Districting Commission Meetings

MINUTES Districting Commission Meeting Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 12:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call To Order Commission Members Present: Tom Hurlbert, Barbara Johnson, Joseph Kippley, Mark Millage, Bob Thimjon Commission Members Absent: None Commission Chair Mark Millage called the meeting to order at 12 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes A. Wednesday, August 11, 2021 A motion was made by Commissioner Hurlbert and seconded by Commissioner Thimjon to approve the minutes. Voice vote to approve. 4 Yes: Hurlbert, Kippley, Millage, Thimjon; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 3. New Business A. Census Overview - Key Data and Information Jeff Schmitt, Projects Coordinator, provided a brief analysis of the recently-released census figures. Compared to the 2010 results, there is an approximately 25% increase in the City's population. The results also show there are 83,500 housing units and slight increases in minority populations, which are comparable to changes in the region. Schmitt also stated that the figures for the Central District were lower than estimated while those for the Northeast were higher. He indicated he is still analyzing the data, but because of the differences, the previous options drawn up by the Commission are no longer feasible. The Commission explored reasons why there are discrepancies between the estimates and final census figures. It was noted, however, that the Commission knew the official census data would need to be used for the final plan. B. Review New Map Options: C7, C8, C9, and G  Schmitt presented four options: C7, C8, C9, and G. Option C7 includes six precincts moves: 2-7 to the Northeast; 3-6, 4-1, and 4-14 to the Central; 5-6 to the Southeast; and, 5-19 to the Southwest. Option C8 includes eight precinct moves, but was ruled out because two precincts were not contiguous with their proposed district. C9 includes seven precinct moves: 1-3 to the Northwest; 1-4, 3-6, and 4-1 to the Central; 2-10 and 2-15 to the Southewest; and, 5-6 to the Northeast. Lastly, Option G includes six precinct moves: 2-3 and 2-6 to the Northeast; 3-6, 4-1, and 4-14 to the Central; and, 4-5 to the Northwest.Thimjon commented that he among those presented he preferred C7 and C9 insofar as they each have a relatively low deviation. Hurlbert agreed, specifically because 4-1, 4-14, and 3-6 were in the Central District. He also stated that 5-6 should remain in the Central District and that 5-11, 5-12, and 5-13 would be more suitable in a different district. Johnson indicated that she prefers a southern boundary of 26th Street opposed to 41st for the Northeast District. Schmitt indicated he would work on additional options. Millage encouraged other members to send Schmitt recommendations via e-mail. C. Discussion of Additional Options See Item 3B above. D. Revised Timeline Tom Greco, City Clerk, reviewed the shortened timeline adopted by the City Council. He stated that with the earlier release of data, it is possible, but not required, to move the timeline up by approximately one month. He recommended September 24th as a suitable date to make the plan available to the public for review and comment. If this date were met, it's possible to present the final report to the Council in mid-November. Greco reiterated that the Commission is still afforded more time per the timeline noted above. 4. Next Meeting(s) A. Discussion of future meeting dates The Commission agreed that September 21st or 22nd would be suitable for a next meeting. Greco indicated he would poll members indivudually to identify a specific date and time. 5. Public Comment There was none. 6. Adjournment Commission Chair Mark Millage adjourned the meeting at 12:40 p.m. Thomas M. Greco, City Clerk