Min 08/19/1991 749
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
August 19, 1991
Item 1
The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met
in called session on the above date in the Council Room of the
Memorial Auditorium Building at 9: 30 o'clock a.m. , with the
following members present.
Michael Lam - Mayor
David Farabee -
Terrance E. Loughry -
(Late Arrival)
Angus Thompson - Councilors
Paul Hughes -
J. W. Martin -
Don Kirkham -
James Berzina City Manager
Gregory Humbach City Attorney
Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk
Mayor Lam noted that the purpose of this meeting is to
begin procedures for redistricting to make sure we comply with
all federal and state laws.
i
Moved by Councilor Martin that the meeting recess and
reconvene in the Council Conference Room.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried
unanimously.
David Guinn noted the background of the single member
districts in Wichita Falls. A review of this process is
required every census year. He explained that of the total
population of 96, 259, each district is required to have 19,251
persons. He stated that the Justice Department is not concerned
with one man-one vote, but only with minority representation.
We can be under or over ten percent. Districts 1, 2, and 5 are
under. Districts 3 and 4 are over the population requirements.
Mr. Guinn pointed out that the Justice Department will not
permit any going back in minority representation. The Hispanic
community is thoroughly diffused all over town. There is no
specified concentration. The black population is located
primarily in District Two. He suggested that they allow Mr.
Morrison to try to complete that minority profile. They will
try to under-populate District 2 to keep from diluting the
minority population. Any change in the number of districts
would require a charter amendment.
Mr. Guinn recommended a citizens advisory committee to
assist the Council in the re-districting process. Qualified
citizens are needed who are interested, and who will attend and
participate. He suggested a committee composed of a fair
representation of race, age, and gender. He stressed openness
of the project.
Mayor Lam suggested that Mr. Guinn do what they would
traditionally do without any direction, and the Council would
look at it at that point.
750
The City Council adjourned at 10: 25 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the day of
1991.
Michael Lam, Mayor
ATTEST:
Wilma J. Th mas, CMC/AAE
City Clerk