1-23-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: January 23, 2023 Requested By: C. Askins/ C. Alexander Department: CAO/ CMO Report c - Resolution c- Ordinance Exhibits: Proposal from Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP and Engagement Letter Appropriation Source of Funds: General Fund Account Number: Contingency Amount Budgeted: $12,000 Amount Requested: $12,000 Budgeted Item: �*' Yes �' No SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION According to the City of La Porte Charter, "Following the publication of the decennial federal census, city council shall conduct an investigation and determine the population of the city and the population of each of the districts from which district councilpersons are to be elected. Each such determination shall be based upon the best available data, including, but not limited to, the most recent federal census. Each such determination shall be expressed in an ordinance, which shall be a final determination for purposes of this Charter. After any such determination, if the distribution of population among the various districts is determined by city council to be materially unbalanced, the city council shall establish new boundaries for the election of district councilpersons." The City of La Porte has experienced significant growth since the last census. Much of this growth has taken place in City Council District 5. Staff believes that this growth has resulted in the population of the six council districts to be "materially unbalanced". Consequently, staff would propose using a consultant to confirm district population counts and to make recommendations to create districts that are balanced and meet legal requirements. Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta, LLP has submitted a proposal to perform initial work to confirm district populations and make recommendations to the City Council for needed adjustments to district boundaries. The proposal includes a $6,000 fee for the initial data collection and analysis. The City would then pay on an hourly basis for work done to produce recommendations. Staff estimates that both phases can be completed for $12,000. If approved, contingency funds are available and would be allocated to getting the work performed.