Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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Discuss Formation of a Districting Commission for Adjustment of City Council District Boundaries pursuant to the 2020 Census.
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Submitted By: Melany K. Crawford, Chief Assistant City Attorney.
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): Pursuant to the City’s Charter, within thirty (30) days following official certification of the decennial census to the state of Florida, or at any interim period chosen by the City Council, the City Council must appoint a Districting Commission to prepare a report for a recommended plan for adjustment of the four City Council district boundaries.
Presentation Information: The City Manager and City Attorney will address any issues related to the discussion.
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council provide staff direction regarding formation of the Districting Commission.
Background: The U.S. Census Bureau conducted the 2020 census and certification of census results is anticipated to be forthcoming.
Issues/Analysis: The City of Port St. Lucie’s redistricting process is outlined in the City Charter. Within 30 days following official certification of the decennial census to the state, or at any interim period chosen by the City Council, the City Council must appoint 10 city electors, determined from the registration for the last statewide general election, who comprise the Districting Commission. (Art. V. § 5.05 Port St. Lucie Charter). Within 120 days of appointment, the Districting Commission must file with the official designated by the Council, a report containing a recommended plan for adjustment of the four City Council district boundaries. The plan must comply with the following requirements: (1) Each district shall be formed of compact, contiguous territory; (2) The districts shall be based on the principle of equal and effective representation as required by the United States Constitution and as represented in the mathematical preciseness reached in the legislative apportionment of the state; and (3) The report shall: include a map, description of the districts recommended, and shall be drafted as a proposed ordinance. Once filed with the designated official the report shall be treated as an ordinance introduced by a councilmember. The Council must adopt a redistricting ordinance at least 90 days before the next regular city election, and if the Council fails to do so, the report of the Districting Commission shall go into effect and have the effect of an ordinance.
The City Manager is responsible for providing staff assistance and technical data to the Districting Commission.
Financial Information: Minimal indirect costs are anticipated.
Special Consideration: Pursuant to the City’s Charter, there are specific deadlines associated with formation of the Districting Commission and creation of the recommended plan.
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments: N/A
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Frank Moehrle, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.