CC MIN 02032022 - Laserfiche WebLink

added, due to the census data, the area between downtown and the City's southern border is challenging to split. Mr. Wagaman presented the Tor 2 map. He reported it goes beyond the accepted deviations which would require District 4 to be enlarged. He noted the Tor 2 map is unlike any of the others for keeping the entire area west of lnterstate 680 together from the City's northern border to its southern border. ln response to Councilmember Balch, Tom \Mllis of Olson Remcho LLP, clarified the CVRA does not require the petitioners for these districts to show there can be a majority-minority district in the City. He explatned this is why the legal threshold for the City being forced to convert to districts is so low. He clarified all the petitioners must show is racially polarized voting and it is simple to show that people of different classes or races vote differently. He clarified the nuance where the Federal Voting Rights Act focuses on whether race should be considered in drawing districts as opposed to the CVRA saying race should be considered in whether to go to districts. He confirmed for the Federal Voting Rights Act to enter into the equation, a protected class has to show it can form a majority-minority district. He advised no protected class meets this threshold in Pleasanton so race should not be a predominant factor when drawing the lines. He confirmed going fonruard with districting remains the best course of action. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing Jan Batcheller reported few feel the need to divide downtown but admitted it is the prudent action. She noted all of the other maps are more confusing than the consultant's Green map which she feels is the fairest and most unbiased option. She endorsed the first map but suggested moving the dividing line from Main Street to First Street so the business district is in a single district, and moving the dividing line from Las Positas Boulevard to the parallelArroyo Macho to keep housing intact. Sandy reported the map she submitted was not included. She advised she liked the Hall map and requested having it shown. She expressed confusion over which maps were being shown at which times while viewing the presentation. ln response to Sandy, Mr. Wagaman reported not seeing her map and recommended she resubmit it. He clarified at the February 24 meeting all maps will remain under consideration but the list will be expanded based on tonight's refined direction. ln response to Mayor Brown, Mr. Wagaman explained he typically would ask the City Council at this third meeting to declare maps or parts of maps they like for direction. Jarod Buna noted it is a tough position to be in. He advised the state and federal courts will provide clear guidance on how to handle the unique situation of representatives picking their voters. He commended the guidance being provided to the City Council. He urged against odd shapes to accommodate communities of interest and endorsed the Green and Purple maps. Jill Buck repofted several resident-produced maps break up her Del Prado neighborhood. She commended Mr. Wagaman's maps, particularly the Green and Purple maps, for using arterial roads for boundaries. She noted the Green map's simplicity. She advised the Combs and Katz maps use residential streets for district borders and noted it can be confusing and split neighborhoods like hers. She noted Del Prado is a community of interest. She encouraged the City Council to stick to Mr. Wagaman's maps, particularly the Green followed by the Purple. Mayor Brown closed the public hearing. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9 February 3.2022