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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-02 Special Advisory Redistricting Committee tommittoe import: •pttia1 iiizorj rogitztrittin ommitt The April 13,2002 meeting of the Special Advisory Redistricting Committee was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included: Hollis E. Hughes, Jr., Gregorio Chavez, Jr., Gary Gilot, Glenda Rae Hernandez, Council Member Karl King, Charles S. Leone, Council Member Pfeifer, Council Member Karen L. White, Dr. David Varner, John Byorni, George Adler, Deb Martin, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, and Larry Magliozzi. Council Member Pfeifer welcomed everyone to the third Special Advisory Redistricting Committee meeting. She began the meeting by noting that ten (10) years ago, there was only one (1) public meeting on the proposed redistrictin g plan which was eventually a pp roved by the City. She would be willing to meet in the neighborhoods and in particular in the areas where specific populations would be affected by any proposed changes. Council Member Pfeifer then inquired as to whether the issue with St. Joseph County had been settled. Council Member King stated noted that the County will be required to redraw certain precincts in light of the fact that in limited areas they did not include areas which are indeed within the city limits. Kathy Cekanski Farrand noted that she did bring this matter to the attention of the County Commissioners and the County Attorney, Mr. Tony Zappia. Mr. Zappia believed that the corrective action would be"housekeeping"in nature. Council Member King then reviewed his Memorandum dated March 2, 2002 (copy attached). He noted that current precincts SB0109 and SB0209 have been combined in the new plan to be SB0109. He then reviewed the proposed change of moving Precinct SB0109 from Councilmanic District 1 to Councilmanic District 2 and moving Precinct SB0515 from Councilmanic District 5 to Councilmanic District 3. He noted that as the Committee has discussed in the past, this proposal meets the state law requirements and minimizes the number of persons affected. Council Member Pfeifer noted that respect for natural boundaries and a balance of population would also be maintained by this proposal. Mr. Leone noted that 2-9 may become part of the Near Northwest Neighborhood group, however Council Member Pfeifer noted that 2-9 is currently covered by LANA. Council Member Pfeifer noted that both neighborhood groups are vital organizations, noting that the precinct involved is a challenging neighborhood and that this is a good example of why public forums are needed. Council Member White inquired as to how many public sessions should be held. The Committee decided to address this question later in the meeting. Larry Magliozzi and George Adler then briefly reviewed the proposed Councilmanic District map which had the boundaries of the neighborhood groups noted. They noted that the map was prepared by Deb Martin. Kathy Cekanski Farrand then summarized her Memorandum dated April 12, 2002(copy attached). i 1 Special Advisory Redistricting Committee f April 13, 2002 Page 2 ly • She noted that section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was amended in 1982 and specifically A, addresses"vote dilution", which is further addressed by the US Department of Justice Civil Rights 1 , Division articles attached to her memo. She also noted that the most recent U.S. Supreme Court _ case in this area was handed down in 2001 in the case of Hunt v. Cromartie. She noted that this case addressed the Congressional District lines in North Carolina. The Court maintained the lines noting that they were drawn based on political calculations rather than racial calculations. She added that the article which she attached on this topic emphasizes the importance of opening the redistricting process to the community and the need to have public hearings on proposed plans. Council Member Pfeifer noted that our form of government permits anyone the right to complain I even though they may not of voted. She noted that she and the Council Attorney have had nine(9) neighborhood meetings to date with an additional one being scheduled in the near future on the topic of loitering and quality of life issues. She further noted that in the three(3) most challenging neighborhoods, no one attended the meetings. ival Dr. Varner stated that the Committee's proposed timetable for completing the redistricting map should be cognizant of individuals who may be considering whether to run in next year's city 1 elections. He noted that it becomes a fairness issue to have this task completed to allow such , individuals to weigh their intent to run or not based on the Councilmanic District lines. , a 14,'' Mr. Chavez noted that at an earlier meeting, Mr. Magliozzi indicated that we were dealing with a population of 109,000; whereas Council Member King noted that the population was 107,000. 1 , Council Member King noted that the 109,000 figure was in error. Council Member King suggested sitting down with the 'CVO= so that people would have background information about what is happening, once the map and statistical information is finalized. r " Glenda Rae Hernandez suggested that the affected neighborhood groups should have the ', opportunity to sit down with this Committee first, while inviting Mr. Ditz from the 'UV itmitt. Mr. Leone agreed with Ms. Hernandez's suggestion and further suggested that neighborhood churches and precinct people be brought into the discussion. l _ Mr. Adler suggested that we invite the affected neighborhood groups to the meeting, the neighborhood churches as well as an invitation to the public at large and also invite the news ti; media. In this way they could launch this topic to the residents of our community. • Council Member Pfeifer noted that 900 residents are in 1-9 who would be joining the 2nd Councilmanic District. She suggested PSA's on television on voting and redistricting. Council Member King added that the primary election in 2003 will be the first one with the new voting machines. I Mr. Chavez added that WSBT Channel 22 will begin having the evening news at 6 pm in Spanish 4 beginning Monday, April 15, 2002. Special Advisory Redistricting Committee April 13, 2002 Page 3 Council Member Pfeifer suggested that the next Special Redistricting Meeting on Saturday, May 11th at 9 a.m. be the meeting where the affected neighborhood groups, neighborhood churches, precinct people and the public at large be invited,along with a special invitation to the news media. She further suggested that the Council Chambers be reserved if necessary that day also. Council Member King offered to call Mr. Ditz of the ib%U . Mr. Gilot suggested that the May 11th meeting also be posted on the City's web page. Council Member Pfeifer added that she would also be willing to have meetings with any groups throughout the neighborhood to raise awareness on this issue. Following discussion, Council Member Pfeifer thanked everyone for coming and stated that the next meeting would be held on Saturday, May 11, 2002 at 9 am. She then adjourned the meeting at 9:45 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer, Chairperson Special Advisory Redistricting Committee KCF:kmf Attachments