Comments are sought on services, quality of life

ThisWeek CW 01/15/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/01/12/community-survey-comments-are-sought-on-services-quality-of-life.html

Canal Winchester officials are looking for community feedback from residents for ideas on improving city services and quality of life.

City Events and Communications Coordinator Amanda Lemke worked with staff members to develop the questionnaire now posted on the city website, canalwinchesterohio.gov, where residents can anonymously provide feedback.

“We’ll be using this information to help determine some opportunities for 2015 and beyond,” Lemke said. “We’re not looking at any specific projects for input; we’re really looking for how the residents feel about the quality of life here and uncovering some opportunities for improvements that maybe haven’t been noticed yet.

“This could be development or services or residential — we’re just looking to receive information now without any expectations,” she said.

The last time a residents’ survey was released was in 2008. At that time, it was mailed and administered by a third party.

Lemke said the technology available with Canal Winchester’s new website means city staff members will be able to leave the survey up indefinitely and continue to collect data.

“At this point, we’re just hoping to get good information back without needing to set a time limit like when you are dealing with mailed surveys,” she said.

“We also hope that by having this anonymous form that people will feel more open with concerns or complaints.”

The short survey focuses on several areas, including public safety, local development, community events and interactions with city staff; there are also some focused questions and a comments section.

While the survey is anonymous, residents who would like to be contacted about their feedback will have the opportunity to provide contact information. Also, residents who do not have access to the website can obtain a printed version of the survey through Lemke.

For additional survey information, or to request a printed version, residents should call Lemke at 614-837-8276 or email her at alemke@canalwinchesterohio.gov.