Select Committee Committee on Joint Select Committee on Redistricting (01/19/2011)

Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

COMMITTEE ON JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON REDISTRICTING

Date:	01/19/2011	ATTENDANCE

Time:	04:03 PM to 04:57 PM	Brophy	X
		Carroll	X
Place:	SCR 356	Coram	X
		Nikkel	X
This Meeting was called to order by		Pabon	X
	Senator Heath	Scheffel	X
		Schwartz	X
This Report was prepared by		Vigil	X
	Hillary Smith	Balmer	X
		Heath	X
		X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call

Bills Addressed:		Action Taken:
Opening Remarks and Introductions Computer Software Committee Time Line and Processes		Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only

04:03 PM -- Opening Remarks and Introductions

Senator Heath, Co-chair, called the meeting to order. He gave opening remarks about the history of redistricting in Colorado. He emphasized his belief that the committee will be a success, and discussed the cost-savings of having the committee meet during the legislative session. He spoke about the challenges facing the committee.

04:08 PM

Representative Balmer, Co-chair, spoke about the need to pass a fair map, with a transparent process, by the end of April. He said that congressional redistricting is the job of the legislature and it should not be left to the courts. Senator Heath asked each of the members of the committee to share their comments.

04:10 PM

Members of the committee expressed their thoughts and expectations regarding the work of the committee.

04:16 PM -- Computer Software

Mike Mauer, Director, Legislative Council Staff, spoke to the committee about the computer mapping software that will be used for the redistricting process. He discussed how members have created maps in the past. He said that negotiations are ongoing concerning computer training that will be provided for the members of the committee. Mr. Mauer provided additional remarks concerning committee travel.

04:19 PM

Senator Carroll asked whether the charge of the committee is to recommend one bill or multiple bills. Senator Heath responded that the committee would ideally recommend one bill. Discussion on this topic continued.

04:22 PM

Mr. Mauer emphasized that staff is available to help answer any questions regarding the redistricting process. He introduced the members of Legislative Council Staff who will be assisting the committee.

04:22 PM

Representative Pabon asked some logistical questions regarding committee procedures. He asked if other members were prohibited from introducing plans. Representative Balmer responded, and Senator Heath shared additional remarks on this topic.

04:27 PM -- Committee Time Line and Processes

Jerry Barry, Office of Legislative Legal Services, came to the table to provide the members of the committee with a time line and basic overview of redistricting procedures. He spoke about the topics that will be covered today and in future meetings. He noted that a similar presentation will be made to all 100 members of the General Assembly. He moved on to a discussion of the AutoBound computer mapping software that the committee will use, and noted that it will be able to handle plans drawn on other software packages.

04:31 PM

Mr. Barry said that the committee will receive the 2010 population data from the U.S. Census Bureau in mid-February. He provided a brief overview of the geographic terms used in the redistricting process. He spoke about the method used to merge political data with the population data. He then discussed the timing of the public hearings that will be held throughout the state. Mr. Barry said that any member of the General Assembly will be able to propose a plan to the members of the committee.

04:37 PM

Mr. Barry spoke about the April 14, 2011, deadline to recommend a plan to the General Assembly. He emphasized that staff is ready to help meet this deadline. He mentioned several members of staff who have been through the redistricting process before, and introduced the members of the Office of Legislative Legal Services who will be assisting the committee.

04:40 PM

Senator Heath asked the members of the committee to look over the proposed committee travel plan (Attachment A). He spoke about options for transportation to the public hearings. Senator Brophy and Senator Heath discussed the decision to travel to Glenwood Springs rather than to Grand Junction. The committee informally adopted the travel plan.

04:45 PM

Representative Balmer introduced a contest for the members of the committee involving songs.

04:53 PM

Senator Heath spoke about the future meetings of the committee, which are planned to occur at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in SCR 356. He re-emphasized the historical nature of the committee.

04:57 PM

Representative Balmer provided additional closing remarks. Senator Heath noted that each member has been given a large map of the current congressional districts.

04:57 PM

The committee adjourned.