Gibbon survey details residents' priorities

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

GIBBON -- Residents of Gibbon are, for the most part, pleased with their community and the possibilities available for economic development and growth, according to results of a recent survey.

City Manager Mitchell Berg mailed a 21-question survey to all residents within the city limits to determine future priorities and assess the attitude of residents. The goal is to determine what residents want as the city begins to formulate long-term goals, draw businesses and develop housing projects, Berg said.

The surveys, similar to a census, contain four demographic questions to determine where people work, how many live in each house, and how long they have lived in Gibbon; as well as 21 additional questions related to economic development.

The surveys also contained questions relating to community services, such as fire, police, streets, parks, water, sewer, and crime.

The third section of the survey focused on the importance of development to residents of Gibbon, such as downtown development; recreational facilities; band pavilion; sidewalks; bus system; residential development; light-industrial development; quality of life; and educational opportunities.

The survey ended with a group of questions about technology, such as the Internet, computers, and telecommunications.

The surveys were mailed to those residents who have water or sewer services through the city. Out of 328 mailings in early June, 170 were returned, Berg said.

"The surveys will be used as we develop a strategic plan for Gibbon," he said. "This will be a citizen-driven planning commission. Input will be an important part of this process."

City officials will hold a series of planning meetings to discuss issues of importance to residents, including development of parks, business and residential areas, Berg said.

Of those responding, approximately 53 percent gave over-all police protection in Gibbon a good or excellent rating; 92 percent of those responding gave over-all fire protection in Gibbon a good or excellent rating. In regards to street maintenance, approximately 66 percent gave a good or excellent rating, and 61 percent gave city parks and playgrounds a good rating.

Approximately, 82 percent gave city water services in Gibbon a good or excellent rating; approximately 77 percent gave city sewer services a good or excellent rating. Approximately 55 percent rated crime in Gibbon low or extremely low, and 12 percent rated it high or extremely high.

Approximately 83 respondents said it is important to redevelop the downtown business area; 63 percent said it is important to have additional recreational facilities in Gibbon. Sixty-nine percent said it is important to have the band and park pavilion in the community, 83 percent said Gibbon is a good place to raise children, and 35 percent gave sidewalks an excellent or good rating. About 29 percent of those responding said the sidewalks in Gibbon were not good.

Approximately 64 percent said it is important to continue the annual Gibbon Get Together. About 50 percent said it is important to improve bus service, 89 percent said it is important to increase personal income and create more jobs.

Approximately 71 percent said it important to develop residential housing, while 78 percent said it is important to create a light industrial area. The highest percentage said Gibbon should focus on development of single family housing and duplexes rather than multi-family or prefabricated housing. A higher majority said that Gibbon should focus on the development of downtown commercial rather than highway commercial.

Approximately 80 percent believed there are enough educational opportunities in the Gibbon area, and approximately 75 percent do not have a computer at home.