a better use of money. Hopefully this building will not go to waste or be torn down and have an empty lot.
I feel the streets are in bad need of renovation. It appears to me that we keep building new additions, and are not taking care of what we have. If some of these streets are not resurfaced, they will eventually have to be completely redone at a much higher cost. I also think we need to address the problem of junk cars sitting around, and people who let their yards go without mowing.
I would support increased taxes to improve the appearance of our town and to discourage the rif raf from moving to our town simply because taxes are low. I know they are very expensive, but a pool would be a great draw for families.
I like the city wide garage sale and the city wide clean up. Have the garage sale before the clean up. Have place we can take our yard leaves ourselves.
Please resurface some of the streets and repair others. This is by far more important than paving Tibbles Addition. Gravel on blacktop there - good enough when our well traveled streets are getting very broken up. If you concrete Tibbles – it will be broken up with trucks hauling concrete and blocks. We need new street resurfacing and curbs please. It has been 21 years since North Dye has been resurfaced. Why aren't you keeping Sternberg's semi's off our streets? They travel some on N Dye – but go all the way down Main Street to the end and exit south. Please enforce this law. Other towns do. They are wrecking our streets. There are also some other trucks traveling here, too. Our town is nice – but needs to be cleaned up. The streets need to be swept, along the boulevard is bad. They should mow with the grass going to the middle – not the street. There is grass & leaves that need to be cleaned up. This should be done several times a year. Downtown street and sidewalks need to be cleaned please. Also at our beautiful Community building. In Treynor I see Mike Tripp cleaning the streets. Please clean all our streets. Thank you. I do hope down town can get some painting done.
I think its crazy to have a leash law for cats.
Quit wasting our tax dollars.
Mayor does exceptional job. Appreciate efforts AND survey.
Is there a “bill” drop box at the new community center as well as the one downtown? Not enough information (on website) – place to ask questions?
I'm very much interested in improving our services. I'm extremely interested in the enhancement of our “fair city.” I would be in favor of any ruling or law that would govern and encourage people to clean up their yards, remove sticks from the lawns, use a bit of paint on their homes, and replace old broken sidewalks. We had to pay for our sidewalk, and I think others should do this too. I don't feel that the city should be responsible; however, it would be a good amenity.
There are several people providing day care. We don't need one run by any government. Carson is a nice small town, that's the reason I live here. We don't need to try becoming anything else. So just maintain things as they are, and make whatever repairs or improvements that are needed. As for city hall, it is big and gaudy, and looks completely out of place in a town of this size. Other than the morons that run this town, I don't think there needs to be any other changes.
We have lived here just over a year, so much of this we don't know a lot about yet. What we do know is we love it here and are expecting to start our family here soon.
Lately there seems to be trash blowing around front yards and streets, especially Commercial Street . I'm picking up trash from front yard 2-3 times a week (none of it mine). Are people throwing loose trash in their cans? Aren't bags required? If not, they should be.
|