HomeMy WebLinkAbout5C Election Assistance Grant Application to StateU iri
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4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake. MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 5, 2011
AGENDA #: 5C
PREPARED BY: JANE KANSIER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
PRESENTED BY: JANE KANSIER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF
AN ELECTION ASSISTANCE GRANT. APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA
SECRETARY OF STATE
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The State of Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State (OSS) is currently solicit-
ing grant proposals from cities, townships, and counties for accessibility improve-
ments to polling places in Minnesota. Money has been designated for polling
place enhancements, such as accessible voting booths, magnifiers, etc., to permit
privacy and independence for the voter. Staff is requesting City Council approval
of the attached resolution authorizing submittal of an Election Assistance Grant
application.
Histo
The City of Prior Lake has more than 14,000 registered voters and eight polling
places. In 2010, 61.6% of the registered voters participated in the election. Voter
participation is critical to the democratic process. It is important to be sure all vot-
ers have access to polling places and equipment.
Current Circumstances
The City will be requesting a grant of $8,688 to update its current voting equip-
ment. This grant will allow the City to purchase 21 ADA compatible booths, 11
lights for the existing ADA compatible booths, and 100 lights for the remaining vot-
ing booths.
Conclusion
Staff is requesting City Council authorization to proceed with this application.
ISSUES: The grant application, due on December 12, 2011, requires a City Council resolu-
tion authorizing the application. If awarded, the City will be required to enter into a
grant contract specifying the improvements and payments by February, 2012.
FINANCIAL There is no local match required as part of this grant. If the Office of the Secre-
IMPACT: tary of State is able to fund only a portion of the request, the City will be expected
to finance the remaining amount.
ALTERNATIVES: 1. Adopt a resolution authorizing submittal of an Election Assistance Grant Appli-
cation to the Minnesota Secretary of State.
2. Deny a resolution authorizing submittal of an Election Assistance Grant Appli-
cation to the Minnesota Secretary of State.
3. Other action as directed by the City Council.
RECOMMENDED Staff recommends Alternative 1. This requires a motion and second to adopt a
MOTION: resolution authorizing submittal of an Election Assistance Grant Application to the
Minnesota Secretary of State.
2
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4646 Dakota Street SE
7M Prior Lake, MN 55372
RESOLUTION 11 -xxx
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF AN ELECTION ASSISTANCE GRANT
APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE
Motion By:
Second By:
WHEREAS, The City of Prior Lake seeks to establish accessible polling places; and
WHEREAS, The Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State is soliciting grant proposals from cities,
townships and counties for accessibility improvements to polling places in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, The City of Prior Lake is submitting a proposal for a grant; and
WHEREAS, The application requires a resolution from the City Council.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA as follows:
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein.
2. The City of Prior Lake staff is hereby authorized to:
a. Apply for a grant from the Office of the Secretary of State of Minnesota for Federal funds pursuant
to Title II, Section 261 of the Help America Vote Act for the sole purpose of improving access to
polling places in this city for persons with disabilities;
b. Enter into an agreement with the Office of the Secretary of State governing the receipt,
expenditure, reimbursement and reporting of such a grant;
c. Receive and account separately in a manner sufficient to meet generally accepted government
accounting principles sufficient to pass federal audit; and
d. Expend any sums received in the manner indicated in the grant application and agreement with the
Office of the Secretary of State.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 5T" DAY OF DECEMBER 2011.
YES
Ice
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M ser
Erickson
Erickson
Hedberg
Hedber
Keeney
Keene
Soukup
Souku
Frank Boyles, City Manager
http: / /financel /teams /am /October4 2010 /December 5, 2011 /election assistance grant resolution.doc