HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-12-12 EC MINUTES..
ENGLEWOOD ELECTION COMMISSION
December 12, 1989
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kollath at 7:15 a.m.
Present: Bull, Crow, Kollath, Wilson
(NOTE: ONE VACANCY EXISTS)
Also present: Ellis, Deputy City Clerk
As Mr. Bull was absent from the previous meeting, Chairman Kollath provided
background data on the protest filed by Mr. Haidon as well as information from
the meeting with Mr. DeWitt on December 1, 1989. Ms. Kollath explained that
the Commission's purpose in meeting with Mr. DeWitt was to clarify and define
the Election Commission's role with regard to protests or requests for
hearings before the Commission. Mr. DeWitt did not provide that direction,
was defensive of past actions of his office, and basically quite curt with the
Commission members. Mr. DeWitt did state at the meeting he would provide the
Election Commission with a memo directing them as to an appropriate response
to Mr. Haidon. (Copy of that memo is attached to these minutes.)
Chairman Kollath asked the members to consider an appropriate method to
proceed with respect to the Commission's proper role in similar matters. She
felt there were two options: 1) to revert to our former, well defined role of
dealing only with procedures of elections; 2) seek further clarification of
what the Commission should be doing by going directly to City Council.
After discussion, Member Bull moved, Member Wilson seconded, to direct
correspondence to City Council asking for specific clarification of the
Election Commission's role in the election process. The motion was
unanimously approved. The format of the letter was discussed. Chairman
Kollath will draft the letter and seek confirmation from the other members
before the letter is forwarded to City Council.
With regard to the special election scheduled for January 30, 1990, Member
Crow asked the Commission to determine the method of voting (paper ballot or
machine) and how many polling places should be established. Chairman Kollath
moved, Member Wilson seconded, to retain all 16 polling places, and to use
voting machines, not paper ballots, with one voting machine at each polling
place. The motion was unanimously approved.
Member Crow provided an update of the various questions proposed for the
ballot.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.
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eputy City Clerk
MEMORANDUM
TO: Melody Kollath, Election Commission Chairman
Ken Bull, Election Commission Member
Janice Walters, Election Co,ssion Member
Patricia Crow, City Clerk \,/"'"
FROM: Rick DeWitt, City Attorney
DATE: December 4, 1989
RE: Memo from William G. Haidon.
You have inquired, of this office, what approach should be
taken in response to the statement from William G. Haidon. Mr.
Haidon seems to be contesting a provision in the Home Rule
Charter. Without more information, I do not know how the
Election Commission can determine the appropriate course of
action. It is my suggestion that the Election Commission send a
letter to Mr. Haidon, asking him:
1. Whether he wants a hearing on the subject •
2. Have him provide as much elaboration as he can on his
protest.
The responsibilities of the Commission are as set forth in
Sections 10 and 11, of the Charter. At the present time, I am
reluctant to advise, with respect to whether Mr. Haidon•s protest
comes within Sections 10 and 11.
I do not want the Election Commission to be circumvented by
Mr. Haidon with respect to its jurisdiction.
cc: Mayor Van Dyke
Englewood City Council
Roger Fraser
nf
Rick DeWitt