Review of Master Plan Survey Questions

City Council Agenda Item Report FROM:

Ryan Cummins, City Manager

MEETING DATE:

August 6, 2025

SUBJECT:

Review of Master Plan Survey Questions

DESCRIPTION: City Council established a master plan update as a priority for fiscal year 2025/2026. With the assistance of our consulting planner, David Jirousek, the Planning Commission has spent several meetings developing the attached survey questions to kick off that work. The Planning Commission has worked to condense the number of questions and believes all of the questions will help inform their work. Mr. Jirousek advised that SurveyMonkey estimates it will take a person 30 minutes to complete the survey. I have concerns that the length of time to complete the survey may be a deterrent. The Planning Commission is also planning to hold an open house at the end of September to have attendees review various information boards and provide feedback as well. BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW: The Planning Commission assisted in drafting and recommending the attached questions. BUDGET ACTION: None at this time. LEGAL REVIEW: N/A at this time. SAMPLE MOTION: N/A. Workshop discussion and review.

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 1. Welcome to the survey! The City of Saugatuck has begun the process of updating its Master Plan. Per state statute, the plan is reviewed every five years, and it serves as a guide for future growth, preservation, investment, and land use decisions in the City. The planning process is designed to capture and document the vision of Saugatuck’s residents and community leaders. Please take the time to share your opinions and perspective with us. Your input will provide valuable insight into the community’s priorities and aspirations. Please note that this survey may take up to 30 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your participation.

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 2. Participant Demographics Please tell us about yourself and your background. 1. What is your age? Under 18 years 19-39 years 40-59 years 60 and over years

2. What is your race/ethnicity? Note: Providing this information is optional. Your individual responses are strictly confidential and will only be reported in aggregate. Data will not be used for any discriminatory purpose. Categories are based on U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (March 28, 2024). Native American or Alaska Native – Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of North, Central, and South America. Asian – Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of Central or East Asia, Southeast Asia, or South Asia. Black or African American – Individuals with origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. Hispanic or Latino - Individuals of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Cuban, Dominican, Guatemalan, and other Central or South American or Spanish culture or origin. Middle Eastern or North African - Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of the Middle East or North Africa. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander – Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands. White – Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of Europe. I prefer not to respond

3. What is your gender? Note: Providing this information is optional. Your individual responses are strictly confidential and will only be reported in aggregate. Data will not be used for any discriminatory purpose. Female Male Other I prefer not to respond

4. Do you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? LGBTQ+ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. Note: Providing this information is optional. Your individual responses are strictly confidential and will only be reported in aggregate. Data will not be used for any discriminatory purpose. Yes No I prefer not to answer

5. In what category is your profession, or what was your professional background if retired? Agriculture / Natural Resources Construction / Trades Education / Training Healthcare / Human Services Business / Finance / Law Real Estate Government / Public Sector Manufacturing / Industry Technology / Engineering Arts / Media / Communications Retail / Service Industry Other (please specify)

None of the above

6. Where do you currently travel for work? City of Saugatuck The tri-communities area (Saugatuck, Douglas, or Saugatuck Township) Allegan County, but outside of the tri-communities area (Saugatuck, Douglas, or Saugatuck Township) Outside of Allegan County Not applicable

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 3. Participant Residency Information Please tell us about your interest in the City of Saugatuck and your residency. 7. What is your interest in the City of Saugatuck? Choose as many as applicable. I am a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck I work in the City of Saugatuck I own property in the City of Saugatuck I own a business in the City of Saugatuck I am a tourist or visitor Other (please specify)

8. Describe your residency. A full-time/primary home resident of the City of Saugatuck (principal residence) A part-time/second home resident of the City of Saugatuck A resident of Douglas A resident of Saugatuck Township A resident of Allegan County, MI, but outside of the tri-communities area (Saugatuck, Douglas, or Saugatuck Township) A resident outside of Allegan County, MI

9. If a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck, where do you live?

Area 1: Lake Michigan Waterfront and Dunes Area Area 2: West of River Near Campbell Street Area 3: West of River Near Vine and Park Streets Area 4: East of RiverDowntown Area 5: East of River- "On the Hill" Area 6: East of RiverLake Street Area None of the aboveI am not a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck.

10. If a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck, on what street is your residence? Please do not indicate your address number.

11. If a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck, how long have you lived here? 0-2 years 2-5 years 6-10 years 11-20 years Over 20 years None of the aboveI am not a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck.

12. If a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck, describe your home. Single-family home (detachednot connected to any other unit) Attached home (duplex or townhome) Apartment or multi-family building Apartment attached to or above commercial space Guest or in-law suite (secondary to a main home on the lot) Other (please specify)

None of the aboveI am not a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck.

13. If part-time resident, do you plan to become a full-time resident of the City of Saugatuck? Yes No None of the aboveI am not a part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck.

14. If a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck, what are your primary reasons for living here? Choose as many reasons as you wish. Safety Small town character A welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community Recreation Rivers and Lake Michigan Arts and culture Schools Nature Close to family Close to work Close to shopping and restaurants Other (please specify)

None of the aboveI am not a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck.

15. If you are a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck, and you were to move elsewhere, what would be the main reasons? Choose as many reasons as you wish. Employment opportunities Lower cost of living (rent or mortgage) Lower taxes To meet the needs of an aging family (single-story, senior living, or condominium development) Desire to live in a bigger city Need for more living space To have more access to goods and services (retail, services, healthcare, etc.) Warmer climate Desire for a more rural area, more property To be closer to family Preference for a different school district To find a more recently built house To find a small home To find a different community character Other (please specify)

None of the aboveI am neither a full-time nor a part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck.

16. If you are a full-time or part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck, and if you were to move, would you desire to remain a resident of the tri-communities area (Saugatuck, Douglas, or Saugatuck Township)? Yes No None of the aboveI am neither a full-time nor a part-time resident of the City of Saugatuck.

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 4. Community Character * 17. How would you best define small-town community character? (choose no more than 3) Quaint, smaller-scale cottages and homes Arts and culture Walkable neighborhoods Walkable downtown “Mom and pop” shops Rural Historic preservation Community events Knowing your neighbors No “franchise” commercial architecture Knowing your elected officials Other (please specify)

None of the above

18. How else would you define small-town community character as it relates to the City of Saugatuck?

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 5. Parks and Recreation 19. How frequently do you use the following parks? Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Several times a year

Never

Oval Beach Mt. Baldhead Park Chain Ferry Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area Coghlin Park Cook Park John Woolam Trail Village Square Park Mildred Peterson Nature Preserve Rose Garden Wicks Park Saugatuck Wilds Other (please specify)

20. Considering the previous list of City parks, what improvements do you feel are necessary and where?

21. Is there a need for an additional public restroom downtown? Yes No Unsure

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 6. Downtown and the Economy

22. How important are the following? Absolutely essential

Important

Unsure

Of little importance

Not at all important

Supporting existing or new local businesses Focusing on developing more arts and cultural attractions Filling vacant storefronts Improving aging commercial building façades and storefronts Redevelopment of aging or underutilized buildings (tear down and rebuild new) Eco-tourism and recreation, such as hiking, beaches, birding, etc. Waterfront activities Day-use/transient docking Availability of accommodations (hotels, inns, bed & breakfast, shortterm rentals) Community festivals and events Outdoor dining along sidewalks and streets, such as café seating Ensure attractive and limited signage to preserve character New and renovated commercial buildings are designed to be consistent with the existing character of the downtown area and commercial district

23. Does the City need any more of the following types of businesses? We need more

The current amount is okay

There are already too many

Restaurants Taverns, wineries, and breweries Offices and services Hotels, motels, boutique inns Retail stores Galleries Bed and breakfast inns

24. Would you support the development of a Downtown Development Authority? This would allow innovative methods to fund public infrastructure improvements. Yes No Unsure

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 7. Mobility 25. Why do you walk in the City? Exercise Recreation Commuting Shopping I don’t walk in the City

26. How often do you walk in the downtown area? daily weekly monthly several times a year never

27. Would you walk downtown more frequently in the downtown area if there were improved sidewalks and crosswalks? Yes No

28. How often do you walk in the residential neighborhoods? daily weekly monthly several times a year never

29. Would you walk in the residential neighborhoods more frequently with improved sidewalks and crosswalks? Yes No

30. Why do you ride a bike in the City? Exercise Recreation Commuting Shopping I don’t ride a bike in the City

31. How often do you ride a bike in the downtown area? daily weekly monthly several times a year never

32. Would you ride a bike in the downtown area more frequently with improved street markings, safety signage, or pathways? Yes No

33. How often do you ride a bike in the residential neighborhoods? daily weekly monthly several times a year never

34. Would you ride a bike in the residential neighborhoods more frequently with improved street markings, safety signage, or pathways? Yes No

35. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Unsure

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

The downtown area is safe and convenient for the mobility of disabled individuals. Options for public transit (buses, trolleys, etc.) should be expanded. A multi-use pathway should be constructed along Perryman Street to walk or bike to Oval Beach. A multi-use pathway should be constructed along Park Street to walk or bike to Oval Beach. The Chain Ferry is an important part of the transportation system. Parking is convenient and available when I need it. Improved signage and identification of parking areas are needed.

36. Where can crosswalks and pedestrian connections be added or improved?

37. Where can street intersections be improved with signals, lighting, signage, or other features?

38. Do you feel the City should invest in the following? Agree

Unsure

Disagree

Street improvements On-street painted bike lanes Sidewalk extensions and improvements On-street parking (angled or parallel) Multi-use pathways for walking, biking, running, scooters, roller skates/blades, etc. Off-street parking lots

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 8. Housing and the Environment

39. Do you agree with the following statements about housing? Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Unsure

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

Preserving existing neighborhood character should be a priority The design of new homes should be limited to be consistent and compatible with the scale of existing homes in the vicinity It should be easier to rent an accessory dwelling unit (longterm30 days+) The City should investigate strategies for more affordable workforce housing Options for “aging in place” should be explored Recent housing development fits the character of the neighborhood Townhomes and row houses are appropriate in neighborhoods if designed to fit the scale and character Small apartment buildings are appropriate in neighborhoods if designed to fit the scale and character Upper-floor apartments are appropriate in the downtown area The historic district should be expanded to place further restrictions on redevelopment and new development Backyard chickens should be allowed

40. Do you agree with the following statements about the environment? Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Unsure

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

The existing tree canopy should be preserved and new street trees planted Right-of-way (between sidewalks and streets), yards, parks, and green spaces should be used for rain gardens and natural stormwater treatment Increased protection of dunes is needed Light fixtures throughout the area should be "Dark Sky Friendly," meaning they have a lesser impact on the night sky.

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 9. City Identity and Services 41. Do you agree with the following statements about the City’s logo and signs? Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Unsure

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

The City logo is representative of the community Pedestrian sidewalk wayfinding signs are attractive and conveniently placed throughout the community City gateway signs are attractive and representative of the community Interpretative historic signs are representative of our history and culture

42. What else is important to consider about the City’s identity?

43. Rate the following City Services. Excellent

Good

Average

Poor

Very poor

Unknown

Law enforcement services Code enforcement Fire department Snow removal Park maintenance Curbside trash/recycling Street maintenance Bulky item and yard waste pickup Administration (management, planning/zoning, finance, assessing, building) Overall quality of City services

44. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Unsure

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

The City’s website is easy and convenient to use for accessing information The City has an active and informative presence on social media Meetings are accessible and convenient to attend in person Meetings are accessible and convenient to attend online through Zoom virtual meetings I can find the information I need by calling or emailing City Hall I feel well-informed about community issues, events, and programs I can find the information I need from other community sources (social media, church, school, homeowners association, etc.)

45. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Unsure

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

The City of Saugatuck should consider consolidating its public works services with the City of Douglas. Saugatuck and Douglas should consider combining as one city. The City of Saugatuck should consider establishing its own police department. The City of Saugatuck should consider expanding its city limits by annexing land to increase the tax base.

46. What are the best ways to receive community information? Choose as many reasons as you wish. Newsletter Newspaper Text message Email Social media Website

City of Saugatuck Master Plan Community Survey (Draft) 10. Priorities 47. Rank the top overall priorities for the City of Saugatuck. A vibrant, strong, and attractive downtown that maintains small-town charm Environmental sustainability and resiliency Safe and accessible sidewalks, crosswalks, and pathways for pedestrians and cyclists A welcoming and inclusive community Affordable/workforce housing Year-round, residential community Economic development, tourism, and support for local businesses Residential growth and development (infill of neighborhoods or redevelopment of existing houses) A strong cultural and arts community

48. Rank the top overall priorities for the Tri-Communities Area (Saugatuck, Douglas, and Saugatuck Township) Tourism Environmental sustainability and resiliency Regional pathways Economic development and job creation Growth and development Regional road network Affordable/workforce housing

49. What are the best things about living, working, and playing in the City of Saugatuck?

50. What improvements are needed to improve the City of Saugatuck?

51. What else would you like to tell us?