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RESULTS REPORT Community/Conference Center Survey July 2015

David Sawyer Burwell Economic Development

August 15, 2015

Survey Purpose Before proceeding with preparing specifications to provide to potential developers for the new Burwell area community/conference center, the community/conference center project committee recently decided to survey the community to confirm priorities and community needs. The committee felt that the closer the plans for the new center are aligned with the desires of most area citizens, the more supportive the community will be as the new facility is developed and utilized in the future.

Survey Logistics & Validity Based upon input from the community/conference center project committee and the economic development board, a two-page survey was developed and mailed on July 3, 2015 to all area households receiving mail from the Burwell post office – including all households in Garfield County, and a few households located in the adjacent counties of Loup and Valley. The total number of surveys mailed was 1,078, along with a postage-paid return envelope. 292 surveys were completed and returned, or a submission percentage of twenty-seven percent. Community surveys of this type that yield a response above twenty-percent are generally considered successful and therefore relatively representative of the public sentiment at large. More importantly, the standard for measuring the reasonable quality of a survey sample is when a survey response is considered to have a statistically representative sample size that allows us to say with 95% certainty, that the opinions expressed in the sample (292 responses) are basically the same as those to whom the surveys were sent – but no responses were received. That is, the response opinions represent the opinions in the population (including those who did not respond to the survey). In this case, in order to have a statistically representative sample size, with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 5%, we needed to receive 284 responses from the 1,078 surveys distributed. With our total of 292 responses, we met the standard of confirming that the results of this survey are statistically valid and representative. Therefore, the community/conference center committee, and other community stakeholders, can rely on the input from the survey as a significant factor as future project plans are considered and developed.

Survey Sample The following two pages include the exact text that was developed and utilized for the survey, and then mailed to area households.

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Burwell Community/Conference Center Survey

Dear Burwell Area/Garfield County Resident:

Efforts have been underway for a number of years to develop a community/conference center in Burwell. The center would facilitate local meetings/events, could include features such as a permanent rodeo history exhibit and sports court, and attract additional visitors to our community. Thus far, just over $400,000 has been raised via donations to the Burwell Community Fund’s Calamus Community Center Account, along with a grant secured by Burwell Economic Development. Depending on facility features and final size, it is expected that the center will cost approximately $1,600,000.

In order to confirm that the proposed new community/conference center meets the needs and expectations of the community, all city and county residents are invited to participate in this survey until July 20, 2015, regarding the importance of possible features to be included in the facility.

It is expected that a summary of the community/conference survey results will be made available at an upcoming public meeting, and facility concepts and details will be available for review by this fall. Additional information about the proposed community/conference center is available by calling 346-5210. Those wishing to contribute to help make the new community/conference center possible, can forward contributions to the “Calamus Community Center Account,” care of the Burwell Community Fund, P.O. Box 901, Burwell, NE 68823.

Thank you for participating in this survey – your feedback is important!

1. Where do you live? □ City of Burwell □ Garfield County (outside city) □ Other (specify)

Facility FEATURES (Please provide your input regarding potential features of the new community/conference center.)

2. How do you envision a new community/conference center being utilized (check all that apply).

□ Auctions □ Business meetings □ Catered parties/events

□ Community social events □ Community meetings □ Concerts

□ County Fair exhibits □ Dances □ Family reunions

□ Graduation parties □ Large group conferences □ Legion Club meeting/lounge/storage area

□ Rodeo history exhibit (permanent) □ Small committee/board meetings □ Theatrical plays/productions

□ Trade show exhibits □ Visitor information center □ Wedding receptions

□ Youth basketball practices □ Youth volleyball practices □ Other: ____________________________

3. How important is a large meeting/event/exhibit room to accommodate large gatherings?

□ Not at all important □ Not too important □ Neutral □ Important □ Very important

4. Assuming a large meeting/event/exhibit room is important; please indicate the largest number of people that should be accommodated.

□ Group up to 200 people □ Group up to 300 people □ Group up to 400 people

□ Group up to 500 people □ Group up to 600 people

5. How important is a conference/board room (smaller meeting space)?


6. Assuming there is a smaller conference/board room, how important is it to have the flexibility to temporarily divide the large meeting/event/exhibit room into at least two smaller rooms?


7. How important is a basketball / volleyball court to accommodate youth practice activities?


8. How important are bleachers to accommodate sports or activity spectators?


9. How important is a permanent stage area to accommodate various presentations (versus a temporary stand set-up as needed)?


Economic Development Please complete and return this short survey!

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10. How important is a kitchen facility of some type?


11. If a kitchen is included, what type of kitchen is needed?

□ A limited – catering/warming/cooling/concession kitchen (basic) □ A full-service kitchen (commercial/restaurant level)

12. How important is it to offer an area that could be utilized as a Legion Club (meetings/storage/lounge)?


13. How important is a permanent Nebraska’s Big Rodeo History Exhibit area?


14. How important is on-site management office space (could be visitor/chamber office with regular hours to facilitate bookings, etc.)?


15. How important is providing large equipment access via roll-up/overhead doors?


16. Are there other important features that you think should be considered? If so, please describe below.

Facility LOCATION (Regarding potential locations for the new facility, express here your opinions on the direction we should pursue.)

17. How important is it for the facility to be located close to the Burwell Jr./Sr. High School?


18. How important is it for the facility to be located adjacent to a potential motel/hotel property?


19. Of the options below, which location do you think should be pursued?

□ Garfield County Fairgrounds □ Burwell Jr./Sr. High School Property (S.W. field) □ Industrial Park Area (behind bank)

□ Another private property location yet to be identified □ Other (specify): __________________________________________

Other Facility COMMENTS

20. Are you willing to serve on a community/conference center project committee? □ Yes □ Perhaps □ No

If yes/perhaps, please include your name/phone # here: , and indicate your area(s) of interest below.

□ Communications committee □ Exterior design committee □ Finance/budget committee □ Fundraising committee

□ General development committee □ Interior design committee □ Site selection committee

21. Are you or your business able to contribute in-kind (donate) property or materials/labor to help the community develop the new facility?

□ Yes □ Perhaps □ No

If yes/perhaps, please include name/phone # here:

22. Assuming additional funding (beyond grants/donations) is required to build the new facility, would you support the city/county borrowing/bonding to help build the development?

□ Yes □ Perhaps □ No

23. Please use the space below to express any other thoughts regarding the proposed facility.

24. Optional – Please indicate your contact information in the spaces below to receive future project update communications.

Name: Business name:

Address: City: State:

Zip code: Email address: Phone #:

Thank You for Completing the Burwell Community/Conference Center Survey! Please return your completed survey in the enclosed postage-paid envelope (or deliver to 404 Grand Ave.) by 7/20/15. All replies are strictly CONFIDENTIAL. If you have any questions about this survey, please call David Sawyer, Burwell Economic Development, at 308-346-5210.

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Survey Results – General Observations The majority of survey respondents were positive about the proposed new community/conference center. Although, a small number (34 = 11.6%) utilized the survey to express doubts about the need for such a facility, as well as opinions about other city activities not related to the questions presented in the survey. Below are several general observations regarding the survey responses – primarily gleaned from the written-in comments.

There were a number of interesting misconceptions expressed in the comments sections of the survey, which should be addressed in future community and/or project communications. Below are several misconceptions, followed by responses to the misconceptions in italics.

o “The population of the community is declining – why invest in a shrinking town?” Actually, the population of Burwell and Garfield County grew more than 7% in the last

census, and the trend appears to be continuing.

o “The center size should be limited, as it only needs to accommodate local residents.” Actually, while the center will certainly facilitate local activities, it is expected that larger

groups – many from outside the community – will also utilize the center. Groups previously wanting to visit the Burwell area to enjoy our unique natural resources and hold various types of meetings/events, are often too large or otherwise not able to utilize one of our existing facilities.

o “A new center would not enhance business.” Actually, as the center brings in events/groups from out of town, businesses/jobs will be

positively impacted. Additionally, locals currently going elsewhere to hold large events, will be more inclined to stay/buy in town.

o “The city loaned the movie theater money to purchase the new digital system required to re-open the facility. If that were paid back, that could help fund the new center.” Actually, the city did not loan the movie theater any money.

o “If the center is located at the fairgrounds or the industrial park, the city would not benefit, as it would be located out of the city limits.” Actually, even if the center is located out of the city limits, the additional visitors

attracted to the center as a new event destination will still benefit the local economy. Further, it is expected that the fairgrounds and industrial park will be in the city limits soon.

o “Locals will not pay to use the new center.” Actually, locals pay to use existing smaller facilities now, and many have expressed a

willingness or eagerness to pay to utilize a newer/larger facility if available.

o “The school will try to control or take over the facility if they are involved in any way.” Actually, if there is any school involvement, use at certain times would be governed by a

lease agreement, and it is expected that rent would be paid.

o “The rodeo will control the facility if located at the fairgrounds.” Actually, even if the facility is located on the fairgrounds, the facility would still be

owned/operated by the city, and the relationship would be governed by an intergovernmental agreement agreed to by the city and county.

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o “The school is pushing this project to avoid having to spend their money to add more sports court capacity.” Actually, if the school is involved in this project, it is expected that they would contribute

financially to the ongoing operations.

o “Taxpayers will be paying to build a privately owned facility.” Actually, the center will be publically owned/operated.

o “The center would only benefit investors and not community businesses.” Actually, there are no private investors that will earn a return on this public facility.

Community businesses will benefit from increased visitors.

Some were confused about the question regarding the possibility of including the Legion Club in the new center, as some felt we were ignoring the fact that there was already a Legion Club facility, that we should not be deciding on their behalf, or that the current Legion Club facility was fine or adequate.

Actually, the Legion previously advised that were fine with being considered as part of planning for a new facility. The survey question was only presented to determine if the community thought that it would be good to plan additional space to accommodate the Legion Club IF they decided to take advantage of being in the new facility.

Regarding the importance of including a sports court in the new facility (question 7); although the largest percentage of responses indicated that such was not important (47.04%), many of those that were supportive (28.58%) seemed to be passionate about the need to offer a sports court. Therefore, whatever is decided on this topic, it appears that a significant number of people in the community will not be happy with the outcome – unless the decision rationale is effectively communicated.

Some seem to have the attitude that the school or the rodeo are not part of the community. There was a lot of “us” and “them” language used when describing what the school or rodeo does or does not do, instead of feeling that the organizations are united with the community.

At the end of this report, there is a report summary, General Conclusions and Final Analysis—Next Steps (pages 27-32), that should be considered as the project committee moves forward.

Survey Results – Detail The following pages include a review of each survey question and the response detail for each question, including charts to illustrate the results and details/comments as needed.

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Q1: Where do you live?

Answer Options Response

Percent Response

Count

City of Burwell 61% 178

Garfield County (outside of city) 31% 90

Other (please specify) Responses Below 8% 24

answered question 292

Other (written responses)

61%

31%

8%

LocationPercentage

City of Burwell

Garfield County (outside of city)

Other (please specify)

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Q2: How do you envision a new community/conference center being utilized (check all that apply)?


Percent Response

Count

Auctions 53.9% 147

Business meetings 72.9% 199

Catered parties/events 83.9% 229

Community social events 84.6% 231

Community meetings 81.7% 223

Concerts 49.5% 135

County fair exhibits 36.3% 99

Dances 69.6% 190

Family reunions 82.1% 224

Graduation parties 78.8% 215

Large group conferences 72.2% 197

Legion Club meeting/lounge/storage area 37.7% 103

Rodeo history exhibit (permanent) 46.2% 126

Small committee/board meetings 65.2% 178

Theatrical plays/productions 41.0% 112

Trade show exhibits 56.4% 154

Visitor information center 44.3% 121

Wedding receptions 84.3% 230

Youth basketball practices 38.1% 104

Youth volleyball practices 37.7% 103

Other potential uses (type in comment field, multiple answers OK) 11.0% 30


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Q3: How important is a large meeting/event/exhibit room to accommodate large gatherings?

Answer Options

Not at all important

Not too important

Neutral Important Very

important Rating

Average Response

Count

8.01% 4.88% 12.20% 37.98% 36.93%

23 14 35 109 106 3.91 287

Optional comment: 0


Q2: Other Potential Uses (written responses)

3.91

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRatingAverage*Overall

IMPORTANT

* Regarding the “Weighted Rating Average” shown on the chart above and in other report charts, “Not

at all important” choices are counted as 1, “Not too important” as 2, and so on. Therefore, the chart above indicates that the average rating was just below 4, or the “Important” rating.

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Q4: Assuming a large meeting/event/exhibit room is important; please indicate the largest number of people that should be accommodated.


Percent Response Count

Group up to 200 people 8.3% 21





Optional comments (below): 3


Optional Comments

8%

32%

28%

21%

10%

PercentageSelected

Group up to 200 people





2.93

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRankAverage


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Q5: How important is a conference/board room (smaller meeting space)?

Q6: Assuming there is a smaller conference/board room, how important is it to have the flexibility to temporarily divide the large meeting/event/exhibit room into at least two smaller rooms?

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

9.06% 10.10% 24.74% 38.33% 17.77%

26 29 71 110 51 3.46 287

Optional comment: 0


Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

9.29% 9.64% 23.93% 42.50% 14.64%

26 27 67 119 41 3.44 280

Optional comment: 0


3.46

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRatingAverage

3.44

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRateAverage

Overall NEUTRAL

to IMPORTANT

Overall NEUTRAL

to IMPORTANT

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Q8: How important are bleachers to accommodate sports or activity spectators?

Q7: How important is a basketball / volleyball court to accommodate youth practice activities?

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

33.45% 13.59% 24.39% 16.38% 12.20%

96 39 70 47 35 2.60 287



Optional Comments

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

32.75% 14.63% 23.34% 19.16% 10.10%

94 42 67 55 29 2.59 287



Optional Comments

2.60

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRateAverage

2.59

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRateAverage

Overall NOT TOO

IMPORTANT to NEUTRAL

Overall NOT TOO


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Q9: How important is a permanent stage area to accommodate various presentations (versus a temporary stand set-up as needed)?

Q10: How important is a kitchen facility of some type?

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

17.07% 20.56% 25.09% 27.87% 9.41%

49 59 72 80 27 2.92 287

Optional comment (below): 1


Optional Comments

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

6.60% 3.82% 5.90% 38.54% 45.14%

19 11 17 111 130 4.12 288



Optional Comments

2.92

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRateAverage

4.12

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRateAverage

Overall NEUTRAL

Overall IMPORTANT

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Q11: If a kitchen is included, what type of kitchen is needed?


Percent Response Count

A limited - catering/warming/cooling/concession kitchen (basic) 64.64% 170

A full-service kitchen (commercial/restaurant level) 35.36% 93



Optional Comments

65%

35%

PercentageSelected

A limited - catering/warming/cooling/concession kitchen (basic)

A full-service kitchen (commercial/restaurant level)

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Q12: How important is it to offer an area that could be utilized as a Legion Club (meetings/storage/lounge)?

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

17.44% 14.95% 35.94% 22.06% 9.61%

49 42 101 62 27 2.91 281



Optional Comments

2.91

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRankAverage

Overall NEUTRAL

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Q13: How important is a permanent Nebraska’s Big Rodeo History Exhibit area?

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

15.85% 14.08% 36.97% 23.24% 9.86%

45 40 105 66 28 2.97 284



Optional Comments

2.97

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRankAverage

Overall NEUTRAL

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Q14: How important is on-site management office space (could be visitor/chamber office with regular hours to facilitate bookings, etc.)?

Q15: How important is providing large equipment access via roll-up/overhead doors?

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

13.17% 12.81% 26.69% 33.81% 13.52%

37 36 75 95 38 3.22 281



Optional Comments

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

13.93% 14.64% 31.43% 31.43% 8.57%

39 41 88 88 24 3.06 280



Optional Comments

3.22

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRankAverage

3.06

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRankAverage

Overall NEUTRAL

to IMPORTANT

Overall NEUTRAL

to IMPORTANT

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Q16: Are there other important features that you think should be considered? If so, please describe.

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Q17: How important is it for the facility to be located close to the Burwell Jr./Sr. High School?

Q18: How important is it for the facility to be located adjacent to a potential motel/hotel property?

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

26.62% 24.82% 29.86% 12.95% 5.76%

74 69 83 36 16 2.46 278



Optional Comments

Answer Options


Not too important


important Rating

Average Response

Count

17.86% 24.64% 33.21% 20.00% 4.29%

50 69 93 56 12 2.68 280



Optional Comments

2.46

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRankAverage

2.68

0 1 2 3 4 5

WeightedRankAverage

Overall NOT TOO


Overall NOT TOO


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Q19: Of the options below, which location do you think should be pursued?


Percent Response

Count

Garfield County Fairgrounds 27.3% 71

Burwell Sr./Jr. High School Property (southwest field) 7.7% 20

Industrial Park area (behind Heartland Bank) 30.0% 78

Another private property location yet to be identified 20.4% 53

Other (please specify) Responses Below 14.6% 38 answered question 260

Other (please specify)

27%

8%

30%

20%

15%

PercentageSelected Garfield County Fairgrounds

Burwell Sr./Jr. High School Property (southwest field)

Industrial Park area (behind Heartland Bank)

Another private property location yet to be identified

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Q20: Are you willing to serve on a community/conference center project committee? If so, please include your name/phone # here, and indicate your area(s) of interest below.

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Communications committee 19.4% 7

Exterior design committee 25.0% 9

Finance/budget committee 8.3% 3

Fundraising committee 16.7% 6

General development committee 33.3% 12

Interior design committee 52.8% 19

Site selection committee 38.9% 14

Include name/phone # here (below) 45 answered question 36

Included Names/Phone #s

1. Stacie Roblyer 2. Perhaps. Pam Thomsen/308-346-5220.

3. Perhaps. Gary Trojan 4. 308-750-4093

5. Nessa Vyhlidal/402/740-3646 6. Don Snyder

7. Just gone too much. 8. 308-346-4680

9. Dereck Snyder 10. Anita Doggett/308-346-5136

11. 3083464634 12. Kenneth Hoback/308-346-4366

13. Was on committee before. 14. Greg & Janet Hanna/308-346-5664

15. No, because of age. 16. Geoff Joy/308-214-0195

17. Paige Measner/308-348-2090 18. Too old.

19. Bessie Dearmont/308-346-5394 20. Perhaps. Cheryl Swett/308-346-4348/201-0053

21. Perhaps. Barry Burnham/308-346-4957 22. Perhaps. JB Sikes

23. Perhaps. Tonya Wilson/308-348-2292 24. Perhaps. Julie Brauer/308-346-4023

25. Perhaps. Jen McBride/308-346-5581 26. Perhaps. Adam Switzer/402-707-6309

27. Perhaps. Michelle Sawyer/308-346-4647 28. Jerryl Rowse/308-346-4517

29. Perhaps. Kim Garner/308-214-0509 30. Perhaps. Randy Gross/308-730-2327

31. Perhaps. Jeffrey Wohlfert/308-730-0496 32. Perhaps. Dennis Davenport/308-346-4318

33. Perhaps. Priscilla/Brett Andrews/308-214-1325 34. Perhaps. John Schere/Mary Schere/402-250-0611

35. Jen Critel/308-346-4007 36. Perhaps. David Owen/308-214-0371

37. Anthony-Emilie Hruza/308-214-0850, 214-0697 38. Kathy Mann/308-214-6798

39. Mary Drudik/214-123 40. Tenise Jarecke

41. Michele Archibeque 42. Yes, but this is simply a courtesy question. You will have who you want.

43. Becky Carr/308-214-1451 44. Karen Anderson/308-346-5050

45. Jerry Roth/712-310-1744

19% 25%

8%

17%

33%

53%

39%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

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Q21: Are you or your business able to contribute in-kind (donate) property or materials/labor to help the community develop the new facility?

Answer Options

Response Percent

Response Count

Yes 13.46% 28

No 86.54% 180

If yes, please include name/phone # here (below). 28


ncldedaePhone

13%

86%

Percentage Selected by Responders

Yes

No

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Q22. Assuming additional funding (beyond grants/donations) is required to build the new facility, would you support the city/county borrowing/bonding to help build the development?

Answer Options Response Percent

Response Count

Yes 34.5% 89

Perhaps 37.6% 97

No 27.9% 72



tionaloent

34.5%

37.6%

27.9%

PercentageSelected

Yes

Perhaps

No

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Q23: Please use the space below to express any other thoughts regarding the proposed facility.

WrittenReone1. Not totally opposed to this project if funded by grant money only.

2. Locate center downtown and keep business downtown.

3. Build what our community can afford. Keep it nice, but not "over the top." Go visit Loup County's newly built fair/VFW/community building. That is nice and functional. We don't need all of the bells and whistles. And we have two gyms for sporting events -- leave that alone!

4. What about a senior center - are they included?

5. I do not think it should go in field next to school for safety of students during day!!!! Would donate/contribute if not in this location.

6. Too expensive.

7. Community center in Loup City is well organized, other than front doors (carrying a larger item out/in is affected by the arrangement of doors).

8. We need facility to replace the Legion Club for receptions. Also need a gymnasium.

9. Seems like $1.6 mil is quite a bit -- several buildings around that that are really nice, but cost a lot less.

10. It would be the "death" of the local legion club. We have 88 county plates and home at Calamus, but also a home elsewhere. Would like to serve on a committee, but can't commit because of travel.

11. I would rather see a classy building for events and weddings and not a gym!

12. Burwell is in desperate need of a more attractive, better suited, cost effective location for wedding receptions! The Legion is not cutting it for the people getting married now.

13. A community center without a gym that could be used for basketball, volleyball, and other events would be a tragedy. I believe the most optimal location would be attached to the Burwell Jr./Sr. High School.

14. This is needed badly in Burwell. The location depends on what's included. If there is a gym, then it should be close to or on school grounds. Otherwise, fairgrounds or industrial park.

15. I am 100% in favor of this project. I think the worst thing that could happen would be to make it too small.

16. I think we need to stay as close to the square as much as possible. The center of town is beginning to die out and will just become an eyesore. What makes Burwell special -- the square.

17. We need a community building here in Burwell, not only will residents use it, but out of town revenue will be huge!

18. Heating - light expenses -- who pays? How are you going to fund this monthly? What about insurance, and man power? No way renting facility is enough. Key distribution?

19. Most all of this is available at the Legion Club now. The economic development should be supporting and helping grow the Legion Club.

20. We need to have a big building with more than one room, but, we don't need it to be for basketball.

21. I think there are other things Burwell needs, such as another grocery - clothing store that's affordable.

22. The Senior Citizen's Center and the present Legion Club are adequate (more than) for Burwell's limited growth potential.

23. Our "community" is IN town, not at the industrial park. The movie theater’s $70,000 would come in handy for this. Have they paid any back yet? [Note: The city did not loan any money to this business.]

24. Adequate parking for large groups is an important consideration when choosing a lot.

25. Very nice to see progress coming to Burwell.

26. If you don't have the money - you shouldn't build it.

24

WrittenReone

27. Could be in conjunction with school to provide area for tournaments or games. Janitorial and other activities – maybe school ... [helps with?].

28. Do not need another facility to take care of. This building does not help a town grow. Clean up the town first. Go down the alleys and clean up. Fix your downtown with nice storefronts. Some are an embarrassment.

29. Stupid idea.

30. If a community center is built it should be available to all citizens and able to be used for a variety of functions.

31. Until you have the entire amount donated this should not be built. Your approximate cost is always low in order to get people to approve.

32. No on industrial park location!!!

33. My solution. Just imagine the thrill of people, arriving from the east or south, rather than seeing a mountain of blowing sand and gravel, instead seeing a luxurious convention center situated at the top of the mountain of sand, along with a plush motel, swimming pools and eloquent dining -- all conveniently located in close proximity to the heart of Burwell. A dream for the ages. Go for it!! (But please leave us out!)

34. I would like to see an automatic carwash in Burwell .... 99.9% of residents agree!

35. It would be great to have a place where we could exercise together to music.

36. Needs to be on county owned property, because there is no reason to take away more ground off of the tax rolls. Also, if it is too close to the school it will limit the events that can be held.

37. The city park could be another potential location.

38. Burwell/Garfield County needs an updated Legion type area to .. [?]

39. Include everything our community could possibly need -- if we are going to do this, let's do it right!

40. The cost of $1,600,000 is based on? How many square feet is proposed?

41. Rodeo/Fair/School have spaces and do not need to dominate a new facility. Need nice reception/convention/meeting space.

42. This needs to be a place where all community members feel they can be a part of - not just certain organizations - but a place of neutrality for all groups (Jen).

43. I would like to see Christmas activities -- maybe a place for a gingerbread house building contest, parade, sleigh rides, after children activities on Saturday. Music in the park on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day.

44. If the high school and community center will work together -- make the large multi-purpose will .... up.

45. Burwell needs something! The Legion is outdated and is unable to accommodate the demands of Burwell.

46. My concern is that if a very elaborate facility is presented it will not get approval. Other towns have put up simple buildings, which are adequate. Our town has a dying population, with the majority over the age of 65.

47. We were at the Doniphan Community Center (2 years old) for a family reunion. It would be worth your time to check the great facility out. It was very well planned.

48. I would support a practice gym to be built just south of the wrestling building and practice football build -- IF it is done by local people. We have cement, general contractors, carpenters, building sales and erectors, etc. We don't need Lacy to do this. If it can't be done this way, then I'm against it.

49. Everything else on survey is not needed. For being a conservative community, we sure like to spend money. Nebraska's Big Rodeo can do their thing and Legion Club can do theirs.

50. Perhaps there should be a charge for people using the facility.

51. We really need a great place for our youth to go -- a rec center like North Platte would be great or on that order -- focus should be on that we think.

52. Make sure there is adequate parking with lighting.

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53. Should not be on rodeo grounds -- this is a "community center." Parking? Who pays for this then?

54. Upper level walking track. Building without including the gym that could be rented by Burwell Public Schools would be wrong!

55. We don't have clothing store or stores like Kmart or Wal-Mart -- that is what we need -- a store that meets our needs.

56. Could use space where Legion Club is now located. I feel an indoor pool would be utilized better than an outdoor pool. We could also put senior center with also.

57. I think Burwell needs this soon!!

58. Have used the Cobblestone in Broken Bow for training conference for region 26 and booked motel rooms. Had several training classes at Mid Plaines College with use of motels.

59. I think it should be a community building, not a Legion Club or an auction house.

60. This facility if built, should be funded and built by private enterprise. No tax money should fund the project.

61. If the school needs another place for sports they should build something.

62. The industrial park area is a pit (junkie) -- so don't put center there. Don't let school and rodeo monopolize this facility -- they have their own facilities. Let them support their own agenda.

63. I've heard the one in Doniphan is very nice. It would be worth checking it out.

64. Make sure this project stays on task and doesn't end up being more than it really needs to be.

65. I truly feel a community/conference center is very important to our town!!

66. I think a community center would be a plus if we can generate enough paying customers to fund loan obtained.

67. More important is a hospital with extra VA help.

68. Please stop taking on new projects that are very expensive and we do not need. Our population is going down every year and we already have plenty of meeting places to accommodate what you are talking about in the survey. The schools are furnishing sports activities space for youth practices with fewer students. They already have gyms and bleachers for spectators. Let’s pay off other projects first. The downtown improvement and "L" street projects (also unnecessary) before taking on other things. We have too many ongoing expenses such as updates on electrical lines (which we really need), sewer treatment plant, wages, etc. Our utility bills are getting too high to fit in our budgets. Our taxes are rising every year for all the things people want. Let’s be realistic and quit spending so freely with money we don't have.

69. I think we could really benefit by having a community center.

70. I don't feel a gym is needed.

71. We need a new facility now! The Legion is horrible and we are losing money when we could be bringing in events!

72. Should not be named for any certain person or family -- should have a community name.

73. It seems city votes, rural are the gofers and help pay for your choice.

74. Going into debt to build a facility is not a good idea and should never be done.

75. The idea is great, but will the rental charge be affordable? We need a space that can be used by anyone. The Taylor community center is a good example of convenient and affordable. Burwell facilities are too greedy in rental fees! Sargent built a very useful building.

76. I feel that we need to remember the downtown area and our small businesses to keep people in that area. The fairgrounds have a drainage problem and is not in the city limits. Parking could be shared with Burwell High School if developed there. The fairgrounds are nearly inaccessible during the winter months. Also fairgrounds are not patrolled by city police.

77. Use local builders, contractors, etc., and get materials locally.

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WrittenReone 78. The Legion Club has a bar and needs its own facility (with the idea they could use the community center for larger

events (i.e. banquets, etc.). The schools' sports complex is already paid through our taxes, therefore, not part of this center. It would be wise to include "experts" from other small communities that have undertaken a similar project -- to learn their "do's" and "not to do's", and to avoid undue influence from local special interest groups. If this is a community center, the "community" extends beyond schools, Legion Club, Rodeo, and county fair -- and therefore, the thinking should expand to the needs of ALL the community.

79. Another gym is really not necessary and think it would be best to keep it simple and nice to keep costs down. Fancy is not necessary.

80. I know how effective a community center can be. But, I don't think we have enough people with "like" vision to get it done.

81. Burwell is in desperate need for a practice gym! If you don't include a gym with limited seating, you’re wasting time!

82. Don't use public funds for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a private owned building.

83. Why are we focusing on projects that benefit the Burwell Investment Club and the Community Fund, when economic development should be concentrating on local businesses?

84. Multi-purpose -- same as Legion -- dances, bar, banquets, weddings, auctions, reunions, sports.

85. Please review other town's centers.

86. Make sure there is enough space for good parking. I'm sure the committee will find a good location.

87. Lot space must be adequate for a large parking area.

88. I think that this facility is essential to growing our community.

89. We do not need a community center!!! We need housing for the people of this community or those wanting to move into this community, not the weekend lake people. These out-of-towners purchase what few houses that are available and spend at the most 3 months here and the rest of the year, the houses sit empty. That is extremely prosperous for our community? I don't think so. These so-called "wonderful" apartments that were built are not affordable to the common folk. I work hard at my job and there is no way that I could afford an apartment for $800, nor would I want to. What are you people thinking? Burwell seems to have ONLY certain individuals that think they know what is best for our community and are the only ones that have a say into what this community needs. It amazes me how Ord comes together as a community and the development projects are for the good of the community, unlike Burwell. Our development projects are for the good of certain individuals, and that's it. Ord's growth certainly surpasses those here. How many people have taken their grocery business out of Burwell due to the underhanded dealings of certain individuals? That is what I call community support! Would it be possible to focus on getting businesses into this town instead of running them out of town???? That should be a no-brainer. Here are a couple of questions that you all need to think about: If the community center is built.....where are you going to build it? Behind the school.....No alcohol served on school property.....it's a drug-free zone. Build it at the industrial park......no tax dollars coming back into the community because it is out of the city limits. And how many times in a year will this multi-million dollar building be used???? Is it justifiable???? No, it is not. So, it is my opinion, as well as many others, I am sure, that we DO NOT NEED A COMMUNITY CENTER! It is money that is being wasted on a building that would be used less than what it is worth to build! People on these committees (Economic Development and Investment Club) need to wake up before Burwell becomes a "Lake" town. Burwell has lost many traditions.......maybe focus on getting some of the traditions back.......that is what Burwell is known for.

90. Fairgounds location -- "location-location" -- visibility and parking excellent. Browse barns are not being used. Making the center into a sport complex is stupid! School could build a gym in practice field themselves. Good luck!!

91. Lighting, chairs and tables would be great to have available.

92. I find it difficult to give an opinion in a survey. I would be for a community center that gives our area things we do not now have and are unlikely to obtain through private enterprise or small group organization. But, I wouldn't want it to eliminate what already exists or be in competition with what we already have. I would hate to see it empty anything in our downtown area. Our senior center is right on the square downtown. It is small and cozy. We don't need another empty building there. Our Legion Club is near downtown and provides an economical place for gatherings (wedding dance, etc.). We do not have an indoor track for events and walking. Another gym that the school could rent might be a good idea. Also, this area could be used for events where 200 or more people are attending. We already have smaller areas available -- Legion Club, Parish Center, Senior Citizen Center, church basements, etc. How about an indoor pool where a wall could be rolled back? We could have year around swimming and would not have to build a new outdoor pool. The school could possible rent this part time. I would be for a racquetball court or some other game area. But, I would be against anything except a very limited work out area, because I don't think we should be in competition with private enterprise (Augy's). Everyone has an opinion. You just got mine.

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General Conclusions The community/conference center committee needs to consider the public feedback expressed in the submitted surveys and determine how to proceed, in terms of providing direction to a potential facility developer/contractor. The general conclusions that can be summarized from the survey responses include the following topics. Activities/Features (Questions 2-16) According to Question 2 (page 7) of the survey, about the types of activities a new center should be able to accommodate, the most popular activities (garnering more than seventy-percent of those surveyed) that should be facilitated by the new community/conference center are included in the following chart.

RPRAonitenterActivitie

Activities that were relatively popular, and therefore should also be considered (selected by more than forty-percent, but less than seventy-percent), are included in the chart below.

RALtoPRAonitenterActivitie

The least popular activities (forty-percent or less selected), that perhaps should be less of a priority, in terms of facility planning, are shown on the following chart.

LSSPRAonitenterActivitie

An interesting written-in activity (mentioned more than once) was an adult/group exercise/walking area. The above rankings are based solely on Question 2, and do provide guidance in terms of how responders envision the community/conference center being utilized for certain activities. Further, when asked specifically about the importance of selected features or activities (questions 3-15); such as small boardroom, an area for sports practices, a permanent stage, a potential Legion Club area, a Rodeo History Exhibit area, and a management office; the results were similar in most cases.

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Capacity (Question 4) With regards to how large the facility needs to be, relative to the number of people accommodated for events, while thirty-two percent indicated that the center should accommodate more than 400 people, the majority – or sixty-eight percent – expressed that a capacity of 400 people or less would be adequate. The weighted average also indicated that the center should accommodate 400 people.

enteraacit

Location (Questions 17-19) According to the survey, there is no consensus regarding the importance of being near the school or a motel, as the most popular answers for both questions was “neutral” to “not important.” Relative to the preferred locations question for the new community/conference center, the locations reflected in the following chart received the most positive responses.

200 people

600 people

500 people

400 people 300 people

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PLocationhoice

o

o

o

It should be noted that there were some negative feelings expressed in the “other” section about the first two locations reflected above (see written responses to Question 19 on page 19). According to the survey responses relative to location, in order to move forward, the steps indicated in the following chart are suggested.

Location–etSte

Summary – Center Features In summary, based upon the survey responses, the primary features that appear to be needed for the new community/conference center are summarized in the chart below.

Prioritentereatre

–critical

–critical

–iortant

–iortant

–adviale

–adviale

–nice

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YES 33.5%

PERHAPS 37.8%

NO 28.7%

PoitiononPlicnding

The features that appear to be less of a priority are shown in the following chart.

LWPrioritentereatre

–otional

–nicenotreired

–notreired

Committee Help (Question 20) While many of those surveyed had specific ideas about the proposed new facility (see written comments), only about seven-percent indicated a willingness to serve on a committee and included contact information, and another six-percent indicated that they would perhaps serve on a committee. Interestingly, almost without exception, those that were negative about all or part of the project responded “no” regarding the question about helping on a project committee, and submitted their survey anonymously. The current general project committee should discuss the needed sub-committees and review the list of those that are offering to help (see the written responses to Question 20 on page 20), and decide how to make best use of their talents, energy and time. Contributions (Question 21) Regarding the question about the ability or desire to contribute to the project, with either monetary or in-kind donations of property, materials or labor – most of course indicated that they could not help. However, almost fourteen-percent said that they could, or at least perhaps could, contribute to the project. The written response section of question 21 (on page 21) includes some of the individual details. Public Funding (Question 22) In response to the question about whether the city/county should consider borrowing some portion of the funds required to build the new facility if needed, twenty-nine percent indicated “no.” However, the greatest number (thirty-eight percent) indicated “perhaps,” and the second largest group (thirty-four percent) selected “yes.” The general discussion thus far at the committee level has been to avoid financing if at all possible. However, the survey at least indicated that a large majority (more than two-thirds) would consider supporting an initiative to finance a portion of the project in order to help make the facility become a reality for the community – certainly a positive indicator of overall support.

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Additional Input (Question 23) Many of those surveyed seized the opportunity to provide additional input regarding the proposed project by writing their personal comments in the space provided for Question 23. The written responses totaled 92, and provide some interesting input – including many good ideas and a number of negative comments (see pages 23-26). Probably the most useful for consideration are the comments related to the importance of being conservative in terms of the scope of what we are trying to do, and to consider the ongoing operating expenses and how such will be facilitated. Contact Information Provided (Question 24) Relative to the request to provide contact information to receive future project update information, seventy-six individuals provided some type of contact information with their submitted survey (available as needed by the project committee).

Final Analysis – Next Steps Overall, the survey results appear to be fairly representative of the feelings of area citizens regarding the concept for a new community/conference center (see the Survey Logistics & Validity section on page 1). While some concerns were expressed, the largest number of survey responders were positive and supportive of moving forward on the project. The information contained in this report provides the general project committee, as well as local government officials and citizens, valuable input with which to make future decisions regarding the direction for the proposed new facility. To the extent that plans for the new community/conference center are aligned with community expectations and needs, it is believed that the level of needed community support will be enhanced. It is suggested that the general project committee now needs to move forward with the steps outlined in the following chart.

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SPS

–

–

Additional Information/Questions Additional information regarding the survey, or the overall community/conference center project, can be directed to the following contact.

David Sawyer Burwell Economic Development P.O. Box 131 404 Grand Avenue Burwell, NE 68823 308-346-5210

Community Center Survey Results-7-15 final.doc.sawyer 9-25-15 update

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