01281981 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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71 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, JANUARY 28, 1981 PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth V Kraus Council Members Karl W. Brown Robert L. Cavazos Berry R. James Tess Norris John J. Stokes Ed Tarbutton City Manager City Secretary City Attorney A. C. Gonzalez Sharyl Werner Barbara Edwards Also Present: Scott Yarbrough, Bob Barton, Dr. Stouffer, Melissa Millecam, Jerri Martin, Frank Wagner, Jeff Watkins, Ruben Ruiz, Cindy Rippley, Mr. & Mrs. Pryatel, Dan Farlow, Ralph Gonzales, Nelvia Burleson, Chris Banberry and others. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The Mayor introduced for consideration reconsideration of the Charter Review Commission report, namely the question of Single Member Districts. Mr. Cavazos addressed the Council first and stated his reasons for being for Single Member Districts. Mr. Stokes stated that the Charter Review Commission did not make a specific recommendation for this to be placed on the ballot. He said that with the NAACP filing a protest, it would delay the Justice Departments decision and more than likely keep it off the ballot for this year. Mr. Tarbutton stated that he felt this issue should not be placed on the ballot for two or three years. Mr. Stokes then moved to place on the ballot eleciton of Council Members in six Single Member Districts and the Mayor at large, if the reply was received from the Justice Department in time. Mr. Cavazos seconded the motion. Mr. Brown stated that he was more in favor of a 5-1-1 system, that it would be more fair to the blacks, less expensive to run for office, has more support from the people and would probably be looked on more favorably by the Justice Department. Mr. Stokes asked the City Attorney if the decision was delayed by the Justice Department if this could be placed on the ballot in 1982. The City Attorney stated no because other charter revisions were being considered on the ballot this time, so it would have to wait until 1983. The Mayor then let interested persons address the Council on this itel Ruben Ruiz stated that he was against Single Member Districts and that the chances of the City being sues increases. Nelvia Burleson stated that the black community was against redistricting and that they would file an injunction with the Justice Department if the Council passed this motion. Chris Banberry also stated that the black community would file against this proposal. Augustin Lucio said that the people of the community should be the ones to make the choice. Mr. Pryatel asked about the 4-2-1 system not being discussed at this meeting. It was stated that since it had failed the other night, it would more than likely fail again if it was voted on. Bob Barton stated that the high cost of running in at large elections was the best reason for Single Member Districts. He said he did not feel that it was necessarily true that the 6-1 system would be turned down by the Justice Department. Mr. Stokes then amended his motion to state that provided a reply was received from the Justice Department by March 6, 1981, the issue would be placed on the ballot. Mr. Cavazos agreed to the amend- ment. On roll call, the following vote was recorded: AYE: Brown, Cavazos, James, Kraus, Stokes NAY: Norris, Tarbutton The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. on motion of Mr. Cavazos and second of Mr. Brown. [Kenneth V Kraus ! ayor