ADMINISTRATION - Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk
Title
ESTABLISH NEW POLLING LOCATION FOR PRECINCT 2-4B, GRADIENT FINANCIAL CENTER, FORMERLY SCHWAN EVENT CENTER (NSC), 1750 105TH AVENUE NE, BLAINE
Background
Council is asked to designate a new polling location for Precinct 2-4B.
Due to anticipated voter turnout staff is recommending moving Precinct 2-4B from its current location at Blaine City Hall to the Gradient Financial Center, formerly the Schwan Event Center (NSC). Based on access and available parking this new location can better handle voters for two precincts than City Hall.
Staff has verified this location meets the necessary statutory requirements for two polling locations, has secured polling place agreements for both the current Precinct 1-5 and the new Precinct 2-4B with the facility organizer, and has reviewed the proposed changes with Anoka County Elections. Moving one polling location from City Hall will help relieve traffic from having two precincts on site and allow staff to more easily prepare for election returns in the evening.
In accordance with Election law the City will be sending notice of the new polling location to every affected household with at least one registered voter in the precinct at least 25 days before the Primary election.
Recommendation
Adopt the proposed resolution establishing the new polling place location for Precinct 2-4B.
Body
WHEREAS, the Blaine City Council adopted Resolution 12-032 on March 15, 2012 which established polling locations for each precinct; and
WHEREAS, the City previously used Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive NE as the polling location for Precinct 2-4B; and
WHEREAS, due to anticipated voter turnout a polling location change is being recommended; and
WHEREAS, State law requires that the City Council designate polling locations by Resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council, in compliance with the terms and provisions of Minnesota Statutes Section 204.B16, has hereby established the polling location for Precinct 2-4B at the Gradient Financial Center, 1750 105th Avenue NE, for 2016 and all future elections.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 21st day of April, 2016.