Election Commission

City of Battle Creek Election Commission Meeting 10 N. Division – Room 117 Battle Creek, MI September 27, 2011 11:00 A.M. Present: City Attorney Eileen Wicklund, City Assessor Steven Hudson, City Clerk Deidre Laser Absent: None Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 11:07 A.M. Approval of Minutes (September 6, 2011): Clerk Laser asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Hearing none, a motion was made by Steven Hudson, supported by Eileen Wicklund, to approve the September 6, 2011, meeting minutes. All yes. Motion carried. Review of Ballot: Clerk Laser presented the test ballots for the November 8, 2011, City Election for the Commission’s inspection. She stated that she was concerned that the Ward numbers and term of office were not printed on the ballot. After checking the Michigan Ballot Specifications, they are no longer a requirement. Ms. Laser stated that she checked the rotation of names according to the rotation schedule presented at the last meeting and the rotations were correct. During the first set of proof ballots, Ms. Laser found that Ward 5 candidate names were not rotated. This error was corrected. She asked the Commission to inspect the ballot and provide any comments. Steven Hudson noted that two candidates appear on the ballot that already hold elective office and asked if that could create a conflict as Mark Behnke is a Calhoun County Commissioner and Arthur McClenney is a Battle Creek Public School Board Member. Attorney Wicklund stated there was a real potential for incompatibility of offices, and if these candidates are elected to the City Commission, they may have to give up one of the elected offices. Ms. Wicklund reported that the City routinely enters into contracts with the county and the school system. The decision depends upon the relationships and the type of contracts between the two bodies. Mr. Hudson asked if there have ever been an Attorney General’s opinion that would address this issue. 1 Ms. Wicklund stated that there are similar cases; however, they do not specifically address City Commissioner/School Board member or City Commissioner/County Commissioner. Mr. Hudson asked how the City could avoid this situation in the future. Ms. Wicklund said it would be necessary to ask a state official to seek an Attorney General opinion. Mr. Hudson asked if it would be appropriate for the Election Commission to make that recommendation prior to the election in order to receive a timely response. Ms. Laser stated that she had talked with the Bureau of Elections who also advised that the City should ask a state official to receive an Attorney General’s opinion. Ms. Wicklund concurred. A motion was made by Steven Hudson, supported by Deidre Laser, to recommend that the City Attorney write a letter to the appropriate state official to seek an Attorney General’s opinion regarding the two elected officials on the city election ballot. All yes. Motion carried. Appointment of Election Inspectors for May 3, 2011, Election: Clerk Laser noted that she had sent out interest letters to election workers to work the November election and anticipated staffing each precinct with five workers. A motion was made by Eileen Wicklund, supported by Steven Hudson, to authorize the City Clerk to hire the necessary election workers for the November 8, 2011, City Election. All yes. Motion carried. Public Comment: None. Commission Comment: None. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 AM. DAL 2