BCA Members Present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Brian Nolan, Ed Keith, Patty Carter, Margaret “Peg” Flory, David Trombley, Thomas Hooker, David Soulia, Helen McKinlay, Jane Cornell, W. Joseph Gagnon, Charles “Butch” Shaw, Terry Poor, Bonnie Stewart
Others Present: Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
- The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Charles “Butch” Shaw, Chairman.
- Accept Agenda: Motion by D. Soulia and seconded by M. Flory to accept the agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously 14 – 0.
- Discussion regarding polling places: C. Shaw stated that Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union was looking to have an election on November 10, however, the Clerk’s denied the request as that is tax day and taxes are due. The date was changed to November 17. C. Shaw read the warning that stated that there is a $3,589,000 vote for heating.
C. Shaw stated that the counting would be at Otter Valley with all towns “co-mingling” ballots.
There was discussion to move the voting to the Municipal Office as it is a small ballot item, however, to do this, the BCA must approve the polling place.
C. Shaw inquired who would be paying the costs for the election. H. McKinlay has investigated this and was informed that RNESU would be covering the costs.
C. Shaw has requested that the Town Clerk’s Office remain open during the voting times, which was agreed by the Town Clerk.
M. Flory inquired if the Municipal Offices are not ADA compliant. C. Shaw stated that there has been recent work on the handicap access doors at the front of the building, as well as the exit from the Conference Room, the parking lot has been re-configured and the ramp has been resurfaced. C. Shaw stated that both possible polling places were inspected.
M. Flory inquired if this change was for all elections or “isolated”. C. Shaw stated that that would be discussed later.
T. Hooker stated that he believes that all elections should be held at 1 location and several complaints were received from the use of the school. Some issues caused included bussing, parking, lunch and handicap entrances.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Cornell to designate the Municipal Office as the polling place for the November 17 election. Motion passed unanimously 14 – 0. - Other Business that may come before the Board: C. Shaw encouraged that BCA to be at the Municipal Office at 7:00 PM to count ballots prior to 2 BCA members transporting the ballots and participating in the counting at Otter Valley.
H. McKinlay stated that there are issues with printing the check-lists and there may be multiple lists to be confirmed.
C. Shaw stated that before the General Election, the Secretary of State’s Office will be holding a training session to train the members of the BCA in counting ballots. More information will be coming on this event.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Trombley to adjourn at 6:13 PM. Motion passed unanimously 10 – 0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
Charles “Butch” Shaw
BCA Chairman