HomeMy WebLinkAboutAM 2023-010 Opposing KPB Res2023-048 City of Seward
Action Memorandum 2023-010
Meeting Date: July 24,2023
To: City Council
From: Norm Regis,Acting City Manager
Subject: Action Memorandum 2023-010: Opposing Kenai Peninsula Borough Resolution
2023-048,Regarding The Change In Election Date
Background and justification:
The Kenai Peninsula Borough will be evaluating KPB Resolution 2023-048 at their August 1,
2023 meeting. This resolution proposes placing an advisory question on the ballot at the next
regular election (October 3, 2023) asking whether the Kenai Peninsula Borough should change its
regular election date.
Two items to consider regarding this proposal:
1. If the vote passes and the Assembly changes the borough's election day to November the
cities will be forced to either 1. Buy our own equipment, or 2. Change our date as well.
2. If the borough and cities change to November 1st we will be competing with the State for
the same election officials.
The City of Seward is opposed to any action or change in the election date which has the potential
to make elections more costly to the public, reduce voter turnout, or create additional barriers and
confusion to the election process. Additionally, the resolution itself is very unclear as to the next
steps, if this resolution does indeed pass. It states:
WHEREAS, based on the results of an advisory vote on this question, an ordinance could be
introduced to provide that the Borough's regular election will be held annually on the first Tuesday
following the first Monday in November; and
The resolution mentions that an ordinance"could be introduced"but provides voters no guarantee that
it will be introduced. The resolution does not assure voters that if they vote in favor of this change that
the election would indeed be changed. Because of these reasons, the City of Seward opposes KP13
Resolution 2023-048.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with(citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan:
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Certification of Funds
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ 0
This legislation(✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
x Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
x Not applicable
Fund Balance Information
Affected Fund(✓):
General SMIC Electric Wastewater
Boat Harbor Parking Water Healthcare
Motor Pool Other
Note: amounts are unaudited
Fund Balance/Net position—restricted $
Fund Balance/Net position—unrestricted/unassigned $
Available Unrestricted Cash Balance: $
Finance Director Signature: No fiscal impact
Attorney Review
RxYes Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
rq Adopt AM
Other:
Disposition
Approved by City Council on July 24,2023
Introduced by: Derkevorkian
Date: 07/11/23
Action:
Vote:
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
RESOLUTION 2023-048
A RESOLUTION PLACING AN ADVISORY QUESTION ON THE BALLOT AT THE
NEXT REGULAR ELECTION TO BE HELD OCTOBER 3, 2023 ASKING WHETHER
THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH SHOULD CHANGE ITS REGULAR ELECTION
DATE
WHEREAS, Borough code, at KPB 4.10.050(A), currently provides: "Time of Regular
Elections. Annually, on the first Tuesday of October, a regular election shall be
held in the borough for the election of vacant borough offices, and for the
determination of other matters as may be placed on the ballot"; and
WHEREAS, based on the results of an advisory vote on this question, an ordinance could be
introduced to provide that the Borough's regular election will be held annually on
the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November; and
WHEREAS, holding the regular election on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in
November will mean that the Borough's regular election will occur on the same
day as any regular Federal/State election that is administered by the State;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI
PENINSULA BOROUGH:
SECTION 1. That a question in substantially the following form shall be placed before the voters
of the Kenai Peninsula Borough at the next regular election to be held October 3,
2023, as an advisory vote:
PROPOSITION NO.
Shall the Kenai Peninsula Borough change the Borough's regular election date
from the first Tuesday in October to the first Tuesday following the first Monday
in November to align with the Federal and State election date?
(THIS IS AN ADVISORY VOTE ONLY).
YES NO
SECTION 2. That this resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.
Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska Resolution 2023-048
107
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ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH THIS 11TH
DAY OF JUNE 2023.
Brent Johnson, Assembly President
ATTEST:
Michele Turner, CMC, Acting Borough Clerk
Yes:
No:
Absent:
Resolution 2023-048 Kenai Peninsula Borough,Alaska
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