Title
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION PROVIDING DIRECTION TO ADMINISTRATION REGARDING THE CITY'S REDISTRICTING PROCESS.
Summary Explanation and Background
SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:
1. The City Commission at its February 17, 2021 meeting voted to direct the City to negotiate a contract with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) for the purposes of conducting a redistricting study.
2. Census data for reapportionment (PL 94-171) typically is delivered by the federal government in April following the decennial census, nonetheless, the release of data was delayed until August 2021 due to the COVID -19 pandemic.
3. FAU conducted an analysis of 2020 Census data utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) and found that the existing districts exceeded the ten percent overall deviation due to growth and shifts in population.
4. Per their contract and consistent with previously accepted methodologies, FAU has submitted a redistricting report, "Redistricting Alternatives for the City of Pembroke Pines" showing the current district population as well as three map alternatives to amend the City Commission election districts. The report was presented at the October 6, 2021 City Commission meeting.
5. During discussion on the agenda items (presentation and proposed ordinance 2021-21), the City Commission requested that Administration hold a public meeting to obtain input from residents regarding redistricting options for City. The City Commission authorized the City Manager to expend funds consistent with the consultants contract to perform this task.
6. Due to the upcoming election in March 2022, the City had been working on an expedited schedule towards adoption of a new map by early November in order to transmit the ordinance and updated map to the Supervisor of Elections (SOE).
7. On October 11, the City Attorney's Office received correspondence (attached) from the SOE stating that they would not be able to accommodate municipal map changes in time for the March 2022 election, but that any changes could be implemented by August 2022.
8. Based on the revised timeline, City Administration cancelled the October 13 public meeting so that their may be sufficient time to notice a public meeting for this task.
9. As part of the public outreach, City staff has created a webpage with redistricting information, the report and the proposed map options: https://www.ppines.com/1482/Redistricting.
10. Administration recommends holding a pubic meeting with the redistricting consultant for public input in the City Commission chambers in November or December. Following the public meeting, Administration recommends holding a workshop prior to an upcoming Commission meeting in early 2022, then schedule first and second reading of the proposed ordinance for adoption of potential map changes.
11. Administration is seeking direction as to how the City Commission would like to proceed with the redistricting process.
Financial Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT DETAIL:
a) Initial Cost: Additional consultant services at $150 per staff member per hour.
b) Amount budgeted for this item in Account No: 001-515-9002-531500-0000-000-0000-Professional Fees-Other
c) Source of funding for difference, if not fully budgeted: Not Applicable
d) 5 year projection of the operational cost of the project: Not Applicable
e) Detail of additional staff requirements: Not Applicable