HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Email to Mayor and Council from Assistant City Manager dated July 28, 2021 Voss, Diane
From: Phillips, Brian
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 5:10 PM
To: City Council and Mayor
Cc: Schainker, Steve; Gwiasda, Susan; Lambert, Mark; Diekmann, Kelly;Abraham, Keith;
Pitcher, Duane; Schildroth, Deb
Subject: MANAGER ALERT: Correction to Reverse Referendum Signatures
Mayor and Council Members:
At the July 13 City Council meeting and again last night, City staff reported to you that the number of signatures required
to petition for a reverse referendum regarding the Indoor Aquatic Center bonds was 3,189.This was based on 10%of
the total voters in the last regular election held in Ames, which was the November 2020 General Election.
Upon further examination,and after consultation with the bond attorney,this figure is incorrect.The law indicates
that the number of signatures required is equal to 10%of the number of people voting in the last regular L[tty election.
The last regular city election was the November 5, 2019 City election.According to the County Auditor's website,staff
has calculated that the total ballots cast in Ames during that election is 4,767, meaning 477 signatures of eligible
Ames voters would be required on a petition to demand a reverse referendum for the aquatic center bonds.We are
verifying this figure with the County Auditor.
Obviously,we regret providing an incorrect interpretation and therefore an incorrect number for the required
signatures. Recognizing the importance of transparency with the community, it is staff's intent to place an agenda
item on the August 101h Council agenda to report the correct these statements. By creating an agenda item,the correct
figure will be included in readily searchable official records(minutes, agenda, and memo) should community members
seek it out via the City website or through records requests.
Should you have any questions about this issue, please let me know.
Brian
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