| DRAFT TASK LIST AND TIMELINE
Staff will present the first draft of the tasks to be accomplished and timelines for completion for discussion and input.
Ms. ODell commented on the need to have press releases to inform the public prior to holding public hearings.
Mr. Camarillo commented that, at the very least, draft maps should be available at the public hearings. Mr. Camarillo also commented regarding Item 6 on today's agenda stating that reasons should be stated for holding the public hearings.
Mr. Ulloa commented that at the next regular Commission meeting there should be an Agenda discussion on asking the public to present to the Commission their initial impressions of what the Commission should consider when drawing the preliminary map.
Mr. Leland commented that the Commission could use the current map as a starting point for discussion.
Mr. Camarillo suggested the use of an existing map as a guide to encourage public input on the web site and inform the public that the Commission would respond to the web site comments at the public hearings.
Joey Perry commented that the Census 2000 population data is expected to be delivered to the Governor by April 1, 2001. However, we do not expect to receive census tract data until a week later.
Ms. Heshimu briefed the Commission on "The Task List" and discussed the time-lines. Ms. Heshimu proposes moving the first public hearing date from April 9, 2001 to April 23, 2001 allowing staff more time to advertise and outreach, produce presentation materials, and create rules if the public is being invited to draw maps.
Ms. Heshimu stated that staff understood that one public meeting is to be scheduled in each of the eight Council districts with two in District eight (one in South Bay, and one downtown) for a total of nine public hearing between April 23 and May 21, 2001. The meetings are to be held every Monday and Wednesday between those dates.
Ms. Foster recommended putting together an educational presentation for the public who may not be familiar with redistricting and the task of the Commission.
Mr. Ulloa recommended placing the presentation on the Web as well, so the public can view this information before the public hearings.
Mr. Johnson recommended handouts for public members not having access to the Internet. Mr. Johnson also suggests making the community more aware and suggests broadcasting some of the meetings on the public access channel.
Ms. Foster said this can be done and recommends the Commission decide which meetings are the best to broadcast.
Mr. Ulloa suggested all the meetings be broadcast. Mr. Ulloa also suggests that staff explore the possibility of translating the minutes or summaries to Spanish on the Internet for the Spanish community.
Ms. ODell suggested that press releases need to go to all community publications. Ms. Odell also recommended the Commission solicit community input with regard to where boundaries should be set.
Mr. Saito asked Ms. Heshimu to look into translating the minutes into other languages and publishing them in various ethnic newspapers.
Mr. Ulloa recommended City Council Members be encouraged to be present at the meetings in their district.
Ms. Foster commented that Mayor Murphy desires to speak at one of the public hearings.
Ms. Heshimu suggested that the Commissioners make a decision on how many map options they want to make available for public input. The goal for completion of the entire redistricting process is Labor Day.
Mr. Saito directed Ms. Heshimu to put discussion of the time line on the agenda for the next meeting to address further questions.
Regarding hiring outside consulting, Ms. Heshimu feels that staff will likely need assistance addressing voting pattern information needs, for deciding which election data to use, if any, etc. Ms. Heshimu is concerned about meeting deadlines, in the absence of any one of the Commission staff through sickness, an accident or for any other reason. Ms. Heshimu suggested contracting consulting services on an "as-needed" basis at a reasonable price; however, the consultant should be able and willing to complete the redistricting process if for any reason staff cannot.
Ms. Foster commented on the proposals received for legal services. Ms. Foster doesn't feel we need a legal firm looking over our shoulder from beginning to end and said that this would not be cost effective. Ms. Foster does feel there could be value at a certain point when we have options, to consult a legal expert for review and recommendation on our best option. Ms. Foster reminded the Commission that while she is very familiar with the subject of redistricting, she is not a specialist and she would not be opposed to bringing in a specialist for a limited review at a point where we have a product for them to look at.
Mr. Saito commented that the Commission is scheduling two sets of public hearings:
1. The Preliminary Public Hearings, and then a map will be drawn, and
2. A second set of hearing to discuss that map, and then another map will be drawn.
Mr. Saito suggested having a third set of public hearings to be completed by the August 31, 2001 deadline to assure that all concerns have been addressed and to determine if the final map does indeed create new concerns.
Mr. Ulloa suggested inviting the public to come downtown for the final public meeting to review the final map.
Mr. Saito recommended putting this item on the Agenda for the next meeting.
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION ACTION: (Tape location: A103-B162.)
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