REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Robin Estanislau, CMC, City Clerk
PREPARED BY: Robin Estanislau, CMC, City Clerk
Subject:
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Approve and authorize execution of License Agreements with the County of Orange to continue the operation and maintenance of official and secure Ballot Drop Boxes at the Huntington Beach Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, and the Main Street Branch Library, 525 Main Street, in Huntington Beach
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Statement of Issue:
On November 4, 2019, the City Council approved License Agreements with the County of Orange to install, operate, and maintain official and secure Ballot Drop Boxes at the Huntington Beach Civic Center, located at 2000 Main Street, and the Main Street Branch Library, located at 525 Main Street in Huntington Beach. Both agreements are set to expire on September 30, 2024, and the County of Orange is requesting the City’s approval to continue operation and maintenance of Ballot Drop Boxes for an additional five years. All other terms of the original license agreements remain unchanged.
Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a “License Agreement” with the County of Orange for continued operation and maintenance of a Ballot Drop Box as identified in Exhibits A and B (License Area description and location) at the Huntington Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach; and,
B) Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a “License Agreement” with the County of Orange for continued operation and maintenance of a Ballot Drop Box as identified in Exhibits A and B (License Area description and location) at the Main Street Branch Library, 525 Main Street, Huntington Beach.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action(s), and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
In February 2019, the County Board of Supervisors voted to enact the Voter’s Choice Act. Beginning in 2020, all voters in Orange County began to receive a vote-by-mail ballot with the option to: 1) return their ballot by mail (postage-free) through the United States Postal Service; 2) drop their ballot in an official and secure Ballot Drop Box; or 3) deliver their ballot to any four or eleven-day Vote Center within the County.
On September 30, 2019, the City received a request to enter into license agreements with the County of Orange to install Ballot Drop Boxes in specific “license areas” at the Huntington Beach Civic Center and Main Street Branch Library. License agreements and information related specifically to Ballot Drop Box specifications, delivery and installation, maintenance and frequently asked questions was included in a staff report presented to Council at their November 4, 2019, meeting (Attachment 3).
The County’s updated license agreements that identify a new 5-year term have been approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office and are presented as Attachments 1 and 2.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non-Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. Ballot Drop Box “License Agreement” - HB Civic Center
2. Ballot Drop Box “License Agreement” - HB Main Street Branch Library
3. Council staff report dated November 4, 2019