SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

A Special Council Meeting was held on March 25, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mr. Lynn and Mr. Weyandt. Councilman Hare was absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Lynn moved for the addition of an executive session to discuss legal matters, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.

The Special Council Meeting was called specifically to hold a public hearing on the proposed realignment of Council districts. In accordance with Section 5 of the City Charter, Council must redistrict the City once the federal decennial census is made available for use by municipalities. The following criteria was utilized by the Election Board in making its recommendation:

(1)Commonality of Interest - Board members felt that districts should be drawn in a manner that group together neighborhoods that share common interests.

(2)Natural and Man-Made Boundaries - An attempt was made to utilize natural and man-made boundaries to eliminate indistinct boundary lines that are difficult to follow.

(3)Concentration of Population - In accordance with Section 5 of the City Charter, the Council shall redistrict the City so that the districts shall be nearly equal in population in accordance with the federal decennial census.

(4)Legal Obligations - The City has a legal obligation to maintain a predominantly black district containing at least 65% black population in accordance with the federal decennial census.

A proposal (Option #1) was recommended for acceptance by the Election Board and by the Legislative and Finance Committee. Council set two public hearings to hear public comment on the proposed plan. The second public hearing will be held on April 15, 1992. The proposed district realignment plan was on display for public viewing. Mrs. Boaman explained that if Council supports the proposal, the first reading of the necessary ordinance could take place at the April 15th Special Council Meeting, with the final reading of the ordinance taking place during the Council Meeting of April 27, 1992. This would allow the plan to be effective prior to May 1, 1992 for use in the 1993 municipal election.

Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing open.

There was no one present wishing to speak during the public hearing.

Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing closed. Council President Christiansen reminded the public that written comment will be accepted until the final reading of the amended ordinance.

Mr. Lynn stated that the Election Board members should be commended for their dedicated work on this project. Agreeing, Mr. Salters stated that it was very difficult for the Board to meet all requirements within the constraints and guidelines set by law. He stated his feeling that it is an equitable plan that will serve the City well in the future.

In the absence of Mr. Hare, Mr. Lambert reported that Mr. Hare requested that the Election Board consider moving the new Second District boundary line from its current boundary of Hazlettville Road to Route #8, which would place properties south of Route #8 in the Second District. Additional population in the Second District could be offset by adding Schoolview to the new Third District. It was Mr. Hare's feeling that developments such as Deerfield and Woodmill would have many common interests with the developments of Mayfair, Crossgates, Sherwood, Woodbrook and Wedgwood. On Mr. Hare's behalf, Mr. Lambert requested that the Election Board review the concept of Mr. Hare's proposal.

Mrs. Boaman stated that the Election Board will consider the proposal and its effect on population data as it relates to the other districts for a report to Council prior to the final public hearing.

Responding to Mr. Daisey on the commonality of interest in the new Second District, Board Member Will Garfinkel stated that the new Second District consolidates the population in the southwest part of the City. It also allows a basic split by a natural barrier (the railroad tracks and open space) between the southwest and northwest. Mrs. Boaman reminded Council that commonality of interest was only one criterion utilized. In addition, the Board was charged with keeping the districts relatively close in size of population. The current Second District is very low in population and a significant increase was necessary, requiring the increase of a densely populated area. The Election Board attempted to utilize a combination of its set criteria to meets its goal.

There being no further questions by Council, Mr. Lynn moved for adjournment in executive session to discuss legal matters. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:12 P.M.

                                  DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                  CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of March 25, 1992, are hereby approved.

                                  JOHN E. RICHTER

                                  MAYOR

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