City Council
MEETING DATE: 7/26/2017
TITLE:
Title
Public Hearing to Receive Public Comments and Discuss Potential Council Election Districts
End
FROM:
Charlie McClendon, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council hold a public hearing and receive comments from the public regarding Council election districts; discuss the submitted district maps; and consider selecting maps for further consideration.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City Council was elected under an at-large election system, whereby Council Members are elected by voters of the entire City. On March 8, 2017, the Council adopted a Resolution of Intent to Change Election Systems. Moving to by-district elections would require a Council Member (and all candidates for that position) to reside within a designated district boundary, and each Council Member would be elected only by voters of their respective districts. On April 12, 2017 Council held the first public hearing to receive comments regarding the composition of potential Council election districts prior to draft maps being developed. Information was also made available regarding the on-line mapping feature, which allowed anyone to try their hand at developing district maps. A second public hearing was held on April 26, 2017. Additionally, residents had the opportunity to provide further input on the topic of districts at two "City Hall Comes to You" meetings held on May 11, 2017 at the Sunshine Caf? and on June 7, 2017 at Cardenas Market. In addition to the on-line mapping tool, people from the community could also submit suggested maps on paper forms. Maps prepared by residents, either on-line or on paper forms, were due by June 9, 2017 and a total of 35 maps were submitted. The demographic consultant contracted by the City to assist with the districting process, National Demographics Corporation (NDC) also prepared three draft map options. All maps prepared, either by residents or by NDC were p...
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