11-15-12 Special Redistricting Minutes

Home Browse Search

Special Advisory Committee for Redistricting November 15,2012 Meeting Minutes Page 3 Mr. Jack L. Smith, a member of the Special Committee, thanked Mr. King for preparing all of the options. His preference would be Option # 3, and believes it is a good recommendation in light of all of the considerations which the committee is weighing and attempting to balance. The Council Attorney noted that all of the items used by Mr. King were similar to the priority used ten (10) years ago which focused on meeting the legal requirements with minimal disruption to the residents. She added that the public and the Council will have the opportunity to also have their voices heard when St. Joseph County begins to discuss the proposed voting centers, and their potential impact on the city. Dr. Varner noted that many people have always thought that precinct# 130625 was in the 5`h District. His preference would be for Option# 3. Mr. John Byorni, Area Plan Executive Director, stated that he prefers Option # 3, for many of the same reasons already stated. Jesusa Rivera, a member of the Special Committee, stated that she prefers Option # 2 because it would not split the congregations of St. Adalbert's Parsh and St. Casimir's Parish. She noted that there is a growing Hispanic community who attend these parishes and would prefer that they not be split; and that there will be additional population with the Pokagon Indians proposed development. Theresa Sedlak, a member of the Special Committee, noted that she has been in the community for fifteen (15) years. There has been an excellent presentation of the data required and agrees that minimal disruption to the residents, after meeting the legal requirement. She would lean toward Option#3. Mr. King noted that he prefers the smallest number of moves which are set forth in Option # 1. However, it is clear that the majority of the Special Committee favor Option # 3, which he finds acceptable. Council President Dieter stated that as Chairperson of the Council Rules Committee, he would be calling a meeting of that Committee for Wednesday, November 28th at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers for public input on the proposals. He noted that the Council Rules Committee is the committee used to hold such public hearings during the last re-districting. The Council Attorney added that the meeting minutes of the Special Committee and the documents referenced would be posted on the City's website, so that the public has the opportunity to review this information. Mr. King state that he would prepare a Report of the Special Committee which would also provide additional information, which could also be posted. Interim City Attorney Aladean DeRose noted that all of the required criteria would be met by the proposals under consideration.