HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2001-R0151 - Establishment Of A Redistricting Advisory Committee - 04/26/2001Resolution No. 2001-RO151
April 26, 2001
Item No. 28
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the 2000 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 2000 Census data; and
WHEREAS, changes in Federal case law since the 1990 Census have radically
changed the legal premises and processes involved in redistricting by local governments;
and
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 all 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 with regard to
issues pertaining to redistricting prior to the City's next General Election in May, 2002.
SECTION 2. THAT the composition of the Redistricting Advisory Committee
and the terms of its members shall be as follows:
a) The Redistricting Advisory Committee shall consist of fifteen (15)
members, with each City Council member and the Mayor appointing
two (2) members. The Mayor shall also appoint a chairperson for the
Committee.
b) Terms shall be until such time as a final report is delivered to the City
Council at a date not later than November 1, 2001.
SECTION 3. THAT the Redistricting Advisory Committee shall abide by the
following guidelines in its preparation of its final recommendation to the City Council on
redistricting:
a) Where possible, use easily identifiable geographic boundaries for
districts.
b) Maintain communities of interest within a single district and avoid
splitting neighborhoods.
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 the 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.
Passed by the City Council this 26th day of April , 2001.
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ALEX "TY" COD E, MAYOR PRO TEM
ATTEST:
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Rebecca Garza, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
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Debra Forte, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
D'O'nald G. Vandiver, First Assistant City
Attorney
DDres/SisCity.res
March 15, 2001