Overall, life is good in Westminster.

That’s what city residents said in the 2012 citizen survey that was mailed to 3,000 randomly selected people in April. The survey included a variety of questions regarding the city.

The quality of life in Westminster received high ratings from nine out of ten respondents. This year’s survey had a 30 percent response rate. Surveys were sent to randomly selected residents in three school districts — Adams 12, District 50 and Jefferson County — as well as in the six fire districts.

Although many subjects were touched on in the survey, the most surprising response involved commuter rail. According to the survey, nearly 90 percent of respondents support commuter rail coming to Westminster. City management analyst Ben Goldstein said it is rare to see so many people agree on the same thing, but it’s clear residents want commuter rail

in their city.

“People have different opinions, so to see that high of a number was probably the biggest surprise in the survey,” Goldstein said. “From this survey we know that people want to see the FasTracks project continue through Westminster. We will be sharing this data with CDOT.”

He said the commuter-rail results also reaffirm City Council’s work to bring a commuter-rail system to Westminster and to meet the appropriate needs for their constituents.

He said the survey also shows city staff and council that residents prefer commuter rail over bus rapid transit.

“Some cities, like Boulder, would rather see bus rapid transit, but what we can gather from the survey, the respondents don’t feel that way,” he said. “They feel strongly about

commuter rail.”

When thinking about their city, most respondents had positive feelings, with most choosing the phrase “beautiful parks/open spaces” to describe it.

Other phrases chosen to describe Westminster were “environmentally sensitive” and “financially sound.” Four out of five respondents believe the city’s attractiveness is “very good” or “good.”

Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Don Tripp was pleased by the survey results.

He said people in the city place a high priority on the services provided by his staff, and they expect and believe the city should be at a high level in those areas.

Moving forward, Tripp said, the staff will continue to provide a high level of service and keep a high ranking without being compliant.

“We have our priorities, and we will make sure to meet the needs of the community,” he said. “This is an award-winning agency, which is a reflection on how important programs and the facilities are to the community. People’s expectations are high, and we have a huge obligation to continue to deliver service at a high level.”

This is the 11th biannual survey conducted by the city. Goldstein said the primary goal of the survey was to gain a snapshot of how the city is doing.

Over the past 20 years, the results have gone up and down in different areas, but the survey continues to be an important tool for city staff to analyze their services, he said.

To view the entire survey, visit the city website at www.ci.westminster.co.us.