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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Full - Election Code Committee - 07/05/2018 - City Clerk 300 LaPorte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6515 970.221-6295 - fax fcgov.com/cityclerk AGENDA  City Council Election Code Committee  July 5, 2018, 12:00‐1:30 p.m.  Council Information Center (CIC) Room, 300 LaPorte Avenue      Committee Members:   Councilmember Bob Overbeck, District 1  Councilmember Kristin Stephens, District 4 (Chair)  Councilmember Ross Cunniff, District 5    1. Call Meeting to Order  2. Citizen Comment (limited to 5 minutes per speaker)  3. Approval of May 3, 2018 Committee Meeting Minutes  4. Discussion Items:  a. Independent Expenditures‐expenditure amount triggering reporting requirement  b. “Paid for by” statements    5.  Education/Orientation   6.  Other Business  7.  Adjournment    Next Meeting:    August 2, 2018, 12:00‐1:30 pm, Council Information Center, 300 LaPorte Avenue    There are three or more members of City Council that may attend this meeting.  While no formal action will be  taken by the Council at this meeting, the discussion of public business will occur and the meeting is open to the  public.     City of Fort Collins Page 1 May 3, 2018 ELECTION CODE COMMITTEE MEETING 12:00 PM PRESENT: Overbeck, Cunniff, Coldiron, Malarkey, Knoll, Gonzales, Daggett ABSENT: Stephens CITIZENS PRESENT: Marge Norskog, Robbie Moreland, 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Councilmember Cunniff called the meeting to order. 2. CITIZEN COMMENT Marge Norskog thanked the Committee for recent Election Code changes, especially those related to the registered agent and committee termination. She supported simplifying the calendar for all committees and discussed the value of campaign ads issue. Ms. Norskog requested the Committee require a legible image of any material referenced in expenditure reports and supported the formation of a citizen committee. She also stated she is attempting to meet with Councilmember Martinez regarding her concerns. Councilmember Overbeck stated public comment rather than a citizen committee may be the most effective way to get topics into the process swiftly and directly. Councilmember Cunniff noted citizen comment summaries are included in the minutes. Councilmember Overbeck noted all Councilmembers receive Election Code Committee minutes. Councilmember Cunniff stated the best process for citizen oversight of elections is ongoing and he is not opposed to citizen involvement in some fashion. He stated he is supportive of having a “paid for by” statement on advertisements and noted the Committee has discussed requiring candidates and committees to save printed campaign materials in a fashion similar to financial records. He stated it is important to balance candidate and committee first amendment rights with the ease of citizens to find information. He noted “paid for by” disclaimers must also be crafted to withstand first amendment challenges. 3. APPROVAL OF APRIL 5, 2018 COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Councilmember Overbeck made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Cunniff, to adopt the March 1, 2018 Committee meeting minutes. The motion was adopted unanimously. 4. ELECTION-RELATED CHANGES FOR DISCUSSION a. Value of Campaign Ads on Websites City Attorney Daggett provided language that would add some specific references to online methods of communicating and noted that language will also be included in other Code sections as applicable. Councilmember Cunniff suggested the addition of language related to social media. City Attorney Daggett suggested the addition of a social media definition. Chief Deputy City Clerk Knoll discussed the importance of making it clear that internet and social media expenditures must be reported. She asked if this language can be placed into a draft ordinance. Councilmembers Overbeck and Cunniff replied in the affirmative. City of Fort Collins Page 2 b. Deadlines for Nomination Petitions, Withdrawal, and Write-in Candidates Councilmember Cunniff stated the goal is to align deadlines in 7-day increments and stated this language is ready to proceed to a draft ordinance. c. UOCAVA Voters City Attorney Daggett discussed language changes and noted overseas military post offices may not postmark immediately and this topic may need some additional research. Councilmember Cunniff asked if early counts will be provided after polls close on Election Day. Knoll replied unofficial results will be posted on Election Day; however, to protect the secrecy of ballots received or signatures cured in the 8-day period, there will be some ballots held back from the Election Day tabulation. Councilmembers Cunniff and Overbeck stated they have no additional concerns and suggested language move forward. d. Disclaimer Notices on Campaign Materials and Definition of Independent Expenditures City Attorney Daggett stated staff is attempting to create a foundation for moving forward with the “paid for by” language. She presented language for changes specifically requiring the retention of sample communications and expanding the definition of independent expenditures to include expenditures to support or oppose ballot measures. Councilmember Cunniff supported the expansion of independent expenditures and suggested the agenda materials state that these changes are proposed because the amount of money being spent on elections is increasing and is in the interest of voter education and better transparency. Councilmember Overbeck suggested the Clerk or this Committee write a “letter to the editor” about this process and changes. Councilmember Cunniff suggested copies of materials to be retained be allowed to be electronic as well as physical. He asked if staff has examples of the enabling legislation and rationale for the statement “this message is approved by the candidate” requirements. City Attorney Daggett replied the federal rules have been in place for some time and may be part of the federal register; however, they may have been created administratively. She stated Denver has recently adopted “paid for by” requirements. 5. FOLLOW-UP ITEMS Knoll noted redistricting will be a future topic. City Clerk Coldiron stated the Clerk’s Office has put an enhancement offer in the upcoming budget process to hire a consultant for the 2020 redistricting efforts. Councilmember Overbeck asked how a consultant was selected. City Clerk Coldiron replied a consultant has not been selected. She stated a consultant would provide a non-biased approach and could provide some expertise staff does not already possess. Knoll stated the scope of work for the budget offer includes a public outreach component. City of Fort Collins Page 3 6. NEXT MEETING Councilmember Cunniff stated the next meeting is June 7, 2018. 7. OTHER BUSINESS 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12:45 PM. Topic 4a Source Questions/Comments/Explanation  Independent  Expenditures  Staff  Amending expenditure amount triggering reporting  requirement  Status:   City Code has been amended to broaden the definition of “independent expenditure” to  include those related to ballot issues and questions (Ordinance No. 077, 2018)    Below is proposed Code amendment to raise the threshold requirement for reporting of  independent expenditures from $100 to $200 to exclude insignificant expenditures from the  application of the reporting requirement  Staff has suggested raising the threshold requirement for reporting independent expenditures from  $100 to $200.  The Election Code Committee may wish to consider a higher amount as part of its  discussion.  Sec. 7‐139. ‐ Independent expenditures.   Any person or political committee making independent expenditures totaling more than one two hundred dollars ($100 200.) shall deliver notice in writing of such independent expenditures to the City Clerk no later than three (3) business days after the day that such funds are obligated. Said notice shall include the following information: (1) The name, address and telephone number of the person making the independent expenditures; (2) The name of the candidate whom the independent expenditures are intended to support or oppose; (3) The name and address of the vendor(s) providing the property, materials or services; (4) A detailed description of the independent expenditures sufficient to allow for determination of compliance with this section; (5) The amount of the independent expenditures; (6) The date the funds were obligated; and (7) Copies of receipts, invoices, or other documentation related to the independent expenditure. For the purposes of this provision, funds shall be considered to have been obligated as soon as an agreement is reached for the provision of the property, materials or services in question, regardless of when payment is to be made for such property or services. All independent expenditures shall be documented and all records pertaining to independent expenditures, including but not limited to invoices, receipts, and instruments of payment shall be maintained for one (1) year following any election in which the funds were expended unless a complaint has been filed under Subsection 7-145(a) alleging a violation of the provisions of this Article, or the person or committee has received notice of an investigation or prosecution of a violation of this Article by the City or other law enforcement authority, in which case they shall be maintained until final disposition of the complaint and any consequent court proceedings. Such records shall be made available within three (3) business days upon request of the City and subject to inspection in connection with any hearing held pursuant to this Article.     Topic 4b Source Questions/Comments/Explanation  Disclaimer notices on  campaign materials   Staff  Requiring “paid for by” information on campaign  materials  Status:   Committee has received input from citizens requesting that campaign materials include “paid  for by statements”.   Committee expresses interest in researching possibilities.   Discussion at April meeting regarding retention of public political communications (to  document) and regarding possible approaches to requiring disclaimers and related  requirements.   With the adoption of Ordinance No. 077, 2018, City Code was modified to add a requirement  to retain a sample of each public communication to current recordkeeping requirements.   In addition, there was Committee discussion of expenditures that might be subject to possible  disclaimer, including independent expenditures for ballot issues and questions (rather than  only candidate‐related expenditures).  The City Code has been amended to broaden the  definition of “independent expenditure” to include those related to ballot issues and  questions.   Proposed Code language for “paid for by” disclaimer requirements is included here.  This  language would include expenditures concerning ballot issues and questions.   Staff has suggested that Council may want to consider a process for engaging the public and  evaluating the need for the paid for by requirement prior to final proposal and consideration.  The Election Code Committee requested staff provide Code language for discussion purposes only.  The  following proposed Code language can serve as a basis for further discussion:  Sec. 7‐140. – Responsibility for communications.  (a)  Whenever any person makes an expenditure for the purpose of financing communications  expressly advocating a particular result in an election, or solicits any contribution or contribution in‐kind  through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, direct mailing or any  other type of general public political advertising, such communication:  (1)  If  paid  for  or  authorized  by  a  candidate,  candidate  committee,  issue  committee,  or  political committee or their agents, shall clearly state that the communication is paid for by that  candidate, candidate committee, issue committee, or political committee;  (2)  If paid for by other persons but authorized by a candidate, a candidate committee, issue  committee, political committee or their agents, shall clearly state that the communication is paid  for  by  such  other  persons  and  authorized  by  the  candidate,  candidate  committee,  issue  committee, or political committee; or  (3)  If paid for by a person as an independent expenditure or electioneering communication,  shall  clearly  state  both  the  full  name  of  the  person  making  the  expenditure  and  that  the  advertisement  or  material  is  not  authorized  by  the  candidate,  candidate  committee,  issue  committee, or political committee.  (b)  In to the different forms of communication set forth in subsection (a) of this Section 7‐140,  “communication” shall include:  (1)  Websites of a candidate, candidate committee, political committee, or issue committee  available to the general public; and  (2)  Advertisements placed for a fee on another person’s website.  (c)  The  statement  required  by  this  Section  7‐140  must  be  clear and  conspicuous  in  the  communication.  In printed materials, the statement must be of a sufficient typeface and color contrast  to be clearly readable.  Nothing herein shall be deemed to alleviate any person from complying with  federal campaign finance law, as applicable.  (d)   The statement required herein shall not apply to communications where including the statement  would be impractical, including:  (1)  Bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens and similar small items upon which the disclaimer  cannot be conveniently printed;  (2)  Skywriting, water towers, wearing apparel, or other means of displaying an advertisement  of such a nature that the inclusion of a disclaimer would be impracticable; or  (3)  Checks,  receipts,  and  similar  items  of  minimal  value  that  are  used  for  purely  administrative purposes and do not contain a political message.     FUTURE TOPICS   Topic  Source Questions/Comments/Explanation  Redistricting  Staff  Staff requests a discussion with the Committee to  receive guidance    Would the Committee consider removing sections 7‐ 71(b), 7‐87(c) and (d)? Removing this review will  lessen the frequency of moving precincts between  districts.     Would the committee support funding to hire a  consultant to help formulate options/different  methods for redistricting?  Status:     Committee discussion on October 5, 2017.   OK given to move forward with precincts boundary changes now to correspond with County  precincts.  Ordinance will need to include suspension of requirement to review district  boundaries when County reprecincts.   Staff asked to consider the possibility of City precincts being smaller than the County’s  precincts.  Discussion with Larimer County planned.     Staff asked to do modeling to demonstrate how much growth could happen between now  and the 2020 census.   Staff to provide suggested Code language to limit district boundary changes to occur only  after the census.   Precinct boundary changes completed January 2018.    Review of precinct boundaries is required by City Code Section 7‐71(b), 7‐87(c) and (d) whenever  Larimer County changes its precinct boundaries.   Current Code language:  Division 2‐Election Precincts and Polling Places  Sec. 7‐71. ‐ Precinct map/amendment.   (a)  The boundaries of the election precincts as herein created in the City are hereby fixed and established  as shown on the map entitled "District‐Precinct Map," which map is on file in the office of the City  Clerk.   (b)  Upon notice by Larimer County that its precinct boundaries have been amended, the City Clerk shall  review precinct boundaries and recommend to City Council any precinct boundary changes to ensure  they match Larimer County's precincts.        Division 3‐Election Districts  Sec. 7‐86. ‐ Establishment.   Pursuant to the Charter, the City is hereby divided into six (6) Districts. From each District one (1) City  Councilmember will be elected. Such Districts are designated as District No. 1, District No. 2, District No.  3, District No. 4, District No. 5 and District No. 6, and are delineated on the District‐Precinct Map which is  adopted by ordinance and made a part hereof by reference and is on file in the City Clerk's office.   Sec. 7‐87. ‐ Redistricting; notice.   (a)  The City Council shall, by ordinance, amend the boundaries of the foregoing districts as necessary to  comply with the provisions of Article II, Section 1(c) of the Charter. The City Clerk shall cause to be  published twice, in a local newspaper of general circulation in the City, notice of the date, time and  place of the City Council's consideration of any such redistricting ordinance. The first such notice shall  be published no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the date of first hearing of the redistricting  ordinance, and the second notice shall be published no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of  the first reading of the same.   (b)  Not more than eighteen (18) months after the official decennial publication of the United States  Census concerning the population of the City of Fort Collins, the City Clerk shall recommend to the  City  Council  any  district  boundary  changes  necessary  to  ensure that,  to  the  extent  reasonably  possible, there is no more than a ten‐percent deviation between the most populous and the least  populous district.   (c)  Not less than once every six (6) years after making the determination required under Subsection (b)  above, the City Clerk shall again review the district boundaries to determine whether the maximum  deviation between the most populous and the least populous district meets the standard described  in Subsection (b) above. If the standard in Subsection (b) above is not met, the City Clerk shall  recommend to the City Council any district boundary changes necessary to ensure that the districts  conform to such standard.   (d)  The need to amend precinct boundaries pursuant to § 7‐71(b) shall automatically cause the City Clerk  to review current population deviations, regardless of how long it has been since the last review. If  the deviation is found to exceed ten (10) percent, the City Clerk shall recommend that the City Council  make boundary adjustments, and present the Council with possible redistricting options that to the  maximum extent possible equalize the population in each district, subject to the requirements for  contiguity and compactness set forth in Article II, Section 1(c) of the Charter, with a maximum  permissible deviation of ten (10) percent between the most populous and least populous district.   (e)  Any changes to district boundaries shall be established by ordinance no less than one hundred eighty  (180) days before a regular municipal election.   Larimer County notified the City in June that the Commissioners had approved precinct boundary changes.    Pursuant to City Code, this action by Larimer County triggered the review of the population deviation  between districts.  Staff discovered that the deviation between the most populous and least populous  districts is greater than 10%.  District 1 has grown dramatically since the last redistricting, which occurred  in June 2016.    Districts 2, 3, 5, and 6 had about equal growth while District 4 had no growth.  The current  practice for reviewing and adjusting districts appears to be unsustainable.       Criteria considered for redistricting:  1. To the extent possible, Districts consist of an equal number of inhabitants (Charter)  2. Districts must be contiguous (Charter)  3. Districts must be reasonably compact, consisting of contiguous, undivided general election  precincts (Charter)  4. Residence address of each Councilmember so that no Councilmember is disenfranchised from  his or her district.