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1 I 1 Council Meeting Minutes May 12, 1987 Egan indicated an important concept of the resolution is that New Brighton is encouraging Ramsey County to take the lead in coor- dinating election activities and provide a group of machines which would be available for back-up purposes; another factor is the internal programming of each machine for each election and noted Ramsey County is anticipating purchasing the brain for the system. Egan noted New Brighton can do a stand-alone system, but would get more mileage if the system is coordinated. Benke suggested the possibility of a joint purchase with the School District for affordability and adaptability purposes. Johannes emphasized the light weight and the small size of the scanner, emphasizing only one scanner would be needed in each pre- cinct; noted there is some legislature proposed to combine school district elections with regular elections; and has been working with Ramsey County as well as other municipalities. Gunderman asked what the cost would be if we purchased the entire system; Johannes indicated it would be approximately $32,500. Gunderman asked if there is an option to lease-purchase; Johannes indicated there is, or the city could simply lease the equipment. Because of constantly changing technology, Gunderman asked for projections (ie. voting through cable television); Johannes re- sponded two systems voting through cable video were in existence for a short time before failing, but agreed technology is changing but did not know when the demonstrated machine would be replaced. Brandt, assuming the resolution is passed and this is investigated more thoroughly, would like to see extensive discussion informa- tion on how sensitive the machine is to smudging, torn corners, crumpled paper, etc. Johannes demonstrated how a ballot is re- jected, with the machine indicating why it was rejected. Benke asked for a future demonstration, once some of the concerns can be addressed. In response to Gunderman's concern, Egan stated if a scanner breaks down during use, ballots can be taken to another precinct, but would expect Ramsey County would distribute an extra machine to each city on the day of an election. Motion by Blomquist, seconded by Williams, to WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE USE OF OPTICAL SCAN VOTING EQUIPMENT. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried With regard to the staff report concerning the Metro East Coali- tion, Sinda explained New Brighton now belongs to the Northern Mayors' Association (which includes New Brighton and those munici- palities eastward and southward to Robbinsdale) and indicated the Metro East Coalition encompasses New Brighton and municipalities westward and southward to Eagan. Page 14 Metro East Coalition Report 87-138