2022.03.22 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 8, 2022 Page 4 of 6 polling places work. City Clerk Spangrud described how there were separate ballots and machines for combined polling places. She noted Option C was not ideal because it would combine polling places. Councilmember Abdulle requested further information regarding the difference between precincts and wards. City Clerk Spangrud reported New Brighton does not have wards. She explained charter cities are allowed to have wards and a ward is a geographical location where elected officials represent the people within that ward. She indicated New Brighton was a statutory City and all Councilmembers serve at-large, which meant each Councilmember represented all members of the City. She commented further on how State law required cities to keep similar or like voices together. Councilmember Abdulle thanked staff for this information stating this was helpful. City Clerk Spangrud discussed how she worked with DCAD and Mark Suggs to map out all affordable housing within the community and communities not found on a map in an effort to keep their voice together. Councilmember Dunsworth inquired if the majority if the apartments were in the southern portion of the City. City Clerk Spangrud stated the southern portion of the City had a larger population, not more apartments. Councilmember Dunsworth commented she was concerned with unintended voter suppression having the polling places so far north in the precincts that have a high population of renters (Precincts 1 and 2). She understood the redistricting was a monumental task but asked that staff consider this concern further. City Manager Massopust reviewed the locations of the apartment complexes in precinct 1 and precinct 2. He explained the southern most portion of precinct 1 was more industrial uses. He indicated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints would be a better option for precincts 2 and 3. Councilmember Dunsworth stated she understood staff was doing their best with the facilities that were available. She commented she just wanted to see greater access provided to polling places through their physical location, with the understanding there was a void in one precinct. She requested staff find a polling location in precinct 2 to help serve this part of the City. Further discussion ensued regarding the previous polling locations for precinct 2 and 3. Councilmember Abdulle reported he lived in precinct 3 and could support the proposed location, but recommended a separate polling location be found within precinct 2. He suggested Totem Park be considered. City Clerk Spangrud noted this was considered, but it was found the park shelter was too small and had insufficient parking facilities. Councilmember Abdulle questioned if staff had considered using a polling location in Roseville or St. Anthony, or perhaps the community room within the mobile home park. City Clerk Spangrud stated staff believed this would be confusing for New Brighton residents if asked to drive outside the City to vote for New Brighton elections. Councilmember Dunsworth stated she preferred to keep the polling places within New Brighton. She indicated she was concerned about change fatigue for voters who have had their precinct or polling locations changed for the last three elections. City Clerk Spangrud reported it was the intent of staff to get these polling places set and then to not have them change until the next census. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas suggested Fox Trot Marketing be considered as a polling location. She noted this may be an easier location for precinct 2. City Manager Massopust requested City Clerk Spangrud speak to the security measures that have to be in place for polling locations. City Clerk Spangrud explained the day before election day, staff brings out election materials and secured election materials, which meant there had to be a dedicated, secured space that was locked and not accessible to any employees or members of the public. She reported on election day, polling places have to be available at 5:45 a.m. and the members of the public arrive from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., but judges may remain onsite until 9:30 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. She explained public works staff then returns to the polling sites the following day to pick up any remaining materials.