Check yes or no. If you live in Manhattan, you’ll soon be receiving a survey that will gauge your feelings on life in the Little Apple.
City Commissioners were presented with a draft of the new survey during a work session, Tuesday night.
The survey – which is being carefully constructed with the help of Kansas State University – aims to “take action” and gather the responses of a diverse group of the Manhattan populous.
Questions presented in the draft include things such as overall quality of life and employment opportunities, in Manhattan. In addition, questions in categories like parks and recreation and public works appear.
Those working to develop the survey hope to receive between 500 and 600 responses, over the course of four weeks. Current plans have the survey being mailed to city homes between October and November.
Commissioner Usha Reddi presented one concern of great importance to the surveys validity – how will the large number of renters inhibiting the town, impact it’s results? The concerns were noted.
Commissioner Linda Morse reinforced renter concerns, stating that she isn’t sure Manhattan renters understand important issues such as property taxes, enough to accurately respond to questions about them. Commissioner Michael Dodson supported concerns by both of his counterparts, while wondering whether or not a question about satisfaction with Riley County Police services, should be presented to those surveyed. The city pays 80 percent of operational costs for the department.
Results from the survey are expected to be presented to the City Commission in March or April of 2016.
