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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2011-R0034 - Create And Establish Redistricting Advisory Committee - 01/13/2011Resolution No. 2011—R0034 January 13, 2011 Item No. 6.10 RESOLUTION (Creating and Appointing a Redistricting Advisory Committee) WHEREAS, the 2010 Census figures have been released by the Census Bureau of the United States; and WHEREAS, it appears that some adjustment of City Council Districts will be required as a result of the 2010 Census data; and WHEREAS, state and federal legal decisions significantly impact the manner by which redistricting is accomplished; and WHEREAS, the City Council is charged with the responsibility to designate the boundaries for the City Council Districts; WHEREAS, it is the opinion of the City Council that the best interests of the citizens of the City of Lubbock would be served by the creation of a Redistricting Advisory Committee composed of citizens representing various elements of Lubbock's population to advise the City Council on issues pertaining to redistricting based on the newly released census data; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to have the Committee make its recommendation to the Council based on the redistricting guidelines set forth herein; NOW THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK: SECTION 1. THAT the City Council of the City of Lubbock hereby creates and establishes a Redistricting Advisory Committee to assist the City Council in fulfilling its legislative responsibilities pertaining to redistricting prior to the City's next General Election in May, 2012. SECTION 2. THAT the composition of the Redistricting Advisory Committee and the of its members shall be as follows: a) The Redistricting Advisory Committee shall consist of fifteen (15) members. b) City Council members and the Mayor shall each appoint two (2) persons to serve as members of the Committee. c) Additionally, the Mayor shall appoint a third person to serve as chairperson for the Committee. d) Terms shall be until such time as a final report is delivered to the City Council at a date not later than November 1, 2011. SECTION 3. THAT the Redistricting Advisory Committee should consider the ig guidelines established by the City Council as the committee meets and deliberates: a) Where possible, use easily identifiable geographic boundaries for districts. b) Maintain communities of interest within a single district and avoid splitting neighborhoods. - Redistricting Advisory Committee 1. 13,1 I .doc c) Use whole voting precincts to make up the districts. d) Base the recommended plan to the extent possible on existing Council districts. e) Recommend districts that are relatively equal in population, avoid bizarre shapes, and do not exceed a 10% top to bottom population deviation between districts. f) Recognize incumbent -constituency relationships by not recommending districts containing more than one current Council member. g) Recommend a plan that is narrowly tailored to avoid retrogression in the position of racial or ethnic minorities as defined in the Voting Rights Act with respect to their exercise of electoral franchise. h) Seek public input as appropriate by means of public hearings and other methods as required. SECTION 4. THAT the City Manager may appoint a member of the administrative staff as a staff liaison for the Redistricting Advisory Committee. The staff liaison may provide such administrative assistance and supplies as may be necessary to assist the Commission in carrying out its strategies and goals. SECTION 5. THAT the City Attorney may appoint an Assistant City Attorney as a legal liaison for the Redistricting Advisory Committee. The legal liaison may provide such legal assistance and supplies as may be necessary to assist the Commission in lawfully carrying out its strategies and goals. Passed by the City Council this 13th day of January, 2011. �� TOM MARTIN, MAYOR n Rebecca Garza, City APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: Xa'e d2l Lee Ann Dumbauld, City Manager IQACCDOCS\RES - Redistricting Advisory Committee 1.13.1 l.doc