1l. Park Task Force: Contract with Decision Resources.CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
1k.
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
TO:. Don Ashworth, City Manager
FROM: Todd Hoffman, Park & Recreation Director
DATE: October 9, 1996
SUBJ-. Contract with Decision Resources, Ltd.; Survey Research and Ongoing Campaign
Consultation, Park Task Force
As you are aware, the city recently entered into an agreement with the Trust for Public Lands (TPL). The
agreement outlines the need for "public opinion survey(s)" under Section 1, Funding A, B and C. The
Park Task Force has solicited and received three separate proposals for survey work (see attached chart).
Two of the proposals are from Decision Resources (December 1995 and September 1996). The third is
from Anderson, Niebuhr and Associates. This survey work will enable the city to decide whether or not
the "voter environment" is conducive to moving forward with a referendum. The survey would also
uncover other information valuable to council and commission members and appointed officials. I
encourage you to read Mr. Morris' proposal in detail
On Tuesday, October 8, the Park Task Force called a special meeting to review the proposal from
Decision Resources. After 30 minutes of discussion and deliberation, the Task Force forwarded the
following motion.
RECOMIIMNDATION
"Berquist moved, Scott seconded to recommend the city council approve the attached proposal
from Decision Resources for survey research and ongoing campaign consultation in an amount
y not to exceed $9,000. All voted in favor and the motion carried."
Notes:
1. The Trust for Public Lands will reimburse $5,000 of this expense.
2. The council may add questions to the survey which they feel are pertinent.
3. Any additional questions cost $100 each, thus the recommendation-to approve costs not to
exceed $9,000.
ATTACHMENTS
I. Proposals.
2. Proposal from Decision Resources.
3. Copy of Agreement TPL.
rApurklth\d=isionres.
►ANDUM
Marketing Research Companies Proposals
A. Decision Resources Proposal
B. Decision Resources Proposal
C. Anderson,Niebuhr & Ass.
Differences
Dated December 7, 1995
Dated September 15,1996
Dated May 1996
1. Cost of project
$7,500
$7,800 - a 4 % increase
$15,750
2. Terms of payment
Not included in proposal
$3,900 prior to starting fieldwork
Not included in proposal
$3,900 upon delivery of report
3. Timing
Not included in proposal
9 -11 weeks from signed contract
90 days or 13 weeks
( I'd say 12 to 13 to play it safe)
4. Preliminary
Not included in proposal
Page 3, #6 - telephone discussion
survey discussion
on preliminary survey results
(covering their exposure)
* This proposal samples 75
Minnewashta residents.
RECEIVED
' OCT 03 1996
s�cis�roN aeosem ��s.
3128 Dean Court CITY OF CHANHASSEN
' Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416
(612) 920 -0337
September 15, 1996
Mr. Todd Hoffman
' Parks and Recreation Director
City of Chanhassen
Chanhassen City Hall '
' P.O. Box 147
Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317
' Dear Mr. Hoffinan:
' Decision Resources, Ltd., is pleased to present this revised proposal for survey research and on-
going campaign consultation in the City of Chanhassen. It is primarily based upon our recent
discussions with you and members of your Park Commission. We feel confident that the program
' outlined below will meet your objectives in a timely and cost - effective manner, while providing
the greatest degree of flexibility in choosing strategies and tactics.
ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENT
' Voters ultimately base their decisions in city referendum elections on a number of factors --
several, at times, beyond the control of the campaign leadership. Perceptions of aggregate tax
' burdens, unhappiness with completely unrelated local issues or personalities, competing nearby
facilities, and differing priorities have doom_ ed many proposals in other localities. As a result,
simply gauging support or opposition to a proposed policy can overlook critically important
campaign considerations. There may be a need to dispel misconceptions or explain existing city
policies and services prior to the initiation of the referendum campaign. We have found that
addressing any environmental negatives in advance of the election "season" greatly strengthens the
' chances of support among the citizenry:
The following general issues should be addressed in this research:
' A. What do Chanhassen residents like least and most about their city?
B. Are residents generally satisfied or dissatisfied with the level and provision of current city .
services? In particular, park and recreation programs, and park maintenance and upkeep?
C. Are residents satisfied or dissatisfied with their elected officials and city stafft
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D. How do residents see the tax burden in Chanhassen relative to other suburban areas?
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E. What are the policy priorities of the residents?
Chanhassen
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F. Are residents enerall supportive of the development of ark facilities to date, as
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well as planned future projects? Are residents worried about maintaining a balance between park `
land and new housing developments, apartments, and shopping areas?
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G. Do residents feel they can have an impact on the forming of city policies?
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How do newer residents differ from "old- timersT' Are there differences in a
H. expectations of
city services, recreational preferences, satisfaction with community, or policy preferences?
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1 district building -needs have a "destructive impact! " on an c'
i. Will schoo distn duig y city referendum effort?
Issues more specific to the completion of the park system would include:
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J Do residents support or oppose the completion of the system? Are there "pockets" of intense
support or opposition?
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K What is the profile of the persuadables (residents who are undecided at present)? What
arguments are most helpful in gaining support of the undecideds?
L. On average, how much more in property taxes would residents be willing to pay for the
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completion of the park system?
M. How do residents obtain their information about city activities? What are relevant secondary
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communications channels -- clubs, newsletters,. etc.? What channels are most effective for
reaching fu.orables and persuadables?
Once this benchmark assessment has been completed, specific recommendations can be made on
both policy and timing. The next section will discuss this initial study more fully. .
Study Paramders:
Decision Resources, Ltd., proposes to conduct a telephone survey of 400 randomly selected
households in the City of Chanhassen. A random sample of this size would provide results
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ue aarnrnisrerea oy LxL iramea ana supervises personnel. 'I h e computer analysis would be
obtained from the DRL remote job entry facility to the University of Minnesota VAX system and
' the company's own MENTOR ANALYSIS PROTOCOL, insuring both access to the most
current statistical analysis programs and confidentiality of the data set.
' The City of Chanhassen would be presented with two bound copies of the final report highlighting
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all the major findings of the`study. DRL will also speak to any major differences from and similar-
ities with other completed referendum studies undertaken for other comparable suburban areas.
A volume of all statistically significant cross tabulations and multivariate analysis will also be
provided to the City. In addition, the findings would be presented by me at a meeting with stag,
School Board, and/or citizen task forces.
The components of the project and the proposed time schedule is outlined below:
' 1. A lannin discussion with you and other designated participants to establish P g Y � p p bhsh topics for
questions. This activity to be completed within two -to -three weeks of the initiation of the
' contract.
2. Structuring of questions and final approval of the survey instrument. These activities to be
' completed within three -to -four weeks of the initiation of the contract.
3. Final determination of the field dates ,for the interviews and questionnaire approval.
4. Pre testing and, if needed, approval of resulting revisions. This activity to be completed by the
' second day of fieldwork.
5. Computer analysis and preparation of the written report. Frequencies of responses will be
' provided to the City of Chanhassen within ten days after the completion of all fieldwork. All
statistical analysis and preliminary commentary will be available four to six weeks after
completion of the fieldwork.
' 6. Telephone discussion with ou and designated p to lain and discuss survey
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results. This preliminary discussion can be. arranged at a time convenient for the City Staff and all
interested parties, after delivery of the preliminary written analysis.
7. Meeting with City Council Members, City St4 and/or City residents in either a work session
or formal presentation to explain and discuss the results of the survey. The final presentation and
discussion session can be arranged at a time convenient for all interested parties after delivery of
the preliminary survey results. A final written report would be made available within two weeks
' of this final meeting.
Usually, from the time of approval of the questionnaire to the delivery of the final report, six to
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eight weeks have elapsed.
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DRL personnel would be available as needed for additional telephone conversations to answer
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questions about the survey, its findings, and its implications.
Because of the "nature of this study, combining both city residential assessments and campaign
,
objectives, I would act as Principal Investigator for the survey. In addition, my partner, Diane;
Traxler, who possesses extensive local level participation in referenda elections, would" serve as
Project Director, overseeing all phases of the research.
'
Cost of surveys are based upon two factors: size of the sample. and number of questions con -
tained on the instrument. The 400 households" sample size would provide a reliable degree of
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accuracy. It would also be sufficiently large to permit the fiuther breakdown of city residents into
groups of potential interest -- area of residence, occupation, income, renter or owner, and the like.
The base minimum survey length DRL recommends is 60 questions, although several city polls
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have contained nearly 150 queries. The cost of a sixty question, 400 household sample is
$7,800.00. Each additional question is $100.00.
As company policy, DRL requires one -half of the cost prior to the commencement of fieldwork;
the remainder is due upon delivery of the final written report,
'
I hope this overview sufficiently covers all the information you require. Let me assure you
that we believe we can provide you with timely and reliable information. In light of our previous
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experiences, DRL is particularly sensitive to the implications -- both policy and political -- of park
bond referendums.
'
We look forward to the opportunity to work with you. But, in an case, best of luck with your
PPo t3' Y Y
efforts!
Sincerely yours,
William D. Morris, PhD.
President
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TRi PST
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PUBLIC
LAND
October 8, 1996
Conserving Land
for Peopke
Todd Hoffman
Director of Parks and Recreation
City of Chanhassen
690 Coulter Drive
P.O. Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Dear Todd:
RECEIVED
OCT 0 9 1996
CITY OF CHAiNHASSFIN
I hope your hunting expedition was successful. Enclosed please find an executed copy of
the agreement between the City of Chanhassen and the Trust for Public Land. I have also
enclosed a file memo describing our understanding of the priorities of the Park Task Force with
respect to acquisition, as referenced in Exhibit A of the agreement. Please provide copies of the
memo to Alison Blackowiak and Nancy Mancino for their review and concurrence. It is our
understanding that the memo will be kept confidential by TPL, the City of Chanhassen and the
Park Task Force to avoid potentially adverse impacts on negotiations with the affected
landowners. Please let me know immediately if there are any changes to the priorities reflected in
the memo.
We look forward to working with you. Please call me to schedule a day when I can visit the
properties and discuss the next steps.
Sincerely,
X--�
Alan D. Raymond
Senior Project Manager
Enclosure
The Trust for Public Land
Midwest Region
420 North Fifth Street
Suite 865
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338 -8494
Fax (612) 338.8467
MEMO
To: File
From: Alan D. Raymond
Subject: Chanhassen Project Priorities
Date: October 8, 1996
The following list of properties has been identified by the Chanhassen Park Task Force for
acquisition. The properties are listed in order of importance based on the discussion at a meeting
of the Chanhassen Park Task Force on September 11, 1996. This list represents our
understanding of the priorities for property acquisition referenced as "Exhibit A" in our agreement
with the City of Chanhassen.
PriorityJLandowner
Top priority:
1. The Artist formerly known as Prince
If #1 is not available:
2. Degler (west side)
3. Degler (east side)
4. Chaska Investment
(only if successful with Degler)
If #2 and #3 are not available:
5A.Chaska Investment
SB.Sever Peterson
(SA and 5B are interdependent)
6. Doug Hansen
7. Frank Fox
The following are lower priori projects:
8. Bruce Jeuissen
9. Laurent
10. Camp Tanadoona
(conservation easement ?)
11. Marlin Edwards
Location/Description Acres
On Galpin/abuts lake Lucy 100
Audubon and Lyman/rolling 67.3
On Lyman/Bluff Creek 80
Wooded into Degler 17
On Audubon/flat farmland 70.42
Abuts 7A/20 acres on Bluff Creek 80
North side of Center City Park 5
East of 212 /mostly wetland 37
Bluff Creek Waterway /212 R.O.W. 20
North of Pioneer Trail/212 R.O.W. 69
On Lake Minnewashta 102
On Audubon/mostly wetland 7
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AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT entered into as of the Effective Date (as defined below) by and between the
CITY OF CHANHASSEN, a Mnnesota municipal corporation ( "Chanhassen "), and THE
TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND, a nonprofit California public benefit corporation authorized to
do business in Minnesota as The Trust for Public Land, Inc. ( "TPL ").
RECITALS
A Chanhassen has identified for acquisition for public, open space and recreational purposes
certain real properties located in Chanhassen described on Exhibit A attached hereto and made a
part hereof, (collectively, the "Properties" and singularly, "Property ").
B. - Chanhassen does not have sufficient funds at this time to purchase the Properties and
seeks TPVs assistance in acquiring the Properties and in passing a bond referendum to raise the
funds for its acquisition.
' C. TPL is a national nonprofit organization that works with citizen groups, communities and
public agencies to help acquire lands of environmental, recreational, historic or cultural
significance. TPL obtains the resources to carry out its mission from various sources, among
' which are foundation grants, government funds, contributions of land value by property owners,
loans and professional services fees.
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D. Chanhassen and TPL acknowledge that TPL has and will expend significant time, money
and expertise in assisting Chanhassen in (1) developing the funding sources for acquisition of the
Properties and (2) attempting to negotiate for the acquisition and subsequent conveyance in a
simultaneous closing to Chanhassen of one or more of the Properties. Except as set forth in
Section 4, Chanhassen will not compensate TPL for its time and expense in acquiring the
Properties and conveying them to Chanhassen. Rather, TPL will earn support for itself from the
landowners who will sell the Properties to TPL.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:
1. FUNDING
a. Chanhassen Chanhassen agrees that it is a priority that public funds be made
available for future acquisition of the Properties. Chanhassen will conduct public opinion
survey(s) CTublic Opinion Surveys") to assess the likelihood of success of the citizens of
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Chanhassen passing a bond referendum authorizing Chanhassen to sell its general obligation -
bonds to purchase open space (the "Bond Referendum").
b. 3M. TPL agrees to use all reasonable efforts as an independent, nonprofit
organization to support and further public financing for such acquisitions, including the provision
of technical assistance and agrees to reimburse direct expenses incurred by Chanhassen in an
amount not to exceed $5,000 in connection with the Public Opinion Surveys. TPL shall also
assist Chanhassen in identifying private, foundation and other governmental funding sources for
the acquisition by Chanhassen of the Properties.
C. Acquisition Services Based on Results of Public Opinion Surveys If the parties
agree that the results of the Public Opinion Surveys indicate that the Bond Referendum is likely to
be passed by the voters of Chanhassen, TPL will attempt to negotiate for the acquisition and
subsequent conveyance of one or more of the Properties to Chanhassen. Chanhassen understands
that TPL is willing to provide the technical assistance and funding described in Section 1(b) in
exchange for the opportunity to acquire the Properties in the manner described in this Agreement.
2. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR TPL is acting as an independent contractor and not
as an agent or employee of Chanhassen. TPL shall pursue the acquisition of the Properties after
consultation with Chanhassen as to Chanhassen's priority of acquisition of the Properties. TPL, as
an independent entity, shall negotiate with the owners of the Properties (collectively,
"Landowners" and singularly, "Landowner "), and in consultation with Chanhassen to the extent
permitted in Section 6, to obtain an option to acquire the Properties through fee purchase (or
exchange, if appropriate). TPL will use all reasonable efforts to negotiate an option term for each
Property with rights to extend the option term which is sufficiently long so that the option will not
expire prior to the availability of public funds from the Bond Referendum. Chanhassen
understands and agrees that TPL at its sole discretion will attempt to negotiate a purchase price
for each Property which will be a percentage of the fair market value of the Property as prescribed
by an appraisal reviewed and approved by Chanhassen.
3. PURCHASE BY CHANHASSEN
a. Appraisal. TPL, at its own expense, will contract for an appraisal of a Property if
it has or if it determines that it is likely to obtain site control of said Property. The appraisal shall
be prepared by an appraiser selected by TPL and mutually acceptable to Chanhassen. Chanhassen
will review each appraisal within thirty (3 0) days of TPL delivering to Chanhassen an appraisal of
a Property. Within said thirty (3 0) day period, Chanhassen will notify TPL if (1) it approves of
the appraisal and (ii) it is willing to purchase the Property at the fair market value established by
the appraisal.
b. Purchase and Sale Agreement If Chanhassen approves of the appraisal and agrees
to acquire a Property at the fair market value established by the appraisal, TPL and Chanhassen
will enter into a purchase and sale agreement (or other similar agreement, including but not .
limited to assignment of option) the terms and conditions of which shall be mutually agreed upon
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by TPL and Chanhassen. TPL understands and agrees that a condition to Chanhassen's obligation
to perform under any purchase and sale agreement will be the passage of the Bond Referendum
and the sale of bonds and such contingency will be set forth in the purchase and sale agreement. It
is TPL's intent to acquire each Property and simultaneously convey it to Chanhassen. Chanhassen
agrees to cooperate in coordinating such a simultaneous closing.
' 4. ALTERNATIVES TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
a. TPL is Unable to Obtain an Option In the event that TPL determines it is unable
' to obtain an option on a Property as contemplated herein, TPL shall notify Chanhassen and the
parties shall mutually agree either to: (I) terminate any further obligations of TPL and Chanhassen
hereunder with respect to such Property, or (ii) enter into a mutually agreed upon professional
' services contract with respect to such Property.
b. TPL Does Not Exercise an Option In the event that TPL has an option on a
' Property and determines not to exercise it, TPL shall notify Chanhassen and except as set forth
below, the obligations of TPL and Chanhassen hereunder with respect to that Property shall
terminate. TPL, at the request of Chanhassen, will assign such option to Chanhassen for a fee
' equal to three percent (3%) of the purchase price stated in TPL's option with the Landowner plus
TPL's direct expenses incurred in connection with that Property, including but not limited to,
' option consideration, appraisal fees, environmental audit and inspection expenses, survey and
abstracting and title commitment fees, but excluding TPL staff time and overhead.
'
C. Right of First Refusal In the event that TPL obtains a right of first refusal for the
purchase of a Property which has a term exceeding one year, TPL, at its sole discretion, shall
notify Chanhassen, and at Chanhassen's request, shall assign such right of first refusal to
' Chanhassen under the same terms and conditions as provided herein for an assignment of an
option.
' In any case, TPL will use good faith efforts to facilitate the acquisition of such Property by
Chanhassen.
5. T Chanhassen and TPL shall mutually establish clear and reasonable timelines for
the completion of the acquisition for each Property, and Chanhassen and TPL shall diligently
pursue the completion of their reviews and administrative functions necessary for each such
' acquisition within a mutually acceptable timeframe.
6. COMMUNICATION To facilitate consistent communications and allow effective
negotiations, TPL shall maintain and direct all communications, written and oral, with the
Landowners regarding the acquisition of their Properties until TPL notifies Chanhassen that it is
no longer negotiating with a Landowner or that it does not intend to exercise an option or right of
first refusal on a Property. TPL's negotiations and final terms of purchase shall be completely
confidential to the extent requested by a Landowner. To the extent TPL is allowed hereunder,
TPL shall provide status reports with respect to the progress of its negotiations on each Property
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in the time and manner requested by Chanhassen. Any information provided by TPL to
Chanhassen shall be subject to the requirements of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13.
7. NANE . TPL shall use its full name "The Trust for Public Land" in all contacts and
correspondence with Landowners and the public and shall identify itself as a nonprofit land
conservation organization.
8. NOTICES The contact persons for the purposes of communication with respect to this
Agreement shall be:
TPL: Ms. Cynthia M. Whiteford
The Trust for Public Land
420 North Fifth Street, Suite 865
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
Tel: (612) 338 -8494
Fax: (612) 338 -8467
Chanhassen: Mr. Todd Hoffinan
City of Chanhassen
690 Coulter Drive, Box 147
Chanhassen, Minnesota 5 53 17
Tel: (612) 937 -1900
Fax: (612) 937 -5739
9. TERl\ . The terms of this Agreement shall be from the Effective Date to, through and
including December 31, 1997 (the "Termination Date "), except that Chanhassen may terminate
this Agreement at any time upon ten (10) days written notice to TPL. Subsequent to termination,
Chanhassen and TPL shall be bound by the terms and conditions of any separate agreements,
including but not limited to purchase and sale agreements, entered into prior to termination of this
Agreement. In the event Chanhassen elects to terminate this Agreement prior to the Termination
Date, upon such termination, Chanhassen will pay all of TPL's direct expenses incurred as of the
date of such termination, including but not limited to, appraisal fees, environmental investigation
and audit expenses, survey and abstracting and title commitment fees, but excluding TPL staff
time and overhead and excluding option consideration payments made by TPL unless an option is
assigned to Chanhassen pursuant to Section 4.b. of this Agreement. In the event this Agreement
is terminated prior to the Termination Date, TPL shall be under no obligation to assign any option
on the Properties it may hold at the time of such termination.
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IN WITNESS of the foregoing provisions, the parties have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the date set forth below. The effective date (the "Effective Date ") of this
Agreement shall be the last date of execution by either of the parties to this Agreement.
CITY OF CHANHASSEN, a THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND,
Minnesota municipal a nonprofit California public
F:Amaggie\profserv\2cban1=n.mou
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Date: 'off 3 — Date: G�z &I �o
Exhibit A
To be determined in consultation with the Chanhassen Park Task Force.
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