Full Text
AGENDA BILL Agenda Item No. 7(A) Date: June 2, 2015 To: El Cerrito City Council From: Karen Pinkos, Assistant City Manager Subject: Results of Survey by Godbe Research on a Future Revenue Measure for a Library Facility ACTION REQUESTED Receive a presentation from Godbe Research on the results of their survey of El Cerrito residents to ascertain voter opinions related to a future revenue measure to fund a new library facility, and discuss and provide comments and feedback. BACKGROUND The City’s Strategic Plan identifies “Develop and Rehabilitate Public Facilities as Community Focal Points” as a primary goal. The strategies outlined for this goal include continuing to assess facilities to prioritize and strategize investment library, public safety building, senior center, community center). The El Cerrito Library was built in 1948 and does not currently meet earthquake safety standards of libraries built today. The Library is overcrowded and too small for the community’s public safety, educational, and informational needs. In July 2013, staff received consensus from the City Council to pursue planning for a new library building, including the steps necessary to consider a ballot measure to fund the facility in November 2016. In March 2014, the Council received the results from the update to the 2006 Needs Assessment for the El Cerrito Library as part of the first phase of the planning process. The City Council then authorized a survey in February 2015 that focused on the funding mechanisms and potential language for a ballot measure in 2016 would assist the City in determining the best options for financing the facility. The City commissioned Godbe Research to conduct an independent opinion research study of El Cerrito constituents to gauge the feasibility of a bond measure to replace the City’s 67-year-old library, and to determine what library services residents prioritize. Godbe Research was originally selected as the City’s polling and research firm as a result of a competitive procurement process. Since that time, they have assisted the City in survey research related to the Utility Users Tax, Landscape and Lighting Assessment District, communication methods, City facilities, capital improvement programs, the street improvement program Measure A, and the sales tax Measure R. Godbe has also provided valuable assistance with determining timing of potential measures as well as development of ballot phrasing and language. ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 7(A) ANALYSIS Tonight Godbe Research will present the key findings from their research and be prepared to answer questions. As Mr. Godbe will report, constituents strongly suppo1i a seismically safe, modern library that includes the following features: • A safe, energy-efficient library that meets earthquakes and fire codes • Updated wiring to accommodate computers and technology • Children's area with space for children's story time • Space for public access computers, a computer learning center, and free Wi-Fi • Improved access for seniors and disabled residents Next Steps The next steps in this process include, but are not limited to: identification of funding for necessary studies and plans; engagement of an architectural firm to assist with site selection, massing studies, elevations, and ultimately design; possible site studies seismic and hazardous materials) and environmental review; and engagement of a consultant for development of a public information strategy. After consideration of the survey results, City Council feedback, and budget analysis, staff would then expect to return to Council with recommendations for completion of the identified tasks necessary to move forward with a ballot measure. STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS This planning process is within the considerations of Goal D: Develop and Rehabilitate Public Facilities as Community Focal Points as detailed in the City of El Cerrito Strategic Plan; as well as Goal B: Achieve Long-term Financial Sustainability and Goal C: Deepen a Sense of Place and Community Identity. Specifically, this would contribute to achieving the following strategies: • Continue the facilities assessment to prioritize and strategize investment (i.e. , library, public safety building, senior center, community center). • Develop a financial plan to address ongoing and deferred maintenance of facilities and infrastructure. • Identify, promote, and/or develop entertainment, recreational, and leisure activities for people of all ages and demographics. Scott Hanin, City Manager Attachments: 1. Godbe Research Presentation Page 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 1 of 5 MEMORANDUM May 27, 2015 TO: City of El Cerrito FROM: Bryan Godbe President Godbe Research RE: 2015 Library Facilities Needs and Service Priorities Survey – Summary of the Results Introduction: The City of El Cerrito commissioned Godbe Research to conduct an internet and telephone survey to assess residents’ facility needs and service priorities for the El Cerrito Library. Top constituent priorities include a seismically safe, energy-efficient library that meets earthquake and fire codes, has updated wiring to accommodate computers and technology including free Wi-Fi, increased public access and a computer learning center, and provides children space for story time and increased access for seniors and disabled residents. Over 72% of respondents support a local library bond measure to replace the current 67-year-old El Cerrito Library. Methodology: Interviews were conducted from March 23 through March 30, 2015, and the average phone interview time was approximately 20 minutes. A total of 621 likely November 2016 voters in the City of El Cerrito participated in the survey (418 online and 203 phone), and the study parameters resulted in a margin of error of plus or minus 3.77 percent. The survey sample is representative of likely November 2016 El Cerrito voters in terms of gender, age, and other demographics. Agenda Item No. 7(A) Attachment 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 of 5 Respondents identified the following facility needs and service priorities: Survey respondents were presented with a variety of El Cerrito Library needs and services to determine their importance. The survey results suggests constituents have clear priorities: 2M. Provide a safe, energy-efficient library that meets earthquake and fire codes 1.30 2AA.Include updated wiring to accommodate computers and technology 1.25 2Y. Provide a library that meets current health, safety and seismic standards 1.24 2K. Provide a children's area with space for children's story times 1.22 2A. Provide space for public access computers, a computer learning center, and with free wifi 1.19 2N. Provide improved access for seniors and disabled residents 1.15 2B. Be an up-to-date, functioning 21st century library 1.15 2C. Provide space for summer reading programs for school age children 1.14 2V. Provide a homework center for students 1.14 2D. Provide space for additional book and up-to-date resource collections 1.13 2BB. Provide adequate heating, plumbing, and ventilation systems 1.10 2W. Provide a children's area with parent/child reading space 1.09 2Q. Provide space for literacy tutoring programs 1.05 2O. Provide more space for computer work stations 1.03 2S. Provide space for community meeting rooms and education classrooms .99 2Z. Provide adequate lighting .99 2P. Provide more space for reference materials, books, audio-visual materials, and periodicals .98 2E. Provide adequate public seating for reading .98 2F. Create space for free family programs, activities, and classes .98 2G. Provide meeting space for community use .95 2T. Provide quiet adult reading areas .94 2R. Provide classrooms for educational and vocational courses .91 2H. Provide quiet study rooms .86 2U. Provide adequate parking .85 2J. Provide a separate teen area .70 2I. Provide space for a cafe and coffee bar .32 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 3 of 5 The survey results indicate a solid base of support for a library bond measure among likely November 2016 voters. Initially, without any discussion of facility needs or service priorities, 71.8 percent of those surveyed indicated support, including 39.3 percent who indicated they would definitely support a library bond measure. After identifying facility and service priorities needs, the definitely yes category increased to 41.9 percent, with a total yes of 72.5 percent. Even when the margin of error is accounted for, 68.7 percent of the voters support the measure – a very strong level for a measure requiring a two-thirds majority for approval. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Initial Test Final Test 39.3% 41.9% 32.5% 30.6% 8.8% 10.0% 9.4% 10.3% 10.0% 7.1% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 4 of 5 Understanding the impacts of the measure strongly increases support: Survey respondents were presented with a variety of statements about the measure, all of which significantly increased support for the measure – between 81 and 70 percent: 3E. The El Cerrito library was built in 1948 and does not currently meet the earthquake safety standards for libraries built today. This measure would build a new seismically safe library for residents to use for years to come 1.39 3L. When school gets out, the El Cerrito Library is packed with the school children. The El Cerrito Library is simply overcrowded, and too small for what our community needs 1.34 3P. None of the money raised by the measure would be used for City administrator salaries 1.32 3A. The measure will give El Cerrito local control over local funds for local needs. The money cannot be taken by the state 1.32 3U. Built in 1948, the El Cerrito Library is outdated and literally bursting at the seams. Space is limited for books, programs, and people - these constraints bring the library to a standstill when youth use the library after school 1.31 3V. Library programs for children and teens, including homework help and reading resources, are critical to providing our students with the resources they need 1.28 3C. El Cerrito's library is in poor condition when compared to libraries in Hercules, Albany, or Walnut Creek. Significant improvements are needed to address cramped, dilapidated conditions, poor lighting, and lack of space for seating, book collections, computer stations and group study or meetings 1.25 3B. The measure requires independent citizen oversight, mandatory financial audits, and yearly reports to the community to ensure that all funds are spent as promised 1.25 3T. This new library will provide space for more programs for older and younger adults 1.24 3W. Given historic low interest rates it will cost less to build a new library now. This is the right time to invest in our community 1.24 3D. Providing updated facilities and space will allow more after-school programs for youth and children, an expanded collection, additional seating and public computers, group study areas, and community meeting rooms all of which are important to serving the needs of today’s library users 1.24 3O. The El Cerrito Library is substandard when considering its high community usage and book circulation rates 1.23 3F. The new library will have the most up to date computer technology for public use, including a wireless network 1.22 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 5 of 5 3R. Many seniors on fixed incomes rely on libraries because buying books is just too expensive 1.21 3S. The old library doesn't meet national standards for books, computers, meeting space and seating for a city of the size of El Cerrito 1.20 3H. The El Cerrito library helps support the economic vitality of the community by helping residents of all ages and backgrounds learn to read, prepare for jobs, use computers, and succeed in school 1.19 3J. The new library will be larger than the current library to accommodate growing collections and programs 1.18 3N. The new library will use green building materials, and energy efficient design and cost less to operate 1.17 Conclusion: Likely November 2016 voters in El Cerrito strongly support a library bond measure, and have clear priorities for a safe, modern El Cerrito Library that meets earthquake and fire codes, can accommodate current technology including free W-Fi, provides more space for children and increased access for seniors and disabled patrons. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 1 April 2015 City of El Cerrito: 2015 Library Bond Measure Feasibility Survey June 2015 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 April 2015 The City of El Cerrito commissioned Godbe Research to conduct a survey of its residents to gauge the feasibility of a bond measure in order to fund replacement of the 67-year-old Library, with the following research objectives: Gauge base support for a bond measure; Determine library features and constituent service priorities and, Assess the rate at which voters will support the bond; Identify any differences in voter support due to demographic and/or voter behavioral characteristics. Overview and Research Objectives ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 3 April 2015 Methodology Overview Data Collection Telephone and Internet Interviewing Universe 12,041 registered likely November 2016 voters in the City of El Cerrito Fielding Dates March 23 through March 30, 2015 Interview Length 20 minutes Sample Size n=621 Online, n=418 Phone, n=203 Margin of Error ± 3.77% Note: The data have been weighted to reflect the actual population characteristics of likely voters in the City of El Cerrito in terms of their gender, age, and political party type. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 4 April 2015 Q1. Uninformed Support (n=621) To meet educational and information needs of El Cerrito by replacing the 67- year-old library with a safe, energy efficient, 21st century library that meets earthquake and fire codes with space for: • a children's area for children's' story times; • public access computers and computer lab; • literacy tutoring programs; • family programs, activities, and classes; • additional book and up-to-date resource collections; and • senior and disabled access; shall El Cerrito issue $30 million dollars in bonds, with independent oversight and all funds staying local? Probably No 8.8% DK/NA 10.0% Definitely No 9.4% Definitely Yes 39.3% Probably Yes 32.5% Total Support 71.8% November 2016 Sample ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 5 April 2015 Q2. Features of the Measure (n=621) Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = “Somewhat More Likely” = “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = and “Much Less Likely” = Somewhat More Likely Somewhat Less Likely Much Less Likely -2 -1 0 1 2 More space for computer work stations Space for literacy tutoring programs Children's area with parent/child reading space Adequate heating, plumbing, and ventilation systems Space for additional book, up-to-date resource collections Homework center for students Space for summer reading programs for school children Be an up-to-date, functioning 21st century library Improved access for seniors and disabled residents Space for public access computers, with free wifi Children's area with space for children's story times Library that meets current health/safety/seismic standards Updated wiring to accommodate computers and technology Safe, energy-efficient library that meets earthquake codes 1.03 1.05 1.09 1.10 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.15 1.15 1.19 1.22 1.24 1.25 1.30 Much More Likely Sample A Sample B Tier 2 Tier 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 6 April 2015 Q2. Features of the Measure (continued) (n=621) Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = “Somewhat More Likely” = “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = and “Much Less Likely” = Somewhat More Likely Somewhat Less Likely Much Less Likely -2 -1 0 1 2 Space for a cafe and coffee bar Separate teen area Adequate parking Quiet study rooms Classrooms for educational and vocational courses Quiet adult reading areas Meeting space for community use Space for free family programs, activities, and classes Adequate public seating for reading More space for reference materials, books, etc Adequate lighting Space for community mtg rooms and education classrooms .32 .70 .85 .86 .91 .94 .95 .98 .98 .98 .99 .99 Much More Likely Sample A Sample B Tier 2 Tier 3 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 7 April 2015 Statements About the Measure Tier 1 (n=621) Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = “Somewhat More Likely” = and “No Effect” = 0. 0 1 2 Old library doesn't meet nat'l standards for books, computers, etc Many seniors on fixed incomes rely on libraries New library will have most up to date computer tech for public EC Library substandard when considering high community usage Updated facilities & space will allow more after-school programs Given historic low interest rates will cost less to build now Space for more programs for older and younger adult Requires independent citizen oversight, mandatory audits EC library is in poor condition compared to Hercules, Albany, etc Library pgms for children & teens incl homework help, are critical Built in 1948, EC Library is outdated, literally bursting at seams Give local control over local funds for local needs No $ would be used for City administrator salaries When school gets out, EC Library is packed with school children EC library built in 1948, doesn't meet earthquake safety standards 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.24 1.24 1.25 1.25 1.28 1.31 1.32 1.32 1.34 1.39 No Effect Somewhat More Likely Much More Likely Sample A Sample B Tier 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 8 April 2015 Statements About the Measure Tier 2 & 3 (n=621) Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = “Somewhat More Likely” = and “No Effect” = 0. 0 1 2 Over last 10 years, State has taken >$15 million from EC New library designed and built to be flexible to meet future needs New library offer after-school & summer programs for youth Community gathering space a vibrant, healthy community needs Maintain excellent quality of life, character of the community New library use green building materials, energy efficient design New library will be larger than the current library EC library helps support the economic vitality of the community 0.63 1.06 1.11 1.14 1.15 1.17 1.18 1.19 No Effect Somewhat More Likely Much More Likely Sample A Sample B Tier 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 9 April 2015 Q5. Uninformed and Informed Support (n=621) 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Initial Test Final Test 39.3% 41.9% 32.5% 30.6% 8.8% 10.0% 9.4% 10.3% 10.0% 7.1% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA To meet educational and information needs of El Cerrito by replacing the 67-year-old library with a safe, energy efficient, 21st century library that meets earthquake and fire codes with space for: • a children's area for children's' story times; • public access computers and computer lab; • literacy tutoring programs; • family programs, activities, and classes; • additional book and up-to-date resource collections; and • senior and disabled access; shall El Cerrito issue $30 million dollars in bonds, with independent oversight and all funds staying local? 72.5% 71.8% November 2016 Sample ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 10 April 2015 Q5. Informed Support (Nov 2015 & June 2016) 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% June 2016 Final Test Nov 2015 Final Test 38.8% 37.4% 30.3% 30.9% 9.2% 9.2% 11.8% 11.5% 10.0% 11.0% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA To meet educational and information needs of El Cerrito by replacing the 67-year-old library with a safe, energy efficient, 21st century library that meets earthquake and fire codes with space for: • a children's area for children's' story times; • public access computers and computer lab; • literacy tutoring programs; • family programs, activities, and classes; • additional book and up-to-date resource collections; and • senior and disabled access; shall El Cerrito issue $30 million dollars in bonds, with independent oversight and all funds staying local? 68.3% 69.1% ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 11 April 2015 www.godberesearch.com California and Corporate Offices 1660 South Amphlett Boulevard, Suite 205 San Mateo, CA 94402 Nevada Office 59 Damonte Ranch Parkway, Suite B309 Reno, NV 89521 Pacific Northwest Office 601 108th Avenue NE, Suite 1900 Bellevue, WA 98004