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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2021-033 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Sponsored by: City Clerk RESOLUTION 2021-033 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA,APPROVING A MID-CYCLE BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,377 FOR ABSENTEE BY MAIL ELECTION SUPPLIES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS WHEREAS, following the regular municipal election on October 6,2020,there was some voter concern and confusion over the requirement for providing witness signatures as printed on the Absentee By Mail Ballot envelopes; and WHEREAS, the Canvass Board met on October 8, 2020 and rejected five Absentee By Mail Ballots, citing the reason as only having one witness signature instead of two as was printed on the envelope; and WHEREAS, the city clerk consulted the city attorney, who then advised council to order a recount of the five rejected ballots, citing that Seward City Code did not specifically state that two witness signatures were required, even though the envelope did; and WHEREAS,the Recount Board was appointed by council, and the recount was scheduled on October 15, 2020; and WHEREAS, council directed the city clerk to destroy all remaining absentee by mail supplies in stock and to replace them with new supplies; and WHEREAS,the city clerk solicited quotes from three printing companies; and WHEREAS, one vendor replied they did not have the capacity for the project, and two vendors furnished quotes; and WHEREAS, the vendor with the best pricing was Northern Printing; and WHEREAS, because this item was not anticipated in the city clerk's 2021 budget, an appropriation is required. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that: Section 1. The 2021 City Clerk's Budget is hereby amended, and funds are hereby appropriated, as follows: $3,377 shall be appropriated from General Fund reserves account no. 01000-0000-3400 to Election account no. 01000-1113-7804. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA RESOLUTION 2021-033 PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 22"d day of March, 2021. TH . ITY 1 F EWARD, ALASKA Or Christy Ter , Mayo AYES: Osenga, McClure, Casagranda, DeMoss, Seese, Baclaa . NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: rends J. Ballou, MC City Clerk (City Seal),_ of SFjs,, I --+- t • • = SEAL • • ''- ,...OF Agenda Statement Meeting Date: March 22, 2021 ' l To: City Council From: Brenda Ballou City Clerk Agenda Item: Absentee By Mail Election Supplies BACKGROUND &JUSTIFICATION: For the October 6, 2020 Municipal Election, the City of Seward had a marked increase in voters wishing to vote Absentee By Mail. One of the envelopes used in the process stated the voter was required to have the signature of two witnesses.However,five voters submitted their ballots having only had one witness signature. The Canvass Board rejected those five ballots. Upon direction from council,a Recount Team was appointed and council directed those five ballots be counted.The final certification of the election on October 15,2020 included those ballot results. Council then directed the city clerk to destroy all remaining supplies on hand and order new supplies that clearly explained the requirements for the voters.Only one witness signature is required,per city code,so the new election materials will reflect that clearly and accurately.The new supplies should mitigate any potential voter confusion.The cost of the new materials will be$3,377,but because this expense was not anticipated in the 2021 budget, an appropriation is necessary. INTENT: To have new by mail supplies printed which provide voters with clear direction on how to complete the Absentee By Mail Ballot properly in order to mitigate any risk of confusion so that every vote counts. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A IF,1. i Comprehensive Plan (document source here): 2.J Strategic Plan (document source here): i 3. Other (list): Seward City Code, Chapter 4-Elections X FISCAL NOTE: Funding for these supplies will be appropriated from General Fund reserves to the City Clerk department line item Elections account no. 01000-1113-7804. Approved by Finance Department: _.. .. ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No X RECONEgENDATION: Approve Resolution 2021-033, so the city clerk can order new election materials for voters wishing to vote Absentee By Mail.