HomeMy WebLinkAboutVIII-10 Authorize Submission of Polling Place Accessibility GrantCity Council Memorandum
To:Mayor Fasbender & City Councilmembers
From:Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Date:September 2, 2025
Item:Polling Place Accessibility Grant Application
Council Actions Requested:
Authorize application for the Polling Place Accessibility Grant.
Background Information:
The Minnesota Legislature, via Chapter 62, Article 1, Section 6, appropriated $500,000 to the
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State “to make grants to local units of government to
improve access to polling places for individuals with disabilities and to provide the same
opportunity for access and participation in the electoral process, including privacy and
independence, to voters with disabilities as that which exists for voters with no disabilities.”
Through an accessibility audit during the last election in 2024, items were identified that may
improve accessibility for voters. One of the items was visible, consistent curbside voting signage.
While curbside voting is not heavily utilized, it will be helpful to voters and election judges with
clearly designated spaces for curbside voting.The grant would allow for purchase of sign holders
and signs for each of the polling locations.
Financial Impact:
The Polling Place Accessibility Grant does not require municipalities to match any amount of
funding to be eligible to receive a grant award amount but instead provides for reimbursement of
actual costs for the accessibility improvements.
Committee Discussion:
NA
Attachments:
•Resolution Authorizing Submission of Polling Place Accessibility Grant application.
•List of items to be purchased with grant funds.
•Memo from the Secretary of State announcing grant availability.
CITY OF HASTINGS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. ______
AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT POLLING PLACE ACCESSIBILITY GRANT
APPLICATION
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated funds to the Office of the Minnesota
Secretary of State for grants to local units of government to support accessibility improvements to
polling places for individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hastings does not have consistent and clear signage for curbside
voting at polling locations; and
WHEREAS,an application for grant funds must be submitted to the Office of the
Minnesota Secretary of State for grant consideration; and
WHEREAS, obtaining grant funds would offset the expense for the purchase of curbside
voting signage for the eight polling locations.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hastings
authorizes the submission of the Polling Place Accessibility Grant application.
Passed the 2nd day of September 2025.
Mary Fasbender, Mayor
Attest:
Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk
Curbside Voting A-Frame Sign
A-Frame Stand $79.00 each
Curbside Voting Sign $32.00 each
Total Request for 8 Polling Locations $888.00