2023.03.14 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 28, 2023 Page 3 of 6 Councilmember Abdulle requested staff pursue a physical separation between the bike lane and the driving lane for safety purposes. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting explained he could investigate this, but noted there was no extra right-of-way to accommodate a barrier. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked that staff address the dangerous access to Big Louie’s. Motion by Councilmember Abdulle, seconded by Councilmember Allen to accept all bids and adopt a Resolution awarding a contract for City Project 21‐9, Old Highway 8 – 3 Lane Conversion to the lowest responsible bidder, Forest Lake Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $5,413,325.75. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried 2. Consider Resolution for Election Services Agreement with Ramsey County. City Manager Massopust explained he and City Clerk Spangrud would be presenting this item to the Council. City Manager Massopust stated the 2024 election year includes administration of three elections: Presidential Nominating primary in March, State primary in August, and general election in November. Planning for the Presidential primary occurs every four years and begins fall 2023; therefore, budgets and decisions on administrative changes must be made this spring. Due to Ramsey County’s post-2022 election review duties, which were completed in January, the election services agreement was reviewed by City staff and our attorney as soon as it was received this month. City Clerk Spangrud reported as staff considered ways of continuing to offer consistent and efficient elections, a cost-benefit analysis and organizational review of elections was conducted. The City of New Brighton currently manages elections with 1.5 FTEs. With the growth of absentee voting, additional training, security procedures, and internal staffing changes affecting responsibilities, election management exceeds the capacity of our Clerk’s Office. Further, time commitment to recruit and build relationships with election judges coupled with higher wages paid by the County have introduced additional incentives to consider an agreement with Ramsey County. Staff reviewed the three scenarios available to the City and commented on the cost benefit analysis for each scenario. After consideration of each scenario, staff was recommending approval of the election services agreement with Ramsey County. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked staff for the detailed presentation and commented on the cost benefit analysis. She explained the staff time involved from other departments was not included in this analysis but should be noted. City Manager Massopust reported this was the case, noting public works, public safety, human resources, and the parks department all assisted with elections as well. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated she believed this contract would save staff a great deal of time, if approved, and she wanted staff to be intentional when considering how to readjust their hours. Councilmember Abdulle thanked staff for the detailed presentation. He asked why the expense for elections varied so much between odd and even years. City Manager Massopust discussed the difference in costs for the elections in odd and even years. It was noted Ramsey County currently ran the elections in odd years and the City ran the elections in even years. Councilmember Allen thanked staff for the thorough presentation. He thanked staff for their tremendous on elections each year. He explained he supported the elections contract with Ramsey County. He encouraged staff to advocate for early voting to continue at the Community Center. City Manager Massopust stated staff could discuss this further with Ramsey County. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commented on several concerns she had regarding the proposed agreement. She stated there were a number of costs that could come back to the City. She wanted to see the County responsible for recount costs. She asked if the County would be upgrading their processes to be more electronic. City Clerk Spangrud reported the County was adamant about not upgrading their equipment and 2. Consider Resolution for Election Services Agreement with Ramsey County.