HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Engagement ReportTHE CITY OF SAINT JOSEPH
MAY 23, 2017
A. INTRODUCTION
B. ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
C. WHAT WEVE LEARNED
D. SUMMARY: PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE & WORKSHOP
E. SUMMARY: POP-UP #1 - COLLEGE OF ST. BENEDICT
F. SUMMARY: POP-UP #2 - JOINT PLANNING BOARD POP-UP
G. SUMMARY: POP-UP #3 - COMMUNITY SHOWCASE
H. SUMMARY: POP-UP #4 - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING
I. SUMMARY: POP-UP #5 - FARMERS MARKET
J. SUMMARY: ONLINE ENGAGEMENT
K. WHATS NEXT?
L. APPENDIX
2 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A. INTRODUCTION
strategies and actions to achieve community goals and visions. As part of this work, St. Joseph and other
members of the project management team are reaching out and engaging the public using many different
tools and approaches. These efforts, conducted in Fall 2017, to date include:
Five (5) Pop-Up engagement events held in coordination with larger community events
Public Meetings (March 8th, 2017)
Online survey
Interviews
B. ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
Engagement activities yielded a rich variety of information regarding resident ideas and preferences for the
future of St. Joseph. This document summarizes what we learned through in-person Pop-Up engagement
activities and an Open House. Descriptions for individual events completed are included, as well as an
Appendix with additional information about community engagement and its importance for the project.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 3
KEY THEMES FROM DOT ACTIVITY
Dot boards presenting a range of options for priorities for St. Joseph were made
available for participants at each of the engagement events. Participants could
during the engagement phase were:
Sustainable energy
Expand indoor recreation opportunities
A strengthened downtown
Connections between the College of St. Benedict and the City
Source: Community Design Group
Local businesses in the downtown area are a main
attraction in St. Joseph.
4 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
KEY THEMES FROM POST-ITS RECEIVED
events. The comments were then sorted into three broad categories: what
residents love about the City of St. Joseph, what challenges they currently
face, and what they envision for St. Joseph in the future.
ASSETS: THINGS PEOPLE LOVE ABOUT THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
Atmosphere and Character
Residents love the small-town character of the City. They can get to places
the small businesses in the downtown area. Because of the close-knit
nature of the community, the residents also feel close to the government
and the police.
Outdoor Recreational Activities
Residents enjoy that the City is the start to the Lake Wobegon Trail and
there are so many parks available throughout the City. They love the
proximity to nature as well as the community garden and farmers market.
Businesses
Residents wrote that they love the gathering spaces at local businesses,
such as the Local Blend and the Bad Habit Brewery. The personal feel
of the Minnesota Street and College Street intersection with eclectic
businesses creates a place that residents want to visit.
CHALLENGES: WHAT DO PEOPLE WISH THEY COULD CHANGE
ABOUT ST. JOSEPH?
Infrastructure
The most mentioned infrastructure issue was that Highway 75 bisects the
city. Pedestrian crossing improvements are needed across Highway 75 as
The divide between the college students and residents creates a sense of
others within the community.
Funding and Resources
There is no high school available within St. Joseph. Residents want to see
resources being used to create a high school as well as a public library.
They also mention that there is a need for public transportation for non-
students.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 5
SAMPLING OF COMMENTS RECEIVED
FOR KEY THEMES
OPPORTUNITIES: SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS
Improve mobility across Highway 75. Although Highway 75 is a much
needed corridor to get through St. Joseph and connect to St. Cloud and
Interstate 94, it does bisect the City.
Highway 75 divides the city and is a busy road
Motorists dont stop for pedestrians
Create a stronger relationship between the college and the residents.
Residents get the sense that they are an other within the City and want to
feel more connected. The College stated that they want to hold more events
for the community to bridge the gap.
There is a divide between the college/monastery and the locals
The college wants to hold more events, especially in the summer. We
have quite a few students that stick around and serve in the community
Create a plan to implement more public facilities. Although there is a
long process to institute a new school within the St. Cloud School District,
coordination among governing bodies will keep all residents informed of the
process.
We need a high school in St. Joseph
There is a lack of a public library
Source: City of St. Joseph
Highway 75 bisects the city.
6 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ASSETS: THINGS PEOPLE LOVE ABOUT THE CITY
The atmosphere and character. People love the small-town feel and the
friendly people of the city.
I love the small size. It is a town that keeps its hometown core and
character
There is a smaller population so you get to know people
There is a rural feeling, but you still get a quality education
The helpfulness and growing comfort between the town and gown. The
lay people and the religious folks
Outdoor Recreational Activities. Residents appreciate that the City is the
start to the Lake Wobegon trail and there are many parks available throughout
the City. They love the proximity to nature as well as the community garden
and farmers market.
I love the proximity to nature. The St. Johns Arboretum, the lakes of the
area, and Lake Wobegon Trail
I love the involvement with sustainable garden and local produce
Source: City of St. Joseph
Lake Wobegon Trail travels east to west of the City.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 7
A community workshop and open house were held at the St. Joseph
Government Center on Wednesday, March 8th, 2017. The workshop ran from
6 pm to 8 pm with a 30-minute open house taking place prior to the meeting
at 5:30 pm.
The project team set up a table and boards around the room where the open
house would be held. The boards outlined project goals for participants and
for St. Josephs future. The project team received two written comments and
over 50 stickers responses. Cards with a QR code were given to residents so
they could share their opinions and ideas at a more convenient time through
the project survey website.
Activities included:
Ranking top 5 priorities for St. Josephs future
Using sticky notes to come up with their own improvements
Map exercises to share their favorite places in the city, areas that they
think could be improved, or areas that could use investment
KEY POINTS
The most popular suggestion during the workshop was to prioritize a
strengthened downtown with approximately 61% of all participants
ranking this in their top 5.
The next most popular suggestions were encourage more active and
healthy lifestyles, preserve historic buildings, and preserve our identity
all at approximately 44%.
because it limits pedestrian mobility and safety.
Additionally, during the map activity, participants highlighted the
historic downtown as an asset because it is convenient and walkable.
The College of Saint Benedict and St. Benedicts Monastery were labeled
as positive aspects of the community. The Wobegon Trail and facility
participants advocated that it were extended.
8 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Source: Community Design Group
Participants wrote on sticky notes to provide ideas.
Source: Community Design GroupSource: Community Design Group
Aerial Maps used to identify assets and challenges
need improvements.
of the city.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 9
A Pop-Up workshop was held at the College of St. Benedict on Thursday, March
16th, 2017. A table was set up at Gorecki Hall during lunch and passing hour
from 1pm - 3pm. The College of St. Benedict was chosen as an opportunity to
connect with St. Joseph residents and CSB students that may not necessarily
attend public meetings.
The project team set up a table and boards in a primary walkway of the hall.
for feedback regarding how they would prioritize goals for St. Josephs future.
The project team received about two written comments and over 350 sticker
engagements.
Activities included:
Ranking top 5 priorities for St. Josephs future
Using sticky notes to come up with their own improvements
Map exercises to share their favorite places in the city, areas that they
think could be improved, or areas that could use investment
Cards with a QR code were given to residents so they could share their opinions
and ideas at a more convenient time through the project survey website.
KEY POINTS
The most popular suggestion during engagement activities was
Improving connections between St. Benedict and the city with
approximately 72% of all students ranking this choice in their top 5.
The next two most popular suggestions were bring more places for daily
shopping into town (59%) and expand outdoor recreation activities
(57%).
During the map activity, students highlighted the College of St. Benedict
and the downtown area as an asset to St. Joseph. They also suggested
building more convenience and grocery stores inside the town.
10 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Source: Community Design Group
Students attending pop-up workshop at
College of St. Benedict.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 11
Source: Community Design Group
Participants discuss the types of zoning
areas that exist in St. Joseph.
Source: Community Design GroupSource: Community Design Group
Attendee reading zoning board at Aerial Maps used to identify assets and
event. challenges of the city.
12 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A second Pop-Up workshop was held at the Government Center prior to a
Joint Planning Board meeting on Thursday, March 16th, 2017 from 6pm-7pm.
This event was chosen as an important opportunity to connect with both
members of the city and township about their goals for the Citys future.
The project team set up informational boards and activities in the entryway
feedback regarding the Comprehensive Plan. The project team received two
comments and 7 participants in the sticker activity. Participants were invited to
engage in a sticker activity that listed twenty-four suggested priorities where
QR code were given to event attendees so they could share their opinions and
ideas at a more convenient time through the project survey website.
Activities included:
Ranking top 5 priorities for St. Josephs future
Using sticky notes to come up with improvements
Map exercises to share their favorite places in the city, areas that they
think could be improved, or areas that could use investment
Cards with a QR code were given to participants so they could share their
opinions and ideas at a more convenient time through the project survey
website.
KEY POINTS
The most popular suggestions during engagement activities were
making the city more bikeable and expanding indoor recreational
activities both at 60% of participants indicating that this is a top priority.
The next three most popular suggestions were Increasing focus on
sustainable energy, preserving our identity and strengthening the
downtown (all at 45%).
In the map activity, participants noted that the Lake Wobegon Trail was
an asset to the community, and suggested expanding it. Participants also
dangerous crossing area for pedestrians.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 13
A Pop-Up workshop was held at the Kennedy Community School on Saturday
morning, April 1st, 2017 from 10 am to 1 pm. The Community Showcase was
chosen as an event because community members were already gathering and
engaging to learn more about their community. This event was chosen as an
important opportunity to connect with members of the community that may
not typically attend a public meeting.
The project team set up a tent and boards in the gym alongside community
businesses. Project team members engaged the visitors as they walked from
booth to booth. The boards that were displayed outlined project goals and
maps to show areas of the city that residents like or want improved. A second
about St. Joseph and what challenges they face living in the city. The project
team recorded 70 participants in the sticker activity and about 30 comments
collected. Handouts with a QR code were given to event attendees so that
they could share their opinions and ideas at a more convenient time through
the project survey website.
KEY POINTS
The most popular suggestion during engagement activities was Expand
indoor recreation with 43% of all participants ranking this in their top 5.
The next three most popular suggestions were expand outdoor
recreation (34%) and preserve our identity (33%) and preserve
historical buildings (31%).
Several written comments requested better infrastructure for senior
activities for seniors.
During the event, attendees particularly highlighted Highway 75 as a
dangerous crossing for pedestrians.
14 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Source: Community Design GroupSource: Community Design Group
Participant viewing dot-board at A comment box was available for
Community Showcase. participants at the event.
Source: Community Design Group
Aerial maps were provided to show
participants current city zoning.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 15
Source: City of St. Joseph
Participants discuss the plan updates.
Source: City of St. JosephSource: City of St. Joseph
Attendee reading zoning board at Boards displayed information regarding
event. the plan updates.
16 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A fourth Pop-Up workshop was held at the Government Center prior to a
Chamber of Commerce meeting on Wednesday, May 10th, 2017 from 11:30
am to 1:00 pm. This event was chosen as an important opportunity to connect
with both members of the Chamber and residents about their goals for the
Citys future.
The project team set up informational boards and activities in the entryway
feedback regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Participants were invited to
engage in a sticker activity that listed twenty-four suggested priorities where
code were given to event attendees so that they could share their opinions
and ideas at a more convenient time through the project survey website.
Activities included:
Ranking top 5 priorities for St. Josephs future
Using sticky notes to come up with improvements
KEY POINTS
The most popular suggestion during the engagement activity was
increase housing opportunity and availability with 75% of participants
choosing this answer.
The next two most popular suggestions were add living wage jobs
downtown and attracting more families (all at 50%).
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 17
A Pop-Up workshop was held at the St. Joseph Farmers Market on Friday
afternoon, May 12th, 2017 from 3 pm to 6:30 pm. The Farmers Market was
chosen as an event because community members were already gathering
and engaging to learn more about their community. This event was chosen
as an important opportunity to connect with members of the community that
might not typically attend a public meeting.
The project team set up a table and boards in the parking lot alongside
community businesses. Project team members engaged the visitors as they
walked from booth to booth. The boards that were displayed outlined project
City of St. Joseph. The second board asked participants what they love about
St. Joseph and what challenges they face living there.
Activities included:
Ranking top 5 priorities for St. Josephs in the future
Using sticky notes to come up with improvements
Handouts with a QR code were given to event attendees so they could share
their opinions and ideas at a more convenient time through the project survey
website.
KEY POINTS
The most popular suggestion during the engagement activity was
add more bike lanes and become more bike-friendly with 66% of all
participants ranking this in their top 5.
Another popular suggestion was improving public transportation with
56% of participants choosing this option.
Several written comments requested dog parks among other new
infrastructure.
18 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Source: Community Design Group
Boards were located alongside booths
owned by community members.
Source: Community Design Group
Participants pose for a picture at the
Farmers Market.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 19
A survey was posted on the project website the last week of February 2017.
The questions were divided into the following topics:
Your Vision and Priorities for St. Joseph
Residential Development
Employment
Commercial and Industrial Development
Transportation
Your experiences with employment and housing in St. Joseph
Improving planning and engagement
Demographic questions
At the completion of the survey on May 23rd, there were 373 total participants
with 248 completed responses.
The survey gave participants opportunities to give feedback about the above
topics. Several questions, including one about their priorities for the future of
the city, included the same options that were available to participants at the
in-person Open House and Pop-Up events.
KEY POINTS
The the most popular priority for survey participants was strengthening
the downtown with 30% of all participants ranking this in their top 5.
The next three most popular suggestions were expanding outdoor
recreation (30%) expanding indoor recreation (27%).
Several written comments requested building a high school within St.
regarding a lack of secondary school.
20 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Draft Comprehensive Plan Update.
The project website offers event schedule,
engagement response summary, and online survey.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 21
Source: Community Design Group
22 | T HE CITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
L. APPENDIX
Community outreach and engagement is critical to the successful development
and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Proactive, robust and community-
oriented engagement is vital to shaping the direction of the plan and increasing
awareness, understanding, and ongoing support for the plan as it guides the growth
and development of St. Joseph in a way that supports the needs and aspirations of
residents and students.
Consistent with St. Josephs goal of engaging all communities IMG_1225.JPG, targeted
outreach focused on organizations and partners serving minority, low- income, and/
or health disparity communities will be conducted where possible.
Take the meeting to the people
One of the keys for building public engagement is to make it easier and more
convenient for more people to participate. The project team has taken engagement
to places where people are already congregating, setting up tabling and Pop-Up
workshops at community events and popular destinations. This makes it easier for
community members to provide their comments and guidance without having to
attend a separate meeting.
User-friendly materials
To effectively communicate with members of the public, we have developed
welcoming, user -friendly, jargon- free project materials. These materials are visually -
attractive and written with easy -to- understand language. The materials are oriented
to residents who may not be familiar with planning processes and projects. Bright
colored dot stickers, post- it notes, pens, and markers are provided for people to
share comments.
Questions asked at our engagement events
What do you LOVE about St. Joseph?
What is a challenge to living in St. Joseph?
Which priorities are most important to the future of St. Joseph?
Which areas within St. Joseph do you like? Not like? Think we should prioritize?
All of the comments and votes received at the engagement events were processed,
analyzed, and summarized in this document.
T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | 23