HomeMy WebLinkAbout[02] Election Precincts-^°""`~~~ Council Agenda Item
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MEETING DATE: May 28, 2008
AGENDA ITEM: Election Precincts
a. Change Location of Precinct 3 to Kennedy School
b. Add Precinct 1 to Precinct 3
SUBMITTED BY: Judy Weyrens
BOARD/COMMISSIONjCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: This matter was briefly discussed by the Council on May 21, 2008, at
which time administration was asked to contact the College and Monastery about the possible
relocation.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: When Precinct Three was originally established, the precinct was
predominately CSB with a few houses on West Minnesota Street. The precinct was originally placed in
the basement of Mary Commons and later moved to the Haehn Student Center. With only a handful of
residents parking was not a large issue. Since that time, the City has grown to the south, both by
Annexation and by development increasing the number ofnon-CSB residents voting in Precinct Three.
Parking has become a problem and when residents do find a place to park it can be a long walk.
Residents have complained about the polling place for accessibility. They have also expressed concern
that the precinct. is located on the campus. The College and Monastery have objected to precinct three
being referred to as the College Precinct.
With the new school, the City has the opportunity to move precinct three to a larger facility with parking
adjacent and place the same in a neutral place. I have contacted S. Kara with the Monastery to discuss
the change is she was supportive. She stated that some of the Sisters already had to be transported to
the polling place and it would not bean issue. She also stated that moving the precinct where parking is
more readily available makes since. I have a call into Sue Palmer at the College to discuss the same but
have not heard back from her as of yet.
The deadline for combining polling places or changing the district is May 29, 2008. After the City Council
approves the relocation, notification is sent to the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer. This office is
responsible for the election administration and works with the Office of the Secretary of State. All
registered voters are notified of the change in precinct and location by mail. If the City prepares the
mailing we must request and pay for a set of labels from the Secretary of State's Office, purchase
postcards, print and label them and then mail. Stearns County can prepare the mailing charging the City
between 4 and 6 cents per postcard above the postage. The total cost of the mailing will be between $
500 and $ 600. Since the data base is kept by the State Computer system it makes sense to have the
County send the notices.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: $ 500 - $ 600 to be expended from the election department
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution 2008-009
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute Resolution
2008-009 moving precinct three to Kennedy School and the current precinct one to precinct three,
creating a new precinct one consisting of all eligible voters west of College Avenue.
Resolution 2008-009
Combining Precincts One and Three and establishing the Polling location at
Kennedy Elementary School, 1300 Jade Street East
WHEREAS, the City of St. Joseph establishes and maintains election boundaries and polling
locations for all special and general elections, and;
WHEREAS, each polling place shall provide adequate space within which all potential voters may
cast their ballot, and each polling place shall provide adequate parking and must be readily accessible to
all potential voters within that precinct, and;
WHEREAS, Precinct Three when it was established served primarily the residents of the College
and Monastery, requiring limited parking and as the City has grown the precinct has increased adding a
number of residents requiring additional parking needs, and;
WHEREAS, Precinct One has a small number of voters which can be accommodated in another
precinct and geographically would best be added to the existing precinct three.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CIT OF ST. JOSEPH,
MINNESOTA:
1. That beginning with this day, Precinct 1 will be combined with Precinct 3 and the polling
place shall be located at Kennedy Elementary School, 1300 Jade Road East, and from this
day forward. shall be entitled Precinct 1.
2. Precinct One shall consist of all persons eligible to vote west of College Avenue.
3. All registered voters will receive notification of the polling place change
Adopted this day of , 2008.
ATTEST
Alan Rassier, Mayor
Judy Weyrens, Administrator