Town of Newmarket

Minutes

Special Committee of the Whole

Meeting #:
Date:	Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Time:	10:00 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.
Location:	Council Chambers Municipal Offices 395 Mulock Drive Newmarket, ON L3Y 4X7

Members Present:

• Mayor Taylor
• Deputy Mayor & Regional Councillor Vegh (10:02 AM - 1:42 AM)
• Councillor Simon
• Councillor Woodhouse (10:15 AM - 12:44 PM)
• Councillor Twinney
• Councillor Morrison
• Councillor Kwapis
• Councillor Broome (10:04 AM - 2:07 PM)
• Councillor Bisanz

Staff Present:

• J. Sharma, Chief Administrative Officer
• E. Armchuk, Commissioner of Corporate Services
• P. Noehammer, Commissioner of Development & Infrastructure Services
• I. McDougall, Commissioner of Community Services
• L. Lyons, Director of Legislative Services/Town Clerk
• K. Saini, Deputy Town Clerk
• A. Walkom, Legislative Coordinator
• S. Niezen, Records & Project Coordinator
• P. Zambito, Communications Coordinator
• F. Atin, Graphic Design Assistant
• E. McLaughlin, Graphic Designer
• J. Grossi, Legislative Coordinator

For consideration by Council on May 27, 2019.
The meeting was called to order at 10:02 AM.
The Special Committee of the Whole recessed at 12:44 PM and reconvened at 1:24 PM.
Mayor Taylor in the Chair.

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1.

Additions & Corrections to the Agenda

The Clerk advised that a corrected version of item 3.1 "Post 2018 Newmarket Municipal Election Review Presentation" was distributed.

• Moved by: Deputy Mayor & Regional Councillor Vegh
  Seconded by: Councillor Kwapis
  1. That the correction to the agenda be approved.
  
  Carried

2.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.

3.

Presentations

3.1

(10:00 AM) Post 2018 Newmarket Municipal Election Review Presentation

The Director of Legislative Services/Town Clerk introduced the presentation to Council regarding the Post 2018 Newmarket Municipal Election Review. She introduced the core 2018 election team and outlined the election model. 

The Graphic Designer and the Graphic Design Assistant outlined the brand development regarding accessibility, marketing and the communication phases. 

The Communications Coordinator outlined the communications tools and tactics regarding the microsite, social presence, and outreach events. 

The Deputy Town Clerk presented the award winning videos from the 2018 elections campaign. She also outlined the risk mitigation strategies regarding online voting security, the voters' list and voter confusion.

The Director of Legislative Services/Town Clerk outlined the election successes regarding enumeration, voter turn out and voting behaviour. She also presented improvement areas and future considerations.

3.2

Town of Newmarket 2018 Municipal Election Survey Results

Dr. Nicole Goodman, Director at the Centre for eDemocracy and Assistant Professor at Brock University was in attendance to provide a presentation regarding the Town of Newmarket 2018 Municipal Election Survey Results. Dr. Goodman outlined the online voting trends in Ontario and a summary of the exit survey results of online voters in the Town of Newmarket during the 2018 municipal election. She outlined survey completion by other municipalities compared to the Town of Newmarket regarding voter satisfaction and rationale, vote information and public attitudes and participation. 

Members of Council queried Dr. Goodman regarding voter demographics, voting trends and voter fraud. Members of Council queried Staff regarding risk mitigation, the voters list and voter disenfranchisement.

3.3

(+/- 1:00 PM) Ranked Ballot Election Presentation

The Director of Legislative Services/Town Clerk provided a presentation regarding Ranked Ballot Elections outlining ranked ballot styles, the City of London's experience in the 2018 municipal election, and considerations for the Town of Newmarket including public consultation requirements. She also provided preliminary timelines and next steps for the 2022 Municipal Election. 

Members of Council queried Staff regarding benefits of Ranked Ballot Elections, potential costs, and referendum questions. 

 

4.

Deputations

None.

5.

Items

5.1

Ranked Ballot Election

• An alternate motion was presented and it noted in bold below. 

  Moved by: Councillor Bisanz
  Seconded by: Councillor Twinney
  1. That the report entitled Ranked Ballot Election dated May 14, 2019 be received; and, 
  2. That Council direct Staff not to proceed with public engagement and consultation on a Ranked Ballot Election for the 2022 Municipal Election;
  3. That Staff report back to Council with respect to referendum questions for the 2022 Municipal Election; and,
  4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution. 
  
  Carried

6.

Adjournment

• Moved by: Councillor Bisanz
  Seconded by: Councillor Simon
  1. That the meeting be adjourned at 2:07 PM.
  
  Carried