HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-28-87 Committee of the Whole ftmnmmttn mart
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
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The May 28 , 1987 meeting of the Committee of the Whole was
called to order by Councilman Ann Puzzello at 4 :35 p.m. in the
Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included : Councilmen Barcome,
Puzzello , Beck , and Brayboy ; City Clerk Irene Gammon , Steve
Luecke, Norman Primus, Charles Minkler of MACOG, Glenda Ray
Hernandez , Kevin Donnley , various interested citizens , and
memberss of the news media.
Councilman Puzzello noted that the purpose of the meeting
was to continue the discussion of Bill No 28-87 addressing the
redistricting process .
Mr. Norman Primus was then called upon to give an update.
Mr. Primus briefly reviewed the role of the neutral decision
maker. He noted that the neutral decision maker played a vital
role in the process by using neutral criteria as well as neutral
information. He then reviewed various maps which were submitted
by interested citizens (copy attached) .
Eleven ( 11) participants submitted twelve (12) plans and
basically represented the entire spectrum of the community. The
overall goal was to have the lowest possible deviation and
compactness percentage. He indicated that a registered nurse had
the best plan with regard to deviation.
Councilman Barcome noted that he would like to have an
overlay which showed precinct lines as they are currenly drawn.
Councilman Braboy also expressed a desire for this information.
Mr. Primus stated that he could prepare that type of may and .
present it to the Council for their review.
Councilman Barcome also requested the number of registered
voters within each area He stated his belief that this informa-
tion would be extremely helpful when reviewing each of the twelve
(12) maps submitted.
Mr. Primus noted that three (3) basic configurations were
proposed in the map drawing one being a pie , one being block
shaped , and one using natural boundaries. Mr. Primus indicated
that the current population deviation in the current district
maps is 1 , 792.
IN[C IR[tt 4690 PUBLISHING CO.
Council of the Whole
Minutes/May 28, 1987
Page 2
Mr. Steve Luecke voiced concern over the consideration of
various neighborhoods when drawing district boundaries. In
response to a question raised by Mr. Luecke with regard to who
has the ultimate authority, the Council Attorney indicated that
the current draft of the ordinance sets forth the Common Council
as being the final authority with regard to drawing of district
boundaries. She also indicated that the standards set forth by
State law are also specifically incorporated into the draft
ordinance.
Councilman Barcome noted that the use of private homes as
voting places is a concern and an attempt is being made to
avoid that situation so that more public places will be utilized
on election day. He indicated , from his experience serving on
the State Committee, that St. Joseph County has been presented as
one of the better counties with regard to the drawing of district
boundaries .
Considerable discussion concerning the proposed maps which
were submitted then took place on the parts of the various
Councilmembers and concerned citizens. Mr. Primus again
indicated that he would be happy to provide the additional infor-
mation requested by the Council .
There being no further business to come before the Committee,
the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Councilman Ann Puzzello, Chairman