HomeMy Public PortalAboutOpen Space Committee (17) Town of Truckee
Open Space Committee Agenda
February 23, 2004 5:30pm
1. Call to order and introductions
2. Discussion — Meet with polling consultant to evaluate scope and
options for a poll. Primary poll focus: alternative funding
mechanisms I threshold of support; desired types of open space to
be acquired, and; type of fund administrative authority.
3. Review of existing open space funding activities.
4. Next steps— Discussion
5. Adjourn — Next meeting date to be set after discussion.
asp
1 21104 FEB —9 PH 2:
r' 7
4 t
// TOWN OF TRUCKEE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
1 f
OPINION RESEARCH AND REVENUE MEASURE FEASIBILITY PROJECT
i ;
V
Proposal and Statement of Qualifications
4
,r
February 4, 2004 „,
f((ja�4 d�.v
, , m .... r 7.
J
Submitted by and it: - ''"`
� r- t (" r`
SCI True north Research . I
Shifts Consultants, Inc.
2300 Boynton Avenue, Suite 201 7, 741,Garden View Court,
Fairfield, CA 94533 ,°, Encinitas, CA 92024 /707-426-5016 ;° 76Q-632-9900--,
ww .shilts.com / ': www tn-research'.o
wm
f ,
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
PROJECT TEAM 2
ABOUT SCI 2
ABOUT TNR 3
PROJECT STAFF 3
REFERENCES 4
SCOPE OF WORK 6
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 6
INITIAL ANALYSIS AND WEIGHTED"VOTE" MODELING 7
SURVEY INSTRUMENTS 7
SAMPLE SIZE 8
DATA COLLECTION 10
DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS 10
FINAL REPORT 10
MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS 11
FEE SCHEDULE 12
ALTERNATIVE 1 12
ALTERNATIVE 2 12
ALTERNATIVE 3 12
s
2r;/ r. SHILTS CONSULTANTS, INC.
•
',04/„/"/,,,, 2300Boynton Ave, Suite 201
r••:),-- `i '� Fairfield,CA 94533
K.,."1,02,,,21 707.426.5016
January 22, 2004
Dear Mr.Wright:
Shifts Consultants, Inc. (SCI) and True North Research, Inc. (TNR) are pleased to submit this proposal for
community research and revenue measure feasibility analysis services to the Town of Truckee. SCI and TNR
understand that the overriding objective of this project is to produce an unbiased, statistically reliable measure
of the level of support for locally funding open space, and, potentially as well, parks, recreation areas and
related services, as well as determine how such a measure should be packaged to maximize voter support.
Additionally, SCI and TNR will gather important information about the open space, parks, recreation and
community services desires of residents and property owners that can help guide future planning efforts by the
Town.
To successfully meet the challenges of the proposed study, the Town will need a consultant team that has a
diverse set of skills and experience. First and foremost, the team should possess an in-depth understanding of
public finance and the many legal, procedural and logistical differences between different types of funding
mechanisms, including general obligation bonds, parcel taxes, and benefit assessments. Only by understanding
these differences-and the strategic opportunities and challenges they present-will the consultant team be able
to design a survey and interpret the results in ways that will provide the Town with sound, strategic advice on
how best to move forward with a benefit assessment. From a research perspective, the team must also
possess a sophisticated understanding of survey research methodology to ensure that the resulting data are
valid and reliable measures of property owners' opinions, and that the results are representative of the
individuals who may ultimately decide the fate of the measure -which varies depending on the type of funding
mechanism selected. And, of course, the team should have ample experience translating positive survey
results into successful parks, recreation and community services measures.
Please see the Scope of Services and Qualifications and Experience sections for a brief description of our firms
and a summary of our proposal, including our approach to satisfying your objectives. In addition, you are invited
to contact our clients who can attest to the level of service we provide, the long-term relationships we have
developed, the accuracy of our survey findings and our industry-leading track record with successful ballot
measures for parks and open space. With over 20 years of experience in this field, we have developed a
unique and unmatched survey approach that is highly specialized to account for the many important differences
in a weighted, mailed ballot proceeding for property owners relative to an election for registered voters. Our
recommended approach has been proven in over 40 other similar open space, park and recreation benefit
survey research projects throughout California. The accuracy of our unmatched approach is best evidenced by
our track record of successful ballot proceedings that have followed our surveys. To date, SCI has a 96%
success rate representing 45 successful assessment ballot measures — most of which have been for open
space and/or parks and recreation.
The team of SCI and TNR are eager to work with the Town of Truckee on this important project. We think that
you will find our qualifications and our interest in this project to be exceptional. Should you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
72
Gerard v.•: - -, ,
President
INTRODUCTION
Shifts Consultants, Inc. (SCI) and True North Research, Inc. (TNR) are pleased to submit
this proposal to measure community priorities and revenue alternatives for open space
acquisition and preservation (Project). SCI and TNR understand that the overriding
objective of this Project is to produce an unbiased, statistically reliable measure of the
priorities and support for a local funding measure for open space preservation in the Town
of Truckee. In addition, the research project could include determining which type of
funding mechanism is most favorable and should make recommendations on when and
how to proceed with the funding measure.
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 1
PROJECT TEAM
SCI and TNR offer an unmatched level of expertise with survey and opinion research
services specifically tailored to the important and tangible differences with property owner
mailed ballot proceedings relative to registered voter elections. This unmatched level of
expertise and experience is perhaps best demonstrated by the proven accuracy of our
initial research findings when put to the ultimate test of comparison to the actual results
from a subsequent mailed ballot outcome. By this measure, SCI has a 96% success rate
overall, and the mailed survey methodology recommended for this project has been 100%
accurate to date.
ABOUT SCI
SCI specializes in assisting local agencies with generating new revenues for specific
purposes through the use of local benefit assessment ballot proceedings. Since its
foundation in 1983, the firm's projects have included the formation of over 120 new benefit
assessment districts for a wide range of public improvements and services covering fire
prevention, flood control, water, lighting, streets and infrastructure, mosquito abatement,
stormwater quality, open space, parks and recreation.
SCI specializes in assisting local agencies with initial survey and opinion research for local
funding measures and with generating new revenues through local ballot measures. Since
its foundation in 1983, the firm's projects have included over 100 successful ballot
measures for a wide range of public improvements and services covering fire prevention,
flood control, water, lighting, streets and infrastructure, mosquito abatement, stormwater
quality, open space, parks and recreation. However, the majority have been for parks,
recreation improvements and open space. In fact, SCI has formed more successful
community-wide local funding measures for parks, recreation and open space than all
other firms in California combined. SCI's services are typically segmented into two primary
phases. First, SCI typically conducts opinion research and surveys to measure the
feasibility of enhancing funding on the local level for local services and public
improvements. Second, SCI conducts the ballot proceeding or election needed to
generate the new funding.
Since 1996, SCI has been successful on 45 out of 47 local revenue measure ballot
proceedings. Our most recent projects include successful parks, recreation and open
space funding measures for the City of Lompoc, City of Palmdale, Mountains Recreation
and Conservation Authority, County of Placer, County of Ventura, Feather River Recreation
and Park District, Santa Clara County Open Space Authority, Sunrise Recreation and Park
District and the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District. In addition, SCI's other
recent successful local ballot measures were for the Napa County Mosquito Abatement
District and the County of Fresno,Auberry Fire Community Services District.
This unmatched record of accomplishment is a testament to the multi-disciplinary skills of
our staff and our uniquely specialized and comprehensive approach towards the initial
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 2
survey and feasibility analysis, which serves as the foundation for our subsequent success
with assessment ballot measures.
ABOUT TNR
True North Research, Inc. is a survey research firm that is dedicated to providing public
entities with a clear understanding of the values, priorities and concerns of their
constituents and voters. Using innovative research methods developed by the principals
at TNR and SCI and proven through dozens of similar projects, TNR helps its clients move
with confidence in a variety of areas, such as planning, policy evaluation,,forming and
expanding special districts, establishing fiscal priorities, packaging revenue measures for
success, and developing effective public information campaigns. The principals at True
North Research are highly experienced and skilled in the areas of research design,
analysis, interpretation and presentation. In their current roles as President and Principal
Researcher at TNR, as well as in their previous roles as Director of Research and
Associate Research Director at Godbe Research &Analysis (GRA), Dr. Timothy McLarney
and Richard Sarles designed and implemented more than 300 survey research studies for
public agencies in California, including approximately 40 surveys for parks and recreation
revenue measures specific to a benefit assessment funding mechanism. The experience
of designing and implementing these studies means that the research staff at TNR is
uniquely well prepared to assist the Town of Truckee in this important study.
PROJECT STAFF
The key individuals that will work with the Town of Truckee on this Project are Gerard van
Steyn (President of SCI), Dr. Timothy McLarney (President of TNR), Josh Morris (Senior
Consultant, SCI), and Rick Sarles (Principal Researcher, TNR).
Table 1. Partial List of Parks, Recreation & Open Space Clients •
Bay Area Open Space Council Feather River Recreation&Park District
Bear Mountain Recreation and Park District Fulton-El Camino Recreation&Park District
City of Folsom Mission Oaks Recreation&Park District
City of Glendale Monterey Peninsula Regional Park and Recreation District
City of Lompoc Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
City of Long Beach Mountains Restoration Trust
City of Palmdale Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District
City of Santa Clarity Rancho Simi Park and Recreation District
Conejo Recreation and Park District Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
County of Nevada Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
County of Placer Solana Open Space Coalition
County of Santa Barbara Sunrise Recreation and Park District
County of Ventura Trust for Public Lands
El Dorado Hills Community Services District County of Contra Costa
Proposal by SCI and TNR ' Page 3
REFERENCES
SCI and Dr. McLarney (as President of True North Research or as Director of Research at
GRA) have teamed to conduct revenue measure research and feasibility studies similar to
the proposed study for over fifteen agencies in the last 18 months alone. Recent projects
for which key persons Gerard van Steyn and Tim McLarney were involved include:
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
In 2002, the team conducted initial opinion research to determine the public's support for a
revenue measure for open space preservation in the Santa Monica Mountains. The
opinion research and feasibility analysis found support, so a successful ballot proceeding
was concluded in August of 2002. This open space measure has created over$25 million
for open space acquisition and additional annual funds for maintenance and operation.
Contact: Dash Stolarz, 570 West Avenue Twenty Six, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90065.
(323) 221-8900.
Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District
In 2000, the team conducted opinion research to determine the public's support for a
revenue measure for open space, parks and recreation facilities. The opinion research
and feasibility analysis found support, so a successful ballot proceeding was concluded in
2001. The successful outcome of this measure is notable because the property owners in
Simi Valley are generally conservative and had been less supportive of local or statewide
measures. The parks assessment generates $1.2 million per year and includes an annual
cost of living increase. Contact: Larry Peterson, 1692 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley, CA
93065. (805) 584-4406
City of Lompoc
In the fall of 2001, the team conducted opinion research for the City of Lompoc that found
good support for a benefit assessment to fund a new city pool, a family aquatics center
and improvements to parks and other recreation facilities. A successful ballot proceeding
was concluded in July, 2002. This success is notable because the voters in Lompoc are
very conservative and traditionally have not supported local tax measures or statewide
park bond measures. Contact: Vince Elizondo, 125 W. Walnut Avenue, Lompoc, CA
93436. (805) 875-8090.
Ventura County
In 2001, the team conducted opinion research to determine the public's support for funding
open space acquisition and preservation. The opinion research was structured to
determine the threshold of support, the type of funding source, and the level of support for
forming an open space district. The survey found high support. The feasibility analysis
recommended proceeding with an assessment ballot proceeding. This support is notable
because approximately 50% of property owners in Ventura County had recently approved
local benefit assessment districts for parks, recreation and open space. (These local
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 4
measures were formed by SCI.) Contact: Gene Kjellberg, 800 South Victoria Avenue,
L#1740, Ventura, CA 93009. (805) 654-2455.
City of Palmdale
In early 2001, the team conducted opinion research to determine the public's support for
funding local park and recreation improvements and facilities. The initial survey found
support, but the threshold was not sufficient to fully fund the estimated $35 million cost of
the City's plan for facility improvements. As a result, SCI worked closely with the City over
approximately 12 months to build public support. Thereafter, a subsequent tracking poll
found that the threshold of support had increased by 50%, from $24 per year to $36 per
year. A successful assessment ballot proceeding, which will generate $36 million initially
plus additional annual revenues from a built-in annual rate increase, was concluded in July
2002. Contact: Russ Bird, 38260 10th Street East, Palmdale, CA. (661) 267-5626.
Conejo Recreation and Park District
In early 2001, the team conducted opinion research to determine the public's support for
funding local park and recreation improvements and open space preservation. The initial
survey found support and the feasibility analysis recommended proceeding with a local
funding measure. A successful ballot measure was concluded in April 2001. The parks
assessment generates$1.2 million per year and includes an annual cost of living increase.
Contact: Tex Ward, 403 West Hillcrest Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. (805) 495-
6471.
Feather River Recreation and Park District
In late 2001, the team conducted opinion research to determine the public's support for
funding maintenance and operations of local parks and recreation facilities and limited
capital improvements. The initial survey found support and the feasibility analysis
recommended proceeding with a benefit assessment. A successful ballot measure was
concluded in July 2002. This success is notable because the community is in the lower
socio-economic levels and has traditionally not been supportive of revenue measures.
The parks assessment generates $172,000 per year and includes an annual cost of living
increase. Contact: Scott Lawrence, 1200 Myers Street, Oroville, CA 95965. (530) 533-
2011.
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 5
•
SCOPE OF WORK
Trade Secret Notification. It should be noted that this proposal contains
information and a description of services and project approaches and
procedures that are trade secrets as defined by Government Code Section
6254.7. This proposal contains a description of a unique process, approach and
procedures that are known only to Shilts Consultants, Inc. and True North
Research and which are not known or used by other competitors. This
proposal should not be duplicated or distributed to parties other than the
individuals at the Town of Truckee who are involved with the Project in whole
or in part without the expressed written consent of Shifts Consultants, Inc.
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
The principals at SCI and TNR have developed a sophisticated research methodology for
identifying the priorities of voters or property owners and their support for a local funding
measure and, if so, how best to package the measures for success. One of the primary
strengths of the recommended approach is its proven ability to most accurately identify
support for a property owner mailed ballot proceeding not only on an overall basis, but also
from different types of property owners, such as single family residential, business,
agriculture, apartment, vacation property owners and investment property owners.
Moreover, the recommended approach and methodology as described in this Work Plan
have proven to provide accurate and reliable research findings in a wide range of social
and economic environments such as rural areas, urban communities, ranges of income,
and a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
The election environments, legal and logistical considerations, as well as the campaign
opportunities for property owner mailed ballot proceedings are quite different from
registered voter elections for special taxes (such as bonds or parcel taxes) — so it is
important that the research methodology take these differences into account in order to
ensure reliable results. The methodology developed by SCI and TNR does exactly that,
and it has proven to be materially more accurate in predicting actual ballot results.
In ballot measure and revenue measure research, the first step is to identify the population
of individuals who will vote on the measure(s), then survey a representative sub-sample or
all of these individuals. The appropriate set of individuals to be included in the sample thus
varies depending on a number of factors. The type of voter is an important factor, as
different types of voters will likely have different opinions about the proposed services, and
may have different levels of proportional "vote" in a ballot proceeding. The expected
election date is an example of another factor that has a large influence on voter turnout
and the profile of participating voters or property owners.
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 6
For special tax revenue measures (e.g., parcel tax, general obligation bond, sales tax), all
registered voters who are likely to participate in the election of interest represent the
appropriate sampling universe. In a mailed ballot proceeding, however, only property
owners are eligible to participate. This participant "universe" includes apartment owners,
commercial property owners and vacation property owners.
In special tax elections, each vote is weighted equally in determining the outcome.
However, in assessment ballot proceedings, the higher the amount of a property owner's
fee, the greater the weight of their vote in determining the outcome of the proceeding.
Assessment ballot proceedings also employ different voting procedures, as all property
owners, even those who do not reside with the Town, are mailed a ballot and can
participate.
INITIAL ANALYSIS AND WEIGHTED "VOTE" MODELING
Our recommended project approach will begin with a comprehensive analysis of the voter
profiles, voter history, other elections, property ownership, tax base, demographic and
political profiles of properties with Town boundaries. This detailed analysis will provide SCI
and TNR with a solid understanding of the property ownership and voter profiles that will
be used as the foundation for designing and evaluating this research project.
To be able to estimate support for a revenue measure in different types of election
environments, such as a general obligation bond, parcel tax, sales tax or benefit
assessment, SCI and TNR have developed a unique data analysis and measure research
methodology that utilizes information from the voter file and information from property
ownership records. A sophisticated and unique matching and analysis technique is used
to evaluate and incorporate the necessary information from both files. This joined
information is needed to define and refine the survey approach and sampling method to be
appropriate for the potential unique funding alternatives (special tax or benefit
assessment).
As a next step, SCI will utilize its industry-leading open space ballot measure expertise to
develop a matrix of the likely balloting participants based in part on SCI's extensive data on
how participation rates vary by type of funding measure. The sampling and modeling
method involves strategic oversampling, employs a split stratified and clustering technique,
and several weighting scenarios. The method is quite complex and a detailed description !'
is beyond the scope of this proposal, but SCI and TNR will be happy to discuss the details
of the sampling and assessment weighted vote-modeling methodology with the Town if
desired.
SURVEY INSTRUMENTS
As noted, SCI and TNR propose to utilize a variety of survey data collection approaches
for this project. A scientific, stratified, clustered and randomized phone survey will be the
primary data collection technique. A phone survey offers the advantage of greater ability
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 7
to test arguments, rates and potential features of a measure. It would also provide
additional information on open space desires and priorities of property owners and voters.
In addition, under one of the proposed survey alternatives, SCI and TNR would conduct a
scientific, stratified and randomized mail survey designed to complement the phone survey
approach. In combination, these survey approaches have proven to provide accurate and
reliable research findings with regard to community priorities and specifically for mailed
ballot proceedings. This recommended approach is one of the keys to ensuring that the
Town will receive accurate, reliable data and advice regarding residents' priorities and
support for open space preservation, as well as their support for a local funding measure.
SCI and TNR will work closely with Town staff and other agency representatives when
developing and refining the questionnaires for this study. The process generally begins
with an interactive kick-off, where staff from SCI, TNR and the Town discuss the
background for the study, propose topics and questions for the survey, react to each
others' ideas, and identify potential challenges. Using the information gained in the kick-off
meeting as well as the experience of conducting many similar studies, SCI and TNR will
then create draft survey instruments and additional informational items to be included with
some of the mailed surveys.
Different versions of the survey would be prepared to test various ways by which the
proposed funding measure may be presented. In addition, several different levy rates will
also be tested. By testing different rates and different projects, SCI and TNR will be able
to accurately determine the cost sensitivity of support and the optimum approach for
"packaging" the measure.
Once a refined draft of the phone survey instrument meets the approval of the Town, it will
be pre-tested to ensure its integrity prior to finalization. The final survey will then be CATI
(Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) programmed, which assists the interviewers
by presenting question wording one question at a time, automatically navigating skip
patterns, and requiring that only valid answers are recorded. Based on our experience, a
10 minute survey instrument will capture the necessary information for this project.
Once final drafts of the documents for the mailed survey meet the approval of the Town,
they will be printed. As a next step, the property ownership and/or voter information and
mailing address will be added and the surveys will be packaged with the included
information items and postage-paid return envelope.
SAMPLE SIZE
By using the stratified and clustered probability-based sampling design with,the features
previously noted, SCI and TNR will ensure that the sample is representative of all voters
eligible to participate in a local election. The results of the sample can then be used to
estimate the opinions of all property owners in the Town as well as by specified
geographic, socioeconomic and demographic subgroups.
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 8
Three alternative survey approaches are provided in this proposal. In addition, this survey
project may be conducted in parallel with another survey project for the Truckee-Donner
Recreation and Park District. If this occurs, additional efficiencies in project scope and
cos s can ze . These alternatives are •es as aterna e 1, 2 an, 3
respectively and are further described as follows:
Alternative 1.A
In order to have a sample that is sufficient to estimate voter support using the methods
identified above, the team recommends a minimum sample size of 400 phone
respondents.A smaller sample size will not allow for a reliable estimate of support and will
also limit the ability of the team to analyze the results within various sub-groups of voters,
which is often needed to develop an effective public information campaign.
Alternative 2.A
To allow sufficient sample size to also interview vacation property owners and to more
adequately test alternative funding vehicles, a sample size of 600 phone respondents is
recommended.
Alternative 3.A
Alternative 3 would provide the most accurate research findings for a mailed ballot benefit
assessment funding alternative. SCI and TNR have found that many of the property
owners who will participate in a mailed ballot proceeding cannot be accurately surveyed by
phone. (For instance, the owners of businesses, apartments and vacation property, who
collectively hold a significant percentage of the total weighted votes, typically are difficult to
reach by phone). Therefore, for this alternative SCI and TNR recommend a 10 minute
phone survey of 400 respondents and a mailed survey with a total quantity of 5,000, from
which 1,000 respondents are expected.
Alternative 1.B
In the event that this survey project is conducted in conjunction with another survey project
for the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District, certain cost savings can be achieved
due to reduced overhead and consolidation of certain project features and information.
Under this scenario of dual survey projects, two separate surveys would be conducted
from separate random samples of the community. Similar to Alternative 1.A, Alternative
1.B is for a 15 minute phone survey of 400 respondents conducted in conjunction with a
separate survey for the Park District.
Alternative 2.B
Alternative 2.B is modeled after Alternative 2.A and with the additional provision of dual
survey projects as described above. This alternative would provide for a 15 minute phone
survey of 450 respondents. (We recommend 450 respondents instead of 600 because of
the opportunity for data collection synergies with the Park District project to be conducted
at the same time.)
Alternative 3.8
Alternative 3 is modeled after Alternative 3A, with the additional provision that this survey g
project is conducted at the same time as a separate survey for the Park District. !r
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 9 'r
Therefore, for this alternative SCI and TNR recommend a 10 minute phone survey of 300
respondents and a mailed survey with a total quantity of 3,000, from which 700 Ito
respondents are expected. (We recommend 300 phone respondents instead of 400 and
3,000 mailed surveys instead of 5,000 because of the opportunity for data collection + ;
synergies with the Park District project to be conducted at the same time.)
DATA COLLECTION
Quality telephone interviewing is an important element of the research project. Using a
'bargain' phone facility is rarely a 'bargain', as the integrity of the data and the accuracy of
the results depend on the knowledge, experience and professionalism of the interviewers
and supervisors. In the end, it is critical that the research team and the Town can trust the
data that were collected. For this reason, SCI and TNR team only with phone facilities that
have a proven track-record of professional inteviewers, quality data collection, and
competitive pricing.
For this project, the team has selected ountains West Resear o has worked with
the team on dozens of similar projects in t e pas . n erviewing will be conducted in the
evenings (5:30PM to 9:00PM) during weekdays, 10:00AM to 6:00PM on weekends.
If alternative 3 is selected, surveys will be mailed to a randomized sample of property
owners in the Town and other vacation property owners throughout the country. Different
versions of the survey would be prepared to test various ways by which the proposed
funding measure may be structured. The mailed survey will be designed in a manner that
promotes a high percentage of response. For example, this mailed survey design typically
generates a response rate of 25% or greater.
DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS
Once the surveys are returned, SCI and TNR will process the responses from the mailed
survey and the phone survey and will prepare the data for analysis. SCI and TNR will also
develop several filtering schemes and weighting matrices to simulate ballot measure
outcomes.
FINAL REPORT
SCI and TNR will conduct an analysis and modeling of the survey results as they relate to
the voter and property owner profile and balloting scenario. After completing this detailed
analysis, SCI and TNR will prepare a comprehensive report that summarizes the opinion
research findings and makes recommendations regarding residents' open space priorities,
as well as the feasibility of moving forward with a ballot measure to fund such services.
The report will also include additional value-added elements such as the recommended
ballot measure alternative, an outline of the recommended action plan for proceeding with
a local funding measure, profiles of likely supporters and opponents for a ballot measure,
priorities and funding support by city and geographic area, and key messaging elements
and strategies. Findings will be presented collectively, as well as by geographic region.
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 10
MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS
Once the final report has been prepared, SCI and TNR recommend having an in-person
meeting to discuss the results of the research and and suggest next steps for the Town.
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 11
FEE SCHEDULE
The following fee schedule reflects a lump sum cost (flat-fee) for all personnel, materials
and services necessary to complete the Project. If needed for budgetary or other
considerations, the team will be happy to discuss other project modifications. To allow the
Town flexibility in choosing the parameters of the project, we have also provided costs for
the three alternative options presented previously.
As noted throughout this proposal, the scope of work proposed by the team of SCI and
TNR includes several tasks that are not part of a 'standard' revenue measure study. These
include an analysis of the Town's property base, creating a customized sample that
involves merging data from property ownership data and other sources in addition to the
County voter file, and simulating election outcomes through the use of unique filtering and
weighting schemes that have proven to account for the many important differences with a
property owner mailed ballot proceeding with weighted votes. These value-added features
are included in the costs below.
ALTERNATIVE 1.A
The fee for 400, 15 minute phone surveys and all other revenue measure consulting
services described in this proposal under Alternative 1.A is $17,052 as a fixed fee amount.
Incidental costs for property or voter data and other out-of-pocket expenses associated
with the project will be billed as incurred, with the total not to exceed $1,000, without prior
authorization from the Town.
ALTERNATIVE 1.B
The fee for 400, 15 minute phone surveys and all other revenue measure consulting
services described in this proposal under Alternative 1.B is $14,875 as a fixed fee amount.
Incidental costs for property or voter data and other out-of-pocket expenses associated
with the project will be billed as incurred, with the total not to exceed $1,000, without prior
authorization from the Town.
ALTERNATIVE 2.A
The fee for 600, 15 minute phone surveys and all other revenue measure consulting
services described in this proposal under Alternative 2.A is $20,538 as a fixed fee amount.
Incidental costs for property or voter data and other out-of-pocket expenses associated
with the project will be billed as incurred, with the total not to exceed $1,000, without prior
authorization from the Town.
ALTERNATIVE 2.B
The fee for 450, 15 minute phone surveys and all other revenue measure consulting
services described in this proposal under Alternative 2.B is $16,560 as a fixed fee amount.
Incidental costs for property or voter data and other out-of-pocket expenses associated
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 12
with the project will be billed as incurred, with the total not to exceed $1,000, without prior
authorization from the Town.
ALTERNATIVE 3.A
The fee for 400, 10 minute phone surveys, 5,000 mailed surveys and all other revenue
measure consulting services described in this proposal under Alternative 3.A is $24,920 as
a fixed fee amount. Incidental costs for property or voter data and other out-of-pocket
expenses associated with the project will be billed as incurred, with the total not to exceed
$1,500,without prior authorization from the Town.
ALTERNATIVE 3.B
The fee for 300, 10 minute phone surveys, 3,000 mailed surveys and all other revenue
measure consulting services described in this proposal under Alternative 3.B is $18,119 as
a fixed fee amount. Incidental costs for property or voter data and other out-of-pocket
expenses associated with the project will be billed as incurred, with the total not to exceed
$1,000, without prior authorization from the Town.
Proposal by SCI and TNR Page 13