In a special city council meeting held on November 26, 2024, the council convened to address several key agenda items, including the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and the canvassing of election results from the November 5 general election.
The meeting commenced with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the city clerk outlining the rules for public participation. Citizens were informed they could speak on agenda items after signing up, while public comments on non-agenda items would not require prior registration.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the November 12 meeting. The primary focus then shifted to Resolution Number 23, 2024, which pertains to the canvassing of election returns. A public comment was made by Tony Shippelow, who emphasized the importance of the canvassing process in ensuring election integrity. He highlighted the responsibilities of the canvassing board, which include certifying voting equipment, verifying the accuracy of votes, and submitting official results to the state.
Shippelow raised concerns regarding the previous election cycle, specifically referencing the November 2022 election where the canvassing board did not certify the \"right to clean water\" charter amendment. He criticized the city attorney's advice that deemed the amendment misleading and preempted by law, suggesting that this guidance led the council astray.
The meeting underscored the ongoing discussions surrounding election integrity and the responsibilities of local governance in upholding democratic processes. The council's next steps will involve further deliberation on the resolution and addressing the implications of past election decisions.