HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 05-16-2000 SpecialAgenda
City of Plymouth
Special City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 16, 2000
immediately following Board of Review which begins at 7:00 p.m.)
Council Chambers
1. Call to Order.
2. Discuss the charter amendment proposed by the Charter Commission requiring that
special elections not held on general election dates be held by mail ballot.
3. Quarterly Update with City Manager
4. Adjourn.
Agenda Number:
TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager
FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City ManagerAt
SUBJECT: Charter Amendment regarding Mail Ballot Special Elections
DATE: May 1, 2000, for Council Meeting of May 16, 2000
1. ACTION REQUESTED: Discuss and provide direction to staff on the charter
amendment proposed by the Charter Commission requiring that special elections not held
on general election dates be held by mail ballot.
2. HISTORY OF ISSUE: Attached are minutes of the various Charter Commission
meetings where this issue was discussed. The issue was initiated by a letter from Christian
Preus to Bob Sipkins in July 1998, following the City election on funding for an activity
center and field house. Mr. Preus suggested that the Charter Commission consider
possible amendments to the charter relating to bond referendums submitted to Plymouth
voters for approval. The specific concerns were:
the date selected for the election (May 19)
the extremely low voter turnout (6%)
the extremely small margin by which the referendum passed
51 % yes; 49 % no).
The Charter Commission reviewed information on mail ballot elections, Saturday voting,
and voter turnout statistics, and a subcommittee was established to study the issue of
timing and format of special elections. The subcommittee met on two occasions and
recommended that the Charter Commission should suggest to the City Council that
elections on issues such as bond referendums be held in conjunction with general
elections. However, if circumstances dictate a special election, the Charter Commission
should recommend that the City Council hold mail ballot election to obtain the highest
possible voter participation.
The Charter Commission received the subcommittee report and subsequently
recommended to the City Council a proposed charter amendment which would require
mail ballot for any special election for a bond issue or other expenditure of funds, when
not held at a regularly scheduled election. The City Council received the Charter
Commission recommendation on August 3, 1999. The Council did not support the
proposal as submitted, but voted to continue a dialog with the Charter Commission on
ways to improve voter turnout in special elections.
The composition of the Charter Commission changed, and Chairperson Sipkins suggested
that the new Charter Commission revisit the issue to determine if the recommendation
remained unchanged. The Charter Commission also discussed the issue with the City
Council at a joint meeting. On March 30, 2000, the Charter Commission voted to include
on the November General Election ballot the following charter amendment: Special
elections not held in conjunction with a general election shall be conducted by mailed
ballot if allowed by law.
3. ALTERNATIVES: The City Council can proceed in one of two ways:
1) Adopt the charter amendment by ordinance as outlined in Minnesota Statute 410.12,
Subd. 7. This statute allows the City Council to approve a charter amendment that is
recommended by the Charter Commission if the following requirements are met:
A public hearing must be held on the proposed amendment after two weeks'
published notice containing the text of the proposed ordinance.
After the public hearing, a unanimous vote of all members of the City Council is
required to adopt the ordinance.
The ordinance is effective 90 days after passage. The statute further provides that citizens
may petition for a referendum on the amendment within 60 days after passage of the
ordinance.
2) Place the ballot question on the charter amendment on the November 7 election. The
issue would become effective if majority approval is received.
4. BUDGET IMPACT: There would be some additional minimal cost and staff time
involved in placing this amendment on the November ballot.
5. RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the City Council discuss the charter
amendment proposed by the Charter Commission and direct staff to either prepare an
ordinance for adoption and establish a public hearing; or prepare a resolution establishing
the ballot language for the November 7 election.
cc: Charter Commission Minutes
Plymouth Charter Commission
June 16, 1998
Page 3
Commissioners expressed concern about the low voter turnout of 6 percent on the recent
City referendum.
Bob Sipkins said that the Commission could consider the possibility of introducing an
amendment to the Charter which would provide that a local special election could only be
held along with a regular city election.
Larry Marofsky suggested that an alternative would be to introduce a Charter amendment
stating that no bond issue could be approved unless the question is adopted by a certain
percentage of the number of residents who voted in the last city general election.
Kathy Lueckert said that voter registration in Plymouth is also down, and staff has
initiated a voter registration campaign.
John Duntley also expressed concern with the low voter turnout on the referendum. He
noted that one of the primary reasons the Charter was established was to move the local
city election from odd to even years to increase voter turnout.
Bob Sipkins explained that staff has indicated that it was less expensive to hold the
election in May due to the potential increased construction costs. The cost of the activity
center/field house project could have increased if the election had been delayed until
November due to bidding climate and inflation.
Motion by Larry Marofsky, second by Mary McKee, to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Motion unanimously carried.
Laurie Ahrens
City Clerk
Plymouth Charter Commission
December 8, 1998
Minutes
Present: Bob Sipkins, Mary McKee, Kapila Bobra, Larry Marofsky, Timothy Peterson,
Terry Donovan, John Duntley, Jon Speck, Lori Schwartz, Ellie Singer, Joy
Tierney, Dave Pauba, Ty Bujold, Thomas Murphy
Absent: Scott Martin
Others: Assistant City Manager Kathy Lueckert, City Clerk Laurie Ahrens
Councilmember Tim Bildsoe
Call to Order
Bob Sipkins called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in Public Safety Training Room,
3400 Plymouth Blvd. He welcomed Thomas Murphy to the Commission.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Kapila Bobra, second by John Duntley, to approve the minutes of the
June 16 meeting. Motion carried: 12 ayes; Singer and Pauba abstained.
Discussion on Timing of City Special Elections
Bob Sipkins introduced a discussion on the timing of City special elections. He noted
that there was a 74 percent turnout in Plymouth in the 1998 general election, compared to
a 6 percent turnout in the special election held in May 1998 on the activity
center/fieldhouse issue. This raises the question of whether special elections, in years
when general elections are otherwise scheduled, are good public policy because
significant issues are considered by a relatively small number of voters.
Kathy Lueckert presented the staff report which included options to consider, a history of
voter turnout in Plymouth, and results of preliminary staff research on the issue.
Kapila Bobra asked if an analysis has been done on why the voter turnout was so low in
the May special election.
Bob Sipkins said that the turnout in the May special election was not unusual. The
turnout for special elections in Plymouth has varied from 6 to 12 percent over the past
years.
Kathy Lueckert explained that the election was held in May to take advantage of a
favorable bidding climate. Publicity on the issue included an insert and articles in the
Plymouth News, information on the web site, and ample coverage in the local
newspapers.
Plymouth Charter Commission
December 8, 1998
Page 2
Ty Bujold noted that there could be situations where urgency is involved with respect to
calling a special election, and it may not be reasonable to wait until a general election.
However, it should be considered whether it is reasonable to generally allow special
elections at times when voter turnout tends to be very low. He asked if bond referendums
are the likely subject of most special elections.
Ellie Singer said the 1991 special election related to the proposed change in the City's
election year. Based on her experience as an absentee ballot election judge, she believes
that the method of voting may change in the future. Examples of mail voting, internet
voting, and voting on Saturdays were briefly discussed.
Larry Marofsky said the date of a special election may be selected because it is important
to get action on an issue, but it can also be selected to take political advantage of a limited
turnout. He suggested that it may be wise to consider whether a certain turnout threshold
should be required for passage of an issue when elections are scheduled on dates other
than regularly scheduled elections.
Joy Tierney said that money is saved when elections are held in conjunction with another
jurisdiction.
Bob Sipkins noted that the terms of seven Charter Commission members will expire in
June. He asked whether the issue should be delayed for consideration until the new
Charter Commission members are appointed.
Jon Speck said that an unfair advantage can currently be achieved through the timing of
an election. He believes the Charter should "level the playing field", and he supports
studying options to ensure a strong voter turnout for special issues on the ballot.
Larry Marofsky said there are ten instances where voter turnout has been less than 10
percent in special elections. Four of those elections were special state senate or state
representative elections affecting only a portion of Plymouth, and two of the elections
were general elections held in November. He questioned whether or not it is a significant
concern to be addressed.
Joy Tierney said that one option would be to require that special elections held at times
other than a general election be held by mail ballot. However, there are cost impacts
because an election conducted by mail ballot is considerably more expensive than an
election with voting in the polls.
Tim Peterson said that citizens also have an obligation to keep themselves informed.
There is the assumption that the more voters who vote are informed voters. He said that
Saturday elections should be considered if the concern is to attain a higher voter turnout.
Plymouth Charter Commission
December 8, 1998
Page 3
Bob Sipkins responded that he views the issue as whether questions of significant public
policy should be decided by a relatively few voters at a special election or by many voters
informed or not) at a general election.
Larry Marofsky said that another reason to consider requirements is to eliminate the
possibility of using the timing of an election to affect the outcome.
John Duntley said that school districts often schedule special elections on bond
referendums, but generally their debt service as a portion of budget is relatively small. If
the City had situations where bond referendums were more frequent, the City may do
some of the same things as the school districts with respect to election timing.
Joy Tierney stated that elected officials may not want to be on the same ballot as a bond
referendum issue. However, if individuals are campaigning for office at the same time as
a pending referendum issue, it tends to increase debate on the issue.
Larry Marofsky added that residents can become more informed because of the increased
debate on an issue, and citizens are more aware of the upcoming election.
Kapila Bobra agreed that debate on issues results in education of voters.
Kathy Lueckert said that if restrictions are placed on when and how bond referendums
can be held, it could encourage Councils and staffs to find ways to accomplish the same
purpose without an election.
Ty Bujold said there is an assumption that the greater the number of persons voting in an
election, the greater is the percentage of persons educated on the issues participating in
the democratic process. He believes this is a legitimate and important Charter
consideration and suggested that a committee be selected to explore the issues relating to
special elections with input from various groups including the League of Women Voters,
with a report back to the Charter Commission.
Jon Speck opposed delaying consideration of the issue until the new Commissioners take
office in June. He suggested that the Charter Commission should move forward with its
work and allow the new members to take over consideration of the issue at that time.
Lori Schwartz asked who made the decision to administer the special election in 1991 by
mail ballot.
City Clerk Ahrens briefly described the mail ballot process. The decision to conduct the
1991 special election by mail ballot was made by the City Council.
Plymouth Charter Commission
December 8, 1998
Page 4
Councilmember Tim Bildsoe addressed the Charter Commission. He explained that the
City Council decided to go to the voters through a special election on the activity
center/field house issue in May 1998 because the Council felt it was important that
citizens have an opportunity to vote on whether the project should proceed. The City
Council did not have to conduct an election on the issue. If the vote had failed, then the
project would not have proceeded. He said that Plymouth has a very low debt per capita
and many projects have been funded internally. He was surprised at the very low turnout
at the May election, but noted that many people who said they were going to campaign on
the issue did not do so. The election was well publicized by the City, and he believes that
many citizens did not really care if the issue passed or failed; therefore, they did not vote.
He said that in this country, people can decide not to vote. Councilmember Bildsoe
explained that a May special election was held to take advantage of a favorable bidding
climate and low interest rates, and the timing of the election saved the City over
100,000. He does not believe the City should be penalized by regulations on future
special elections because of a low voter turnout. Councilmember Bildsoe asked the
Commission to consider the example of the City's potential need for an immediate bond
referendum in the event of a disaster that destroyed the city hall and/or public works
facility. Reconstruction of the buildings would need to be funded through municipal
debt, and a special election would be needed quickly.
Ty Bujold thanked Mr. Bildsoe for his comments. He believes that it is appropriate for
the Charter Commission to seek ways to get better voter turnout and the Commission
should take advantage of greater deliberation on the issue. One option is to allow special
elections only under special circumstances.
Motion by Ty Bujold, second by Larry Marofsky, that the Chairperson be
empowered to create a committee, comprised of four Charter Commission
members, to consider the general subject of special elections and how that subject is
associated with encouraging greater voter turnout. The Committee is to report back
to the Commission at the next meeting.
Ellie Singer said she still questions whether the Charter Commission needs to address this
issue.
Terry Donovan suggested that it is useful for the Charter Commission to examine the
entire issue of voting. This should include consideration of mail balloting, as well as
other ways to increase voter participation in Plymouth. He believes that the issue of the
lifestyle of Plymouth residents should be considered in order to determine how to get
people to vote. He said that the Charter Commission discussion could be useful in
structuring public participation and voting in Plymouth for the next 20 years.
Joy Tierney noted that the next scheduled Charter Commission meeting is in December
1999. After discussion, it was decided that the Committee will report to the Charter
Plymouth Charter Commission
December 8, 1998
Page 5
Commission before June 1999, at a meeting which will be called by the Chairperson.
The Charter Commission also expressed interest in holding a subsequent meeting in the
summer to meet with the new Commissioners.
Motion carried: McKee, Singer, Bobra, Bujold, Sipkins, Donovan, and Speck ayes;
Peterson, Duntley, Schwartz, Murphy, Tierney, and Pauba nays; Marofsky
abstained.
Bob Sipkins announced that the motion carried, and he appointed Terry Donovan, Mary
McKee, Ellie Singer, and Kapila Bobra to the Committee. He will serve as ex -officio
member to the Committee.
Charter Commission Minutes
May 5, 1999
Page 2
Report from Subcommittee on Special Elections
The Commission received a report from the Subcommittee on Special Elections (Mary McKee,
Ellie Singer, Terry Donovan, Kapila Bobra, Bob Sipkins ex -officio). Mary McKee reported that
the Subcommittee met several times to consider ways to increase voter turnout in special
elections. Contacts were made with cities in Minnesota, Illinois, and Maryland about the
requirements of state law or city charter relating to special elections. The Federal Election
Commission and State of Oregon were contacted regarding mail ballot elections. The
Subcommittee also reviewed a report prepared by the City Clerk documenting the 1991 mail
ballot election held in Plymouth.
Mary McKee reported that it is the subcommittee's preference for elections on bond issues to be
held in conjunction with general elections in order to obtain the highest possible voter turnout.
However, if a special election is required due to unusual circumstances, the Subcommittee
believes that a mail ballot election currently presents the best means of increasing voter turnout.
The Subcommittee does not recommend any charter amendment at this time. However,
Chairman Bob Sipkins is in favor of an amendment requiring a mail ballots for special elections.
The Subcommittee suggested that the Charter Commission recommend to the City Council that
elections on issues such as bond referendums be held in conjunction with general elections.
However, if circumstances on issues such as bond referendums dictate a special election, the
Charter Commission recommends that the City Council hold a mail ballot election to obtain the
highest possible voter participation.
Dave Pauba questioned the integrity of the mail ballot process. The integrity would be identical
to an absentee ballot process, and Mary McKee noted that jurisdictions that have used mail ballot
received a 85 percent favorable response from residents on its use.
Larry Marofsky expressed concern that the mail ballot process may not ensure there is adequate
time for voter education from the date the City Council calls an election to the date that the
ballots are mailed.
Ellie Singer suggested that Saturdays could also be considered for special elections.
Bob Sipkins stated that Plymouth's experience with mail ballot in 1991 proves a good voter
turnout can be achieved with this method of voting. He supports considering a charter
amendment that requires voting by mail for special elections.
Several commissioners mentioned that technology changes may result in a method better than
mail ballot.
Charter Commission Minutes
May 5, 1999
Page 3
Tim Peterson said that if the major objective is to increase turnout for special elections, then
Saturday elections should also be considered.
Ellie Singer supported the Commission considering charter language to require mail balloting for
special elections not held in conjunction with general elections. She concurred that Saturday
voting may help with election judge shortages and other issues, but she believes that mail ballot
would result in greater turnout.
Ty Bujold cautioned that if the Commission mandates mail elections in the Charter, the City
could face significant costs depending on the future of postage rates. He suggested it may be
prudent to allow the City Council to weigh the cost factor relating to the method of conduct with
the issue of turnout when deciding an election issue.
Motion was made by Ellie Singer, seconded by Mary McKee, to request that the City
Attorney draft possible charter language to require a mail ballot election for special
elections that are not held in conjunction with regularly scheduled elections. A friendly
amendment offered by Larry Marofsky was accepted to request alternative language
which would include a provision that ballots shall be mailed a specified number of days
after the resolution of the Council authorizing the election. Motion carried unanimously.
The Commission requested that staff also research Saturday voting as a means of increasing
voter turnout at special elections.
Charter Commission Minutes
June 14, 1999
Page 3
Special Election Issues
Chairman Sipkins opened a discussion on the draft charter language prepared by City Attorney
Knutson regarding mail ballot elections. Responding to questions, Assistant Manager Ahrens
stated that mail ballot elections regarding issues may be held if a 90—day notice is given to the
County Elections Division. She said that state law requires notice of an election a minimum of
45 days before the election. She said there is a provision for election day registration with a mail
ballot election.
Commissioners discussed the financial impact of a mail ballot election.
Ellie Singer suggested that the Charter Commission should consider whether the mail ballot
process is important enough to require through a charter amendment, irrespective of the
additional cost.
Larry Marofsky noted that cities are required by state law to provide outgoing and return
postage. Assistant Manager Ahrens said that in a mail ballot election, the City may save polling
place rental fees and election judge salaries; however, there would be additional postage and
printing costs. The overall cost would be greater with a mail ballot election.
Sam Garst expressed concern that the mailing costs could be excessive. Ty Bujold noted that the
issue may not be at all a matter of savings for the city, but whether a heavier turnout is desired,
and if the city is willing to pay for that result.
Jim Willis noted that this charter requirement would only apply to the City. School districts
could continue holding special elections on financial issues with low turnout results.
Lori Schwartz arrived at 7:45 a.m.
Larry Marofsky said a primary consideration for the City Council would be whether an issue is
so important that it needs to be put to voters as soon as possible or could be delayed until a
regular election.
Motion was made by Larry Marofsky, seconded by Mary McKee, to recommend that the
Plymouth City Council adopt charter amendment language that special elections not held in
conjunction with a general election to authorize the issuance of bonds or other obligations or the
expenditure of funds shall be conducted by mailed ballot if allowed by law.
Ellie Singer said she felt the language gives the City Council options, including whether the costs
of a special mail ballot election warrant a delay until a regular election.
Charter Commission Minutes
June 14, 1999
Page 4
Ty Bujold expressed concern about locking the city into mandatory language regarding the
procedure of special elections. Larry Marofsky responded that the Council could decide to delay
a special election until a regular election.
Dave Pauba advised commissioners not to put a price tag on voter participation.
Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioners voted unanimously to pass over discussion of Saturday elections.
Adopted Charter Commission Minutes
October 14, 1999
Page 3 of 3
Recent and Future Charter Commission Issues
Commissioner Sipkins briefly discussed the supermajority vote issue for tax levy increases that
had been presented to the Council.
He stated there was a very low voter turnout for the special election conducted on the new
Activity Center and Field House. In response, the Charter Commission recommended a Charter
amendment to the Council that would require special elections by mail ballot in order to
encourage voter turnout. The approximate cost of $40,000 to conduct a mail ballot election
caused the Council concern and a lack of enthusiasm on the Council to pursue the amendment.
Acting Chairman Marofsky stated the costs of a mail ballot election are much greater than
conducting a citywide special election (approximately $7 per voter for mail election and $2 per
voter for regular special election). Because of the cost, the potential result of the proposed
amendment may be that the Council would explore methods other than an election before selling
bonds for future projects. However, the Council has requested to meet with the Charter
Commission early in 2000 to discuss this item.
Adopted Charter Commission Minutes
January 13, 2000
Page 2 of 3
Consideration of Issue of Mail Ballot for Special City Elections
A considerable amount of discussion was held relative to the issue of requiring a mail ballot
election for Special City Elections. The commissioners referred to the six percent voter turnout
for the referendum on the new Activity Center and Field House and whether that turnout is a fair
representation of the populace, especially for a project this size. It was noted that the turnout is
much greater for the General Elections, and perhaps it would be more appropriate to include City
questions on those ballots rather than conducting Special Elections where the turnout is much
lower. The commissioners noted that the last mail ballot election conducted in the City cost
2.32 per voter. However, the election conducted for the new activity center/fieldhouse cost
7.92 per voter due to the low voter turnout. Therefore, a mail ballot election may not appear to
be as costly based on voter turnout.
The commissioners also were concerned that citizens could perceive the notion that the Council
strategically plans the vote for major projects to not coincide with the General Election in order
to receive the low voter turnout.
Motion was made by Commissioner Donovan, and seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
schedule a Joint Study Session with the City Council on the issue of mail balloting and any other
options to increase voter turnout. Commissioner Schwartz offered a friendly amendment to the
motion that copies of all the materials that the Commissioners received are provided to the
Council prior to the Joint Study Session. Commissioners Donovan and McKee accepted this
amendment. With all members voting in favor of the amended motion, the motion carried.
Minutes
Plymouth Charter Commission and
Plymouth City Council
March 9, 2000
CHARTER COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Robert Sipkins, Commissioners David
Pauba, Mary McKee, James Willis, Larry Marofsky, Jeffrey Johnson, Thomas Murphy, Christian
Preus, Christopher Walling, Sam Garst, Jeffrey Thompson, Dharam Bobra, and Lori Schwartz
ABSENT: Commissioners Terry Donovan and Scott Martin
CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Joy Tierney, Judy Johnson, Scott Harstad, Ginny Black,
Kelly Slavik, and Brad Brown
ABSENT: Tim Bildsoe
OTHERS PRESENT: City Manager Dwight Johnson, Park Director Eric Blank, Assistant City
Manager Laurie Ahrens, and Sheila Langer
Mayor Tierney called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at the Public Safety Training Room, 3400
Plymouth Blvd. Mayor Tierney stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the issue of
special elections and mail ballots and to discuss a possible charter amendment changing the
Mayor's term of office from two to four years.
SPECIAL ELECTION MAIL BALLOT
Commissioner McKee pointed out an error in the minutes from the last Charter Commission
meeting. she clarified that the mail ballot election cost the City $2.29 per voter, while the
Activity Center election cost $7.92 per voter.
Commissioner Thompson expressed concern about the feedback he had received after the
Special Election on the Activity Center. Some voters believed there was impropriety with this
election, or that the election results were manipulated through the timing of the election.
Councilmember Johnson clarified that in no way had the Council manipulated the election on the
Activity Center. She had strongly supported sending the issue to the voters, and she cited the
bond issue timing and good interest rates as the reason for the May election. She was
disappointed with the low voter turnout.
Councilmember Black said she is neutral on the mail ballot issue, but she expressed concern
about the results of a mail election being challenged. She thought that the mail process would
also be more cumbersome and allow more potential for error.
Chairman Sipkins suggested that the Charter Commission and City Council attempt to remedy
the problem of low voter turn -out in order to provide good government to residents. He
explained that while this issue was precipitated by the low voter turnout at the Activity Center
election, there has been a wide discrepancy in voter turnout over the past 20 years between
regular and special elections in Plymouth.
Commissioner Marofsky explained that a mail election is similar to the absentee ballot process.
He noted that there would also be voting locations available on election day. He believed that
the intent of a mail election was so word could get out and voter turnout could increase. He said
that weekend voting, multiple day voting, and required percentages for passage of questions
were also considered by the Charter Commission.
Comissioner McKee indicated that according to research, the mail voting method clearly resulted
in greater voter turnouts than traditional voting in the polls. She said there was very little
information to research on the other voting options.
Councilmeinber Slavik commented that the July 6, 1998 letter from Christian Preus also
suggested a super majority vote requirement for passage of a question.
Commissioner Preus requested a better understanding of the City Councilmembers' opinions on
the mail ballot proposal.
Councilmember Black reiterated that she is neutral on the mail ballot issue. Although she is
unclear about the whole process, she would likely support a mail election. She does not favor
internet voting at this time.
Councilmember Harstad said he favors a requirement for mail balloting. He believes that special
elections should wait to be included with a regular November election, and other special
elections should be used only for emergencies. He believes the important issue is voter turnout.
Councilmember Harstad believes that internet voting is coming soon.
Councilmember Johnson said that she doesn't disagree with the mail election process, and she
would like to consider that option for future special elections. However, she believes it is unwise
to put a mail requirement into the Charter without knowing how election technology may change
in the near future. She believes that elected officials need to be accountable. If the electorate has
concerns about the Council, then they have the power to change members through an election.
Councilmember Slavik said she originally was in favor of the mail ballot proposal for special
elections and remains neutral on the issue. She said that if many people questioned the special
election on the activity center issue, a mail ballot may the way to regain trust, although the
process is cumbersome.
Councilmember Brown stated that he believes the decline in voter turnout is a citizenship issue
which cannot be fully addressed by a different voting method. He would oppose requiring that
special elections be held only at general elections. He does not oppose mail ballot elections,
although he believe it would have negligible impact on turnout.
Councilmember Harstad said that a fourth fire station is currently being considered, and this
could possibly be included in a future general election. He believes that if the planning process
is done correctly, there should be very few issues, other than emergencies, that result in a special
election.
Mayor Tierney said she was dismayed by the low voter turnout in the special election on the
activity center. However, she believes it is premature to add an amendment to the charter
requiring mail special elections. She is concerned about the extra cost and impact on staff of a
mail ballot election. She supports mail elections as an option and said the Council should
consider the option whenever a special election is initiated. She also believes that on-line voting
will soon occur, which may make mail ballot elections obsolete.
Commissioner Thompson said it is the purpose of the Charter to tie the Council's hands when
appropriate, and he and other residents have suspicions about the Council's motives in
scheduling the activity center special election. He said residents feel the same about School
District 284 special elections. He said the Charter should either require that special elections be
held with regular general elections or require a voting method so the Council cannot control the
outcome.
Commissioner Marofsky said the Charter Commission is trying to increase voter turnout and
decrease voter apathy. He believes the City needs to do everything possible to get residents to
vote. He does not support waiting until internet or electronic voting becomes available. It may
be a long time before a system is competent and secure, and available voting methods should be
used now to attempt to increase voter turnout.
Commissioner Garst questioned whether this issue would be under debate if the activity center
issue would have been defeated in the special election. He believes that voting trends are down
due to voter apathy, and many voters will decide not to vote no matter how easy the City makes
it to vote.
Councilmember Johnson suggested that another way to increase voter awareness is to install
signs throughout the community announcing an upcoming election. She supports efforts to get
people interested in their government.
Mayor Tierney questioned whether the Charter Commission was only interested in mail ballots
or whether they would consider other means to increase voter turnout.
Councilmember Slavik stated that the Council should support mail elections if it is an important
issue to the community and the Charter Commission.
Councilmember Preus said that one argument against mail ballot elections is that some of the
projects for which special elections were held could have been funded from reserve funds. He
said that it is not responsible for the Council to deplete the City's reserve funds.
Mayor Tierney said that with internet voting on the horizon, required mail ballot for special
elections should not be placed in the Charter. She explained that the Charter was originally
developed to be lean and concise. She also believes the distrust of the Council is not warranted.
Commissioner McKee said that mail balloting has been effective in 12 other states, but she is
willing to wait on the issue.
Commissioner Willis questioned whether the Council opposed the mail ballot issue going to the
voters for the decision.
Discussion was held on the 41 percent turnout achieved in the prior mail ballot election in
Plymouth. Some felt that the turnout was substantial due to the method of voting being mail
ballot, while others felt the larger impact was the controversial issue on the ballot.
Councilmember Harstad pledged to use mail voting if a special election issue is proposed.
Mayor Tierney said that the City Council has heard the concerns of the Charter Commission, but
the issue should remain dormant for a time.
Chairman Sipkins stated the Charter Commission had wanted to understand the Council's
opinions on mail ballot elections. The Charter Commission will consider the issue at a future
meeting.
Proposed Charter Commission Minutes
March 30, 2000
Page 2 of 4
Consideration of Issue of Mail Ballot for Special City Elections
Chairman Sipkins began the discussion of this item by stating that he was pleased with the recent
joint meeting held with the City Council.
Commissioner Marofsky stated he understood the Council's position on this issue. The Council
feels this type of action could limit their authority. He personally doesn't feel it was the
Council's intent to seek a low voter turnout for the Plymouth Creek Center; however, a mail
ballot election would increase the voter turnout in future special elections. He also indicated that
he is unwilling to wait for state approval of future technology such as internet voting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Marofsky, and seconded by Commissioner Pauba, to
place the following language on the November General Election ballot: "Special elections not
held in conjunction with a general election to authorize the issuance of bonds or other obligations
or the expenditure of funds shall be conducted by mailed ballot if allowed by law.
Commissioner Sipkins questioned why the commission would be limiting this provision only to
bond issues.
Commissioner Marofsky asked what other issues the Council could place on a special election
ballot. Assistant City Manager Ahrens stated besides bonding issues, there could be Charter
amendments. She informed the commissioners that a mail ballot election is only allowed for
questions, not candidates, according to State Statute.
Commissioner McKee stated she is convinced a mail ballot election would increase voter
turnout. She would support including in the amendment all special elections not just those
special elections involving bonding issues.
Commissioner Donovan echoed Commissioner McKee's comments.
Motion was made by Commissioner Sipkins, and seconded by Commissioner Donovan to amend
the main motion to include the following language on the November General Election Ballot:
Special elections not held in conjunction with a general election shall be conducted by mailed
ballot if allowed by law. With all members voting in favor but Schwartz, the motion carried.
Commissioner Walling commented he would prefer to direct the Council to utilize a mail ballot
election for the next bonding issue rather than forcing the issue through a charter amendment.
The commissioners then voted on the amended main motion. With all members voting in favor
except Schwartz and Walling, the motion carried.