Council Report: APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF ELECTION AND DEPUTY CHIEF ELECTION OFFICERS

APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF ELECTION AND DEPUTY CHIEF ELECTION OFFICERS

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT pursuant to Section 41(1) and (2) of the Local Government Act, that Kenneth Lyle Schaalje be appointed Chief Election Officer for conducting the 2014 general local elections with power to appoint other election officials as required for the administration and conduct of the 2014 general local elections;

AND THAT Marion Bernice Villines and Elena Bertina Bolster be appointed Deputy Chief Election Officers for the 2014 general local elections.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER'S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To obtain a resolution of Council for the appointment of the Chief Election and Deputy Chief Election Officers.

TIME CRITICAL:

The Municipal Government Elections are scheduled to take place on November 15, 2014. Council should appoint a Chief Elections Officer (CEO) and Deputy Chief Election Officers as soon as possible in order for work on elections to commence.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:

As outlined in Section 41 of the Local Government Act, Council must appoint the CEO and the Deputy CEO by resolution.

Mr. Ken Schaalje has considerable experience in conduct of elections, including participation as the Chief Election Officer for both the 2011 election and the 2012 assent of electors; and as the Deputy CEO for the Town of View Royal in the 2008 election. Also, it is proposed that Marion Villines and Elena Bolster again be appointed into the Deputy CEO positions, both having done this work for the Town in 2011 and 2012.

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:

The 2014 draft budget includes provision in the "2014 Elections" line item for payment of these positions.

ALTERNATIVES TO THE RECOMMENDATION:

Council could choose to only appoint one Deputy CEO for the 2014 elections.

Another alternative could be not to hire any external assistance. However, the existing staff compliment is unable to solely take on the amount of work required for the elections. As well, the public perception of a more arm's length process is important.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT pursuant to Section 41(1) and (2) of the Local Government Act, that Kenneth Lyle Schaalje be appointed Chief Election Officer for conducting the 2014 general local elections with power to appoint other election officials as required for the administration and conduct of the 2014 general local elections;

AND THAT Marion Bernice Villines and Elena Bertina Bolster be appointed Deputy Chief Election Officers for the 2014 general local elections.

SUBMITTED BY: S. Jones, Director of Corporate Administration

REVIEWED BY: K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer