Date of Meeting: 10/10/2023

Format: In-person

Meeting Summary:

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m.

Minutes of the September 21 and 28 meetings were approved, as were vouchers 7514 through 7521.

Direct Lyons reported that, as of 10/4/2023, there are 107,299 registered voters in the county.  Allocations of election day ballots, DS 200 machines, Express Voting machines, poll pads, and voting booth/table tops were made, following established guidelines. Concerning the equipment, there are sufficient back-ups.

The board went into executive session to discuss pending litigation with the Prosecutor's office.  No action was taken when the meeting resumed with respect to the executive session.

Faith Baptist Church in Streetsboro said the BOE could no longer use the church as a polling location.  The church would like to provide food for the voters, which is against the law.  A search is underway for a new location for the four precincts involved. A motion was approved for the staff to select another location.

The board discussed various ways to express their appreciation for poll workers. For the next election, the board members decided they would visit as many precincts as possible on election day to thank the poll workers personally.

A loan of voting carrels for a Girl Scout event was approved. A recent staff resignation prompted a broader discussion of staffing alternatives. The extensive overtime requirement is an issue for staff. Longer-term staffing alternatives will be examined.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

Which members of the board/council were present: Denise Smith, Chair; Members: Randi Clites, Doria Daniels, Amanda Suffecool; Director Faith Lyons, Deputy Director Terrie Nielsen.

 Was there a public notice of the meeting that included the time and place of meeting: Yes

Was an agenda of the meeting or handouts available to visitors: Yes

Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes

Name of Observer: Jane Preston Rose