Council previews electioneering map and parking plan for new municipal complex; ordinance amendment planned

Development services staff briefed the council on proposed rules for voter parking, curbside voting and where electioneering would be allowed at the new municipal complex at 401 East Virginia Street; staff said it will propose an ordinance amendment to adopt the map and related rules.

Michael Quint, executive director of development services, said the Fitzhugh Room will be the polling location inside the building and staff propose a specific external area where electioneering (signs and people engaging voters) would be allowed; staff showed an aerial map and described a green area on the east side of the building where signs and greeters could be located and a red-dashed area for parking. Quint told council the plan is to present an ordinance amendment no later than the council’s second meeting in April so the city code is updated before early voting begins.

Council members raised concerns about temporary construction and parking circulation near the new facility; staff said county elections officials had assessed the facility and provided direction on traffic and that directional signage would be deployed from main access points. Staff also said the entry off Rock Morton was expected to open April 10 and that the roundabout at Throckmorton and Virginia should be completed before April 19, which will improve street circulation around city hall.

Quint noted that signs in the building courtyard would not be allowed and that voters could avoid seeing electioneering if they park in certain lots and enter through the breezeway. The council did not take action at the briefing; staff will draft an ordinance amendment for future consideration.