HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/07/24 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionKfficial minutes
City council study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
July 24, 2023
The meeting convened at 7:15 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Yolanda Farris, Lynette Dumalag, Mayor Pro
Tem Nadia Mohamed and Margaret Rog
Councilmembers absent: Jake Spano
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), city clerk (Ms.
Kennedy), elections and civic engagement coordinator (Mr. Sund), elections specialist (Ms.
Stacey), elections intern (Mr. Paul)
1. Elections and voter services overview
The elections team presented the staff report. Ms. Stacey and Mr. Paul provided an overview of
ranked-choice voting and Mr. Sund discussed the upcoming election cycles, voter services, recent
changes in election law, and metrics.
Councilmember Budd asked if there is a limit on the number of candidates who could run for a
local office and questioned why voters are only allowed to rank up to three (3) choices for each
office on the ballot. Mr. Sund responded this was the policy decision made by council when
ranked-choice voting was implemented and clarified there is no limit on the number of
candidates who can file for an office. Ms. Kennedy explained the number of choices allowed was
looked at very closely and is also tied to ballot layout and how ranked-choice contests are
tabulated. The rules were written to allow for flexibility in the future by providing that voters
would be allowed to rank at least three (3), but and not more than six (6) choices on the ballot.
Future changes would be dependent on availability of technology, equipment, and need.
Councilmember Rog noted it seems there will be more activity with early voting at city hall
versus at polling places on Election Day. She asked if fewer election workers will be needed
based on this trend. Ms. Kennedy stated that this trend has been happening since 2016 and has
already been incorporated into staffing plans. The number of election workers at each polling
place reflects voting trends and projected turnout. Ms. Kennedy noted it is important to
continue to staff polling places appropriately to ensure the high level of service voters expect is
maintained and that voters are able to participate safely and efficiently.
Councilmember Rog noted opportunities to increase awareness about candidacy and asked if
staff is measuring outcomes or only inputs. Mr. Sund responded that staff has developed and
implemented a survey to measure voter experience and services. The survey also provides an
opportunity to assess outreach and education strategies. This data is analyzed with other
known data from the census or actual voter participation data from each election to identify
gaps, needs, and plan for voter services.
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Councilmember Rog asked if the survey offered to voters leaves anyone out. Ms. Kennedy
stated St. Louis Park is one of the few cities that is attempting to measure the effectiveness of
voter services and then use the data to design strategies to target known gaps or barriers. She
noted one group that is tough to connect with is non-voters. If a person made a choice to not
participate in an election, they are not as likely to want to participate in a survey to explain
why. She stated this is an area they will continue to explore to try to find ways to connect with
non-voters and learn more about why people may not participate.
Councilmember Budd asked if any of the metrics have ever been presented to council. Ms.
Kennedy stated yes, elections staff have presented to the council annually since 2018. In 2022
this information was included and combined with discussions and policy decisions about
redistricting.
Councilmember Rog asked about artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential to impact elections
security. Mr. Sund stated the election community is routinely thinking about, discussing, and
planning for security needs and emergency management plans. St. Louis Park is active in these
efforts and pay very close attention to opportunities to combat disinformation or enhance both
physical and cyber security measures.
Ms. Kennedy added voters are very astute and do a great job of asking questions and reporting
anything that seems suspicious. She noted as technology changes, staff will continue to address
emerging issues in conjunction with partners at the county, state and federal levels.
The consensus of the council was that they agreed with the current metrics being used by staff
to assess voter services and they appreciated the work being done.
Councilmember Dumalag asked how St. Louis Park handles school district elections. Ms.
Kennedy replied that school district elections in St. Louis Park happen in odd-number years and
are run concurrently with elections for city offices. She explained from an administrative
standpoint the team is always looking at what is best for the voter and because the elections
happen at the same time, it makes sense for the city to take the lead because the city has
elections staff with the knowledge and expertise to provide this service. Functionally voters do
not see a difference between the city and the school district, they simply want a good
experience when they choose to vote, and they want the services to be accessible and efficient.
She noted if a special school board election was ever held not in conjunction with a local or
state election, and the school district wanted the city to run it, the district would be responsible
for those costs, including staff time.
Mayor Pro Tem Mohamed asked if the city charges the school district for election assistance.
Ms. Kennedy stated no, noting the school district does pay costs associated with their portion
of the ballot, but the city does not charge the district for staff time, or any other costs related
to the administration of elections.
Communications/meeting check-in (verbal)
Written Reports
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Councilmember Budd asked about the Via Sol project. Ms. Keller stated she will look into the e-
generation portion of the project and report back.
Councilmember Brausen stated it was good to see the affordable housing units increase St. Louis
Park, however noted the units are still expensive.
2.Quarterly development update – 3rd quarter 2023
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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