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2009, 07-14 Regular Meeting MinutesMINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Mayor Munson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the 163rd meeting. Attendance: Rich Munson, Mayor Dick Denenny, Deputy Mayor Rose Dempsey, Councilmember Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Gary Schimmels, Councilmember Diana Wilhite, Councilmember City Staff: Dave Mercier, City Manager Mike Jackson, Deputy City Manager Mike Connelly, City Attorney Mike Stone, Parks & Recreation Director Kathy McClung, Community Development Dir. Neil Kersten, Public Works Director Ken Thompson, Finance Director Rick VanLeuven, Police Chief Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer Bill Miller, IT Specialist Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk INVOCATION: Pastor Manuel Denning of Fountain Ministries gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Deputy Mayor Denenny led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called the roll; all Councilmembers were present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda as amended INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS: nia COMMITTEE, BOARD, LIAISON SUMMARY REPORTS: Councilmember Wilhite: reported that she attended the Spokane Valley Business Association (SVBA) meeting; attended a roundtable meeting about affordable housing where they discussed some of the stimulus funding coning into our state and that the east side of Washington didn't received as much stimulus funding as the western side, and there was some discussion on what kind of programs we could do to capture some of those funds; said she also attended a health care meeting with Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler who said he feels we should include input on affordable health care and how that will impact our state; and that she also attended the Spokane Valley Chamber luncheon where Commissioner Kreidler also spoke. Deputy Mayor Denenny. reported he attended a SRTC meeting on behalf of Spokane Transit and as chair of the STA Board, which topic will be further elaborated upon tonight. Councilmember Dempsey: stated that she also attended the SVBA meeting. Councilmember Schimmels and Gothmann had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Munson reported that he attended the SVBA meeting where he heard from three of the candidates who applied to fill Mr. Taylor's position; he attended the opening of the only Islamic Mosque in the Spokane Region; he attended a meeting concerning the jail, and he explained that the US Marshall has put together a group of civil leaders, that the jail situation has culminated in two choices: the downtown jail which is approved; he said that the costs have increased from $254 million to $265 million; that they anticipate another tower will be required within the next twenty years, and based on current dollars, that will amount to another $146 million; and he said that option two is a rural site at a Council Regular Meeting: 7 -14 -2009 Page 1 of 9 Approved by Council: 07 -28 -09 pervious estimate of $190 million but because of a lack of land in the chosen area, which has not been approved yet, the estimate is now $229 million. Mayor Munson said the expansion of this facility could be more controlled, that the US Marshall's office provides funding for the federal prisoners that the jail houses, and if they take that money from the feds and put it away in a replacement fund, they could fully fund the increase of the facility in the future years, so the request of $229 million would be a one -time request. Mayor Munson further explained that the delta between the downtown option and the rural option is approximately $75 million, and as a result, the Sheriff has asked civic and business leaders to write to the County Commissioners asking them to re -open the essential public facilities process; but that we must keep in mind that Spokane Valley is "off the table" for this discussion as the possible site areas are in the West Plains area and possibly Cheney, or the airport property near the Waste -to- Energy plant; but to examine those sites, the essential public facilities process must be re- opened. Mayor Munson said that next week he would provide Council the detailed briefing he received yesterday; and he will ask for Council's permission to write two letters: one for all the cities and businesses to sign in one letter, and the other letter would be just from the Spokane Valley Council. Mayor Munson explained that they hope the Essential Public Facilities process will be completed by February of next year, and that a bond issue would take place in April 2010; and he said he asked the Sheriff if he would officially consider withdrawing his 2009 date for a bond issue, and the Sherriff indicated that is under consideration and he would let us know. Mayor Munson further reported he attended the Chamber luncheon, and reiterated that no decisions have been made yet concerning the State's health care issue, but that this particular plan deals with catastrophic insurance which would be universal in Washington State. Councilmember Wilhite added that Commissioner Mike Kreidler also brought up the idea of a payroll tax; and she said she told Mr. Kreidler that the small businesses in the state of Washington would not be very receptive to that idea. Deputy Mayor Denenny added that he thought it unusual that Commissioner Kreidler would explain that the underinsured are costing our society a great deal of money because we pay for them one way or another, then say that a $10,000 deductible plan would be okay to have, with no mandate to cover the underlying cost. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Munson invited general public comments. Edward Schiffner, 11310 E. 30th: said that concerning disincorporation, there seems to be more and more signs to disincorporate, that he worked on four committees to incorporate this city and he said that he feels disincorporation would absolutely be the worst thing we could possibly ever do; that one of the reasons we incorporated was we had a commissioner, and he said that he wouldn't even mention Keith Shepard's name, but he said we could not work with him at all, that he (Shepard) put an article in the newspaper that no amount of money was too much to spend to protect our aquifer, thus we had to sewer the valley; and the cost of sewering the valley would be between $10,000 and $160,000 per household; and he said that any time a politician tells you that no amount of is too much to spend, you can be sure of one thing, that he is not putting a dime of his own money in it; he said that disincorporation seems to be gaining steam, and he suggested when we see one of those signs, we drop in and talk to those people, as he said he believes those people are misinformed; that they feel that their taxes will go way down if they disincorporate and he said he doesn't believe that would be true; that they believe that a lot of the things that happened due to the sewers, like the $38.00 monthly charge, would go away if they disincorporated the city but Mr. Schiffner said that is not true; he said that they believe that a lot of the tax increases over the last ten years or so due to the increased valuation is money that the city is raking off and taking away from them; he suggested we put a booth or something up at the Valleyfest and at the Fair, and we distribute literature about how efficient this city is; and said that when we have a cancer growing, we must attack that cancer as we cannot sit back and doing nothing about it hoping they won't get the signatures. Mike Thompson, Fire Chief: he explained that they recently submitted a grant application for the construction of Fire Station #10 at 17217 E. Sprague; that the grant was funded through stimulus funds, Council Regular Meeting: 7 -14 -2009 Page 2 of 9 Approved by Council: 07 -28 -09 about $211 million across the nation for construction or remodel of fire stations; that they applied for that grant and are requesting about $1.4 million to construct that station; that part of the grant requirements include that it has 30% reduction in energy use, and meets some LEEDS requirements; he said they feel it would come in at a "Silver" in the LEEDS certification program; and said they should know if they are successful by the end of September; and that they included in the grant application, that if they are awarded the grant, within forty days of receiving that notice, they would be in construction; that they had a pre - construction meeting with the City; that their plans are 98% complete and so it would be a matter of going to bid, finishing the final review and approval by the City for permits; then start the actual construction. Councilmember Gothmann asked if a letter of support from the Council would be helpful and Chief Thompson said it would; and said they have asked their Congressional Delegation to submit a letter, and that he has an address of where to send the letter. Council concurred with the idea of sending a letter of support. 1. CONSENT AGENDA: Consists of items considered routine which are approved as a group. Any member of Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately. a. Claim Vouchers, Voucher #17648 through #17718; 618090009, 701090034: total: $4,534,352.94 b. Payroll for pay period ending June 30, 2009: $367,132.78 d. Approval of June 20, 2009 Council Retreat Meeting Minutes e. Approval of June 29, 2009 Council Executive Session Meeting Minutes Councilmember Gothmann asked that Consent Agenda Item lc be removed to be discussed separately. It was then moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny, seconded, and unanimously agreed to approve the consent agenda excluding item lc. c. Approval of Private Sewer Easement: It was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny and seconded to approve Item lc of the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Gothmann explained that the City would be granting an easement to a couple of residents so that they can build their private line down the street to connect to the sewer; and he said it bothers him that the County previously provided an unfunded mandate to all residents that they will connect to the sewer, but does not provide the service and makes the homeowner go through the City's streets to hook up; and he said it bothers him that the County refuses to do what he feels is their obligation to lay public sewers where people can connect to them. Public Works Director Kersten explained that regarding those two lots, that the County works with each homeowner regarding where the stub is located; that Ponderosa is unique; that typically sewer lines are in all the streets, but Ponderosa has lots which are one - acre long so there is no cross - lots on Felts Street, just two lots on the north and two on the south and those lots face 48 and Holman Road; so the County feels if they go across one side of the lot, they've met their obligation; and the County did not want to run a sewer line down Felts; he said the County recognizes that both these property owners had unusual features, and Dr. Benage is on bedrock and a basement could not be built so the work is going along the front of his house with the bedrock about two inches under the pavement, with a 20' deep trench with solid rock; and Dr. Whiting's lot is narrow and he built a pool and added some improvements on one side so he would have to tear out the pool to get past the house; so the County offered to build a private line that could reach their sewers on the back; that the County is being pretty reasonable about the cost; and they will provide stubs to the back side which will allow the property owners to resolve the problems; and Mr. Kersten said he feels it is a good solution; and if the County were to do all the roads it would be expensive, and just to run down Felts would amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Councilmember Gothmann asked why can't they own the line that exists from the connection that the two homeowners are making to the line on 48 and Mr. Kersten said they have not done that anywhere else, so he felt if that occurred here, they would start to have to do it elsewhere; and said he believes we don't have the authority to ask the County to do that. Councilmember Gothmann mentioned that this sounds like the best Council Regular Meeting: 7 -14 -2009 Page 3 of 9 Approved by Council: 07 -28 -09 solution, but said he feels the pipe and street should belong to and be serviced by the County and not the residents; and reiterated that in his discussions with Mr. Kersten and the homeowners, that this appears to be the best solution. In response to Mayor Munson's question about the line maintenance, Mr. Kersten said the property owners are responsible to maintain the line; which is normal if the person owns the line, and under the easement, they would have to maintain that. City Attorney Connelly added that under normal circumstances, a homeowner would use their own property and connect to the County line in front of their house, and they have chosen not to do that as they want to use our right -of -way because of the rock problems and that there is already a pool in place; and said it is not unusual if a private easement is run to benefit the property owner to save them some cost and inconvenience, that they maintain that line; and said that it is not inconsistent for the County to maintain as a private line if they make every accommodation public, then their responsibility to maintain those lines would increase exponentially; and there are anomalies throughout the city where people would like to do it a little differently. Mayor Munson asked if there is a break in the line which requires going through the street, who repairs the streets, and City Attorney Connelly said the easement agreement would put the property owner responsible for making the repairs if they breach the street; and for curb -to -curb repaving, they would have to follow the repaving rules we have in place. Mr. Kersten said for the new street, we would pay for that; but if they had to tear it up and re -do it, they'd have to follow the cut ordinance; but the likelihood of that occurring is pretty remote; and they are saving money as to do it on their property would be a lot more expensive. Mayor Munson invited public comments, no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In Favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. S,P�cia Adnfaisitratiark• ° eoornt° S,po - an,0 egional Iran po0a 4,Ta. .oua it (S ° 7[ C) ° oorgani .tan': Milt m e� b 'U,J_All)Zite Mayor Munson mentioned that prior to this issue being placed on the legislative docket, Council needs to be informed of the issue and be sure to give Councilmember Wilhite input from Councilmembers. Councilmember Wilhite, in going through the PowerPoint presentation, mentioned that SRTC is re- examining their mission and vision statements and examining the Council's representation of who sits on that board. Councilmember Wilhite explained that SRTC functions through an interlocal agreement among the cities and the county to do regional transportation planning and coordination, and they help select project priorities when funds are available from the federal government; that they examined other agencies which deal with transportation issues and how the SRTC might want better coordination with them, such as the local transportation committees within the various cities, the legislators, the transportation agencies such as WSDOT, and the economic development businesses including the Regional Chamber, the STA, the Airport Board (which is generally not routed through the SRTC), and she mentioned that rail transportation is usually not included as railroads are private which only come to us when they have a need, but are difficult to locate at other times. Councilmember Wilhite said SRTC is examining existing challenges such as lack of coordinated effort for advocacy as a region, which item is tied to the North Spokane Corridor and the funding issues; the challenge of conflict of local priorities versus regional priorities, the need for a closer relation with economic development, a stronger need for public outreach, the challenge of limited resources, and of land use connection such as planning for any annexations which would have an impact on transportation. Ms. Wilhite also discussed specific sections of the interlocal such as Section 2 concerning the SRTC purpose; the structure of the SRTC, and the existing versus the proposed board composition; existing and proposed committees, explaining the structure of the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), the Bi- Partisan Council (BPC), the Small Caucus (SCC), and the Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC). Mayor Munson mentioned the material given to Council tonight from City Attorney Connelly concerning the SRTC. Mr. Connelly explained that these materials include an overview of how SRTC is organized according to state and federal law, and how the current interlocal agreement interplays with the state and federal law; that the structure can be confusing so he included all the underlying statutes as well as the actual interlocal so Council can see what was signed. Mr. Connelly mentioned that they are in the middle Council Regular Meeting: 7 -14 -2009 Page 4 of 9 Approved by Council: 07 -28 -09 of another effort, which materials should be available by Council's next meeting, which is a flow chart of authority and of what steps would have to be taken to modify that structure. Mayor Munson pointed out on page four of Mr. Connelly's materials, mention that the "SRTC will prepare a regional transportation plan as set forth by the RCW which is "consistent with County -wide Planning Policies (CWPP) if such have been adopted;" and further, that the "regional transportation improvement program shall be based on the programs, projects and transportation demand measures of regional significance as identified by transit agencies, cities, and counties." Mayor Munson asked if that is being done, and Councilmember Wilhite responded that there has been some discussion about the transit and their representation on the board; that the SRTC has looked at some of the transit but until now, funds from transit go directly to transit; and SRTC has no say in how transit is planned; so when STA does the plan, SRTC simply accepts the plan. Mayor Munson stated if the SRTC is going to develop a regional transportation plan according to this, it should be based upon the cities' and the county's goals for growth, and he asked if the Plan does that. Mayor Wilhite said the plan that was done was done three years ago, she believes it looked at what was done with the land use planning and transportation plan, but that is not a plan that is done every year, although it is updated as changes are made. Mayor Munson said that plan is required to be updated every two years; and that is one of the reasons he wanted to discuss this tonight, as Mayor Munson said he does not believe that they have examined Spokane Valley's Comprehensive Plan as previously it wasn't completed, that the plans have all been updated except the County has not yet completed their plan; and he said these are the kind of things we need to be concerned about and he asked if the regional transportation plan includes the plan of Spokane Valley, and Councilmember Wilhite said the SRTC is discussing that to make sure that is done; and that is why SRTC is working on this major revision. Councilmember Wilhite further reported that there was a meeting in 2008 of people from the community, including elected officials, which meeting was referred to as the "Big Tent Meeting;" and they were the group that said the plan needs to be reviewed and updated and unified in the vision regarding the governance and financing strategy, which has been ongoing; and she quoted the mission as "To provide for the safe and effective movement of people and goods into, within, and through the Spokane Region with the integration of a balanced multi -modal transportation choices" and that they are considering changing the wording slightly. Councilmember Gothmann said he feels the mission should reflect the mission to coordinate those plans that exist in other localities; to include something that it will develop with the cooperation or consultation with stakeholders. Councilmember Wilhite said the group is also examining the interlocal agreement as it was brought to the group's attention that the STA needs a bigger voice at the table, and that every change must be routed through each entity which is part of the interlocal agreement, and that all that takes time; she said the main committee only meets monthly, but a sub- committee meets about every two weeks to examine these issues further on how the SRTC structure will be changed. Councilmember Wilhite explained about the board's structure, that they wanted to increase the board, and the discussion of the different needs of the various entities, from small cities to large cities, and even splitting small cities into two groups: one over 5,000 and one group with population over 5,000; and she mentioned that some of the very small cities are not interested nor have the time to sit on such committees, so finding people to serve is difficult; that regarding private sector, they wanted to have someone with a background in transportation, perhaps freight mobility or trucking; and to have that person chair a transportation advocacy committee, which would help to bring in other public members. Councilmember Gothmann added that most of our major projects, especially those dealing with major arterials, have to go through SRTC for funding by the state and feds, and added that most of our projects have been funded at approximately 80 %. Councilmember Wilhite said that any project that receives federal funding must come before the SRTC Board where the Technical committee reviews the project and determines approval recommendation to the board. Ms. Wilhite then further discussed the structure of the various committees. Mayor Munson stated that Spokane Valley only has one representative yet represents 19% of the region's population; that Spokane City comprises 44% of the region and the County about 23 %; and he asked why we only have one Council Regular Meeting: 7 -14 -2009 Page 5 of 9 Approved by Council: 07 -28 -09 representative. Councilmember Wilhite said that was how the interlocal was written when we were originally incorporated as a city, but that it could be changed; that the representation is based on cost and population, which has changed some in the last six plus years. Mayor Munson asked Councilmembers how they felt about paying a little more and having two representatives. The question arose of what we pay now; and while no one had exact figures, Mr. Mercier said we could check. Ms. Wilhite said the board composition was based on population and then that determined how much they paid, and that the argument from the STA was that they paid a greater amount of money and only had one representative, and they felt they were entitled to two. Deputy Mayor Denenny said that STA's argument is not so much the dollars, but that there is no question that mass transit is not incorporated in the planning process even close to how it is in other counties; that there is no question in the future that transit will be the recipient of many dollars, and that this community is "behind the curve" in relationship to integrating public transportation /mass transit into their regional transportation planning; and in the unique circumstances of STA, there has been discussion that the CEO should not be at the table, but the committee includes WSDOT and a State Commissioner who are not elected officials; but the STA CEO is someone who is fully integrated into the transportation planning process, and he asked that the SRTC look at the argument of having STA have two members, one would be the CEO a voting member, and the other would be a staff person. Mayor Munson asked for Council preference on Deputy Mayor Denenny's suggestion, and there was no definitive preference; and Mayor Munson said it may be incumbent upon this council to determine if this Council wishes to request a second member for STA; and he said he supports that position. Mr. Mercier reminded Council that this is an administrative report and voting would come at a different time; that currently Spokane Valley has a voice of one of nine members of the Board, and the proposal would mean that it would change to one out of thirteen votes, which is a dilution of voting influence for our City; and he said only in one of the new areas of suggestion is there an indication as to who the voting representative would be from that group; which is the small cities caucus, but there is no indication who would be the voting voice of the transportation advisory committee or the bi- partisan council. Councilmember Wilhite said that currently the only committee which exists is the technical committee, and they are looking at adding the transportation advisory committee; that they felt the chair of that would be the public member from the SRTC Board, and that the current public member is Mr. Jim Williams, a non - elected official. Regarding the bi- partisan council, Ms. Wilhite said because of the nature of the legislature and that they are represented by two parties, SRTC felt it would be difficult for them to elect a chair, and she suggested whoever is the most senior person on the committee be the chair; but in speaking with several staff of the legislature, they would prefer just to come and comment and act more as an ex- official instead of having a vote. She further explained that some of the problems with the federal projects is that staff doesn't receive information until just before the funding application is due making the timing difficult; so the group is trying to come up with a means of being more proactive. Suggested projects, Ms. Wilhite explained might include the "Inland Hub" which is seeking funding to provide a freight mobility half -way from Canada into Spokane via Eastport, which is the crossing across the Canadian border; that this was suggested as a means of being pro- active in keeping the expenses down, that the port is a 24 -hour port; and that Homeland Security has already put in x -ray equipment so the train cars can be x -rays as they come to the crossing; that the Inland Hub before connecting with SRTC did lobby the Congress for planning money, and they got $250,000 from the Washington State Delegation and they are expecting to get funding from the Idaho Delegation to do planning on this particular project; and they asked if the SRTC would serve as a conduit for monitoring the spending and the development of this project. Councilmember Wilhite added that the SRTC was responsible this year for printing and distributing the bike map. Deputy Mayor Denenny said that the problem with getting citizen participation is that they will come in with just a single agenda, and once that issue is resolved, they no longer participate; so it is important to be sure citizens know of the long -term commitment. Councilmember Wilhite concluded by explaining that the SRTC is anticipating acting on the recommendations some time this fall; that there are different levels of interest, and reading through all the materials will take time so Council Regular Meeting: 7 -14 -2009 Page 6 of 9 Approved by Council: 07 -28 -09 the committee felt it would be wiser to give people adequate time to research the topics, and she said that she anticipated perhaps September that the group will look further at making changes; that they will look at the current plan and determine where any gaps may exist; then they will go out to the individual cities and ask for input on where they see that gaps may still exist; and that it is more likely it will be the end of the year before an interlocal agreement will be ready for review and adoption; including the structure of the SRTC Boards and committees. NEW BUSINESS: 2. First Readin Pro r used Ordinance 09 -014 Ci of S sokane/Hite Crane Ordinance Amendment — Mike Connelly /James Richman After City Clerk Bainbridge read the ordinance title, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny and seconded to advance Ordinance 09 -014 to a second reading. City Attorney Connelly explained that this is a second visit of the condemnation action for the Hite property and is necessary for the reconstruction of that road and bridge over to Trent Ave; that it was discussed at the first meeting that this might be necessary or more appropriate to take the entire property as the initial action seemed to restrict the ability of Mr. Hite to do his business; he said that the City of Spokane concluded it would create difficulties for Mr. Hite and they felt it was more appropriate to expand the action to the entire property; and thus the reason for tonight's action. Mr. Connelly said that the change is in the legal description changing it from the strip to the entire property; and as such, this is also the change which will be incorporated into the amended interlocal, which is on tonight's agenda as Item 47; and he said we would quit claim the entire property to the City of Spokane for them to dispose of the property; and he said he feels the change was anticipated in prior discussions. Mayor Munson invited public comment. Ga Hite owner of Hite Crane & Ri in 4323 E Broadway, 99212: said that he received a copy of this ordinance wherein it refers to an Exhibit C, the amended interlocal, and that is not included; and he asked about the previous ordinance and if the one "whereas" recital was stricken concerning the `good faith" actions. Mr. Connelly explained that the amended interlocal is included with agenda #7, and that the referred to the clause was in fact omitted prior to the original ordinance being finalized. Mr. Hite said he is in favor of this action; and explained about this process and his need to hire counsel and for him to pay attorney's fees with no real results; that an appraisal of the property was discussed in April but he has not been made aware of those results; and that he urges Council to pass this as he has gone through another three months of not being able to run his business with knowing what he can or can't do, and he asked Council to urge the City of Spokane to move forward and deal with this in good faith. Jim Richman S , okane Ci Attorne 's office: explained that an offer was extended, which was significant to acquire the entire property, but that the offer wasn't accepted, so they filed the condemnation petition and since then, Mr. Hite was represented by counsel so they could not freely communicate with Mr. Hite; that they have completed the appraisal and determined their project will make it difficult for him to continue at that location and as such, they offered to acquire the entire property at the full amount of their appraisal. City Attorney Connelly also mentioned that he would have nothing more to report when we got to Agenda Item #7. Vote by Acclamation: In favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion passed. 3. Pro • osed Resolution 09 -010 Declarin Sur s lus Items — Ken Thompson It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite and seconded to approve Resolution 09 -010 declaring surplus items and authorizing disposal of the equipment in a manner deemed to be in the best interests of the City. Finance Director Thompson explained the process as noted in the resolution, and said the listed equipment is obsolete, or in disrepair; and said that the vin number included a typo on the last digit and should be a 7 instead of a 4; and said that he would likely contact auction houses and/or used office equipment retailers with the hope of acquiring a minimum bid on the entire package; adding that he would ask Councilmembers and staff not to bid on the items. Mayor Munson invited public comments; no Council Regular Meeting: 7 -14 -2009 Page 7 of 9 Approved by Council: 07 -28 -09 comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: In favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion passed. 4. Motion Consideration: Broadway Rehab. Phase 2 Bid Award — Neil Kersten /Steve Worley After Mr. Kersten explained the project as noted on the July 14, 2009 Request for Council Action, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Denenny and seconded to award the Broadway Avenue Rehabilitation Project — Phase 2 to the lowest responsible bidder, Knife River in the amount of $508,306.75. Mayor Munson invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by Acclamation: In favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion passed. 5. Motion Consideration: Wastewater Treatment Plant Interlocal Agreement — Mike Connelly City Attorney Connelly explained that this item will be coming to Council at the next council meeting as he has been working with the County's attorney and discussed the issues raised at our last meeting; and said he received a letter asking for a delay of one week, or until July 21, in the consideration of the interlocal so they have time to confer with their clients, and Mr. Connelly said he expects a revised agreement tomorrow and will be meeting with the attorney Thursday, and therefore hopes to have the document in time for the packet for next week. Mayor Munson called for a recess at 7:39 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 7:50 p.m. 6. Motion Consideration: Procedure for Filling City Council Vacancy — Cary Driskell It was moved by Councilmember Wilhite and seconded to approve the Spokane Valley City Council Procedure for Filling a Vacancy on the City Council that is attached to the RCA, which will be binding on this City Council, and each and every member thereof as amended. Deputy City Attorney Driskell explained that he tried to incorporate in the attached draft procedure, the discussion and consensus of council from last week's meeting; that there are several contingencies specifically in paragraph 3 and since there are more then eight applicants, the original schedule is the one we will follow; and in response to council questions, it was noted there is no maximum or minimum number of applicants Council may choose to interview. Councilmember Gothmann said that in the process of voting as noted in Section C if there is a vote of three, to one, to one, to one, the next process would be to select the top three candidates, which means one of the people who got one vote would be dropped if there is a tie among three, so perhaps that needs to be covered, to be perhaps determined by lot or some other method; and said there needs to be a solution to address multiple ties. Councilmember Dempsey said there is also the possibility of having a vote result in two, two and two. City Attorney Connelly said the only time to flip a coin would be at the end rather than dwindling the list down by a flip of a coin or drawing lots; and he said if council cannot narrow it down to three candidates because of the three, one, one, and one, that Mr. Connelly suggested putting in some language about dealing with the four candidates, then take an additional vote. It was also noted that Council concurred that the blank in paragraph C5 will be the "City Manager" who will flip a coin if needed. Mr. Mercier explained that if Council wanted a nomination only period, then they could nominate as many as they desired, close the nominations, then offer a motion to elect to appoint someone. Mayor Munson invited public comment; no comments were offered. Vote by acclamation: In favor: Unanimous. Opposed: None. Abstentions: None. Motion passed After discussion concerning the potential questions, and that each candidate will have a maximum interview of thirty minutes, it was determined that the Clerk will send the complete list of questions to each candidate for their review; and that during the interview process Council will ask the candidates questions at Council discretion. Council Regular Meeting: 7 -14 -2009 Page 8 of 9 Approved by Council: 07 -28 -09 PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Munson invited general public comment. Richard Mayer, 2607 S Sunnybrook Lane: commented regarding the repairs on the streets that have been undertaken this year, and he thanked the city for the attention to the projects and the projects' rapid completion; and the quality of the repairs that have taken place. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: 7. Amendment to Interlocal Agreement Havana Bridge — Mike Connelly There was no further report as per Mr. Connelly's' comments under agenda item #2 above. 8. Panhandling Ordinance — Cary Driskell Deputy City Attorney Driskell explained the background of the panhandling issue as indicated on his July 14, 2009 Request for Council Action form; that in review of Spokane City's ordinance, Mr. Driskell mentioned two additional possible prohibitions: (1) that panhandling not be permitted within fifty feet of a payphone; and (2) that it not be permitted within fifteen feet of a self -serve car wash. Mr. Driskell said with the rapid decline of the payphone, and the limited number of self -serve car washes, Council may not want to include those prohibitions, and after brief Council discussion, there was no Council objection to remove those prohibitions. There was some discussion concerning very small median strips and obstructing traffic, and mention that solicitation within the right -of -way can only be done with a special events permit as that activity addresses several safety requirements. Prior to moving this ordinance forward for a first reading, Mr. Driskell said he would like to send it to the Center for Justice for their comments; adding that he would inform Council once he receives comments from the Center for Justice. There was also mention of the education committee and moving that issue forward including determining who might chair the committee, but it was determined to wait until an ordinance is passed. 9. 2010 Census Partnership Opportunity — Carolbelle Branch [moved from an information only item to an administrative report) Public Information Officer Branch explained that she was approached by a representative of the US Census to ask Council to consider participating in helping them assure a complete count in the 2010 decennial census; she outlined some of the reasons to participate as indicated on her July 9 memorandum, and said this proposal is for the City of Spokane Valley to apply for in -kind support of the purchase of the 1200 to 1400 canvas grocery bags imprinted with the "Count Me In Spokane Valley" message with the 2010 Census Logo; and said the bags would be distributed to visitors to the City's 2009 ValleyFest booth along with 2010 Census information; adding that the partnership request deadline is July 15, 2009. There was some discussion about the actual census forms, and US Census Bureau Representative Joel Gardella explained that for this census, the smaller form containing eight questions will be used, as it generates more mail -in responses and is easier for the public to complete. Ms. Branch said the Bureau needs the information signed and returned by the 15 and the partnership application includes the in -kind purchase of the bags. There was Council consensus to proceed. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Land Acquisition It was moved by Mayor Munson to adjourn for approximately thirty minutes to discuss land acquisition; and that no action is anticipated thereafter. Council adjourned into executive session at 8:35 p.m. At 8:59 p.m., Mayor Munson declared Council out of Executive Session. It was then moved by Councilmember Wilhite, seconded and unanimously agreed to a' ou . The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. AT ristine Bainbrid_ ; City Clerk Council Regular Meeting: 7 -14 -2009 Approved by Council: 07 -28 -09 and Mun • . 1'ayor Page 9 of 9 NAME PLEASE PRINT TOPIC OF CONCERN YOU WILL SPEAK ABOUT ADDRESS TELEPHON E C b Sr I A i F " t ' 4-= 0 I e ,-- ,i o ‹_ro /� ; ib r ' 3 ' 0 F 3 0 z_ 5 -35 t e_.- -V„../,'Os," a_,,,,,u-, / A5/9 t_-.--,...,,,ze,e_40<ggc—/7,--6 i ‘ /kikpi-zw GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN -IN SHEET SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: July 14, 2009 GENERAL CITIZEN COMMENTS YOUR SPEAKING TIME WILL GENERALLY BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES Please sign in if you wish to make Dublic comments. MI 01 - o ��cl� ritgus are o oz Aram oogQ DRAFT SRTC Proposed Board Changes Respectfully Submitted by SRTC Policy Committee 0 Regional Transportation Responsibilities SRTC — Functions through an inter -local agreement for the purposes of regional transportation planning, coordination & project priorities ❑ Local Jurisdictions — Local transportation planning, funding & implementation, also participates on the SRTC Board ❑ Legislators — Connect funding requests with regional prioritized plans to secure state & federal transportation funding for the region's priority projects ❑ Transportation Agencies — Plan, deliver and operate transportation services and systems, also participates on the SRTC Board ❑ Economic Development/Business — Economic development alignment, transportation public policy, and advocacy 7 iy 49 1 Existing Challenges ❑ Lack of coordinated effort for advocacy as a region ❑ Conflict of local priorities versus regional priorities ❑ Need closer relationship with economic development and other partners ❑ Need stronger public outreach component ❑ Limited resources ❑ Land Use Connection Agreed -Upon Functions ❑ Development of a vision for the region ❑ Develop a strategic regional transportation plan ❑ Establish regional transportation priorities ❑ Facilitate timing, funding and development of regionally significant transportation projects ❑ Provide environmental screening during the planning process ❑ Receive and direct regionally collected transportation revenues based on adopted plans, programs and projects ❑ Monitor whether programs and projects that have been selected for public funding are on schedule for completion and within budget ❑ Provide for regular and consistent communications for all transportation stakeholders 2 Stakeholder Request (s) The Spokane region has a dynamic, safe, efficient, effective, sustainable multi -modal inter- and intra- jurisdictional transportation system that is a catalyst to a vibrant regional economy and is unified in a vision, governance and financing strategy. "Big Tent Fall 2008" Our Mission "SRTC provides for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods into, within, and through the Spokane Region with an integration of balanced multi -modal transportation choices." Regional transportation planning requires an understanding of the past, recognition of current conditions, and the ability to provide an economically achievable, environmentally balanced, and consumer - friendly transportation system that enables the Spokane community to reach its full potential. 3 SRTC Purpose: Section 2 interlocal Agreement Recognizing that coordinated transportation planning of the City, County, WSDOT, Washington State Transportation Commission, STA and Other Members are necessarily interwoven and interdependent, and that the interest of all citizens will be best served by coordinated and cooperative transportation planning, this Council is established to facilitate such appropriate coordination and cooperation and provide for continuing area wide transportation planning. SPOKANE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL (SRTC) STRUCTURE Joe Shogan — Nancy McLaughlin City of Spokane Council Members Todd Mmlke Mark Spokane County Commissioners Transportanon Technical Committee Appointed Technical Staff from Jurisdictions City of Spokane Valley Council Member — Spokane County (3) .—WSDOT (3) — City of Spokane Valley (2) — Spokane Transit 42J —Small Cues (2) — Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency — Spokane Airport System — Idaho Transportation Department — Commissioner Latisha Hill • AA n ntraror 'e: i •eca WA State Dept. of Transportation SRTC BOARD Appointed pursuant to Inter -local Agreement _ Wendy Van Orman Harman Jim Williams Small Cities/ Transit Elected Officials Glenn F. Miles Transportation Manager Appointed by the Board SRTC Support Staff Hired by the Manager Advertised Posidoru — Senior Transportauon Planner (3J '- Transportation Planner II — Network Manager -- Desktop Computer Analyst — Transportauon Air Quality Planner — Public Education/ Info Coordinator — Manager of Transportation Relations — GIS Analyst (2) — Accountant — Administrative Secretary — Administrative Assistant Private Sector Transportation Provider 4 5 Technical EXISTING Committees PROPOSED Committees Technical Committee Transportation Advisory Committee Bi- Partisan Council Small City Caucus Citizen's Advisory Committee Committee 5 Board EXISTING 1 Composition PROPOSED Board Composition City of Spokane (2) City of Spokane Valley (1) County (2) Small Cities (2) STA (1) WSDOT (1) State Commission (1) Transportation Advisory Committee (1) Bi-Partisan Council (1) Air (1) Rail ( Ex- Officio) City of Spokane (2) City of Spokane Valley (1) County (2) Small Cities (1) STA (1) 1 WSDOT (1) State Commission (1) 5 Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) ❑ Appointed by SRTC Board ❑ Make recommendations to SRTC Board on regional and /or multi- industry transportation issues ❑ Provide forum for public input ❑ Work with SRTC Board, other board committees and the general public to develop regional legislative agenda. Bi- Partisan Council (BPC) ❑ Meet bi- annually to discuss transportation issues at local, state and federal level. ❑ Composed of elected officials with interest in transportation ❑ Advise and inform SRTC Board on policy environment 6 Small City Caucus (SCC) ❑ Composed of regional small cities ❑ Meet as needed to discuss regional transportation issues ❑ Make recommendations to Small City representative (s) ❑ Appoint small city representative to SRTC Board. Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) ❑ Composed of general members of the community ❑ Appointed by SRTC Board ❑ Responsible for communication linkage to general public on transportation issues of significance ❑ Work closely with SRTC Communications Manager to share topics with community 7 Stand Up, Be Counted! The Census Questionnaire is a count of everyone living in the United States.. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau will define who we are as a nation. The form is short, your answers are protected, and many benefits rely upon an accurate count. Help your community receive the funds it requires. Ensure that everyone is counted. al I Census www.2010census.gov 2010 It's Easy! In 2010, every household will receive a short questionnaire that is simple and fast to complete and return. ► Number of people in household ► Phone number ► Name of each person in household ■ Relationship ► Gender ► Age /Date of Birth ► Race /Ethnicity ► Tenure (rent or own ?) The Census takes just a few minutes to complete and return by mail. It's Safe! Every Census Bureau worker takes an oath for life to protect the confidentiality of Census responses. By law, the Census Bureau does not share your answers with anyone. Not even other government agencies. ► Your answers are protected ► Your identity is safe It's Important! Every year more than $300 billion in federal funds are awarded to states and communities based on census data. That's more than $3 trillion over a 10 -year period. Completing the Census helps to provide: ► Each state's delegation of seats for the U.S. House of Representatives ► Community planning such as roads, hospitals, and schools ► Jobs ► Language services ► Health services Need help completing the form? CaII toll -free: 1 - 866 - 872 - 6868 www.2010census.gov J THE 2010 CENSUS IS IMPORTANT. It determines the distribution of more than $300 billion annually of government funding for critical community services. It generates thousands of jobs across the country. And it impacts your voice in Congress. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. As an influential elected official, you can raise awareness of and encourage participation in this historic event. By doing so. you can help your constituents receive their fair share of federal funds, census jobs and congressional representation. United States Cen 2010 The Census: A Snapshot • What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States. • Who: All U.S. residents must be counted — people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non- citizens. • When: Census Day is April 1, 2010. Questionnaire responses should represent the household as it exists on this day. More detailed socioeconomic information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey. • Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The census will show state population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. ▪ How: Census questionnaires will be delivered or mailed to households via U.S. mail in March 2010; many households will receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census workers also will visit households that do not return questionnaires. A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data • Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $300 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data. • Census data guide planning for new hospitals, roads, job training centers, schools and more. • Census data are used to determine the need for additional social services, block grants and other grant programs essential to many communities. • Census data inform a diverse range of local initiatives, from justifying the need for an after - school program to designating urban revitalization areas. 2010 Census Questionnaire: Quick, Easy and Confidential • With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest questionnaires in history and takes just 10 minutes to complete. • By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's census questionnaire responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. The U.S. Census Bureau is issuing a call to action for every resident of our nation: "BE COUNTED IN 2010." 2010 CENSUS IT'S IN OUR HANDS 2010 CENSUS: PARTNERSHIP AT A GLANCE Become a 2010 Census Partner Your partnership sends a strong message to your community about the importance of the census and the benefits of being counted. By partnering with the Census Bureau, you can help • Spread the word about temporary census jobs in your community. • Ensure accurate census data, which inform important funding decisions you make on behalf of your community. Take Action for Your Community and Country As a partner, you will play an important role in making the 2010 Census successful by encouraging people in your community to take part in the count. You can: • Issue a proclamation or other public endorsement of the 2010 Census. • Conduct "town hall" meetings or other events to encourage census participation. • Help recruit census workers in your community. • Provide space for Be Counted and Questionnaire Assistance Centers or for testing and training census employees. • Create a Complete Count Committee (CCC) in your area and invite other influential community leaders and elected officials to join you in the effort to increase census participation. 2010 Census Timeline: Key Dates Fall 2008 Spring 2009 Fall 2009 February - March 2010 April 1, 2010 May - July 2010 December 2010 March 2011 Recruitment begins for local census jobs for early census operations. Census employees go door -to -door to update address lists nationwide. Recruitment begins for census takers to support peak workload in 2010. Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households. Census Day Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail. By law, Census Bureau delivers population counts to the president for apportionment. By law, Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states. kfi 2010 CENSUS MIN IT'S IN OUR HANDS 1 Issued February 2009 Form D -3238 (E) • More accurately represent your constituents' interests. A COMPLETE AND ACCURATE COUNT IS IN OUR HANDS For more information about the 2010 Census, go to 2010census.gov. ,‘United States c ensus 2010 U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. CENSUS BUREAU THE 2010 CENSUS IS IMPORTANT. It determines the distribution of more than $300 billion annually of government funding for critical community services. It generates thousands of jobs across the country. And it impacts your voice in Congress. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. As an influential media organization leader, you can raise awareness of and encourage participation in this historic event. With your help, the Census Bureau will continue to produce accurate Jata, which will directly affect the quality of life in your community. m C ensus United States 2010 The Census: A Snapshot • What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States. • Who: All U.S. residents must be counted — people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non - citizens. • When: Census Day is April 1, 2010. Questionnaire responses should represent the household as it exists on this day. More detailed socioeconomic information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey. • Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The census will show state population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. • How: Census questionnaires will be delivered or mailed to households via U.S. mail in March 2010; many households will receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census workers also will visit households that do not return questionnaires. A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data • Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $300 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data. • Increased participation in the census will result in more accurate data that media outlets can trust and share with the public in articles and reports. • Census information helps determine locations for schools, roads, hospitals, job training, child -care and senior citizen centers, and more. • Census data determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the boundaries of legislative districts. 2010 Census Questionnaire: Quick, Easy and Confidential • With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest questionnaires in history and takes just 10 minutes to complete. • By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's census questionnaire responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. The U.S. Census Bureau is issuing a call to action for every resident of our nation: "BE COUNTED IN 2010." 2010 CENSUS IT'S IN OUR HANDS 2010 CENSUS: PARTNERSHIP AT A GLANCE Become a 2010 Census Partner Your partnership sends a strong message to your community about the importance of the census and the benefits of being counted. By partnering with the Census Bureau, you can help: • Assure people that it is important - and safe - to answer the census. • Ensure more accurate census data. • Spread the word about temporary census jobs in your community. Take Action for Your Community and Country As a partner, you will play an important role in making the 2010 Census successful by encouraging people in your community to take part in the count. You can: • Include 2010 Census information, events and announcements in your news coverage, PSAs and on your Web site. • Invite Census Bureau representatives to participate in events hosted by media. • Meet with 2010 Census spokespeople and help communicate news of the census to a wider audience. • Join a Complete Count Committee (CCC), an organized group of other influential community leaders in your area dedicated to increasing participation in the census. 2010 Census Timeline: Key Dates (Fall 2008 Spring 2009 Fall 2009 February - March 2010 April 1, 2010 May - July 2010 December 2010 March 2011 Recruitment begins for local census jobs for early census operations. Census employees go door -to -door to update address lists nationwide. Recruitment begins for census takers to support peak workload in 2010. Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households. Census Day Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail. By law. Census Bureau delivers population counts to the president for apportionment. By law. Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states. 2010 CENSUS EMI IT'S IN OUR HANDS Issued February 2009 Form D -3240 (E) A COMPLETE AND ACCURATE COUNT IS IN OUR HANDS. For more information about the 2010 Census, go to 2010census.gov. U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. CENSUS BUREAU YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. As an influential educator, you can raise awareness of and encourage participation in this historic event. With your help, the Census Bureau will continue to produce accurate data, which will directly affect the quality of life in your community. THE CENSUS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM The J.S. Census Bureau and Scholastic Inc.. have teamed up to create a Census in Schools program for the 2010 Census. The Census in Schools program will provide educators with resources to teach the nation's students about the importance of the census, so children can help deliver this message to their families. For more information. visit www.census.gov /schools /. C United States ensus 2010 The Census: A Snapshot • What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States. • • Who: All U.S. residents must be counted— people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non - citizens. When: Census Day is April 1, 2010. Questionnaire responses should represent the household as it exists on this day. More detailed socioeconomic information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey. • Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The census will show state population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. • How: Census questionnaires will be delivered or mailed to households via U.S. mail in March 2010; many households will receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census workers also will visit households that do not return questionnaires. A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data • Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $300 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data. • Census data affect school budgets. including the distribution of Title I funding and college tuition grant and loan programs. • Community planners use census data to determine where to build new schools, develop public transportation and create new roads. • Census data affect your voice in Congress as well as the redistricting of state legislatures, county and city councils and voting districts. 2010 Census Questionnaire: Quick, Easy and Confidential • With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest questionnaires in history and takes just 10 minutes to complete. • By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's census questionnaire responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. The U.S. Census Bureau is issuing a call to action for every resident of our nation: "BE COUNTED IN 2010." 2010 CENSUS IT'S IN OUR HANDS 2010 CENSUS: PARTNERSHIP AT A GLANCE Become a 2010 Census Partner Your partnership sends a strong message to your community about the importance of the census and the benefits of being counted. By partnering with the Census Bureau, you can help: • Shape school budgets. • Build awareness of the Census in Schools program, which teaches students and their families about demography, civics and the value of being counted. • Spread the word about temporary census jobs in your community. Take Action for Your Community and Country As a partner, you will play an important role in making the 2010 Census successful by encouraging people in your community to take part in the count. You can: • Use Census in Schools lessons within your school curriculum or organization. Visit www.census.gov /schools/ for free K -12 lesson plans and other materials. • Impress on students that children have traditionally been "hard -to- count" and that they should encourage their parents /guardians to complete the questionnaire. • Include information about the 2010 Census in school newsletters and newspapers, cn school marquees, at parent - teacher conferences and in school or campus lobbies. • Participate in speaking opportunities at your education conferences, school symposiums, and school board or parent meetings. • Provide space for Be Counted sites and Questionnaire Assistance Centers or for testing and training census employees. • Join a Complete Count Committee (CCC), an organized group of other influential leaders in your area dedicated to increasing participation in the census. 2010 Census Timeline: Key Dates (Fall 2008 Spring 2009 Fall 2009 Spring 2009 February - March 2010 April 1, 2010 May - July 2010 December 2010 March 2011 Recruitment begins for local census jobs for early census operations. Census employees go door - to - door to update address lists nationwide. Recruitment begins for census takers to support peak workload in 2010 and Census in Schools materials become available. Census in Schools Web site is launched. Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households. Census Day Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail. By law, Census Bureau delivers population counts to the president for apportionment. By law, Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states. 2010 CENSUS 6A11.1 IT'S IN OUR HANDS Issued February 2009 Form D -3237 (E) A COMPLETE AND ACCURATE COUNT IS IN OUR HANDS. For more information about the 2010 Census, go to 2010census.gov. United States census 2010 U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. CENSUS BUREAU THE 2010 CENSUS IS IMPORTANT. It determines the distribution of more than $300 billion annually of government funding for critical community services. It generates thousands of jobs across the country. And it impacts your voice in Congress. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. As an influential community-L:,,,::i organization leaLler, you can ensure the people you represent are fully counted. 'vNith your help, the Census Bureau will continue to produce accurate data, which will directly affect the quality of life in your community. • UnitedStates The U.S. Census Bureau C ens u s is issuing a call to every resident of our nation: "BE COUNTED IN 2010." 2010 The Census: A Snapshot • What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States. • Who: All U.S. residents must be counted — people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non- citizens. • When: Census Day is April 1, 2010. Questionnaire responses should represent the household as it exists on this day. More detailed socioeconomic information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey. • Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The census will show state population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. • How: Census questionnaires will be delivered or mailed to households via U.S. mail in March 2010; many households will receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census workers also will visit households that do not return questionnaires. A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data • Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $300 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data. • Census data can be used for writing grant proposals. • Community planners and governments rely on census data to determine where there is a need for additional social services and funding. • Census data can help you estimate the number of potential volunteers in your community and the number of residents who may need your services. 2010 Census Questionnaire: Quick, Easy and Confidential • With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest questionnaires in history and takes just 10 minutes to complete. • By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's census questionnaire responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. 2010 CENSUS IT'S IN OUR HANDS 2010 CENSUS: PARTNERSHIP AT A GLANCE 2010 CENSUS IT'S IN OUR HANDS if Issued February 2009 Form D -3236 (E) • Issue a proclamation or other public endorsement of the 2010 Census. • Create a Complete Count Committee (CCC) in your area and invite other influential community leaders to join you in the effort to increase census participation. Become a 2010 Census Partner Your partnership sends a strong message to your community about the importance of the census and the benefits of being counted. By partnering with the Census Bureau, you can help: • Ensure accurate census data, which guide funding decisions for your community and affect your representation in Congress. • Spread the word about temporary census jobs in your community. • Reassure your community it is safe to answer the census. • Include 2010 Census information in newsletters, on bulletin boards, in lobbies and online. • Help recruit applicants for 2010 Census positions, providing jobs to those in need in your community. • Provide space for Be Counted sites and Questionnaire Assistance Centers or for testing and training census employees. Take Action for Your Community and Country As a partner, you will play an important role in making the 2010 Census successful by encouraging people in your community to take part in the count. You can: • Answer questions and help people overcome misconceptions about the 2010 Census. Share the benefits of being counted and reassure your community their questionnaire responses are confidential. 2010 Census Timeline: Key Dates %United States census 2010 Fall 2008 Spring 2009 Fall 2009 February - March 2010 April 1, 2010 May - July 2010 December 2010 March 2011 Recruitment begins for local census jobs for early census operations. Census employees go door -to -door to update address list nationwide. Recruitment begins for census takers to support peak workload in 2010. Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households. Census Day Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail. By law, Census Bureau delivers population counts to the president for apportionment. By law, Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states. A COMPLETE AND ACCURATE COUNT IS IN OUR HANDS. For more information about the 2010 Census, go to 2010census.gov. U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. CENSUS BUREAU Complete Count Committee Guide IT'S IN OUR HANDS USCENSH'SBUREAU www.census.gov /2010census U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. CENSUS BUREAU Issued November 2008 D -1280 United States Census 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS Message From the Director 3 Why Do We Take the Census? 5 How Are Census Data Used? 6 Are Census Data Really Confidential? 7 What is a Complete Count Committee (CCC)? 8 How Do You Organize a Complete Count Committee? 9 State Government Complete Count Committees 9 Local Government Complete Count Committees 11 Community Complete Count Committees 12 When Should a Complete Count Committee Organize? 14 What Is the Subcommittee Structure of a Complete Count Committee? 15 Suggested Schedule for the Complete Count Committee 17 Summary: What Are the Benefits of a Complete Count Committee? 19 Appendix A: 50 Ways Census Data Are Used 20 Appendix B: Understanding the Language of the 2010 Census 21 Regional Office Contact List 24 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 1 Every decade since 1 790, the U.S. Census Bureau has conducted a constitutionally mandated census to determine the number of people living within the United States and our territories. These data are used by our nation's leaders to help make vital decisions on behalf of all residents, including reapportionment and redistricting. Census data also affect how more than $300 billion in federal funds are distributed to tribal, state, and local governments each year. One of the primary goals of the 2010 Census is to increase the national mailback response rate. This not only reduces the overall cost of the census, but it also increases the accuracy of these data as well. Tribal, state, and local governments, as well as community and business organizations can help us achieve this goal by bringing local knowledge and expertise to the process. The Complete Count Committee is a major vehicle for planning and implementing local, targeted efforts that will uniquely address the special characteristics of your community. The role of the Complete Count Committee will be to plan and implement local outreach efforts to publicize the importance of the 2010 Census. The work of this committee will be innovative, exciting, and rewarding. The 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide provides guidelines for the active involvement of government officials, community leaders, and businesses in promoting the 201 0 Census to residents in your area. The guide suggests a structure for organizing a local campaign, provides examples of activities that may be implemented, and gives a timetable for these activities. If you have any questions about the guide or how to get started forming your own Complete Count Committee, please refer to the back of this guide for your local Census Bureau Regional Office or visit <www.census.gov /2010Censu.s>. Your participation in the 2010 Census program is voluntary. However, many government officials and community leaders understand that their participation is vital to help ensure an accurate and complete count of their community. The Census Bureau is strongly committed to the most accurate and efficient census in 2010. With your help, we will ensure every resident is counted once —only once —and in the right place. We look forward to partnering with you to obtain an accurate count for your community. Sincerely, /r Steve H. Murdock Message From the Director U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 3 2 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide WHY DO WE TAKE THE CENSUS? • The U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount every 10 years, of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and noncitizens. The first census was conducted in 1 790 and has been carried out every 10 years since then. • The next census occurs in 2010. The population totals from this census will determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. States also use the totals to redraw their legislative districts. • The U.S. Census Bureau must submit state popula- tion totals to the President of the United States by December 31, 2010. • The totals also affect funding in your community, and data collected in the census help inform decision makers how your community is changing. Approximately $300 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year. Will the 2010 Census be the same as 2000? No, there are some important changes: • 2010 Census will be short form only just 10 easy questions. • The long form is now part of the annual American Community Survey. • Handheld computers with Global Positioning System will be used to check our address list in 2009. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 6 HOW ARE CENSUS DATA USED? Census data are widely and wisely used. Determining congressional seats and federal funding is just a hint of the many important uses of census data. Take a look at examples below and refer to the appendix for even more uses of census data. (See Appendix A: 50 Ways Census Data Are Used.) • The federal government uses population data to allocate funds in a number of areas: • Title 1 grants to educational agencies (school districts across the nation) • Head Start programs • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) (food grants) • Public transportation • Road rehabilitation and construction • Programs for the elderly • Emergency food and shelter • Empowerment zones • The data help the private sector as well as state and federal governments determine where jobs and job programs are needed. • Census data help potential homeowners research prop- erty values, median income, and other demographic information about a particular community. • Corporations use population data for market research to determine locations for commercial enterprises, such as food stores, pharmacies, and other essential services. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide ARE CENSUS DATA REALLY CONFIDENTIAL? • ABSOLUTELY! • Your answers are protected by law (Title 13 of the U.S. Code, Section 9) and are strictly confidential. It is illegal for the Census Bureau, or its employees, to share your personal information with any other govern- ment agency —not law enforcement, IRS, Welfare, FBI, Immigration, etc. • No court of law, not even the President of the United States, can access your individual responses. 1953— During the Truman administration, the White House had to undergo renovation. It was necessary to relocate the President until the renovation was completed. The Secret Service requested from the Census Bureau information on residents liv- ing in the proposed relocation area for the purpose of performing background checks. However, because census data are ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENTIAL, even to the President, the request was denied. President Truman spent his exile at Blair House. • Census workers must pass security and employment reference checks and are highly motivated to protect your answers. All Census Bureau employees are subject to a 5250,000 FINE AND /OR A 5 - YEAR PRISON TERM for dis- closing any information that could identify a respondent or household. 1980--Armed with a search warrant authorizing them to seize census documents, four FBI agents entered the Census Bureau's Colorado Springs office. No confidential information was ever released because a census worker held off the agents until her superiors resolved the issue with the FBI. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 7 WHAT IS A COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE (CCC)? How Does a Complete Count Committee Work? Now that you are familiar with what a census is and why we conduct a census every 10 years, you can appreciate how much work is required to count every resident living in the country. The Census Bureau cannot do this alone. We require the assistance of partners — individuals, groups, and organizations across the nation that can help us build awareness about the census, why it is important, and encourage their community to participate. One very effective way to accomplish this is through Complete Count Committees. What Is a Cornpiete Count Committee? A Complete Count Committee (CCC) is a volunteer committee established by tribal, state, and local governments, and /or community leaders, to increase awareness about the census and motivate residents in the community to respond. The committees work best when they include a cross section of community representatives from government agencies, education, business, religious organizations, and the media. The CCC is charged with developing and implementing a plan designed to target the unique characteristics of their community. Complete Count Committees (CCCs) come in different types and sizes, depending on how they are organized and where they are located. The following table gives you an idea of the types and sizes that are most common. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide Type of CCC State Local Community Responsible Body State government Local government (Regional, County, City, Town) Community organization/ leader Size Large Large, Medium, or Small Large, Medium, or Small Location Statewide Urban, Rural, or Suburban Urban, Rural, or Suburban Government - sponsored CCCs may have a state, regional, or local focus, and operate within the jurisdiction of their highest elected official(s). Local government CCCs may include more than one jurisdiction. Community- sponsored CCCs may be organized by a community group or a coalition of community groups. A CCC may also be assumed by or assigned to an existing committee or group such as a city planning board, a regional planning commission, or a local community committee. Once the CCC members have been identified, chairpersons may wish to divide the members into subcommittees based on the activities that the committee plans to undertake. For example, a media subcommittee may be formed to identify local officials and other persons of influence to record public service announcements (PSAs) and appear on local television and radio shows about the census. A second subcommittee might be on education, targeting the schools, colleges, and uni- versities with promotional materials and ensuring that the Census in Schools materials are being used by schools across the state. Another may be a business subcommittee that targets businesses and encourages them to post census materials and sponsor local events. Other possible subcommittees may include a faith -based focus to reach religious groups in a community or a youth focus to target organizations providing services to children, such as Head Start or day care centers. The type of subcommittee created is really based on the needs of the community the CCC serves or the focus of committee outreach. Tailor subcommittees to meet the community needs. Examples of subcommittees and what they do are covered under "What is the subcommittee structure of a Complete Count Committee ?" on page 1 5. The common thread among all CCCs is that they are a team. CCCs are a team: • Charged with influencing members of their community to complete the 2010 Census questionnaire in a timely and accurate manner. • Of community members that will lead their community in the promotion of a 2010 Census awareness campaign from now through October 2010. Why Form a Complete Count Committee? A Complete Count Committee should be formed to: • Increase the response rate for residents mailing back their questionnaire through a focused, structured, neighbor -to- neighbor program. • Utilize the local knowledge, expertise, and influence of each Complete Count Committee member to design and implement a census awareness campaign targeted to the commu- nity. • Bring together a cross section of community members whose focus is 2010 Census aware- ness. The CCC speaks the language of its community, therefore establishing an information highway that even the Internet cannot rival— neighbor informing neighbor. The CCC makes sure each resident is aware of the importance of an accurate census count. How Do You Organize a Complete Count Committee? Based on the previous table, there are three types of Complete Count Committees, state government - sponsored, local government- sponsored, or community- sponsored. Let's take a look at each of these and review the differences between the committee types and sizes. Knowing what the differences are will help determine how to form your Complete Count Committee. State Government Complete Count Committees The Governor of the state, who appoints individuals to serve as members on the committee, typically creates state Complete Count Committees. The committee may be chaired by an individual desig- nated by the Governor, such as the Governor's Liaison or staff from the State Data Center. State CCCs may be fairly large with anywhere from 20 to 100 members. The committee members should be representative of the residents of the state and have 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 9 the time and commitment needed for a successful committee. State CCCs typically have members from various state agencies, local government agencies, schools, churches, media, and community organizations. Tap groups or organizations that will best help you implement and achieve your goals. State CCCs may operate with or without a subcommittee structure. Examples of subcommittees and what they do are covered under "What is the subcommittee structure of a Complete Count Committee ?" on page 15. State CCCs often have a better understanding of the economic impact of a complete count and are highly motivated to develop a comprehensive outreach plan. They tend to have more resources (funds and /or staff) to support a CCC. Examples of State Complete Count Committee Strategies Several states organized Complete Count Committees in Census 2000, and we can look to them for best practices. The important thing to remember is to do the best you can with the resources you have. Here are some suggested strategies that worked well for them: • Allocate state funds for implementation of the state CCC. • Develop an action plan. • Assign staff to work with the state CCC. • Set clear, achievable goals and objectives. • Identify targets (populations or areas) for aggressive outreach through— + direct community outreach— touching as many people as possible through swap meets, sports events, festivals, parades, etc. • strategic partnerships with counties, schools, state agencies, and community -based organi- zations. • a state media campaign with a catchy slogan. Example: California state CCC in 2000 used the slogan "California, You Count!" • Coordinate activities with local CCCs throughout the state. • Develop a state 2010 Census Web site with links to the Census Bureau Web site. • Create promotional materials and items for populations or areas identified. • Create events in key areas where none exist. Sample Activities of State Complete Count Committees 2008 -2009 • Allocate funds to conduct CCC outreach. • Encourage local governments to form Complete Count Committees. • Develop a list of barriers or concerns that might impede the progress of the 2010 Census in your state, such as pockets of populations speaking a language other than English, recent immigrants, and significant numbers of children under age 18. Explore ways /activities to address or overcome these barriers. • Develop and implement activities to involve state government employees in 2010 Census awareness campaign. • Include the 2010 Census logo and messages on letterhead, brochures, newsletters, and Web site. • Display census information /materials in all state government buildings. • Sponsor a contest to create a state slogan and/ or mascot for promoting the 2010 Census. January — March 2010 ▪ Add census messages to meetings and corres- pondence. • Implement major promotional events around mailout of questionnaires and nonresponse follow -up. • Provide information on federally funded programs that have benefited the state. • Saturate targeted areas with census information that is easy -to -read and understand. • Change telephone hold messages in state offices to remind residents to complete and return their questionnaire immediately. April 2010 • Have government employees answer the phones with a 2010 Census message. • Change telephone hold messages in state offices to one that encourages residents to cooperate with the census workers that may come to their home if they don't return their questionnaire. 10 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide May -July 2010 • Prepare final report of committee activities and provide a copy of your report to your regional census contact person. Local or Tribal Government Complete Count Committees Local Complete Count Committees are formed by the highest elected official in that jurisdiction, such as a mayor, county commissioner, tribal leader, or regional chairman. The highest elected official may appoint a chair of the CCC and may then appoint residents of the community to serve as members of the CCC. Members appointed could be representative of a cross section of the community, be willing and able to serve until the census is over, and help implement a creative outreach campaign in areas that may pose a challenge in 2010. Members could include persons from the areas of education, media, business, religion, and community groups. Most local government CCCs are small to medium size depending on the jurisdiction. A town may have a small committee with only 3 -5 members, while a city CCC may be medium to large size with anywhere from 10 to more than 100 members, depending on the size of the city or tribe. Both county and regional CCCs, since they cover a larger geography, tend to be larger in size with 20 -50 members. The size and number of members depends on what works best for each jurisdiction and what will make the most effective and successful committee. Mayors, county commissioners, and heads of regional boards understand the importance of getting a complete and accurate census count and how census data impacts their communities. In previous censuses, experience has shown that local government CCCs are more productive with subcommittee structure. Examples of subcommittees and what they do are covered under "What is the subcommittee structure of a Complete Count Committee ?" on page 1 5. Examples of Local and Tribal Complete Count Committee Strategies Nationwide, there were 1 1 ,800 Complete Count Committees formed in Census 2000, and the major- ity of them were local government committees. Here are some suggested strategies that worked for them: • Allocate funds for the CCC, and assign a staff person to work with the committee. • Set clear, achievable goals and objectives. • Identify areas of the community that you want to target, either a geographical area or a population group that might be hard to count. • Use a "grassroots" approach, working with community -based organizations and groups who have direct contact with residents, especially those who may be hard to count. • Create promotional materials and products customized for your area. • Implement special events such as a Census Day "Be Counted" parade. Sample Activities of Local Complete Count Committees 2008 -2009 • Develop a list of barriers or concerns that might impede the progress of the 2010 Census in your local area, such as recent immigrants, non - English speaking groups, high crime areas, and communities with gated residents. Explore ways /activities to address or overcome those barriers. • Create ways to dispel myths and alleviate fears about the privacy and confidentiality of census data. • Place census messages in water bills, property tax bills, and other correspondence generated by the jurisdiction. • Develop and implement activities to involve local government employees in 2010 Census awareness campaign. • Encourage corporations to become official sponsors of your census activities. • Have census banners, posters, and other signage placed in highly visible public locations. • Include the 2010 Census logo and message on bus schedules, brochures, newsletters, and your local jurisdiction Web site. • Sponsor a census booth at county fairs, carnivals, and festivals (especially cultural or ethnic celebrations). • Sponsor a contest to design a sticker or poster promoting the 2010 Census. • Have census information available during voter registration drives. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 1 1 January -March 2010 • Add a census message to all meetings, events, and correspondence. • Provide information on federally funded programs that have benefited the community. • Plan a major promotional event around the mailout of census questionnaires. • Saturate public access areas with easy -to- read and understandable census information customized for your community. • Ask elected officials to encourage residents to complete and return questionnaires immediately. • Place a census message on all municipal marquees urging residents to complete and return their questionnaires. April 2010 • Place public service announcements in local media encouraging residents to cooperate with census workers. Community Complete Count Committees Community Complete Count Committees are often formed in areas that do not have a government CCC or areas that may require a more targeted outreach approach. Community CCCs may be formed by a community group /organization or a coalition of several organizations. For example, an organization in a predominantly elderly community may want to form a community CCC in order to build awareness among that population and encourage them to respond when questionnaires are delivered. A tenant's association may form a committee to educate tenants about the census and help those needing assistance in completing their questionnaire. Community CCCs identify their own chair and committee members. They may choose residents who are influential leaders or gatekeepers in the community to serve as members or others that will help accomplish the goals of the committee. Community CCCs are usually small to medium in size with anywhere from 5 to 25 members depend- ing on the sponsoring organization(s) and the size of the community it represents. Small committees may not need subcommittees, however, larger committees may find this structure helps them focus and work more effectively. Examples of Community Complete Count Committee Strategies A number of organizations formed community Complete Count Committees in Census 2000. Some examples of these organizations are Community Action groups, Hispanic Service Center, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Human Development Commission. Here are some suggested strategies that worked for them: • Set clear, achievable goals and objectives for your committee. • Identify what your committee will focus on. Some examples include increasing the response rate in public housing communities among cultural /ethnic groups in your area or among students in colleges /universities, outreach and promotion to youth or elderly in the community, or a global approach if no other CCCs are in the area. • Develop an action plan that will include activi- ties, events, etc., which will support your efforts and help you meet your goals and objectives. • Create promotional materials that appeal to your focus areas, if resources are available. • Implement special events that will generate interest and participation in the census. Sample Activities of Community Complete Count Committees 2008 -2009 • Identify organizations in the community that can provide space for Questionnaire Assistance Centers and will serve as a Be Counted site. Pass this information on to your census contact person. • Make a list of community -based organizations in your area. Hold a meeting with leaders of the organizations and solicit their help in creating a census awareness campaign targeted for community residents. • Check the community calendar in your area for events. Contact event organizers to see if you can a have a census table or pass out census materials to increase awareness. • Plan and solicit sponsors for a "Census Day/ Night Street Festival" in late 2009. Think of creative games or activities where census information can be incorporated. • Develop a 2009 Census Activity Calendar, ask organizations to choose a month in which they will sponsor census activities or promote census awareness. 12 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide • Ask organizations to include a census article or message in all of their publications from April 2009 to August 2010. January through March 2010 • Encourage organizations to include 2010 Census on the agenda of their meetings, workshops, or conferences. • Distribute /post fliers announcing the delivery of the census questionnaire at busy locations in the community. • Check with your census contact person about the locations of Questionnaire Assistance Centers and Be Counted sites in your commu- nity. Get signs from the contact person with the days and times the centers will be open. If signs are not available, make and post them as a committee project. • Sponsor a "Little Miss /Mr. Census" contest and have the winners complete and mail a "symbolic" census questionnaire. April 2010 • Encourage residents to complete and mailback their census questionnaires. • Plan a Census Day event to motivate community response. • Check with your census contact person about response rates for your community. If rates are low, plan special events or activities to motivate residents to respond. • Remind residents if they don't mailback their questionnaire a census worker may come to their home. Encourage residents to cooperate with census workers. May 2010 • Continue to encourage community residents to cooperate with census workers. • Evaluate what worked best for your community and briefly report this information to your census liaison. • Celebrate your success and thank all those involved in making it happen. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 13 14 WHEN SHOULD A COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE ORGANIZE? Get Organized RIGHT NOW! • Although the 2010 Census questionnaires will not be delivered to households until mid -March of 2010, the census awareness campaign should start TODAY. Residents will begin to experience, by the end of 2008, some type of census operation such as address listing. These operations are necessary to verify the accuracy and location of each address in the United States. • The immediate formulation of a Complete Count Committee will ensure that local residents are kept abreast of the various census operations before the information is nationally circulated. • The more informed residents are about the 2010 Census operations, the better their understanding of the census process becomes, thus increasing their willingness to be a part of the successful enumeration in 2010. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide WHAT IS THE SUBCOMMITTEE STRUCTURE OF A COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE? The Structure • The Census Bureau regional staff will serve as a liaison or an informational resource. • The operation of the Complete Count Committee flows from the highest elected official or community leader to the chairperson, the committee members, and /or to the community at large. • The highest elected official or community leader appoints a chairperson. The chairperson is the liaison or main source of contact between the Complete Count Committee and the Census Bureau. • The chairperson collaborates with the highest elected official or community leader to select subcommittee chairs. • The Complete Count Committee should involve every aspect of a local community in its subcommittee structure — government, education, faith - based, media, community -based organizations, business, and recruiting. The U.S. Census Bureau does not manage the Complete Count Committee. The following are examples of a typical subcommittee struc- ture. Other subcommittees may be formed based on the focus of the CCC or the needs of the community. Examples of other subcommittee topics are migrant and seasonal farmworkers, children /youth services, immigrants, senior services, and the disabled community. Government subcommittee — Assists in all activities between the Census Bureau and the local government, such as participation in decennial geography programs, free space 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 1 5 for Questionnaire Assistance Centers, and identifying other resources for CCC activities. Education subcommittee — Facilitates census awareness for local schools from prekindergarten through twelfth grade, as well as postsecondary education institutions in the area. May also encourage school administrators, teachers, and students to use Census In Schools materials. Faith - based subcommittee — Creates and coordi- nates activities and materials that can be used by any local faith -based institution in the promotion of the 2010 Census awareness and participation. Media subcommittee — Creates and facilitates ways to get the census message to all community residents, using all available sources such as local newspapers, newsletters, fliers, local festivals, billboards, radio, and television. Community -based organizations subcommittee — Collaborates with community organizations to inform residents of the importance of participating in the 2010 Census and the benefits derived from census data. Business subcommittee — Creates and coordi- nates activities that involve businesses in census awareness, such as distribution of census infor- mation and census messages on packaging (grocery bags), and the inclusion of the census logo and message on sales promotion materials. Figure 1. Sample Organizational Chart CHAIRPERSON (Liaison) GOVERNMENT EDUCATION FAITH- BASED MEDIA SUBCOMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE Recruiting subcommittee — Disseminates informa- tion about census job openings for the 2010 Census. Information will include the number of jobs avail- able, types of jobs available, and the locations of testing and training sites. The subcommittee chairpersons may recruit mem- bers for their respective teams. The ideal candidates for a Complete Count Committee are those com- munity members who have expertise, influence, and experience in the area of the respective committee. Committees are more productive and successful if willing to invest time, resources, and energy in this project. Figure 1 is a sample Complete Count Committee organizational chart. The organizational chart is a guide to assist in forming a CCC and implementing the CCC plan. Once discussion has started about the focus and goals of the committee, subcommittees and /or activities may be added to fit the customized plan. Both the government -led and the community -led Complete Count Committee operation flows the same, from chairperson to committee and /or subcommittees and then to the community at large. The community CCC essentially functions the same as the governmental CCC. COMMUNITY - BASED ORGANIZATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE BUSINESS RECRUITING SUBCOMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE 16 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide Suggested Schedule for the Complete Count Committee Now Through March 2010 Action Steps 2008 Summer and Fall • Highest elected official or community leader meets with regional office partnership staff to discuss forming a partnership for the 2010 Census and the establishment of a Complete Count Committee. ■ Highest elected official or community leader appoints the chairperson of the CCC. • Highest elected official or community leader, with the assistance of the chairperson, appoints the subcommittee chairpersons (if necessary). • Highest elected official or community leader holds a press conference to announce the formation of a CCC and the appointment of the chairperson. • Official or community leader issues a proclamation /resolution stating that it will formulate a Complete Count Committee for the 2010 Census. 2008 Fall and Winter • Hold first Complete Count Committee meeting: • Give an overview of the roles and responsibilities of a CCC. • Select a secretary to record minutes of meetings. • Establish committees (if necessary). • Develop a plan of action for 2010 Census awareness campaign to cover the period from now through October 2010. • Set a schedule for the CCC meetings as well as the subcommittees. February December 2009 • CCC members participate in census CCC training. ■ Hold regularly scheduled meetings to report on tasks and subcommittee activities. • Proceed with census awareness activities generated by each subcommittee. • Evaluate the activities for effectiveness. • Modify action plan as needed. • Saturate community with at least one census awareness activity each month. January 2010 • Hold monthly CCC and subcommittee meetings. ■ Finalize plans for activities surrounding question- naire delivery days and Census Day activities. ■ Review task lists and subcommittee activity plans. • Proceed with 2010 Census activities generated by subcommittees. • Finalize plans for activities to encourage residents to complete and return census questionnaires. • Develop and finalize plans for motivating resi- dents who do not return their questionnaires to cooperate with census workers during non - response follow -up. Plan these activities for April 2010. February 2010 • Hold regular CCC and subcommittee meetings. ■ Review and modify, as needed, plans for ques- tionnaire delivery and Census Day activities. • Review and modify, as needed, plans for residents who do not respond. • Finalize plans for all activities scheduled for March and April. • Check with subcommittee chairs on the number and location of Questionnaire Assistance Centers and Be Counted Sites. Publicize the location, dates, and times of operations in the community. March 2010 Countdown to Census Day ■ Review and implement activities leading to Census Day —April 1, 2010. • Finalize plans for all activities planned for the end of March and the month of April. • Proceed with activities generated by subcommit- tees. • Send press release highlighting 2010 Census activity schedule. • Encourage community members to participate with census workers during address canvassing operations. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 1 7 Census Day —April 1, 2010 April 2010 The time has come to act. • Implement Census Day activities. • Hold daily activities to encourage residents to complete questionnaires accurately and to return them quickly. • Evaluate activities and make changes as necessary. • Prepare to implement activities for residents that did not return their questionnaire. • Implement activities to keep the census awareness and interest strong. May July 2010 Nonresponse follow -up • Use all sources to encourage residents to cooperate with census workers. • Continue to meet regularly to give and receive 2010 Census progress reports. • Prepare summary report of CCC activities, operations, and member feedback. • Celebrate the success of the 2010 Census enumeration and recognize the efforts of the CCC members. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide SUMMARY: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE (CCC)? The CCC speaks the language of and knows the pulse of its community, therefore establishing an information highway that even the Internet cannot rival— neighbor informing neighbor. The CCC will help ensure an accurate 2010 Census count. The CCC gains valuable knowledge about the census process at the local level and develops a plan to impart that know- ledge to each and every resident as only a neighbor and fellow stakeholder can do. The CCC increases the participation ratio and the response rate by continuing awareness of the 2010 Census through July of 2010. 19 APPENDIX A: 50 Ways Census Data Are Used • Decision making at all levels of government. • Drawing federal, state, and local legislative districts. • Attracting new businesses to state and local areas. • Distributing over $300 billion in federal funds and even more in state funds. • Forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population. • Planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and the location of other health services. • Forecasting future housing needs for all segments of the population. • Directing funds for services for people in poverty. • Designing public safety strategies. • Development of rural areas. Analyzing local trends. • Estimating the number of people displaced by natural disasters. • Developing assistance programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives. • Creating maps to speed emergency services to households in need of assistance. • Delivering goods and services to local markets. • Designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly, or children. • Planning future government services. • Planning investments and evaluating financial risk. • Publishing economic and statistical reports about the United States and its people. • Facilitating scientific research. • Developing "intelligent" maps for government and business. • Providing proof of age, relationship, or residence certificates provided by the Census Bureau. • Distributing medical research. • Reapportioning seats in the House of Representatives. • Planning and researching for media as backup for news stories. • Providing evidence in litigation involving land use, voting rights, and equal opportunity. • Drawing school district boundaries. • Planning budgets for government at all levels. • Spotting trends in the economic well -being of the nation. • Planning for public transportation services. • Planning health and educational services for people with disabilities. • Establishing fair market rents and enforcing fair lending practices. • Directing services to children and adults with limited English language proficiency. • Planning urban land use. • Planning outreach strategies. • Understanding labor supply. • Assessing the potential for spread of communicable diseases. • Analyzing military potential. • Making business decisions. • Understanding consumer needs. • Planning for congregations. • Locating factory sites and distribution centers. • Distributing catalogs and developing direct mail pieces. • Setting a standard for creating both public and private sector surveys. • Evaluating programs in different geographic areas. • Providing genealogical research. • Planning for school projects. • Developing adult education programs. • Researching historical subject areas. • Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans. 20 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide APPENDIX B: Understanding the Language of the 2010 Census Glossary The 2010 Census From A to Z Advance Letter A Census Bureau letter sent to alert households that the census questionnaire will be mailed or delivered to them soon. American Community Survey (ACS) A monthly sample household survey conducted by the Census Bureau to obtain information similar to the long -form census questionnaire. The ACS is sent to a small percentage of the U.S. population on a rotating basis. First tested in 1995, it will replace the long form for the 2010 Census. Since 2004, ACS has provided annual data for social and economic characteristics for many geographic entities and population groups. Be Counted Site The Be Counted program provides a means for people who believe they were not counted to be included in the 201 0 Census. Special Be Counted census forms in five different languages— Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Russian, will be available at different locations in the community. Businesses and organizations may agree to be a Be Counted site by donating space to display a Be Counted box with forms in appropriate languages for their location. The Be Counted program runs for about 4 weeks in spring 2010. Census A complete enumeration of a population or business and commercial establishments, factories, farms, or governments in an area. (See decennial census.) Census Bureau An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce and the country's preeminent statistical collection and dissemination agency. It publishes a wide variety of statistical data about people, housing, and the economy of the nation. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts approximately 200 annual surveys, conducts the decennial census of the United States population and housing, the quinquennial economic census, and the census of governments. Census Day The reference date for collection of information for a census. For the decennial census, this has been April 1 of the decade year (year ending with zero) since the 1930 census. April 1, 2010, is the reference date, Census Day, for the 2010 Census. Census in Schools (CIS) A national program component of the 2010 Census with an emphasis on kindergarten through eighth grade students in schools located in hard to count areas. The purpose of Census in Schools is to educate all of the nation's K -1 2 students about the importance of the 2010 Census. Commitment An agreement or pledge to carry out a particular task or activity that will in some way help the census achieve its goals. Complete Count Committee (CCC) A volunteer committee established by tribal, state, and local governments, and /or community organizations leaders to include a cross section of community leaders, including representatives from government agencies; education, business, and religious organizations; community agencies; minority organizations; and the media. The committees are charged with developing and implementing a 2010 Census outreach, promotion, recruiting, and enumeration assistance plan of action designed to target and address the needs of their communities. Confidentiality The guarantee made by law (Title 1 3, United States Code) to individuals who provide information to the Census Bureau, ensuring that the Census Bureau will not reveal information to others. Decennial Census The census of population and housing taken by the Census Bureau in each year ending in zero. Article 1, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution requires that a census be taken every 10 years for the purpose of apportioning the U.S. House of Representatives. The first census of population was taken in 1 790. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 21 Early Local Census Offices (ELCO) A temporary office opened to conduct early census operations such as check addresses and develop and refine the Master Address File for mailing census questionnaires. Enumeration The process of interviewing people and recording the information on census forms. Enumerator A Census Bureau employee who collects census information by visiting households during census field operations. Governmental Unit (GU) A geographic entity established by legal action for the purpose of implementing specified general- or special - purpose governmental functions. Most gov- ernmental units have legally established boundaries and names. GU officials (elected or appointed) have the power to carry out legally prescribed functions, provide services for the residents, and raise revenues. To meet Census Bureau criteria, a government must be an organized entity that, in addition to having governmental character, has sufficient discretion in the management of its own affairs to distinguish it as separate from the administrative structure of any other governmental unit. To have governmental character, an entity must exist as a legally organized entity and have legally defined responsibilities to its residents. Hard to Count (HTC) Groups or populations who have historically been undercounted and /or traditionally have not responded well to the decennial census question- naire, such as ethnic /minority populations, renters, low- income, etc. Hard to Enumerate (HTE) An area for which the environment or population may present difficulties for enumeration. Highest Elected Official (HEO) The elected or appointed person who is the chief executive official of a governmental unit and is most responsible for the governmental activities of the governmental unit such as the governor of a state, chair of a county commission, or mayor of an incorporated place. Household (HH) A person or group of people who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence. The number of households equals the number of occupied housing units in a census. Housing Unit (HU) A house, townhouse, mobile home or trailer, apartment, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as separate living quarters or, if vacant, is intended for occupancy as separate living quarters. Local Census Office (LCO) A temporary office established to oversee census operations in a specific area. These operations include address listing field work, local recruiting, and visiting living quarters to conduct the 2010 Census. Mailout /Mailback (MO /MB) A method of data collection in which the U.S. Postal Service delivers questionnaires to housing units, based on geocoded addresses (usually city -style mailing addresses) recorded in the Census Bureau's Master Address File. Residents are asked to com- plete and mail the questionnaires to a specified data capture center. Mail Return Rate (MRR) The total number of households returning a ques- tionnaire by mail divided by the number of estimated housing units that received a questionnaire by mail or from a census enumerator (the only units that can return a questionnaire). This measure cannot be finalized until the enumeration is completed, and the final number of occupied housing units is determined. Master Address File (MAF) A Census Bureau computer file of every address and physical location, including their geographic locations, that will be used to conduct the next decennial census, as well as some ongoing surveys. This address file is updated throughout the decade and is supplemented by information provided by tribal, state, and local governments. Nonresponse (NR) A housing unit for which the Census Bureau does not have a completed questionnaire and from which the Census Bureau did not receive a telephone or Internet response. Nonresponse Follow - up (NRFU) A field operation designed to obtain a completed interview from households where a questionnaire was not returned. Enumerators will make personal visits to these households to obtain completed interviews. The enumerator will enter respondents' answers to interview questions or information about the status of the housing unit (for example, vacant or nonexistent). If all attempts to contact the residents of a household are unsuccessful, an enumerator will obtain as much information as possible about the household from a neighbor, building manager, or another reliable source. Partner A partner is a group or individual that commits to participate in some way with census activities. 22 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide Partnership An agreement with tribal, state, and local govern- ments, national organizations, and community groups (faith -based organizations, businesses, media, schools, etc.) that allows their active participation in various census activities. Partnership Specialist The Partnership Specialist takes a lead role in outreach and promotional efforts before and during census operations. Their main duties are increasing awareness and outreach in communities and gaining cooperation and participation from those communities. Privacy Act The Privacy Act of 1974 requires that each federal agency advise respondents of their rights. Specifi- cally, every respondent must know under what law the information is being collected, how the information will be used, whether he or she must answer the questions, and the consequences of not answering the questions. Questionnaire Assistance Center (QAC) A center established by a local census office to assist people with completing their questionnaires. For Census 2000, the centers were established in community centers, large apartment buildings, churches, and so forth. The centers are staffed by Census Bureau employees. QAC's are open when census questionnaires are mailed, about 4 weeks from mid -March to mid -April 2010. Regional Census Center (RCC) One of 12 temporary Census Bureau offices established to manage census field office and local census office activities and to conduct geographic programs and support operations. Regional Office (RO) One of 12 permanent Census Bureau offices that direct and advise local census offices for the 2010 Census. The Regional Office also conducts one -time and ongoing Census Bureau surveys, such as the Current Population Survey (CPS), which is used to publish unemployment figures each month, and the American Community Survey (ACS), a nationwide survey designed to obtain information similar to long -form data and to provide communities a fresh, more current look at how they are changing. Respondent The person who answers the Census Bureau's questions about his or her living quarters and its occupants. The respondent is usually the member of the household who owns or rents the living quarters. Title 13 (U.S. Code) The law under which the Census Bureau operates. This law guarantees the confidentiality of census information and establishes penalties for disclosing this information. It also provides the authorization for conducting censuses in Puerto Rico and the Island Areas. Value Added Refers to any service or activity provided by partners that would ordinarily require payment such as room/ space for testing or training, use of staff time, and use of other business resources. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 23 If You Live Here Regional Office Contact List Call This Regional Office Phone Number ALABAMA Atlanta 404 - 730 -3832 ALASKA Seattle 206 -381 -6200 ARIZONA Denver 303- 264 -0202 ARKANSAS Kansas City 913-551 -6728 CALIFORNIA Los Angeles 818-267-1700 CALIFORNIA Seattle 206 -381 -6200 COLORADO Denver 303 -264 -0202 CONNECTICUT Boston 617- 424 -4501 DELAWARE Philadelphia 215 -717 -1800 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Philadelphia 215-717-1800 FLORIDA Atlanta 404 - 730 -3832 GEORGIA Atlanta 404- 730 -3832 HAWAII Los Angeles 818-267-1700 IDAHO Seattle 206 -381 -6200 ILLINOIS Chicago 630- 288 -9200 INDIANA Chicago 630- 288 -9200 IOWA Kansas City 913-551-6728 KANSAS Kansas City 913 -551 -6728 KENTUCKY Charlotte 704- 424 -6400 LOUISIANA Dallas 214 - 253 -4400 MAINE Boston 617 - 424 -4501 MARYLAND Philadelphia 215 -717 -1800 MASSACHUSETTS Boston 617-424-4501 MICHIGAN Detroit 313 -259 -1 1 58 MINNESOTA Kansas City 913-551-6728 MISSISSIPPI Dallas 214-253-4400 MM MISSOURI Kansas City 913 -551 -6728 MONTANA Denver 303 - 264 -0202 NEBRASKA Denver 303- 264 -0202 NEVADA Denver 303 - 264 -0202 NEW HAMPSHIRE Boston 617-424-4501 NEW JERSEY Philadelphia 215-717-1800 NEW JERSEY New York 212-584-3400 NEW MEXICO Denver 303- 264 -0202 NEW YORK Boston 617-424-4501 NEW YORK New York 212- 584 -3400 NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte 704 - 424 -6400 NORTH DAKOTA Denver 303 - 264 -0202 OHIO Detroit 313 -259 -1158 OKLAHOMA Kansas City 913-551-6728 OREGON Seattle 206 -381 -6200 PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia 215-717-1800 RHODE ISLAND Boston 617-424-4501 SOUTH CAROLINA Charlotte 704- 424 -6400 SOUTH DAKOTA Denver 303- 264 -0202 TENNESSEE Charlotte 704 - 424 -6400 TEXAS Dallas 214- 253 -4400 UTAH Denver 303- 264 -0202 VERMONT Boston 617-424-4501 VIRGINIA Charlotte 704 - 424 -6400 WASHINGTON Seattle 206 -381 -6200 WEST VIRGINIA Detroit 313 -259 -1 1 58 WISCONSIN Chicago 630 -288 -9200 WYOMING Denver 303 - 264 -0202 24 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide Regional Office Contact List Note: For more information, go to <www.census.gov >. 1 The Los Angeles Regional Office covers Fresno, Imperial, lnyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura counties. The remaining counties are covered by the Seattle Regional Office. 2 The New York Regional Office covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties in New Jersey. The remaining New Jersey counties are covered by the Philadelphia Regional Office. 3 The New York Regional Office covers Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. The Boston Regional Office covers the balance of New York State.