Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/08/2019

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City Administrator Ulrich clarified that the desire would be for City Councils to provide input on the appointment process. Councilmember Musgrove referenced the items related to voting and asked for additional details. Administrative Services Director Lasher explained the election process, and record keeping, noting that the absentee ballot process involves a lot of record keeping. She confirmed that electronic voting would still allow daily tracking. Councilmember Musgrove stated that while she would support streamlining the process, she would not support items that would add additional costs. She asked for details on the desire to have absentee voting end earlier. Administrative Services Director Lasher explained that currently absentee voting is allowed up to 5:00 p.m. the day before elections which is very labor intensive, especially the day before elections. Councilmember Musgrove noted that she would support absentee voting ending the Friday prior to election day. She stated that she would not support anyone over 18 being able to witness absentee voting and would limit that to the current people allowed. She referenced the issue of local government aid (LGA), stating that the information provided made it clear that Ramsey is not getting its fair share and would hope that is something the City can push more for. She hoped that the Metro Cities could assist Ramsey in this issue. City Administrator Ulrich noted that a majority of the cities that receive LGA are located outside of the metro area but advised that both Anoka and Coon Rapids receive LGA. Councilmember Heinrich stated that it is important that the City advocate for LGA and commented that perhaps that item could be moved up on the list. Councilmember Riley arrived. Councilmember Heinrich commented that perhaps the desire for Ramsey to have its own zip. code could be moved down on the list as it does not sound very positive and that much traction could be gained. She commented that it may be helpful to present the list in a priority order as sometimes discussions are limited to a short number of the items on the list. She referenced the issue of voting, item D, and stated that she would also want to know about allowing alternative absentee voting sites. She noted that she also agreed with the comments of Councilmember Musgrove related to the other elements of voting. Mayor LeTourneau stated that in prioritizing the list it would seem that the items on the bottom of the list are less important and therefore not prioritizing the list makes it appear that all the items are important. Councilmember Musgrove suggested to then bullet the list rather than number it. City Council Work Session/October 8,2019 Page 2 of 8