title
REVIEW OF CITY COMMISSION ELECTION DISTRICTS (NB)
recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear a presentation from the City Attorney's Office; 2) authorize the City Attorney to enter into a contract for professional services; and 3) authorize the creation and selection of a Citizen Election District Review Committee to submit reports and recommendations to the City Commission.
explanation
Section 2.02 of the Charter Laws of the City of Gainesville apportions the City into election districts for the purpose of electing district commissioners to the City Commission. The Charter also requires the City Commission to adjust the boundary lines of the districts whenever, in its judgment, the districts are not ratably or equally proportioned in accordance with the Florida Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, but not less frequently than within the second year following each decennial census. The City Commission last redistricted the City in 2001 taking into account data from the 2000 census. Therefore, in accordance with Section 2.02 of the Charter, the City Commission is required to redistrict within the second year following the 2010 census.
In 1986, 1991, 2001, and 2009, the City Commission contracted with an expert in the field of redistricting and apportionment. The City Manager and City Attorney recommend that the City Commission follow the process utilized in previous years by retaining the services of a professional consultant, as well as appointing a citizen committee to review and recommend any changes in the size and areas of the four election districts. Dr. Kenneth Wald, Professor of the Political Science Department of the University of Florida, previously performed these services and he has informed us that he is available to perform these services again. In addition, it is recommended that the City Commission appoint a Citizen Election District Review Committee consisting of residents of the City of Gainesvill...
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