The Perkins Planning Commission approved a set of survey questions for the Perkins Progress Plan and set a public workshop for Feb. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m., with the venue to be determined.

The items were discussed at a commission meeting where staff presented the project schedule for the comprehensive plan, described the draft survey content and distribution plan, and outlined stakeholder interviews and a public workshop that will inform a community vision for “Navigating Growth 2045.” Larry (staff member) told commissioners the project team plans stakeholder interviews, an online survey, public workshops and a draft community vision statement.

The commission approved the survey questions by voice vote. Patty (chairwoman, Perkins Planning Commission) called the roll for the motion to approve the survey questions; recorded votes on that motion were: Patty — yes; Brian — yes; Marla — yes; Joe — yes; Kenneth — yes. The motion to approve the survey questions passed.

Larry walked the commission through the survey sections, saying the questionnaire will collect basic demographics, questions about community identity, housing preferences (single-family, duplexes, apartments, mobile homes), transportation and mobility, parks and recreation, and satisfaction with city services and infrastructure. Larry said the online survey will ask whether respondents live or work in Perkins and will include an open-ended prompt: “Is there anything else that you would like the city of Perkins to know or consider?”

On distribution, Larry said the team will post the survey on the city website and social media channels (Facebook and Instagram), issue a press release to local news outlets, and produce short videos to announce the survey. The project team plans to launch the online survey on Jan. 30 and to promote it with a launch video and follow-up reminders.

Commissioners and staff raised concerns about reaching older residents and those without internet access. One commissioner suggested the library provide access to the survey and another proposed handing surveys to the Perkins Senior Citizen Center during meetings. Bob (staff member) said a water-bill insert is possible but would require a separate mailing and could be costly; a different commissioner estimated about “60¢ a envelope” as a ballpark mailing cost. Other suggested non-digital outreach included local churches and making paper copies available at city hall.

The commission also voted to hold a public workshop on Feb. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.; the motion recorded that date and time while leaving the facility open pending availability. Recorded votes on the workshop date/time were: Patty — yes; Ryan — yes; Marla — yes; Joan — yes; Kenneth — yes. Commissioners discussed holding the event in a larger space such as the Vassar building or the Twin City planning space if available; Larry said he would check facility availability and logistics.

On the workshop format, Larry said the session will run about two hours and will use a mix of brief presentation and interactive boards where attendees can place stickers or comments to indicate priorities on topics such as transportation, housing, parks and public services. He said the format is intended to capture input from people less likely to respond online.

Next steps the commission recorded during the meeting: finalize survey text (approved), launch online outreach on Jan. 30, continue stakeholder interview scheduling, confirm a workshop location for Feb. 20 (time 6–8 p.m.), and prepare visual aids and maps for the public workshop. The project team committed to follow up on venue availability and additional outreach to senior groups and churches.