Election Commission

City of Battle Creek Election Commission Meeting 10 N. Division Street – Room 112 Battle Creek, MI January 9, 2018 9:00 AM Present: Jill Steele, City Attorney; Steve Hudson, City Assessor; Vicki Houser, City Clerk Absent: None Guests: Mayor Behnke Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 9:01 A.M. Approval of Minutes (December 27, 2017) A motion was made by Attorney Steele, supported by Assessor Hudson, to approve the December 27, 2017 Election Commission meeting minutes. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. Communications: Clerk Houser stated only two additional emails had been received since the December 27, 2017 meeting, one from Commissioner Gray and one from Commissioner Flores. Precinct Consolidations Clerk Houser discussed staff’s research regarding the proposed precinct consolidations, stating it was determined all of the precinct consolidation/relocations, except for one, would result in increased distance to the new locations. Attorney Steele stated the consolidations/relocations resulting in longer distances to the proposed polling locations would be contrary to the City’s goal of increasing voter participation, recommending the Election Commission not pursue the proposed consolidations/relocations. A. Clerk Houser noted the first proposed consolidation/relocation was for Precinct 7 to be consolidated with Precincts 12 and 18, noting the relocation would result in longer travel distances for Precinct 7 voters who would be relocated to Precinct 12, with slightly shorter distances for precinct 7 voters relocated to Precinct 18. B. Clerk Houser also noted the second proposed consolidation/relocation was to move Precinct 13 to Precinct 9, noting there would be a significant increase in the travel distance. C. Clerk Houser noted the third proposed consolidation/relocation was to consolidate Precincts 1 and 19, with a more central polling location at Fire Station #1 on E. Michigan Avenue, resulting in increased travel distances for voters from both precincts. The Election Commission agreed not to pursue the consolidation/relocation of Precincts 7 and 13, and Precincts 1 and 19 at this time. D. Restructuring of Precinct 5 to move the boundary lines that include the Battle Creek Public School district to Precinct 20, thus moving approximately 50 registered voters from precinct 5 to precinct 20. A motion was made by Assessor Hudson, supported by Attorney Steele, to move precinct 20 boundary lines to include the portion of Battle Creek Public Schools currently in precinct 5, removing Battle Creek Public Schools from precinct 5. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. E. Reversal of restructuring of Precincts 4 and 10 1  A motion was made by Assessor Hudson, supported by Attorney Steele, to reverse the motion of December 27, 2017 regarding the balancing of precincts 4 and 10, noting the restructuring would cause a split in the County Commission district. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. May 2018 Special Election Clerk Houser noted Battle Creek Public Schools and Climax-Scotts Community Schools had informed the City that they would have proposals on the May 8, 2018 Special Election Ballot. Clerk Houser noted she had received communication from Lakeview School District of a possible proposal on the May or August 2018 ballot, but that they had not yet determined which date. Clerk Houser noted the first item for consideration was a recommendation to the Calhoun County Election Commission to consolidate the precincts that would be needed to facilitate the May 8, 2018 Special Election for the Battle Creek Public Schools proposal. Clerk Houser noted the County Election commission was responsible for the consolidation, but would consider a recommendation from the City Election Commission. A motion was made by Attorney Steele, supported by Assessor Hudson, to request the Calhoun County Election Commission consider the consolidation of precincts 4 and 10, 15 and 17, 12 and 21, and 7, 9, 13 and 23 for the May 8, 2018 Special School Election for Battle Creek Public Schools. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. Clerk Houser noted the next item for consideration was the consolidation of precincts for a possible May 8, 2018 Special School Election for Lakeview Schools. A motion was made by Attorney Steele, supported by Assessor Hudson, to approve the consolidation of precincts 2 and 3, 5 and 20, 6 and 9, and 22 and 23 if Lakeview Schools finalized plans to place a ballot proposal on the May 8, 2018 election ballot. All in favor, none opposed. Motion approved. Public Comments: John Holmes, 117 Elsinore Lane, stated he was pleased the Election Commission made the determination to keep precincts 1, 7, 13 and 19 as is, stating he did not believe consolidating the precincts were a good idea, instead suggesting the City create additional precincts and polling locations. Deboraha Sallee, Emmett Township, Walter Smith Randolph Foundation, expressed appreciation that the Election Commission did not consolidate the precincts, stating she felt it result in less voter turnout. Ms. Sallee also questioned why the consolidation of precincts was only discussed in the last couple of weeks. Jim Haadsma, Bedford Township resident, agreed the precincts should not be consolidated, stating it is not just a matter of distance, but also of usage. Commission Comments: Responding to a Ms. Sallee, Clerk Houser noted the discussion of consolidating precincts with very low voter turnout began in 2016, followed by a recommendation at the May 2017 City Commission Budget workshop. Ms. Houser stated the proposed consolidation information was presented to the City Commission in December 2017 to inform the Commission and the public, and to gather input. Clerk Houser noted the presentation also informed every one of the Election Commission meeting on December 27, 2017, offering an opportunity for resident input. Clerk Houser noted the second meeting of the Election Commission was being held today as the resolution had to be finalized by January 9, 2018. Assessor Hudson stated the Election Commission would work closely with the Calhoun County Apportionment Commission in 2021 after the 2020 U. S. Census to consider additional precinct and district boundary lines, to consolidate precincts, and to eliminate additional split precincts. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 AM. 2