CC_Minutes_2011_0822 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,August 22,2011 Page 30 Mr. Mansky anticipated that the County would authorize cities to retain limited absentee ballot voting in person, depending on the type of election and historical interest of local voters; and whether a primary or general presidential election. Mr. Mansky advised that the County would take over the mail portion of absentee balloting at their central location. Mr. Mansky opined that, given the current de- mographics of Roseville, it would be in everyone's best interest to have limited absentee ballot in the community; but also offering the option at their office in downtown St. Paul,providing viable options for voters, while offering a choice. Carolyn Curti In reviewing the differential noted by Councilmember Willmus for the cost per registered voter in the contract, Ms. Curti advised that it was her error in using the dollar amount spent in 2010, divided by the number of registered voters; rather than using the current registered voter list. Ms. Curti confirmed that the City would actually pay $4.81 rather than $4.55 per registered voter, effectively in- creasing the net contract amount by approximately 10%. Mr. Mansky noted that the County was not as interested in the money portion of the contract, as in providing the best job possible. Mr. Mansky noted the contro- versies of past elections, and opined that he didn't anticipate them becoming any less contentious. Mr. Mansky advised that, while the City staff was charged with many different functions in their jobs, elections was the main job of the County Elections Department, and he anticipated that they could provide more efficient and cost-effective services, while freeing City staff to concentrate on their other functions. Mr. Mansky opined that, as the County Election services continued to grow, ways would be found to refine those functions and further reduce costs; similar to that experienced by the City of St. Paul with a 3-4% reduction in those costs once inflation costs were nominalized. Councilmember Pust questioned if local election judges would still be used. Mr. Mansky responded affirmatively; however, he noted that the average age de- mographics for current election judges was on the high side of the national aver- age; and every effort was being made to recruit more judges between the target ages of 45 — 65 to ensure a sufficient pool. Mr. Mansky noted the contact of judges this year electronically, which had provided a much better response than previous mailings. Pust moved, McGehee seconded, approval of a contract between the City of Roseville and Ramsey County for administration by Ramsey County of City elec- tions in Roseville for 2012. Councilmember McGehee questioned whether, even though absentee balloting was offered in Roseville, the County would still call the shots.