City of Gonzales
CITY ATTORNEY
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: June 5, 2023
FROM: Michael Rodriquez, City Attorney
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, Acting City Manager
SUBJECT: Transition to District-Based Elections for Councilmembers – Proposed District Maps – Public Hearing #4
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing, receive public comment, provide feedback to the demographic consultant regarding the draft Council District boundary maps, and consider designating a preferred map for inclusion in the ordinance that is to be drafted and brought to the Council for possible introduction following the public hearing on this topic on June 20, 2023.
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.) A third public hearing was held on March 23, 2023, at which the Council received public input and Council comments on three draft districting maps 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, and the maps and accompanying demographic profiles for each map have been available to the public on the City’s website since March 9, 2023. Map drafting requirements include that districts shall be substantially equal in population, shall to the extent practicable be geographically 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 AGENDA
ITEM
13 encourage geographical compactness in a manner that nearby areas of population are not bypassed in favor of more distant populations. After comment from a number of persons was received at the public hearing, and additional comment was provided by the City Council, the Maroon Map was preliminarily chosen as the favorite option by a majority of the Council.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The purpose of holding this fourth public hearing is to receive further input and comments from the Council and the public on any of the three draft maps that have been previously prepared by NDC, and made available to the public since early March. As of the date of the preparation of this report, no additional maps have been submitted by the public.
At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Council will have the opportunity to once again discuss the maps, to direct NDC to develop new or revised maps for consideration at a subsequent hearing, and/or to select a preferred map and election sequence for inclusion in a resolution or ordinance for formal adoption at an upcoming meeting. The election sequence is the order and timing at which elections occur in the newly formed districts in 2024 and 2026.
The NDC consultant will be appearing virtually this evening but will be available for comment and questions as necessary.
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.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
None required.
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
This evening’s public hearing was noticed by posting on the City’s website and Facebook page, and physically posted at City Hall and Council Chambers.
Attachments:
1. Public Hearing Notice
2. Plans and Demographic Profiles for Three Draft Maps