3.11 Election Drop Box Grant Award
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Administration City Clerk Etzel June 27, 2022
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
City Attorney Kendall
3.11 – Drop Box Grant Award
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
X Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative
communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and
expectations in a cost-effective manner.
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends the City Council accept the 2022 Drop Box Grant Program Agreement.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
Yes No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
During the 2021 1st Special Session, the Minnesota Legislature, via Chapter 12, Article 1, Section 6,
appropriated $2 million to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (OSS) for grants to local units of
government to implement the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, §203B.082, which specifies the minimum-
security requirements and standards to establish a 24-hour ballot drop box.
Grants are available for up to $15,000 per drop box, and cover the cost of purchasing the drop box,
installation of the drop box, installation of video monitoring, and associated out-of-pocket costs with video
monitoring such as license contracts, contracts for data storage, or other costs associated with data
storage. The City of Otsego will report the expenditures for the establishment of the drop box to the OSS
to receive reimbursements up to the amount awarded. Political subdivisions will also be required to fully
cooperate in all state audits of the grant funds.
At the May 9, 2022, City Council meeting the City Council approved Resolution 2022-48 authorizing staff to
apply for the Drop Box Grant Program. The 2022 Drop Box Grant Program Agreement has been received
from the State of Minnesota, acting through the OSS. The City of Otsego was awarded $8,640.00 based on
estimates for the equipment needed to ensure compliance with Minnesota Statutes.
The Drop Box has been set and the required cameras and electronic storage have been purchased and
installed in anticipation of the Primary Election. Absentee voting started on Friday, June 24th, 46 days
before the Primary Election.
The Grant Application has been reviewed by the City Attorney, and City staff recommends the City Council
authorize staff to sign the 2022 Drop Box Grant Program Agreement.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• 2022 Drop Box Grant Program Agreement
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to accept the award of $8,640 for the 2022 Drop Box Grant Program Agreement and authorize the
City of Otsego’s Authorized Representative to sign the agreement.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
General Fund – Elections Department
No