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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-17 EC MINUTESENGLEWOOD ELECTION COMMISSION May 17, 1999 I Call to Order The meeting of the Englewood Election Commission was called to order by Chairman Lay at 5:20 p .m . in the City Clerk's Office. II Roll Call Present: Absent: A quorum was present. Members Warren, Holmberg, Ellis, Lay Member Redpath (Clerk's note: Member Redpath was out of town .) ID Approval of Minutes ME1\1BER WARREN MOVED, AND IT WAS SECONDED, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 22, 1999. Ayes : Nays: Abstain: Absent: Motion carried . Commission Members Warren, Ellis, Lay None Commission Member Holmberg Commission Member Redpath IV Discussion -City of Englewood Election Sign policy City Clerk Ellis asked that the Election Commission review the City of Englewood Sign policy. Member Holmberg wasn't clear on the problems and asked for an explanation. Chairman Lay said that, previously, we had an incident of a candidate removing signs and that signs have been put in inappropriate places. Chairman Lay also mentioned, that signs were not being picked up in a timely manner after the election was over. Chairman Lay noted that signs, unrelated to our City elections, in off years, have been placed inappropriately and people did not know who to deal with at City Hall. Chairman Lay commented that a policy was needed. Englewood Election Commission May 17, 1999 Page2 City Clerk Ellis discussed a memo dated October 23, 1997 which sets an Election Sign Policy. She advised that this policy has been reviewed and approved by appropriate City Officials. The policy was reviewed by the Commission. The Commission also reviewed the Election Sign restrictions as set forth in the Englewood Municipal Code. Englewood Municipal Code 16-4-19-5-(B): Election Signs. Election signs shall not be posted more than forty-five ( 45) calendar days prior to the election to which the sign relates, and shall be removed within fifteen (15) calendar days following the election to which the sign relates . Such signs are limited to wall, window and ground signs, and shall not be a banner of paper or cloth . In residential zone districts, there shall be no more than two (2) election signs per each lot; they shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet of total sign area, and shall be no more than six feet (6') in height above grade. In commercial and industrial zone districts, there shall be no more than two (2) per each street frontage; they shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet of total sign area. Ms. Ellis advised that any suggested changes to the Code would go to the Planning and Zoning Commission for approval, prior to sending it to Council. All members present did not see a need to recommend any changes at this time. Chairman Lay commented that everyone needs to use common sense. The Commission determined that election sign issues should be handled by complaint only. They wanted to make sure Code Enforcement does not go looking for sign violations . After receiving a complaint, the Commission would like the City Clerk to advise candidates of any problems and ask that they resolve the issue within five days. The comment was made that kids could be moving the signs as a prank. Member Holmberg asked if the Commission Members were allowed to have signs on their property. City Clerk Ellis said yes the Members are allowed to have the allotted two signs . V Discussion -November 2, 1999 General Municipal Election City Clerk Ellis advised that there are four vacancies on City Council for the 1999 election. The open seats are Ann Nabholz's, District 1, Julie Grazulis', District 3, Alex Habenicht's, At Large, and Kells Waggoner's, At Large, She also advised that the County will be conducting a Mail Ballot Election this November. Ms . Ellis advised that candidate packets will be available July 1st. Englewood Election Commi~ion May 17, 1999 Page3 City Clerk Ellis said that she would be placing an article in the Citizen advising residents of the four council seats up for election and to encourage them to call her office if they are considering running . At that time City Clerk Ellis said she will review the Fair Campaign Practice Act (FCP A) with them. City Clerk Ellis stated that the Inter-Governmental Afeement (IGA) with the County · will be submitted to Council for 1st reading on July 7 . Member Holmberg said she did not vote by mail and that she doesn 't remember having gotten a ballot in the mail. Ms. Holmberg wondered if there was a better way to let the people know about the election. The Commission members discussed several different ideas regarding this issue, including; getting the word out through the Media (radio and television), coordinating with other cities and the County, advertising on grocery bags, water bills, etc. MEMBER WARREN MOVED, AND IT WAS SECONDED, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF AN IGA BETWEEN THE CITY OF ENGLEWOOD AND ARAPAHOE COUNTY TO CONDUCT A COORDINATED MAIL BALLOT ELECTION NOVEMBER 2, 1999. Ayes: Nays: Absent: Motion carried. VI Member's Choice Commission Members Holmberg, Warren, Ellis, Lay None Commission Member Redpath (a) City Clerk Ellis advised that John Weigel EFFA President submitted a letter of intent, regarding a Charter Initiative, signed by five Englewood registered electors. City Clerk Ellis said she and Deputy City Clerk Castle reviewed the checklist the Clerks Office will use in checking the petitions, with John Weigel. Mr. Wiegel was given a copy of the check list because she wants everyone on the same page to eliminate problems as much as possible. Ms. Ellis also advised the State Statute does not allow for a cure period without a protest . (b) City Clerk Ellis advised that she met with Englewood resident Jimey Coleman to discuss the process of changing the Charter regarding the age requirement for Council Members. The Charter states that Council Members must be at least twenty-five years of age. Mr. Coleman would like to change the age requirement to twenty-one years of age . Englewood Election Commission May 17, 1999 Page4 Ms. Ellis noted that Mr. Coleman would be addressing Council as a non-scheduled visitor at tonight's Council Meeting. ( c) City Clerk Ellis advised that a citizen requested information regarding petitioning and distributing information at the Library. The citizen was advised that petitioning was not permitted in any City owned facilities or at the entrance to those facil ities. Also, that she could not interfere with ingress or egress. The citizen was also advised that petitioning was not permitted on any City owned internal sidewalk. VII Transmittal of Miscellaneous Items There were no miscellaneous items to discuss. VIII Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6 :36 p.m.