City of Gonzales
CITY ATTORNEY
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: March 23, 2023
FROM: Michael Rodriquez, City Attorney
THROUGH: Trevin W. Barber, City Manager
SUBJECT: Transition to District-Based Elections for Councilmembers – Proposed District Maps – Public Hearing #3
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council hold a public hearing, receive public comment and provide direction to Staff and the City’s Districting Consultant on the draft plans for the proposed boundaries of three voting districts.
BACKGROUND
The City Council has initiated the process for conversion from the current at-large voting system for selecting councilmembers to a “by-district” system. Two public hearings were conducted on October 25 and December 14, 2022 at which the City’s consultant in this matter, National Demographics Corporation (“NDC”), explained the conversion process, explained the methods by which voting districts are formed, and received comments and questions from the City Council and members of the public. (The first two meetings were held as joint meetings with the City of Soledad as a convenient cost-savings effort, with one meeting held in Gonzales and one meeting held in Soledad.) At this stage in the process for the establishment of the electoral districts, the City Council must now consider the proposed boundaries for four (4) City Council districts.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The purpose of holding this public hearing is to receive input and comments from the Council and the public on any draft maps the public has submitted and on the three draft plans that have been prepared and professionally reproduced by NDC. The maps have been prepared in compliance with the criteria established by the Fair Maps Act- Elections Code Section 21601. Such requirements include that districts shall be substantially equal in population, shall to the extent practicable be geographically AGENDA
ITEM
2 contiguous, shall to the extent practicable respect the geographic integrity of any local neighborhood or local community of interest, shall be easily identifiable and understandable to residents (bounded by natural and artificial barriers, streets and city boundaries), and to the extent practicable, shall be drawn to encourage geographical compactness in a manner that nearby areas of population are not bypassed in favor of more distant populations. The maps and demographic profiles for each map have been made available to the public since March 9, 2023 on the City’s website. Tonight’s meeting will be the first of three public hearings on this process to establish the districts.
It is also recommended that the City Council discuss and provide direction on the tentative schedule for the remaining public hearings so that they can be properly noticed and posted on the City’s website.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: District mapping is arguably a means of ensuring that the elected Council better represents the heritage of the City and results in all community members having a say in maintaining the important qualities that make Gonzales a special place to live.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: See above.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: N/A.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes No X N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
Explain: See above.
ALTERNATIVES
Both the Council and the public are free to request modifications to any of the maps presented this evening.
BUDGET IMPACT
At this point the only cost the City has incurred is the previously approved cost for the City’s consultant.
The mapping activities discussed this evening are covered by such costs.
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
This evening’s public hearing was noticed by publication, posting on the City’s website and Facebook page, and physically posted at City Hall.
Attachments:
1. Public Hearing Notice
2. Plans and Demographic Profiles for Three Draft Maps