HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-1996 Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE GENERAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT
Lay TRUST FUND CANVASSING BOARD MEETING HELD OCTOBER 2, 1996
The meeting was called to order by Secretary Grafton at 5:15 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers Conference Room for the purpose of counting the votes in the run-off election
held September 27 through 5:00 p.m. October 2, 1996. The candidates were Donald Carter
and Fran Gosnell.
PRESENT: Members Dabbs, Grafton, Murphy, and Waldrop.
ABSENT: Member Oliver
To determine the number of votes to expect to find in the ballot box, Members Dabbs and
Waldrop counted the number of initialed names on the list of members eligible to vote which
had been provided by the Personnel Department. There were 70 initialed names. Secretary
Grafton announced that, in compliance with the ruling that a majority of the votes cast was
necessary to win the election, 36 votes were needed for a candidate to be declared a winner.
The sealed ballot box was unsealed and the envelopes contained therein were counted. There
were 70 envelopes. The envelopes were turned face down so that the voters' names were not
visible, and then they were slit open so that the ballots could be removed. The ballots were
counted after the envelopes were set aside and there were 70 ballots. Secretary Grafton
called out the vote cast on each ballot while the rest of the members recorded the votes on a
tally sheet. The total of votes cast was 70 with each candidate receiving 35 votes.
firâ–º. Secretary Grafton advised that the method used to break a tie vote in major elections
according to Florida Statute was to draw lots. Member Dabbs wished to see the statute and
the meeting recessed while the statute was located. The staute book was produced and, after
reading the statute, Member Dabbs questioned the application to the statute in this case and
said that he would prefer to hold another run-off election. Following discussion regarding
the procedures proposed, consensus was reached to offer the option to both candidates to
either draw lots or to hold another run-off election. Member Murphy suggested getting a
signed statement from each candidate indicating their willingness to resolve the issue in this
manner. Secretary Grafton said that she would present the options to both candidates on
Thursday, October 3, and proceed according to the candidates' wishes, holding a run-off
election if either candidate preferred it to be handled that way.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 4, 1996- REPORT FROM SECRETARY GRAFTON ON THE CANDIDATES' DECISION
AND THE RESULTS.
When I presented the options to the candidates, Fran Gosnell indicated that drawing lots
would be an acceptable solution. Donald Carter said that drawing lots would suit him as
well, particularly if it would save the Fund money. I prepared the statement with a place for
each candidate to sign on the same page (see attached). Fran Gosnell drew the paper with
"Condolences, you did not win this time." written on it. Donald Carter won the draw in this
Low manner.
Jean Grafton, Secretary
ATTACHMENT TO MINUTES OF OCTOBER 2, 1996
October 3, 1996
As one of the candidates in the run-off election for General Employee Retirement Trust
Fund Trustee held September 27 - October 2, 1996 which resulted in a tie vote, I agree that
drawing lots is a fair and equitable way to choose the candidate who will receive the
nomination. I agree to abide by the decision made in this manner.
Candidate: ran Gosnell Candidate: Donald Carter
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Witness: Jean Graiton
Witness: Athena Cronnon 1 r
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Witness: Marian B. Green
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