HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-22-2002 Regular Meeting• •
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
LA PORTE REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE MEETING
JULY 22, 2002
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Councilperson/Chairperson Bruce Meismer at 3:30
P.M.
Members of Redistricting Subcommittee Present: Bruce Meismer and James Warren.
Members of the Redistricting Subcommittee Absent: Mike Mosteit
.Staff Present: City Secretary Martha Gillett, City Attorney Knox Askins and Planning
Director Doug Kneupper.
Others Present: Councilpersons Chuck Engelken and Barry Beasley.
2. Consider approval of minutes of the July 16, 2002 Meeting.
Motion was made by James Warren to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by
Bruce Meismer. The motion was approved unanimously.
3. Discuss Redistricting Map and Polling Locations.
Chairman Bruce Meismer reminded the committee Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins
spoke with the Justice Department and it was determined that single member districts
could be above or below the 5% variance as long as the ,overall variance is not greater
than a 10% spread between the lowest and highest district.
City Secretary Martha Gillett and Planning Director reported the new map R-0009-E
complies with the Justice Department Guidelines. They further reported they were not
able to satisfy the request of only having two council districts in the Glen Meadows
Subdivision.
Map R-0009-E has a 9.93% overall variance from the lowest district to the highest
district, results in the least amount of retrogression to District 4.
City Manager Robert T. Herrera noted the map should read Redistricting Subcommittee
Map.
Mr. Warren reminded the group and noted that an error was found in the numbers after
the Redistricting Committee had submitted a map for recommendation to the City
Council for approval. See attached memorandum from Doug Kneupper outlining the
error.
The committee agreed the boundary for district 6 could be moved to the east side of the
La Porte Municipal Airport.
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The committee discussed polling locations. The committee agreed the number of polling
locations should be reduced from 6 to 2. The following locations were recommended:
Early Voting -All early voting would continue to be held at City Hall per statutory
regulations included in the Election Code. An additional Saturday would be added to
early voting during the hours of 8:00 A.M. unti15:00 P.M. It was recommended the
additional day NOT be on the same day as Sylvan Beach Day.
Election Day -Districts 4 and 5 -The polling location for these two districts would be at
the High School or a suitable location within the building complex. City Secretary
Martha Gillett is to coordinate and confirm this location before the Public Hearing on
August 12, 2002.
Districts 1,2,3 and 6 would vote at Baker School. It is to be determined if the school
district would continue to vote at College Park Elementary or move that location to Baker
School. City Secretary was directed to confirm this with the school district before the
August 12, 2002 Public Hearing.
4. Adjournment
There being no further business, the Redistricting Committee meeting was duly
adjourned at 4:10 P.M.
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Passed and approved on this ~ day of `~~~j002.
Respectf miffed,
r
Bruce Meismer, Chairperson