HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-09-07 - City Commission Joint Special Meeting Minutesso
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VAIL REFL`+ TO
F 0 Box 25010
7AVARAC. FLORIDA 33370
Es11 r,C1�TH`,.EST 6r7H A v E .lIr 1i. .
7ELEPHCiNE 1305 777 7a'..
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL/CHARTER BOARD JOINT MEETING
TAMARAC, FLORIDA
Please be advised of a Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and the
Charter Board called by the Redistricting Committee to be held on Friday,
agptember 7. 1984 at 10:00 A.M., in the Council Chambers of City Hall,
5811 N. W. 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
The purpose of this meeting is presentation of the Final Redistricting
Report by the Redistricting Committee to the City Council and Charter Board
pursuant to Section 6.03 of the Charter.
MARILYN BERTHOLF, C.M.C.
City Clerk
Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes
It a person decides to appeal any decision made by the city
Council with respect to any matter considered at such mectink or
hearing, he w 11 need a reaoro of the proceedings and for ,ach
Purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record includes
the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE
JOINT MEETING
WITH
CITY COUNCIL AND CHARTER BOARD
SEPTEMBER 7, 1984
The Redistricting Committee met with the City Council and the Charter Board on Friday,
September 7, 1984, at 10:00 A.M., in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
ROLL CALL: Redistricting Committee - PRESENT:
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Citv Council
Charter Board
Sol Robinson, Chairman
Bernie Hart, Vice Chairman
George Baer
Sam Pizzarello
Al Mallor,
Roland Paradisi
Bernard Simms
Ed Solomon
ABSENT & EXCUSED: Margaret Wallach
PRESENT: Vice Mayor Sydney M. Stein
Councilman Raymond J. Munitz
Councilman John J. Dunne
ABSENT & EXCUSED: Mayor Philip B. Kravitz
Councilman Jack Stelzer
PRESENT: Moni Avidon, Chairman
Alice Norian, Vice Chairman
Jim Godin
Ben Lieber
Melanie Reynolds
Redistricting Committee Chairman Robinson asked that the record show that when he was
originally appointed to this position, he was apprehensive as to the manner in which
each individual member might try to impose his political leanings and knowledge on the
group. He stated that he was apprehensive of the possibility of long hours of bickering
before any compromise or acceptable plan could be formulated; however he was pleased to
report that from the beginning of the first moment of the first meeting his fears were
soon dissolved. He continued that during his lifetime, he has been privileged to serve
as a member or chairman of hundreds of committees but never has he had the pleasure to
work with and serve alongside of such a fine and dedicated group of volunteers as
comprise this Redistricting Committee. He said that each individual member gave of
themself unsparingly; they set aside any preconceived ideas and plans and worked together,
with such harmony and cooperation as to earn the admiration of not only himself, but
every individual who witnessed any of the meetings of this committee. He continued
that the people of the City of Tamarac are indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated
group of devoted volunteers who are willing to give so much of themselves, their time
and money , their knowledge and ability in order to make this City so desirable a
community in which to live. Mr. Robinson said that each and every member of this
Committee should be personally thanked and praised for their efforts and outstanding
contributions. Mr. Robinson personally thanked Bernard Hart, the Vice Chairman of
the Committee, for all the advice and assistance he gave during their deliberations;
and thanked those members of the public who attended their sessions and voiced their
opinions. He continued that he would be remiss if he did not thank the City Clerk,
Marilyn Bertholf, for her cooperation. He added that last, but not least, he wished
to thank the people of Tamarac for granting him the privilege to serve his Community.
Mr. Robinson asked that his comments be a permanent part of the record.
40 N M
Redistricting Committee/
City Council/Charter Board
September 7, 1984
Page 2
Chairman Robinson read the Final Report dated July 16, 1984, as submitted to all concerre,
The Districts, as established by that report, are as follows:
DISTRICT 1 - SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING VOTING PRECINCTS:
BOUri'DARIES - All lands that are East of N. W. 64th Avenue within
Tamarac city limits, with the exception of Bermuda Club
Condominium.
Precinct 11J - Tamarac Lakes North, Tamarac Lakes North 2nd Section (Boulevards),
Tamarac Lakes South.
Precinct 13J - Mainlands Sections 1, 2, 5
Precinct 14J - Mainlands Sections 7, Sabal Palm Condominium, Gardens of Sabal Palm,
Lakes of Carriage Hills
Precinct 151 - Mainlands Section 3, 3A, 4
Precinct 16J - Woodlands, North Laurel Circle
Precinct 17J - Tamarac Lakes 1 and 2
Precinct 19J - Shaker Village
Precinct 23J - Mainlands Section 6 and 6A
Precinct 24J - Treehouse Apartments, Lakeside Apartments
6,420 Registered Voters -- 27.50%
DISTRICT 2 - SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING VOTING PRECINCTS:
BOUNDARIES - All lands within Tamarac city limits bounded by
NW 61st Avenue on the East, Commercial Boulevard
on the South, Pine Island Road (N.W. 88th Avenue)
on the West, South side of Lagos De Campo Boulevard
and South side of McNab Road on the North.
Precinct 51 - Mainlands Sections 9, 10, 15 (Vanguard Village)
Precinct 6J - Cannongate, Versailles Gardens, Rokest, Fairways,
Concord Village (excluding Buildings 11 and 12)
Precinct 8J - Bermuda Club, Fountains Apartments
Precinct 91 - Mainlands Section 8
Precinct 10i - Mainlands Sections 11, 12, 13, Edgewater Villas,
Woodland Villas
5,940 Registered Voters -- 25.50%
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Redistrictirg Cor:mittee/
City Council/Charter board
Septenber 7, 14U14:
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DISTRICT 3 - SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING VOTING PRECINCTS:
BOUNDARIES - All lands that are bounded by the West side of Pine
Island Road (N.W. 88th Avenue) on the East, Commercial
Boulevard on the South, city limits on the West and
Southgate Boulevard on the North.
Precinct 3J - Westwood Sections 21 and 22, Spring Lake 2, Woodview
Precinct 4J - Westwood Sections 23 and 24, Spring Lake I, Spring Lake Villas,
Burnham Lea (Heftler Homes)
Precinct 7J - Lime Bay Condominium
Precinct 21J - Westwood Section 20, Paradise Estates, Westchester, Greens
Condominium, Tamarac Gardens, Wedgewood, Spyglass
Precinct 22J - Westwood Section 24(west of N.W. 103rd Avenue), Isles of Tamarac
5,413 Registered Voters -- 23.10%
ISTRICT 4 - SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING VOTING PRECINCTS:
BOUNDARIES - All lands bounded by the East side of Pine Island Road
(N.W. 88th Avenue) on the West, Southgate Boulevard on
the North, Tamarac city limits on the East, North side
of McNab Road and North side of Lagos de Campo Boulevard
on the South.
Precinct 1J - Heathgate and Sunflower (north of N.W. 76th Street and east of
N.W. 71st Avenue), Mission Lakes (east of 71st Avenue)
Precinct 2J - Mainlands Section 14 and 16, Lake Colony, Greenbrier, Pa1rr.
Ridge Duplexes
Precinct 12J - Mainlands Section 17, Heathgate and Sunflower (west of N.W.
71st Avenue), Southgate Gardens Condominium
Precinct 18J - Sands Point, SandPebbles, Concord Village - Bldg 11 & 12
Precinct 201 - Woodmont, Academy Hills
5,571 Registered Voters -- 23.90%
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M A so
Redistricting Committee/
City Council/Charter Board
September 7, 1984
Page 4
Chairman Robinson advised that this report was respectfully submitted by signatures of
all members of the Committee, with the exception of Margaret Wallach who was not present
at the last four meetings. He stated that attempts to contact her by phone were unsuccess-
ful and she has been written to on several occasions; however at the last meeting she
attended, she notified the Chairman that whatever this Committee decided upon, if it was
unanimous, she would agree.
Chairman Robinson acknowledged the City Attorney and stated that City Attorney Henning has
pointed out several things. Chairman Robinson reported that in deliberations, the Committee
discovered that it was impossible to formulate a Final Report that would totally encompass
everything in the amendment and it would be necessary to bend somewhat. Chairman Robinson
Continued that Q ty_,_Attorney ljeRainz has advised that his interpretation of the amended
Charter was �..i�eQuld_�ve_.inith anv fi¢ures, even if they exceeded the
27.50% or some Districts had less than the 22.50%. Chairman Robinson added that the
Amendment also said that communities should not be divided, which caused quite a debate
within the Committee. He said that the Committee decided that the prime purpose of the
Amendment was to equalize the number of registered voters within the Districts.
Chairman Robinson said that the Committee is cognizant of the fact that Governments are
elected, not to meet individual exigencies but also to plan for futures; and although
this Committee was not charged with that idea, they are aware of a future development,
Kings' Point, with approximately 9,000 voters. He continued that with that amount of
voters, unless division of communities is permissible, it would be impossible to
live up to the percentages in the Amendment. He said that precincts are created by
political entities of the State, County, and City and Districts cannot be established
to keep up with the developers; therefore the Committee has recommended to
LQard,and the City Oo, oc 1__ hat then consider the possibility of requesting an Amendment
t"he Charter, keeping the percentages .as they are and to end the statement tollowinL�__
the word "precinct". Chairman Robinson advised that by doing this, there will be nono
problems in any future Redistricting Committee in reaching the percentage, which was the
intent and purpose of the Amendment.
Chairman Robinson advised that City Attorney Henning notified this Committee that he felt
the Committee had violated, or were not acting in regard to the Amendment, by putting
two of the buildings of Concord Village in a different District. Chairman Robinson said
that a Special Meeting was held with the City Attorney on this subject, and the Committee
still feels that the main purpose of the Amendment was to equalize the votes within each
District and to do away with any imbalances; the Committee reaffirmed its Final Report
at that meeting.
Vice Mayor Stein stated that nobody thought that politics could stay out of anything done
like this in the City. He continued that to big knovled*e no memh f,QUUQJ,,or the
the redistricting effort. He added that after the Special Meeting to discuss the division
of the community, the Vice Chairman of the Redistricting Committee met with him. The
Vice_Mayor announced that Jane Carroll is considering moving Building 11 & 12 from 8J(1SJ)
EL 'ji"TZ
into 6J_and if that_ happens, there-will..be_no split i e sa t at
be done after .the.Novemb_er.elections because those voters are already registered in their
current precincts. he Vice Ma or advised that Jane Carrollas hkhe clerical ability to
make changes up to�OQO.votersnwithout legislative actions; and these two buildings do
not have that many voters, nor will iti fect_any political entities. He added that this
will not affect the numbers in the Final Report of the Redistricting Committee. Chairman
Robinson corrected the Vice Mayor that the correct precinct is 18J.
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Redistricting Committee/
City Council/Charter Board
September 7, 1984
Page 5
jjj�Le Mayor Stein adv� i,��that when this is done, the Clerk and the Redistricting Committee
will be notified b _. , e �s been assured that this
� _7ane_Carroll's Office. He continued that he has _ _
ibe done the da after the election in November. He thanked the Committee for a job
well done,a non -political situation and proves that contrary to what most people think,
when appointing members of the public on a non -partisan basis, no matter what their
political feelings are, when brought together, they do the job.
C/M Munitz agreed with the Vice Mayor's appreciation to the Committee and advised that
without the change of the Precincts by_Jane Carlommittll's Office the Redistrictin Coe
would have been contrary to the Amendment. y IIe asked if the Committee had any recommenda-
tion to the Council regarding the Ctiaff"eT'"Amendment. Chairman Robinson advised that their
recommendation had been submitted to the Council and Charter Board following the Special
Meeting on August 16th. He continued that their recommendation was for consideration of
changing the Amendment to put a period after the word "precinct" so that future Committees
would not have to worry about neighborhoods, etc. C/M Munitz advised that he had not seen
that memo. Chairman Robinson clarified that the Committee's recommendation is that the
Amendment read: "The redistricting process shall commence within two (2) weeks after the
committee for redistricting has been appointed. The redistricting committee shall estab-
lish four (4) districts, each containing as close to one quarter of the total registered
voters as possible in a contiguous region without dividing any precinct."
C/M Munitz asked for clarification that the Committee recommended removing the fact that
t1 community areas should be in the same District and Chairman Robinson confirmed that
hey did. UM.Muni_tz_jtated that he is definitely opposed to that; he feels that the
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harter Amendment can be fulfilled as it stands and to eliminate the continuity of the
community area would be contrary to tie Xmen2ment and could present the possibility of
two Council or Charter Board members being from the same District. He reiterated that
the change of Precincts would alleviate the problem and thanked the Redistricting Committee
for its report. He said that nobody thought it could be done, but they did it.
Charter Board Chairman Moni Avidon stated that it was his understanding that the question
to the voters on referendumto create this Committee included that the report of the
Committee would be final. He thanked the Committee for its dedicated efforts and for
a job well done.
Charter Board Vice Chairman Alice Norian asked if changing the buildings in Concord Village
to Precinct 6J would change the percentages in the Committee's report and Chairman Robinson
advised that there are only about 100 voters in those two buildings, amounting to less than
h of 1%. Ms. Norian asked why those Districts originally desi nated_,rd 4 "a, -a inrar-
changed and said that this will change who can run in the even o d years. She said that
she is contemplating this and questioned whether the than e_„Yla s•
Chairman Robinson pointed out that there are parts of the old District 3 that are now in
District 4 and parts of the old District 4 that are now in District 3. He continued that
in their opening meeting, he made it very clear that no member of the Redistricting Committee
was interes;,.ed where any incumbent lived. lie said that no consideration was given to any
incumbency or when any certain person can run. He advised that a present incumbent on the
Council whose term ends this year, has informed the Redistricting Chairman that even though
this means that he cannot run for reelection, he is very happy with the` redistricting.
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Redistricting Committee/
City Council/Charter Board
September 7, 1984
Page 6
Chairman Robinson stated that the Committee operated without
the factthat
h tthey had a mandate
to try to redistrict with an equal number of voters, upsetting
said that the closest they could come was to take 100 voters out of one District and
place them in another. He added that as far as where incumbent elected officials live, the
Committee gave that no consideration whatsoever.
Ms. Norian advised that her question was not based on criticism but on the solidity of
the proper districts. She commended the Committee for its efforts.
Redistricting Committee Vice Chairman Bernie Hart stated that the Referendum charged the
Committee with establishing four districts, not maintaining districts. He added that
there is no precinct or district within the City that has not been changed with this
report, either subtracting or adding to meet the percentages. He continued that in
establishing the numbers of the Districts, they run from the eastern limits of the CiV
in a straight line to the western limits, rather than J,umping.back_and fprj"
Vice Mayor Stein pointed out that District 4 is 80/ of what it was before; the only
difference being a &witch of Sands Point and Lime Ba, and stated that there should be
no implications in the renumbering.
City Attorney Henning stated that it is obvious that the hard work of the Committee is
appreciated. He advised that if the-.-Supervisor--of Elections rhsnges_the b0undaUu as
discussed, the Committee should consider adding a footnote to their report, to the
effect that it is the intent of this Committee that the precincts remain undivided and
that the two buildings of Concord Village are to be transferred from District 4 to
District 2 regardless of the descriptions and boundaries listed in the report.
Chairman Robinson asked for the. Committee Members' feelings on this and all responded
«aye.
Charter Board Member Ben Lieber stated that insofar as a need for Amendment, he believes
that any Court would agree that what the Committee has done in substantial compliance
with the law and requirements of the Charter. He added that he would oppose any further
change to the Amendment because he sees no need for it.
Charter Board Member Jim Godin stated that there werS -Sao-Anuhxa-i32 his .hoax.wthat this
was going to be one of the , . t_ 9M:Ltt�, in the City, and thanked the Committee for
their effort.
Charter Board Member Melanie Reynolds stated that she was interested in everyone being
reconciled to violating the Charter. She added that the intent of the Amendment was
that each District be as equal as possible and disagreed that District 3 has some of
District 4, because District 3 always, including Sands Point, went across University.
M� Reynolds referred to motions made in the Committee's June 28th meeting and advised
that such motions were never rescinded or reconsidered. She added that the map on the
board today is not the map decided upon on June 28th.
Chairman Robinson stated that their minutes indicate that each Committee member was asked
to submit a report for discussion and preliminary consideration.
F,-nc)it_ws?uld _be of ter all. changes had be-e„n made-j which is the report prepared on July 16th.
He continued that it was this report that was read today and the Committee had unanimously
prepared this report.
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Redistricting Committee/
City Council/Charter Board
September 7, 1984
Page 7
Ihnne stated that he has sent individual memos to the Committee Members and wishes
to thank the Committee publicly for a terrific job.
Resident Shirley Blumfield asked if the Charter said anything about not renumbering the
Districts and Chairman Robinson said that it did not.
Resident Vicki Beech thanked the Committee and complimented them for their communication
in this venture. She especially thanked the Chairman for being a good conductor; she
said that an orchestra is only as good as the conductor itself.
Charter Board Chairman Moni Avidon asked if the memo from the City Clerk's Office dated
July 18th represent the Committee's Final Report and Chairman Robinson confirmed that it
did.
C/M Munitz asked if the Committee accepted the City Attorney's recommendation with regard
to the footnote and Chairman Robinson stated that he will address that.
Redistricting Committee Member Ed Solomon stated that he understood that the Report was
not final until it was delivered to this group. He asked the Chairman if he was aware
.Qf,, the negotiations. with, Jane .!Car ' Chairman Robinson advised that he was
told by a member of this committee tbpt that member understood that .the--yjjc-e_Za�j r
meeting with Jane Carroll. Chairman Robinson told that member that he knew nothing about
and did notj� pY_.flj47 the Vice Mayor had the right to do that without _.co.ntac�ti.sjie
ittee Chairman.
With regard to the Final Report, Chairman Robinson stated that the minutes of their last
meeting and those of the Special Meeting, indicated that this was the Committee's Final
Report; however that does not mean that the Committee is out of business. Ile added that
the Committee can reconvene at any time until the end of their term.
Redistricting Committee Member Roland Paradisi asked if the suggested change had been
received in writing and the Chairman replied that it had not.
C/M Munitz suggested that the -,Chairman, on behalf of the Committee,,, ..ontac 4grlg�
„LLUce...in writing,, requesting exactly what the Vice Mayor and the Committee's Vice Chairman
_—have been discussing with her office.
Redistricting Committee Vice Chairman Hart explained that he was on vacation at the time of
the Special Meeting and the next day he suggested to the Chairman that the simplest solution
would be to move those two buildings to the other precinct. He stated that the Chairman
4dy,is.e that._th.e,--co=ittee',s—xgR= was lez&"nd there was no need to do that. Mr.
Hart continued that several days later he mentioned the same suggestion to the Vice Mayor,
the City Attorney and the City Clerk; and they all agreed. Mr. Hart said that the Vice
a or offered to_call _Jane Carroll's office to see if it could be done. Mr. Hart added
that it was a simple comment'forFa simp]e soutio�n a suggested that if and when Jane
Carroll's Office was ready to do this, the Chairman should be one of those to discuss it.
Mr. Hart expressed his belief that this could forestall any attempts by anybody to
liciously disrupt the Amendment.
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Redistricting Committee/
City Council/Charter Board
September 7, 1984
Page 8
Redistricting Committee Member Al Mallor asked if the Charter Board or the City Council
were going to consider the Committee's suggestion for change to the Amendment. Chairman
Robinson stated that this would be taken up at their individual meetings.
Charter Board Member Ben Lieber stated that he would recommend acceptance of the report
at their next meeting ad added that he does not believe there is any requirement for
change.
Redistricting Committee Chairman Robinson stated that if the action can be taken by Jane
Carroll's Office as discussed, it would resolve the problems; and asked for a motion to
append the Final Report with the statement that should it become possible and should the
act be finalized to take Buildings 11 b 12 of Concord Village now in Precinct 18 and move
them into Precinct 69 that the Committee would not be opposed to such action and would
consider it as part of the Final Report. Mr. Part so MOVED and Mr. Simms SECONDED.
Redistricting Committee Member George Baer asked as a point of information if a special
meeting could be held to revise this report. Mr. Robinson advised that this is a Final
Report and as such, it can be appended. C/M Munitz reminded the Chairman that the Final
Report is due by September 28th.
Mr. Godin suggested that the Committee is not dissolved until February 27th and any changes
can be made up to that time. C/M Munitz disagreed and advised that that would not be legal
because the Final Report is due by September 28th.
Mr. Paradisi asked if it were within the purview of this Committee to request the ir.forma-
tion from .?ane Carroll's Office or if it would be more proper from the Council or the Charte
Board. Mr. Robinson advised that the Committee's Final Report is due by September 28th and
Jane Carroll's Office cannot act on anything until after the November elections. Ile added
that since the Committee is aware of the possibility of that change, they should annend the
report to accept that act. Mr. Hart agreed.
Mr. Avidon suggested that the Charter reads that the report of the committee shall be final
and asked if it is legal to append it. Chairman Robinson stated that it is his understanding
that the Report is still Finai with this appendix, and that neither the Council or Charter
Board can change it.
City Attorney Henning clarified that this is the Committee's latest report and if it is
amended, that will be their latest report; it is not final until presented to the Clerk
after this meeting. He advised that he believes it is the intent of the Charter Amendment
that within 180 days the latest report will be submitted to the Clerk, and that report shall
be final. He stated that he feels that the footnote would be a ro riate as stated and
when the repor..t is submitted to the Clerk it 711 _e the Final Report.
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Redistricting Committee/
City Council/Charter Board
September 7, 1984
Page 9
Mr. Lieber asked the City Attorney if the Final Report requires approval of the Council
and the Charter Board or is the report final as submitted. City Attorney Henning stated
that neither body has the authority or provision to adopt this report; no further action
is required by any other official.
Mr. Robinson clarified the motion to add a footnote to the report and called for a vote.
VOTE: ALL AYE
Mr. Hart MOVED that the City Attorney be informed that the Committee has presented
its Final Report as required by the City Charter and that he take necessary action to
prepare the necessary ordinance to finalize this action. Mr. Pizzarello SECONDED.
VOTE: ALL AYE
Chairman Robinson adjourned the meeting at 11:35.
v,;)L,,777
MARILYN B t HOLF"Cmc
City Cler
MB: cmt
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APPENDIX
REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE - FINAL REPORT
Pursuant to Section 6.03 of the Tamarac Charter, the Redistricting
Committee is mandated to establish four (4) districts, each containing as
close to one quarter of the total registered voters as possible in a
contiguous region, without dividing any precinct, residential rental or
condominium development or residential section.
The Redistricting Committee has determined that their final report
represents substantial compliance with the Charter. In order to remove
any clouds which may exist, Jane Carroll, the Broward County Supervisor
of Elections, hasindicated Eat o ice 7:r11 transfer Buildings 11
and 12 of Concord Village Condominium lying in the southwest corner of +
West McNab Road and Lagos de Campo Boulevard from Voting Precinct 18J to
Precinct 6J following the General Election on November 6,__1984 and,prior
to the close of municipal candidate qualifying at noon on January 16, 1985.
This transfer will result in all of Concord Village being located in
District 2.
Immediately following official notification by the Supervisor of
Elections -that t s trans er as Men p ace, t e City Council and Charter
Board District Maps will be changed to reflect such transfer.
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