10/19/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 19, 2021 The Board entered into lengthy discussion of the proposals with consideration for public comments, and the goal of providing staff with clear direction. There was general agreement that the geography of the districts was more important than perfectly equalized population counts. The Commissioners then debated the pros and cons of having the barrier island in one district, as was preferred by some speakers who were concerned with socioeconomic disparity. The Board was in favor of splitting the barrier island due to the differing needs of the north and south beach areas, and to minimize the sprawl of District 5. Vice Chairman O'Bryan then suggested using Proposal 1 with modifications to keep the McAnsh Park neighborhood together, limit the City of Vero Beach to be encompassed by no more than two (2) Districts, and square off District 3. The Board reiterated that a Commissioner could serve any district. Discussion returned to the suggestion of additional meetings in advance of the December 7th deadline. The Board noted that several speakers who represented the Gifford neighborhood expressed a need for empathy for their concerns, and it was agreed that staff should conduct an informational meeting in Gifford. The Commissioners also requested to have the revised map of Proposal 1 brought back before the Board in advance of the December vote. Board consensus was reached to move forward with a modified Proposal 1 map, with the exception of Commissioner Moss who stated she was not yet ready to commit to any one proposal. A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Chairman Flescher, to approve Redistricting Proposal Map Number 1 with the following modifications: 1) lower the population's deviation from the average, if possible; 2) ensure the Municipalities are not split among more than two (2) Districts; 3) keep the McAnsh Park neighborhood in one (1) District, with the western boundary along 27th Avenue; and 4) square off District 3. The Board also directed staff to organize a presentation of the revised Redistricting Proposal Map 1 in the Gifford neighborhood, as well as returning before the Board to present the revisions in advance of the December 7, 2021 meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, and Commissioner Earman Nay: 1 - Commissioner Moss B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS 10. B.1. 21-0837 Request to Speak from Elizabeth Siebert re: Redistricting Recommended Action: No action required Attachments: Public Discussion Request Siebert Indian River County Florida Page 7