Village of Martin's Addition Election Committee met Nov. 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Committee members in attendance: Marty Langelan (Chair), Lauren Shweder Biel, Halie Soifer, Lorie Mitchell. Absent: Jesse Tampio.
Council member present: Richard Krajeck. Village management: Matt Trollinger Marty called the meeting to order at 8:08 p.m. Lorie agreed to take the minutes.
Committee operations: Members signed their Oaths of Office, notarized by Matt. The Committee elected Jesse as vice-chair, subject to his consent. Lorie asked whether current Committee members had reported their membership on the Election Committee to their private insurance, in the event that the Committee is exposed to any legal liability. Richard explained that VMA maintains an insurance policy to cover residents who volunteer to act in an official capacity on village matters. Marty explained the importance of the Sunshine Law to ensure that Election Committee meetings are conducted in an open and public forum. Lauren and Lorie agreed to complete the Sunshine Law online training course. The Committee discussed the professional standards and integrity expected of Election Committee members to ensure that all participants conduct Committee affairs without personal bias or partisanship.
The Committee asked Matt to forward to us the residents’ comments about elections in the VMA survey, for review at our next meeting. Richard noted that the survey responses were very positive.
Election Rules and Procedures: The Committee followed upon a prior discussion concerning changing the timeframe for submission of the candidates’ statements and COI forms from 30 days prior to the election to 45 days prior to the election. Lengthening the timeframe will provide the Committee more time to assemble and deliver the required election documents to VMA residents. Richard agreed to follow up with the Council.
The timetable for the 2019 election was established as follows: On February 22 the nomination period will open. Candidates’ materials should be received by the Election Committee by March 25. The committee will meet on March 27 to assemble the election packet for printing and mailing. The election will be held on May 9.
The Committee had a broad discussion of ways to recruit more candidates to run for the village Council. Educating the residents about the role of VMA Council members by making it easier to attend a meeting was discussed as a potential recruitment strategy. The members suggested moving the January Council meeting to a Sunday afternoon as a more convenient time for residents with families to be present, and suggested that the agenda for the Sunday Council meeting should be compelling enough to attract a wide range of residents. Village traffic concerns, especially issues concerning Shepherd Park, were proposed as potential topics of interest. Richard agreed to discuss the Committee’s ideas with the Council.
Committee task assignments: All members will review the VMA Election Rules and Procedures in detail. Marty will brief Jesse on this meeting and present the Election Committee report at the December 6 Council meeting. Lauren and Lorie will do the Sunshine Law online training. The Committee scheduled its next meeting for Sunday February 3, time TBD, noting that is also Super Bowl Sunday.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
https://www.martinsadditions.org/VMA%20Election%20Committee%20Meeting%20Nov%2027%202018.pdf
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