2022.03.22 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

March 8, 2022 Page 3 of 6 Motion by Councilmember Axberg, seconded by Councilmember Dunsworth to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried Public Hearing None. Council Business 1. Update on Redistricting Process. City Manager Massopust indicated City Clerk Spangrud would be presenting this item to the Council. He explained staff would be reviewing this item with the Council this evening and the item would be formally approved on March 22. City Clerk Spangrud stated the purpose of the decennial U.S. Census is to ensure that the representation of each state is apportioned fairly in the U.S. House of Representatives. This apportionment process does not affect representation in the U.S. Senate since every state receives two seats regardless of population. Once this reapportionment work is completed, each state uses the census population counts to redistrict its congressional and legislative districts. The Special Redistricting Panel appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court released Minnesota’s redistricting plan in mid-February. Previously, the entirety of the City of New Brighton was represented in Congressional District 4 and State Senate District 41. The southern half of the City was in 41B (Precincts 1 – 4) and the northern half of the City was in House District 41A (Precincts 5 – 8). The newly released redistricting plans keep the entirety of the City of New Brighton in Congressional District 4. However, the plans moved the House District boundary north and placed a new Senate District boundary line in the middle of the City. The northern half of the City is now in Senate District 40 and House District 40A while the southern half of the city is in Senate District 39 and in House District 39B. Minnesota State Statute 204B.14 subd. 3(e) requires cities to reestablish their precinct boundaries and designate polling places by March 29, 2022. In order to meet this deadline, the City Council will need to approve New Brighton’s redistricting plan at their March 22, 2022 business meeting. Staff commented further on the redistricting that would occur in the City and reviewed an updated precinct map (Plan A, B and C) with polling places with the Council. It was noted staff was seeking a contact at the Church Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for Precinct 3. The next steps for staff and Ramsey County were discussed. It was noted a postcard would be sent to voters to notify them of the proposed changes. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked staff for all of their efforts on this. She asked if the elementary schools could be used for polling locations. City Clerk Spangrud indicated staff has reached out to the schools in the past and was told they do not have the space or sufficient parking. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas supported staff reaching out to the schools again because the back entrance at Irondale High School goes directly into the library and this could be a great polling location. She noted another option would be the former auditorium at Irondale which has been transformed into a multi-purpose room and could be accessed from the front entrance. She understood Bel Air has also been renovated and may be an option. She suggested staff also consider using a community room at the new apartment complexes in the City. She asked if TUV SUV or APi had been approached as a polling location. Councilmember Abdulle thanked staff for the detailed presentation. He asked if the park shelters could be used for polling places. He requested further information on how combined McCray for Adult Softball Official Services. Public Hearing Council Business 1. Update on Redistricting Process.