Rochester Hills Legistar System

The consensus from the previous joint Community Development and Viability &

Financial Services Meeting held May 20, 2004 was to move forward with a millage

request.

Mr. Mark Nottley, from Rehmann Robson, distributed an outline for the final report (

attached to the legislative file) that pertains to the draft final report that will be forth

coming on June 7, 2004. The report will include the following:

* "Real road funding" that includes anticipated funding shortfalls with operations and

construction.

* A solid millage number for model assumptions.

* No transfer monies from the General or Major Roads Funds.

Ms. Dalene Sprick, from Rehmann Robson, reviewed an outline for the public education

initiative and sample timetables (attached to the legislative file) that included the

following points:

* Terminology is very important such as:

- Use the word "initiative" instead of "campaign" to take the politics out .

- Use the words "residential streets" instead of "local roads" to create more

meaning for residents.

* Specifically address the number of miles of road work to be done and the cost per

mile to repair or reconstruct or overlay the roads.

Ms. Sprick noted that the first suggested step would be for the Committee to determine

who will lead the initiative. She discussed the following considerations:

* City Council Members and Mayor are limited due to political nature of their positions.

* A citizens support group has the ability of a campaign nature.

* A task force can consist of staff, committee members and citizens.

* An outside consultant or staff person is the most viable option.

* An attorney would review the ballot language for state legislation and city charter

issues.

Ms. Sprick suggested a second step would be for the Committee to perform a "

community attitudinal assessment survey" that includes the following:

* Ask residents how they become aware of city issues, i.e. where do they get their

information from so dedicated funding for educating residents can be appropriately

directed.

* Determine the underlying crucial community issues and craft the message to deliver

a better package by using the following:

- A phone survey could poll about 385 to 400 residents and would cost

approximately $5,000 to $7,000.

- Structure the message to be personal and clear for residents to understand

- Use different messages for different population groups but have an

overriding theme.

- Possibly tie road quality to property values.

- Develop materials to convey the message such as:

. easy to read handouts

. slide presentations

. press packets

. newspaper articles

- Develop media contacts.

* Distribute materials before absentee ballots are returned and before the election.