HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/10/19977:00 P.M.
South Coast Air Quality Management District
Dearing Board Room
21865 East Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, California
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Commissioner
Commissioner
Conuuissioner
Toe Ruzicka
Don Schad
Franklin Fong
Mike Goldenberg
Joe McManus
Copies of staff reports or other written documentation relating to agenda items are on file in the Community
Development Office, located at 21660 E. Copley Drive, Suite 190, and are available for public inspection.
If you have questions regarding an agenda item, please call (909) 396-5676 during regular business hours.
In an effort to comply with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the
City of Diamond Bar requires that any person in need of any type of special equipment, assistance or
accomodation(s) in order to communicate at a City public meeting must inform the Community
Development Department at (909) 396 5676 a minimum of 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
P A&UPCAGEND&GED
Please refrain from smoking, eating or drinking
in the Auditorium
The City of Diamond Bar uses recycled paper
and encourages you to do the same.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAIL
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
Tuesday, June 10, 1997
Next Resolution No. 97-9
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
1. ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS: Chairman Joe Ruzicka, Vice Chairman
Don Schad, Mike Goldenberg, Franklin Fong, and Joe
McManus
2. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS:
This is the time and place for the general public to address the members of the Planning
Commission on any item that is within their jurisdiction, allowing the public an opportunity to
speak on non-public hearing and non -agenda items. Please complete a S eaker's Card for the
recording crehry (Completion of this form is voluntary). There is a Ave minute maximum
time limit when addressing the Planning Commission.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR:
( The following items listed on the consent calendar are considered routine and are
approved by a single motion. Consent calendar items may be removed from the agenda
by request of the Commission only:
3.1 Minutes of May 27, 1997
4. OLD BUSINESS: None
5. NEW BUSINESS:
6. PUBLIC HEARING: None
7. PLANNING COMNIISSION ITEMS:
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
8.1 Development Code Process Update
8.2 Census Update
1
9. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
CITY COUNCIL - June 17, 1997 - 5:30 p.m. Field Visit at Darrin Drive Cell Site,
6:30 p.m. meeting at AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION - June 11, 1997 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD
Board Hearing Room, 21865 E. Copley Drive.
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - June 26, 1997 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Board
Hearing Room, 21865 E. Copley Drive.
CONCERT IN THE PARK - June 25, 1997 - "Film at Eleven & The Late Breaking
Horns"
SHERIFF'S OPEN HOUSE - Saturday, June 21, 1997 - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM - L. A.
County Sheriff, 21695 E. Valley Blvd., Walnut
10. ADJOURNMENT: Tuesday, June 24, 1997
K
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
MAY 27, 1997
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. at the
South Coast Air Quality Management Auditorium, 21865 East Copley
Drive, Diamond Bar, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Community Development
Director DeStefano.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Chairman Ruzicka, Vice Chairman Schad, and
Commissioners, Fong, Goldenberg and McManus.
Also Present: Community Development Director James
DeStefano, Senior Planner Catherine Johnson,
Assistant Planner Ann Lungu, Assistant City
Attorney Robin Hall and Consultant Felise
Acosta.
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Clyde Hennessey said the Planning Commissioners did the right thing
by voting the way they did during the last meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Minutes of May 13, 1997.
C/McManus made a motion, seconded by C/Fong, to approve the
minutes of May 13, 1997 as presented. The motion was approved
5-0.
OLD BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Review of Fiscal Year 97-98 Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) for conformity with the General Plan pursuant to
Section 65401 of the Government Code.
AstP/Lungu presented the staff report.
C/Goldenberg asked if the 1995/1996 projects included in
the list have been funded or are to be funded in
1997/1998.
CDD/DeStefano responded that some projects are fully
funded but not yet completed, several are multi -year
projects and carried forward. All projects listed are
funded.
MAY 27, 1997 Page 2 PLANNING COMMISSION
C/Goldenberg asked if the current 1997/1998 Fiscal Year
budget totals include dollars for funded projects.
CDD/DeStefano responded that the budget follows projects
carried forward from prior years.
C/Fong asked if projects can be added to the list.
CDD/DeStefano responded that projects have been developed
by the Public Works and Community Services staff. The
Commission may comment on the list and suggest projects
for the Council's consideration.
C/Fong suggested the following items be considered for
addition to the CIP list: Seepage problems on Cold
Springs Lane between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Arby Lane
and replacement of deteriorating wrought iron fencing
along Diamond Bar Boulevard between Brea Canyon Road and
Cold Springs Lane.
CDD/DeStefano responded that with respect to the wrought
iron fencing, an issue previously raised by C/Goldenberg,
that the walls reside on private property and therefore
cannot be included in the City's CIP inventory. The City
is researching a means by which it can assure the wall's
proper maintenance throughout the community.
CDD/DeStefano suggested that
do so, it may recommend that
funds within the proposed
budget for a seepage study i.
if the Commission wishes to
the City Council appropriate
Capital Improvement Project
z the Cold Springs Lane area.
C/Goldenberg asked for ownership clarification of Item
No. 26, Park 'N Ride.
CDD/DeStefano responded that the property is owned by
CalTrans. Diamond Bar is participating in the
construction effort through the use of funding provided
to the City.
VC/Schad moved, C/McManus seconded to approve the
Resolution finding General Plan conformity of the Fiscal
Year 1997/98 Capital Improvement Program. The motion was
carried with the following roll call votes:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
VC/Schad, McManus, Fong,
Chair/Ruzicka
None
Goldenberg
None
MAY 27, 1997 Page 3 PLANNING COMMISSION
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR MODIFYING THE PRELIMINARY REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
TO AMEND THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PROJECT AREA TO EXCLUDE
CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM THE PROPOSED DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA.
CDD/DeStefano presented the staff report.
C/Fong requested explanation of the basis for
recommending deletion of area from the SunCal property.
ACA/Hall responded that legal counsel referred with the
consultants and staff for the Redevelopment Agency.
Although the properties were originally included in the
project area, it was determined that inclusion would no
longer be necessary to further the purposes of the
Redevelopment Plan. Redevelopment Law allows
improvements to be made to parks that benefit the project
area. It is not required to keep the parks inside the
project area in order to complete park improvements.
C/McManus asked if Grand Avenue going up to Summit Ridge
Park is proposed to be excluded.
CDD/DeStefano responded that the only portion of Grand
Avenue east of Diamond Bar Boulevard excluded is the
portion immediately adjacent to commercial area to
Cleghorn Drive.
VC/Schad asked if pocket parks are included in the
project area.
CDD/DeStefano responded that the pocket parks have never
been included in the project area.
VC/Schad asked if Pantera Park will be included.
CDD/DeStefano responded that Pantera Park will not be
included.
C/Goldenberg asked for verification that with the
modifications made to the revitalization area, there are
only two residential homes contained in the project area.
CDD/DeStefano confirmed C/Goldenberg's statement that
only two homes located in non-residential zones are
included in the project area.
C/Fong asked how the Redevelopment Plan would be effected
if the recommended properties were not excluded.
MAY 27, 1997 Page 4 PLANNING COMMISSION
Felise Acosta responded that project area evaluation
indicates that the SunCal area recommended for exclusion
did not meet the criteria for redevelopment. Staff,
consultants and legal counsel feel the parks do not need
to be included because findings can be made to provide
for necessary improvements for redevelopment to enhance
the community and enhance the project area without
inclusion. Inclusion of the park properties could be
misconstrued by the community.
Ms. Acosta confirmed to C/Goldenberg that if, in the
future the SunCal property is developed, the property
would generate tax increment that would flow to the
Redevelopment Agency. By deleting the property from the
Project Area, revenues will not flow to the Redevelopment
Agency because it is not included in the project.
C/Goldenberg asked if all properties within the City
would contribute to the Redevelopment Agency if the
agency becomes a reality.
Ms. Acosta responded to C/Goldenberg that only properties
included within the boundaries of the project area would
be able to generate tax increment revenue that would be
allocated to' the Redevelopment Agency. Tax increment
from properties outside the project area continue to flow
to taxing agencies as they have in the past. The
financing base for the revitalization efforts is limited
to the tax increment or increase in value, and the
resulting revenue from the increase in value from
properties within the project boundaries that are
allocated to the Redevelopment Agency.
C/McManus asked if on the other hand redevelopment funds
can flow only to those projects within the redevelopment
area.
Ms. Acosta confirmed C/McManus' statement with the
exception of public improvements and public projects that
are identified on the projects list. She stated her
understanding that only businesses within the
redevelopment area are eligible for redevelopment funds.
ACA/Hall confirmed Ms. Acosta's statements. Public
projects may be located inside or outside of a project
area if they are of benefit to the project area.
VC/Schad asked if the upper portion of Sycamore Canyon
could fall under redevelopment and if funds could be used
to extend the lower Sycamore Canyon trail under Diamond
Bar Boulevard and into the upper areas of the Canyon.
MAY 27, 1997 Page 5 PLANNING COMMISSION
CDD/DeStefano stated the SunCal property is identified on
Exhibit A map. The area contemplated for deletion from
the project area is the SunCal property. The upper
portion of the canyon is owned by SunCal and is part of
SunCal's proposal to provide that acreage to the City in
accordance with the adopted General Plan. The developer
is proposing to build 130 homes on the ridgeline and that
the balance of approximately 300 acres is to be given to
the City of Diamond Bar for open space. He indicated
that it is highly unlikely that redevelopment funds would
be used for trail development.
C/Goldenberg asked how the Arciero project differs from
the SunCal property since they are both contemplated to
be gated communities.
CDD/DeStefano indicated the Arciero property and the
school property have severe geotechnical problems. In
addition, school access, improvements to Brea Canyon Road
and other such activities are contemplated. These
properties appear to require redevelopment to insure
successful development.
Chair/Ruzicka asked for public testimony.
There was no one present who wished to speak on this
item.
C/Goldenberg stated his concerns regarding the rationale
for eliminating the SunCal property and, at the same
time, including the Arciero and school property. He is
concerned that the Redevelopment Agency will lose
sufficient tax increment dollars by eliminating the
SunCal property. He stated he is not clear about the
reasons for eliminating the SunCal property and not the
Arciero and school property, and that Redevelopment
monies will be spent correcting land slippage. He said
it seems feasible that either both properties are
eliminated or that both properties are left in the
project area.
Ms. Acosta responded that the recommendation before the
Planning Commission stems from the requirements for
Redevelopment Law. For example, documenting reasons for
inclusion of individual properties within the project
area boundaries. The recommendation to delete the SunCal
property is based upon the fact that the consultants and
staff initially believed the property could be included
for "effective redevelopment", as opposed to having
specific characteristics of blighting, now believe that
there is a much weaker case for inclusion than exclusion
of the property. As a result, inclusion of the SunCal
MAY 27, 1997 Page 6 PLANNING COMMISSION
property may weaken the entire project area. With
respect to the Arciero'property, it was determined that
because of the geotechnical problems the property should
be included. There is no relationship between the
inclusion of this property and anticipated expenditure of
redevelopment funds. Even though these problems are
identified, redevelopment does have the potential to
address the site's problems. That does not mean,
however, that the Redevelopment Agency is required to, or
will, expend redevelopment dollars to cure or to improve
that particular piece of land.
C/Goldenberg asked for legal opinion as to why the
Redevelopment Agency would include one tract and not the
other tract. He suggested the Commission continue this
item to June 12 for further consideration of the facts.
VC/Schad asked if redevelopment funds could be used to
acquire the Arciero property as part of an open space
Sandstone Canyon park. He suggested that the slide area
west of South Point Middle School be used by the City as
a research and development area for replanting of
vegetation.
CDD/DeStefano stated that the City Council and Agency
Board specifically requested the Planning Commission to
consider the six areas contemplated for deletion from the
revitalization project area. Discussion regarding any
other portion of the proposed Redevelopment Plan may be
useful but somewhat out of context with the charge before
the Commission. Consultants and legal staff believe it
appropriate to delete the SunCal property from the
proposed project area and that it has characteristics
that are uniquely different than the larger land mass
that surrounds and includes the Arciero project and
properties. The SunCal property is an isolated piece
which was contemplated to complete the circulation system
for the area. The South Point Middle School/Arciero
property has geotechnical, drainage, landslide, and flood
control problems. The opportunity exists to implement
the General Plan in that area that specifically discusses
the opportunity for the school district property to be
used as an open space park resource for the development
of Larkstone Park. Within the Redevelopment Plan which
the Planning Commission has recommended for approval, a
public improvements program is included which suggests
signalization, streetscape improvement, and completion of
Larkstone Park in the area.
VC/Schad moved, Chair/Ruzicka seconded, to adopt a
Resolution modifying the preliminary Redevelopment Plan
amending the boundaries of the Project Area excluding
MAY 27, 1997
UUM
PLANNING
a
certain property from the proposed Diamond Bar Economic
Revitalization Area.
C/Goldenberg reiterated his request for written legal
opinion relating to the propriety or impropriety of
retaining or excluding the SunCal property and the
Arciero property. He said he is not prepared to vote on
the matter at this time.
CDD/DeStefano stated the inclusion or exclusion of the
Arciero and SunCal properties are matters for
consideration by the City Council and not the Planning
Commission.
ACA/Hall concurred with staff's recommendation to adopt
the Resolution and that the matter was brought to the
Planning Commission.at the request of the Redevelopment
Agency and the City Council. The matter will be returned
to the City Council to determine that the boundaries of
the Project Area are appropriate and that the conditions
of redevelopment have been met.
Addressing C/Goldenberg's concerns, ACA/Hall outlined the
requirements for inclusion of properties under
Redevelopment Law.
Ms. Acosta responded to C/Goldenberg that the Agency was
not able to demonstrate that the SunCal property has
depreciated in value.
ACA/Hall explained to VC/Schad that with respect to the
Arciero property, Redevelopment Law includes as a
condition of blight, factors that prevent or
substantially hinder the.economically viable use of the
property.
CDD/DeStefano responding to C/Fong again spoke about the
Arciero property. He indicated that Arciero has had
difficulty receiving the required permits from Los
Angeles County because the County wants assurance that
the drainage problems will not impact the balance of the
property. In essence, the County is asking the developer
to mitigate problems that it did not mitigate during the
30 or 40 years of development in the area prior to the
City's incorporation. These circumstances are unique to
the City and that is why the property has been included
in the project area.
Chair/Ruzicka called for the question. The motion was
carried with the following roll call vote:
MAY 27, 1997 Page 8 PLANNING COM SStggig ft-
AYES :
COMMISSIONERS:
VC/Schad, Fong ,
Chair/Ruzicka
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
Goldenberg
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
McManus
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
PUBLIC HEARING - None
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS:
1. List of Planning Commission Projects for Fiscal Year
1997-1998 - Received and Filed.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
C/McManus referenced Mr. Hennessey's public comment and stated that
Mr. Hennessey would not be privy to how he might vote on issues
before the Commission and that he is certain that the same holds
true for the balance of the Planning Commission.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
CDD/De5tefano reminded the Commission that on June 3, 1997, the
City Council will review the Darrin Drive cellular site project and
continue the discussion regarding a moratorium for wireless
telecommunications facilities.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Planning
Commission, VC/Schad moved, C/Fong seconded, to- adjourn the
meeting. Chair/Ruzicka adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. to June
10, 1997.
Respectfully Submitted,
James DeStefano
Community Development Director
Attest:
Joe Ruzicka
Chairman
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Chairman and Planning Commission
FROM: James DeStefano, Community Development D 1
0
SUBJECT: Status of Development Code Process
DATE: June 6, 1997
The following is a synopsis of staffs and the consultant's progress on the
completion and processing of the comprehensive Development Code.
Processina Schedule
To recap, the target date for adoption of the Development Code is
November 18, 1997, which will result in a January 1, 1998 effective date.
In order to meet this schedule, City staff and the consultants must be done
with their work by the beginning of July. It was agreed that the Public
Review Draft of the Development Code must be transmitted to Planning
Commission three weeks prior to the first meeting date..
The code will be divided into four sections, each of the four being discussed
at one public hearing. The negative declaration will be ready at the first
public hearing date and will be adopted along with the Development Code
at the final public hearing.
Status of Articles
Staff has now received all of the first draft articles of the Development
Code, and the second drafts incorporating staffs comments on the majority
of the articles. We are on schedule to meet our projected goal dates for
Planning Commission's review.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Chairman and Planning Commission
FROM: James DeStefano, Community Development Di
SUBJECT: Census 2000
DATE: June 6, 1997.
Recently the Census Bureau met with staff to discuss the upcoming
year 2000 census. Although the census is still several years away,
the Bureau is seeking to establish partnerships with local communities
for this important future endeavor.
Over the next few years, as the Census Bureau gears up for the
2000 census,, cities will be asked to assist the Bureau by reviewing
and updating local maps and address lists, identifying neighborhoods
with specific ethnic concentrations so questionnaires can be made
available in native languages, and by providing opportunities to
increase public awareness of this process.
Attached for your information is the Bureau's booklet, Creating a
Census for the 21 st Century, The Plan for Census 2,000.
Attachment
Creatming a
Census fo
the 21 st
Century.
o���M,ENT OF CO��.n
d J'
5
9FgG OF THE GFa
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS
Introduction
The 1990 census was a difficult undertaking. Our career
employees —and more than 300,000 temporary employees —
worked for many months to get the job done. And the census
counted more than 98 percent of the population. Even so, a
good job wasn't good enough. In spite of enormous efforts to
count everyone, the 1990 census failed to include more than 4
million residents of the United States, a disproportionate share of
whom were among the Nation's racial and ethnic minorities.
Moreover, the 1990 census was the most costly in history and
produced two sets of numbers, furthering divisiveness. It took
six years for litigation to be decided by the Supreme Court.
The experience of the 1990 census made clear the need for
innovative changes in the way the decennial census is taken.
The Census Bureau has responded to this challenge with a
redesign of the process that improves accuracy, promotes
inclusion, saves money, and produces one set of numbers
that is right the first time. This booklet describes our plan.
Everett M. Ehrlich Martha Farnsworth Riche
Under Secretary for Director
Economic Affairs Bureau of the Census
The Plan for Census 2000
When Thomas Jefferson delivered the
Acomplete
first U.S. census to President George
Washington, he wrote the returns in
black and his estimate of the true totals
enumeration of
in red. But it was another 200 years
all residents in
before the Census Bureau could
the United States,
accurately measure America's
whomever they
uncounted people. Despite its efforts,
may be, is the
the 1990 census missed more than
primary purpose
4 million people. With the year 2000
of every census.
approaching, we must be ready to
conduct a census for the 21 st -
century —one that accounts for
everybody.
A complete enumeration of all residents
in the United States, whomever they
may be, is the primary purpose of every
census. For every level of geography,
the Nation needs a portrait of its people
and the housing in which they live.
However, traditional methods are
expensive and only marginally effective
in accounting for everyone. Cost and
accuracy drive the need to reengineer
Census 2000.
The next census must be simpler, less
costly, and more accurate. The
following objectives are fundamental to
thf Ian for Census 2000:
Make every effort to include
every household —from simpler,
user-friendly forms to better field
operations.
Implement an open process
that diverse groups can understand
and support.
Eliminate the "differential
undercount" of racial and ethnic
groups.
Produce a "one number census"
that is right the first time.
Census 2000 must provide a complete
census of the Nation's population, at
U wer real cost'per housing unit, than
the 1990 census. As required by the
Constitution, Census 2000 will be based
on an energetic and improved attempt
to contact everyone. To reach this
objective, the Census Bureau reviewed
its procedures to find out which parts
of the process work best, which can be
done more effectively in some other
way, and which can be eliminated.
Four Fundamental Strategies
The plan for Census 2000 is built around
four fundamental strategies for
tate, change: partnership, simplicity,
local, and tribal technology, and methods.
governments
know their local Strategy One: Build Partnership at
conditions and Every Stage of the Process
circumstances The Census Bureau cannot accomplish
better than the its goals alone. It needs to reach out
Census Bureau early and consistently to find "best in
ever will. class" partners to help it accomplish its
objectives, including:
Partnership with State, local,
and tribal governments. These
governments know their local
conditions and circumstances
better than the Census Bureau
ever will. They can help us correct
our maps and address list, and tell
us where to put questionnaires so
people will find them. They can
alert us to problems and advise us
of opportunities to publicize
Census 2000.
Partnership with community
groups. These groups know their
constituents better than either
the Census Bureau or any other
governmental office. The groups
can alert us to the best ways
to communicate with their
constituents to ensure that they
are counted.
Partnership with the Postal
Service. To avoid costly
duplication of effort, the
Census Bureau will use address
information provided by the
Postal Service to enhance its
comprehensive address file. Letter
n m in1nAnAGt\1TA1 CTRATF(',IF.gi
carriers will be the primary source
of information on vacant housing
units. he simpler
Partnership through and easier Census
privatization. In order to be "world 2000 is, the more
class„ in every stage of the census, accurate and less
we must find private sector expensive it will
partners, including: be.
Facilities Management: We
are investigating contracts with
data processing companies to
manage the facilities where
completed forms are translated
into computer files.
Advertising and Promotion:
We intend to use private
companies to manage our
efforts to promote Census
2000 more visibly and
effectively.
Human Resources: We
are looking into using private
"temporary" firms to help hire
and train more than 300,000
temporary census workers.
Strategy Two: Keep it Simple
The simpler and easier Census 2000 is,
the more accurate and less expensive it
will be. Simplicity is a goal for every part
of the process. For example:
User-friendly forms. Because
everyone these days is deluged
with "junk mail," the Census
2000 questionnaire must be
easy -to -read, pleasing to look
at, and simple to fill out. Private
marketing experts are working
with us to implement new,
FUNDAMENTAL STRATEGIES-5
Unlike 1990,
if you cannot
find your form,
the Census 2000
questionnaire
will find you.
"user-friendly" designs that will help
people understand why they are
being asked for information.
Multiple contacts. The direct
marketing industry knows that
repeated contacts and reminders
pay big dividends. Census 2000
will first contact each address with
a letter that alerts the recipient to
the census and its benefits. A
few days later, a questionnaire
will arrive. It will be followed by
a post card thanking those who
have participated, and encouraging
others to do so. Finally, most
addresses that have not responded
will receive another questionnaire
with a final message encouraging
them to respond.
More ways to respond. Our first
priority is to deliver a form to each
address. But unlike 1990, if you
cannot find your form, the Census
2000 questionnaire will find you.
Additional forms will be available in
community centers, post offices,
and other public places. And there
will be a well -publicized toll -free
telephone number and Internet
address that you can use to
answer, if you prefer. Along
with their English -language
questionnaire, people in areas
with high concentrations of
Hispanics will also be mailed a
Spanish -language questionnaire.
Questionnaires in other languages
will be available.
Other Simplified Procedures
A new method will ensure that
Census 2000 finds people, such
as the homeless at shelters,
soup kitchens, and other places E IL
where they obtain services.X.,Framatic
Special targeted methods— advances in
such as enlisting community computing allow
leaders to distribute language- Census 2000 to
specific forms in neighborhoods be simpler, less
where English is not the primary costly, and more
language —will improve the accurate.
count for population groups and
in areas which have historically
large undercounts.
Strategy Three: Use
Technology Intelligently
Dramatic advances in computing allow
Census 2000 to be simpler, less costly,
and more accurate. Here are some
examples:
Digital "capture" of forms. The
( 1990 census was microfilmed and
key entered. In Census 2000, the
forms will be scanned directly into
computers that can read
handwriting. The completed forms
will be read directly into computer
files ready for tabulation.
"Matching" software.
Sophisticated software will
allow us to spot duplications. If
one spouse returns a form by mail
while the other fills one out over
the phone, we will know both
records come from the same
household.
"Point and click" data
tabulation. Data seekers will be
able to find the information they
want instantly from Census 2000.
"Point and click" computing will
k
FUNDAMENTAL STRATEGIES-7
allow them to pick the specific
information they want instead
The
of buying thick books that may
question
or may not have the answer
is not whether to
they are looking for.
supplement field
interviews with
Strategy Four: Use
estimation, but
Statistical Methods
how to do it
inexpensively
Sampling and statistical estimation
and accurately.
have been an integral part of Census
Bureau processes since 1940. Once
the census asked every household
for all the information needed for
government programs. Now most
census questions are asked of a sample
of households.
In 1990, respondents who did not return
their census forms by mail cost at least
six times more than those who did.
Using temporary employees to find the
most reluctant respondents raised the
cost as much as 18 times. Even so,
census takers often resorted to guessing
when a particular respondent could not
be found. They interviewed neighbors or
used what they knew about the
neighborhood to approximate the
missing information. The question is not
whether to supplement interviews with
estimation, but how to do it
inexpensively and accurately.
Statisticians agree that incorporating
widely accepted statistical methods
into Census 2000 will produce better
results at less cost. We will make every
reasonable attempt to find everyone. .
But some households will neither mail in
nor phone in their response. So we'll
use personal visits to obtain responses
from the remaining addresses, including
8-FUNDAMENTAL STRATEGIES
a scientifically selected sample to
ensure that we directly contact at
least 90 percent in each tract.
Using sampling to gather information
on nonrespondents will ensure that
Census 2000 is built on a solid core of
responses. It will guarantee that we can
complete our personal visits with no loss
of accuracy but substantial savings of
time and money. And sampling will
allow us to make scientific estimates of
the population in the final 10 percent of
housing units.
But our experience in the last six
decennial censuses has demonstrated
that having responses from 100 percent
of the housing units does not ensure
inclusion of 100 percent of the
population. People are left out for many
reasons —and our objective is to account
for everyone.
To check the quality of our work and to
reach our goal of accounting for 100
percent of the population, we will take a
second independent sample of 750,000
housing units. We will check the results
from the mail -in, from telephone
interviews, and from the personal visits.
This quality check will eliminate the
undercount and lead to a "one number
census" that is right the first time.
By using both kinds of sampling, the
accuracy of Census 2000 will be very
high for all States, for all Congressional
Districts, and for other populous areas.
There will always be some uncertainty
surrounding population totals for some
smaller areas, such as blocks, census
{
sing
sampling to
gather infor-
mation on
nonrespondents
will ensure that
Census 2000 is
built on a solid
core of responses.
I
{
{
4,
i°
FUNDAMENTAL STRATEGIES-9
tracts, neighborhoods, or villages. But in
Census 2000, we will know the level of
1-n
uncertainty for all areas and it will be
Census
small. And the totals for historically
2000, the totals
undercounted areas will be much better
for historically .
than they would have been using
undercounted
traditional methods.
areas will be
much better
The Census Bureau is strongly com-
than they
mitted to improving the way it conducts
would have
Census 2000. Our plan effectively
been using
tackles the problems experienced in
traditional
past censuses, especially concerns
about improving the completeness of the
methods.
count, the differential completeness
among population groups and areas,
and the cost. The plan will allow the
Census Bureau to meet the multiple,
and sometimes competing, challenges
that face the census. To ensure a
census that will serve our Nation well,
we will continue to seek and implement
suggestions from:
experts throughout the Census
Bureau and the Commerce
Department,
outside stakeholders,
advisory committees,
the scholarly community, as
represented through the National
Academy of Sciences,
the Office of Management
and Budget, and
the Congress.
To successfully implement the plan for
Census 2000, the Census Bureau will
continue to hold discussions with all
oversight and stakeholder groups.
These include:
The Department of Commerce
(with which ultimate responsibility
I
1 0-FU N DAM ENTAL STRATEGIES
lies for the success of
Census 2000).
The Office of Management and JLo successfully
t
Budget (with which responsibility implement the plan
lies for ensuring that Census 2000 for Census 2000, the
meets the data needs of the Census Bureau will
Executive Branch departments continue to hold
and agencies responsible for discussions with
implementing programs mandated all oversight and
and authorized by the Congress). stakeholder groups.
The General Accounting Office
(which has the responsibility of
providing Congress with
information and recommendations
relating to the decennial census).
The Congress (which will review
the topics to be included in Census
2000 and the wording of the
questions to be asked about
those topics, as well as approve
the financial resources necessary
to implement Census 2000).
The public (on whom the burdens
of cooperation, support, and
participation fall directly).
The plan for Census 2000 is an
innovative departure from past
I
practices. It will eliminate the
differential undercount that has
troubled past censuses and increase
overall accuracy even as it saves money
and delivers its results more quickly. It
combines partnership, outreach, and
openness with sound management,
the effective use of technology, and
the incorporation of proven statistical
methods. It is exactly the kind of effort I
axpected of the Census Bureau —the
Nation's leading data -gathering
organization.
FUNDAMENTAL STRATEGIES-11
"Toward a Census That Is Simpler, Less
Costly, and
More
Accurate"
2000 will:
Major goals
—Census
Make it
Fundamental change
easier to
Reduce
Reduce the
for Census 2000
be counted
cost
differentials
BUILD PARTNERSHIP AT EVERY
STAGE OF THE PROCESS
Use Postal Service address information to
update the 1990 census address list, rather
than create a list from scratch . ...............
X
X
Form partnerships with State, local, and tribal
governments and community groups to correct
maps, further update the address list, help adver-
tise the census, and participate in many other
census activities . ...........................
X
X
Use Postal Service information to identify
vacant housing units . .......................
X
Build partnerships with businesses to ensure
that each process uses a "best -in -class"
provider . ..................................
X
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Use forms that are easier to read and fill out. ...
X
X
X
Use repeated mail contacts and motivating
messages . ................................
x
X
x
Make forms available at convenient locations,
such as stores, community and civic centers,
schools, and other places where people go.....
X
X
Mail Spanish -language forms to areas with
large concentrations of Spanish-speaking
households . ...............................
X
X
Use a well -publicized toll -free telephone
number for people to call and give their
answers, and use the Internet as a response
option.....................................
X
Use improved questions and instructions to
_
ensure a complete listing of all household
members . .................................
X
Count people with no usual residence at
facilities where they obtain services and
other locations where they congregate.........
X
X
Use special methods to improve the count
of population groups and geographic areas
historically undercounted .....................
X
X
'
12—CENSUS 2000 CHANGES
"Toward a Census That Is Simpler, Less Costly, and More Accurate"
Major goals —Census 2000 will:
Make it
Fundamental change
easier to
Reduce
Reduce the
for Census 2000
be counted
cost
differentials
USE TECHNOLOGY INTELLIGENTLY
Use state-of-the-art technology —electronic
imaging and intelligent character recognition —
to "read" completed forms and create data files
ready for tabulation .........................
X
X
Use fully automated "matching" software to
spot duplicate responses and improve census
coverage ..................................
X
X
Offer "point and click" data tabulation so data
seekers can access the Census 2000 data set
and assemble their own data tables instantly....
X
USE STATISTICAL METHODS
Make personal visits to a scientifically selected
sample of remaining nonresponding households
to ensure direct contact with at least 90 percent
of households in each census tract and use that
information as a basis for completing the follow-
X
X
up operation ...............................
Conduct a large survey to check the quality
X
of Census 2000 ............................
Produce a "one number census" that is right
the first time to provide a complete picture of
X
the Nation's population and housing. ..........
CENSUS 2000 CHANGES-13
Advisors on Census 2000
PANEL TO EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE CENSUS METHODOLOGIES, COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL STATISTICS,
- NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL, NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
CENSUS ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, COMPRISED OF THE:
American Economic Association
American Marketing Association
American Statistical Association
Population Association of America
CENSUS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE AFRICAN AMERICAN POPULATION
CENSUS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE POPULATIONS
CENSUS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER POPULATIONS
CENSUS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE HISPANIC POPULATION
2000 CENSUS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, COMPRISED OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS:
American —Arab Anti —Discrimination Committee
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
American Civil Liberties Union
American Sociological Association
American Statistical Association
Association of MultiEthnic Americans
Association of Public Data Users
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
Business Roundtable
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.
Council of Chief State School Officers
Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics
Federation for American Immigration Reform
Housing Statistics Users Group
International City/County Management Association
League of United Latin American Citizens
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
National Association of Community Action Agencies
National Association of Counties
National Association of Secretaries of State
National Association of Towns and Townships
National Coalition for an Accurate Count of Asians and Pacific Islanders
National Coalition for the Homeless
National Conference of State Legislatures
National Congress of American Indians
National Council of LaRaza
National Council on the Aging, Inc.
National Governors' Association
National League of Cities
National State Data Center/Business and Industry Data Center Program
National Urban League, Inc.
Population Association of America
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Conference of Mayors
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS:
The Postmaster General
Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate
Chairman, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary,
and Related Agencies, U.S. Senate
Ranking Minority Member, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate
Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State,
the Judiciary, and Related Agencies, U.S. Senate
Chairman, Committee on Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
Ranking Minority Member, Committee on Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives
Ranking Minority Member, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives
Chairman, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and
Related Agencies, House of Representatives
Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the
Judiciary, and Related Agencies, House of Representatives
Chairman, Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, House of Representatives
Ranking Minority Member, Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, House
of Representatives
Chairman, Subcommittee on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice,
House of Representatives
Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on National Security, International Affairs, and
Criminal Justice, House of Representatives
14-CENSUS 2000 ADVISORS