PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
September 4, 2019
Committee Members Present: S. Havey, B. Harris, J. Burdick, K. Graves, J. Ricci, D. Root, P. Stockin, C. Crandall
Others Present: L. Ballengee, G. Barnes, A. Bigelow, P. Curran, D. Decker, W. Dibble, D. Healy, J. Hopkins, C. Knapp, M. McCormick, D. McDonnell, B. Riehle, T. Ross, T. Shaw, M. Washer
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 2:22 p.m. by Committee Chairman Steve Havey.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Stockin, and carried to approve the minutes of August 7, 2019.
Electronic Poll Books Capital Grant Project Funds
Board of Elections Commissioner Mike McCormick attended the meeting and requested a resolution to accept and appropriate funds for the Electronic Poll Books Capital Grant Project – BOE01-C004011-1110000. The funds should be appropriated as follows:
Appropriations: * new cost center for the grant A1452 – Elections Poll Book Grant
A1452.201 Office Equipment $22,000
A1452.404 Maint Contracts $14,219
Total: $36,219
Revenues: * new
A1452.3089.BOE St Aid – Elections Poll Book Grant $36,219
BOE 01-C004011-1110000
Legislator Barnes asked how the electronic poll books work. Mr. McCormick stated it’s similar to an iPad and is connected to the in-house network. As potential voters come in, the inspector will ask who the voter is, type in their name, select the correct person, and then the voter signs a screen and is given a ballot. Legislator Harris asked if the money being accepted will cover the total purchase. Mr. McCormick stated, no, the total purchase price is approximately $71,000. There are two grants to assist with the purchase that total approximately $63,000, so they will be short about $8,000. Legislator Graves asked where the remaining funds were coming from, and Mr. McCormick stated he was unsure at this time. Legislator Harris indicated the advantages of the electronic poll books included being lighter, more convenient, and having the capability to retrieve real-time data, and asked if that is the extent of the advantages. Mr. McCormick stated they can also video chat with inspectors if there are any problems with voting machines, find out where individuals are registered to vote as well as print them directions for their polling site. Legislator Harris asked if this will alleviate lines and wait times. Mr. McCormick stated, yes, it will be a quicker check in process, noting there have been problems in the past with lines in the County. County Treasurer Terri Ross stated that electronic poll books will also eliminate them from having to print poll books which is very expensive. Chairman Crandall stated it would be foolish not to accept these funds as the printing of the books will far exceed any maintenance the electronic poll books may require. This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Stockin, and carried. (Opposed: B. Harris and J. Ricci) Refer to Ways and Means
