HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-12 Council Rules COUNCIL RULES NOVEMBER 28, 2012
5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL REDISTRICTING
Committee Members Present: Derek Dieter, Dr. Fred Ferlic, David Varner,
Karen White
Other Council Members Present: Henry Davis, Valerie Schey, Oliver Davis, Gavin
Ferlic
Others Present: Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Karl King,
Gregorio Chavez, Jesusa Rivera, Theresa Sedlack
Agenda: Redistricting— South Bend
Though absent a quorum Council President and Rules Committee Chair Derek Dieter
forged ahead with the scheduled public hearing to review the three re-districting
proposals submitted by the special advisory committee Council Officers appointed and
tasked with creating state-law conforming alternatives. More specifically, there having
already been one public meeting at which alternative No. 3 was the consensus, this
hearing was to allow an opportunity for any other public input resultant since publication
of the committee findings.
Prior to calling for a report of finding from Karl King, President Dieter recognized
Councilmember Karen White who thanked all those involved for their efforts. He then
called upon Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand to describe the state's
mandated procedures for redistricting and the Council's efforts to comply.
Mr. Dieter then called upon special advisory committee chair Karl King for a summation,
report. Karl began his report reminding everyone that precinct boundaries could not be
changed. Precincts could only be shifted from one district to another to achieve
population balance. The target population balance goal according to the 2010 census was
.16,850 per district. To achieve that balance Karl explained the committee provided there
alternatives. Plan#1 required moving 4 precincts; Plan#2 moved 7 and the
recommended plan#3 moved 4 precincts. Karl said the overall guiding principal was to
be as non-disruptive to citizens, neighborhood organizations, and others as possible. Karl
added that while hard numbers for ethnic breakdown were not available, an informal
familiarity was taken into account. The principle of strength coming from diversity was
recognized and accepted by all involved.
Councilmember Oliver Davis wondered how people would find out if their precinct has
been shifted to another district. President Dieter suggested any residents of shifted
precincts be sent a notification letter. His suggestion met with unanimous approval.
Not hearing any further input or questions and having apparent consensus on option plan
#3. Derek said the Council would hold a final hearing and formal vote on Monday,
December 10, 2012.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson
Derek Dieter adjourned the meeting at 6:01 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Der- D. Dieter, hairperson
Council Rules