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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Actions 04-22-96PUBLIC HEARING ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL MONDA Y, APRIL 22, 1996 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER AGENDA 1. Call to Order -- Roll Call. Welcome -- Invocation. Mayor Bowers. Statement of Purpose. Mayor Bowers. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive citizen comments to determine whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a "ward" system) for the election of some members of City Council. 4. Adjournment. ?o: Members of Council From: Mary F. Parker Date: April 19, 1996 Pages: 1, including cover sheet. Pursuant to instruction by Coundl, I have scheduled a public heating to be held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., in the Coundl Chamber, to receive dtizen comments to determine whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a "ward" system) for the election of some members of City Coundl. From the desk of... Platy F. Park~- City Clerk City Clerk's C~ce 215 Church Avenue, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 (703) 981-254 I Fax: (703) 224-3145 GARY M. BOWMAN ATTORNEY AT LAW, P.C. P,O. BOX 2223 145 W, CAMPBELL AVENUE, SUITE TELEPHONE (540) 343-7949 April 22, 1996 Ms. Mary Parker City Clerk, City of Roanoke 315 W. Church Avenue Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Re: Transmittal of Letter in S~pport of Modified Ward System Dear Ms. Parker: Enclosed is my letter to the members of City Council, dated March 13, 1995, which I submitted to Council when it last considered a referendum on a modified ward system. It is my understanding that council will consider matters relating to a proposed modified ward system at its meeting tonight. Please include this letter in the record of tonight's meeting so that council may consider it. If you have any questions about this matter, please call me. Sincerely, GMB:gb Encl GARY M. BOWMAN ATTORNEY AT LAW, P.C. P.O. BOX 2223 W. CAMPBELL AVENUE, SUITE 401 ROANOKE. VIRGINIA 24009 TELEPHONE (703) 343-7949 March 13, 1995 Members of City Council City of Roanoke 315 W. Church Avenue Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Re: Modified Ward System Dear Members of City Council: The purpose of this letter is to express my support for a modified ward system for Roanoke City and to urge you to support a referendum on a modified ward system. I read in Saturday's newspaper that a majority of Council does not support a modified ward system for Roanoke City, but I hope that you will reconsider your opinion. Regardless of your personal opinion about whether a modified ward system should be adopted, there is broad support for the modified ward approach which has continued throughout the 1990s and which transcends party lines. In 1991, Robert Firebaugh, a former chairman of the Democratic city committee, suggested a modified ward system to City Council. Following Firebaugh,s suggestion, the Roanoke City Republican Committee appointed a study group to investigate the modified ward system. Following its study, the Republican City Committee adopted a resolution endorsing a modified ward system. The leaders of the Republican committee met with the leaders of the NAACP and the two groups jointly asked City Council to consider a modified ward system. The Republican study group published the enclosed op-ed piece in The Roanoke Times & World New~, which caused media attention to be focused on the issue. Following that, City Council appointed a commission to study the modified ward approach, but the commission did not include the individuals who were the most vocal proponents of the ward system. As one could have expected, based upon the commission's composition, the commission recommended in 1992 that the city electoral system remain unchanged. Despite that setback, the citizen movement toward a modified ward system has continued. In July 1994, ten people Members of city Council March 13, 1995 Page Two from three of the city's four quadrants asked council to adopt a modified ward system and citizens spoke in favor of a modified ward system in September 1994. Members of the city council who were elected under the current at-large system appear to be both arrogant and unresponsive when they reject consideration of the modified ward approach. Members of council appear arrogant because their refusal to embrace change is a tacit statement that council would not be better if different members were elected. Members of council appear unresponsive because support for a change clearly exists. The citizens of Roanoke deserve to decide for themselves whether a modified ward system should be adopted or rejected. City Council should not be the gatekeeper to change on this issue--the citizens of Roanoke should decide this isue at the polls. Sincerely, Gary M. Bowman GMB:gb Encl COMMENTARY REP,UBUCAN PRINCIPLES Small wards would empower Roanokers city legislators in direct contact · I ~P~lm~ ,; rtl?mod ~o that Republi~n$ ~t, be responsive to the peop e's ti~e ~iCh ~y ~8.~ rely ho ~ ~ NOTICE OF PUBLIC RRaRING TO THE CITIZENS OF CITY OF RO2~NOKE: NOTICE will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 22, in the Council Chambers, Municipal Building, IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the City of Roanoke S.W., in said City, at which time citizens of shall have an opportunity to be heard qualified voters of the City desire a 1996, at 7:00 p.m., 215 Church Avenue, ~he City of Roanoke to determine whether the referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a "ward" system) for the election of some members of City Council. GIVEN under my hand this the 10th day of April, 1996. Mary F. Parker, City Clerk Post-it' Fax Note 7671 Date # of NOTE TO PUBLISHER: Publish once on Friday, April 12, 1996. Send bill and publisher's affidavit to: Mary F. Parker, City Clerk 456 Municipal Building Roanoke, Virginia 24011 Ad Number: 41251742 Publisher's Fee: $42.05 MARY F. PARKER, CITY CLE ROOM 456, MUNICIPAL BUIL 215 CHURCH AVENUE, S.W. ROANOKE, VA 240t1-1536 The Roanoke Times STATE of VIRGINIA CITY of ROANOKE AFFIDAVIT of PUBLICATION I, (the undersigned) an authorized representative of the Times-World Cor- poration, which corporation is publisher of The Roanoke Times, a daily newspaper published in Roanoke, in the State of Virginia, do certify that the annexed notice was published in said newspapers on the following dates: 04/12/96 FULL RUN - Friday Witness, this 15th day of April 1996 Authorized Signature Release Da~: April 22. 199§ CC~: Michelle B Roanoke Named a Finalist in All America-City Competition Roanoke Mayor David A. Bowers and members of Roanoke City Council today announced the city has been named a finalist in the 1996 Ali-America City and Community Award Competition. Roanoke was one of 30 communities selected from 105 applications from across the nation, and the only finalist named in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The award recognizes communities where citizens, businesses, non-profits and government work together to solve problems. The award is described as "the nation's most prestigious and coveted civic prize," by the National Civic League, which holds the annual competition. "This award is right in line with the very principles City Council has put forth to be a participatory and facilitative government," said Mayor Rowers. "Regardless of whether we're named one of the top 10, the fact that we have been named a finalist is a sign that in Roanoke we believe in working together to make this city a great place to live and work." Roanoke's application cited three projects which heralded community involvement: Renew Roanoke and the building of the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center; saving Jefferson High School and the creation of the Jefferson Center as a home for culture, arts, and services; and the work to site the Roanoke Valley Trash Transfer Station. In addition to looking at specific projects, the award application required - more - 0 ffice of Public Information Municipal Building, Room 364 215 Church Ave., S.W. Roanoke, VA 24011 (703) 981-2336 -2- information on citizen participation, community leadership, government performance, volunteerism and philanthropy, intergroup relations, civic education, community information sharing, capacity for cooperation and consensus building, community vision and pride, and regional cooperation. Roanoke has been named an Ali-America City finalist four previous times: 1952, 1979, 1982 and 1988. All four times it was selected as one of the top 10 communities. In 1995 the Ali-America City Award Program was renamed to the Ali-America City and Community Award which more accurately represents the full range of applicants. The National Civic League will send an unannounced investigator to the community to verify the projects, and a team of individuals involved with the three projects will make a presentation before the All- America Cities and Communities jury in June in Ft. Worth, Texas. At that event, the 30 finalists will be narrowed to 10 All- America City and Community Award winners. - 30 - MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.V~, Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-i536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. Jeffrey L. Artis 727 Highland Avenue, S. E. Roanoke, Virginia 24013 Dear Mr. ,Ntis: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, MaN F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. Ray W. Barbour 686 Montrose Avenue, S. E. Roanoke, Virginia 24013 Dear Mr. Barbour: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Ms. Evelyn D. Bethel 35 Patton Avenue, N. E. Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Dear Ms. Bethel: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Ms. Mary F. Brooks 2541 Beverly Boulevard, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24015 Dear Ms. Brooks: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public hearing which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attomey were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE Cloy Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 The Reverend Vater C. Colbert 1328 Melrose Avenue, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Reverend Colbert: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.V~, Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. Bill Ballentine 4432 Birchwood Street, N. E. Roanoke, Virginia 24012 Dear Mr. Ballentine: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 240i 1-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Ms. Helen E. Davis 35 Patton Avenue, N. E. Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Dear Ms. Davis: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City CIerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy Ciw Clerk April 26, 1996 Ms. S. Elaina Lorritts-Duckett 2524 Marr Street, N. W., Apartment 18-G Roanoke, Virginia 24012 Dear Ms. Lorritts-Duckett: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. Henry Hale, Jr. 4740 Mews Hills Drive, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Dear Mr. Hale: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public heedng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.~, Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. Russ Hawkins 1818 Oxford Lane, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24015 Dear Mr. Hawkins: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 The Reverend Leonard Hines 3819 Rolling Hill Avenue, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Reverend Hines: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. Martin D. Jeffrey 2901 Bradley Street, N. E. Roanoke, Virginia 24012 Dear Mr. Jeffrey: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. H. Joel Kelly 3038 Melrose Avenue, N. W., Apartment 927 Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Mr. Kelly: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Ms. E.Jeanette Manns 1826 Tenth Street, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24012 Dear Ms. Manns: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public hearing which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMCIAAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. Joseph Nash 1202 Kerns Avenue, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24013 Dear Mr. Nash: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held o~ Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 240i 1-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. Alvin Parson 352 McDowell Avenue, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Dear Mr. Parson: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public hearing which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 240i 1-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Mr. A. Byron Smith 4710 Cheraw Lake Drive, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Mr. Smith: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public hearing which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~,ard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 98 ! -2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Dr. Anthony Stavola 1836 Greenwood Road, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24015 Dear Dr. Stavola: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public headng which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-i536 Telephone: (540) 981-2541 Fax: (540) 224-3145 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk April 26, 1996 Dr. Gary M. Waldo 3229 Brandon Avenue, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Dear Dr. Waldo: On behalf of the Members of the Roanoke City Council, I would like to thank you for your participation in the public hearing which was held on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a "ward" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, the City Manager and the City Attorney were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood association in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely, Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm MARY E PARKER, CMC/AAE City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540) 981-254l Fax: (540) 224-3145 April 25, 1996 SANDRA H. EAKIN Deputy City Clerk VV. Robert Herbert City Manager Roanoke, Virginia Wilburn C. Dibling, Jr. City Attorney Roanoke, Virginia Gentlemen: A public hearing was held by the Council of the City of Roanoke on Monday, April 22, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., with regard to whether the qualified voters of the City desire a referendum as to a City Charter amendment establishing a specific form of modified election district system (sometimes referred to as a '~vard" system) for the election of some Members of City Council. On motion, duly seconded and adopted, you were instructed to convene a Task Force to develop a modified ward system plan to be brought to the City Council for the purpose of sending said plan to referendum to be voted on by the qualified voters of the City of Roanoke. Specifically, the Task Force shall be comprised of one member from each neighborhood organization in the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership and such other neighborhood organizations with elected leadership, bylaws, and regular meetings. Members of each neighborhood association shall elect their representative to the Task Force. Sincerely, ..~~ Mary F. Parker, CMC/AAE City Clerk MFP:sm CITY OF ROANOKE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION DATE: December 27, 1996 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Mary F. Parker, City Clerk Linda Ferguson, Staff, Citizens Task Force to Recommend a Modified Election District System Wilbum C. Dibling, Jr., City Attorney ~ Resolution of Citizens Task Force On November 5, 1996, the Citizens Task Force to Recommend a Modified Election District System adopted the attached resolution that provides guidelines for the formulation of a modified election district plan and the drawing of election districts for City Council. The attached originals are executed by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Task Force and should be retained in the permanent records of the City and the Task Force. filed. Thank you for your cooperation in seeing that this important document is properly WCD/lsc Attachment A RESOLUTION OF THE CITIZENS TASK FORCE TO RECOMMEND A MODIFIED ELECTION DISTRICT SYSTEM FOR THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL WHEREAS, by motion adopted April 22, 1996, the City Council of the City of Roanoke, Virginia ("City Council"), created the Citizens Task Force to Recommend a Modified Election District System for the Election of Members of the Roanoke City Council ("Task Force") and requested the Task Force to study and report to City Council with respect to election of members of City Council under a Modified Election District System; WHEREAS, the Task Force intends in all of its work to comply with the legal mandates of the United States and Virginia Constitutions, and laws of the United States, including the Voting Rights Act, and the Commonwealth of Virginia; WHEREAS, the Task Force also intends to afford ample opportunity for public participation as to alternative election procedures; and WHEREAS, the guidelines to be adhered to in the Task Force's work should be agreed to and announced before the formulation ora modified election district plan and the drawing of election districts for City Council; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Task Force as follows: 1. In devising and recommending a modified election district system for the election of members of City Council and in the drawing of recommended election districts for City Council, the Task Force shall adhere to the following guidelines: ao ~. The number of persons in each ejection district shall be as nearly equal as is practicable. Any deviation from equality of population is justified only when it is the result offollowin another g guideline set forth below. In no case shall the total deviation from the most populous district to the least populous district exceed ten percent (10%). 3Li~lg.l~,hla.~I. The dilution of racial or minority voting strength is contrary to law and public policy. Accordingly, no districting plan shall dilute racial or minority V ' otmg strength, and nothing in these guidelines shall be construed to supersede any provision of the Constitution of the United States or the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended. Co .C~m.lla~Ifl~. Districts shall be in reasonably compact form. ~lil~. Districts shall be comprised of one contiguous geographic unit and not be separated by other boundary lines. P~?.P. II]~. The 1990 Federal Decennial Census numbers shall be the sole basis for determining the population of election districts. Illlllgtl~i~. Election district boundaries shall where possible follow clearly defined and clearly observable features, such as roads, highways, railroad tracks, rivers, streams and other permanent features. ~. No election district lines shall divide a census block. By using whole census blocks, the population of each election district can be determined solely by reference to the census reports and without relying on estimates. Precinctn Each precinct shall be wholly contained within an election district. · ~]~zf~]~. Election districts shall be established in such a way as to preserve existing communities of interest where that can be done in compliance with the preceding guidelines. Communities of interest are defined as recognizable areas with similarities of interest, including but not limited to racial, ethnic, geographic, economic, social, cultural, or historic interests, as well as commonality of communications and transportation links. 2. The guidelines of equal population and the Voting Rights Act (Paragraph 1, subparagraphs a. and b., above) shall be given priority in the application of these criteria. ADOPTED this _~'~ day of November, 1996. ATTEST: Michael F. Urbanski, Chairman lily Bo~va~Vice-Chairman