Morning roundup

Mayor Ann Johnston distributed to the City Council on Tuesday an executive summary of a seven-question economic development survey mailed to 120 business and community leaders. Eighteen surveys were completed and returned, the summary said, the most reported concerns being:

1. Permitting is too difficult, too costly, and too time consuming
2. Staff needs to be flexible
3. Crime rate is too high
4. Purchase locally
5. Promote small business 

The survey was followed by six coffees with the mayor about economic development. According to the summary distributed Tuesday: 

One theme that seemed to be apparent throughout each meeting was that many of the attendees were not aware of many of the good things that are happening and that the City needs to do a better job of communicating with the citizens. The consensus was that the Record did not adequately report on the positive happenings in the city and that the City should take a more proactive role in getting the information out.

The summary said other concerns were raised:

1. Need more small business loan funds
2. Reduce city fees
3. Need a better trained and educated work force
4. Improve the building permit process