Adopt Ordinance #22-16 Establishing Boundary Lines for the City of Ramsey Ward System

Following is the same background and notification that was presented for the introduction of this redistricting ordinance.  For informational purposes, staff is including this same language.  On February 17, 2022, the maps were released showing the redistricting of the congressional and legislative districts.  The City was required to review those maps and make adjustments to its Ward and Precinct boundaries as needed based on population changes.  Council is also aware that redistricting is a process that occurs every ten years following completion of the US Census.

 

No notification is required at this time.  The notification requirements are as follows:  When a precinct boundary is reestablished or a local government election district boundary is redistricted, a detailed map showing the new precincts or districts must be posted at the locations and in the manner in items A to C.  Item A pertains to municipalities, and reads as follows:  For precincts and wards established by a municipality, the notice prepared by the municipal clerk must be posted in the clerk's office.  The notice may be posted in other conspicuous locations in the municipality, at the discretion of the clerk.  the information posted must also be made available for public inspection at the office of the county auditor.

The notices required must be posted within 72 hours after the adoption of precinct or election district boundaries.  The notices must remain posted until the day following the state general election in a year ending in two.

With regard to notice to affected voters - when precinct boundaries are changed, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall notify each affected registered voter of the change at least one week prior to the state primary held after the change takes place.  Following completion of the ward and precinct boundary amendments, Anoka County Elections will be sending out notification postcards to all voters within the City of Ramsey.

The City is currently divided into four Wards.  According to State Statute, each Ward shall have a balanced population with other Wards within the City.  Based on the 2020 Census, the population of each Ward in the City of Ramsey prior to redistricting was as follows:  Ward 1 = 6,275 (+3%); Ward 2 = 7,007 (+20%); Ward 3 = 7,902 (+36%); and Ward 4 = 6,462 (+9%). The total City of Ramsey population based on the 2020 census is 27,646. The percentages indicate the percent of growth since the 2012 census. 

As was noted to Council at the February 22, 2022 work session meeting, for Census and redistricting purposes, the City is divided into smaller geographic areas known as Census Blocks  that are used to summarize population and act as boundary lines for Districts and Wards.  Staff prepared an amended Ward Map that balances population with minimal geographic change and follows major transportation corridors.  

The current population of each Ward based on the amended Ward Map introduced on March 8, 2022, is as follows:
Ward 1 = 6,836; Ward 2 = 6,901; Ward 3 = 6,791; and Ward 4 = 7,118. 

The ordinance establishing the Ward lines was presented for introduction at the March 8, 2022 Council meeting.  Council voted to introduce the ordinance as presented, and that ordinance, along with the map, is attached for Council adoption.  Also included, for informational purposes, is the map showing the comparison of the old and new ward boundaries.
 

Not applicable

Staff recommends Council adopt the attached ordinance establishing boundary lines for the City of Ramsey Ward system.

Motion to waive the City's Charter requirement to read the Ordinance aloud and to adopt Ordinance #22-16 Establishing Boundary Lines for the City of Ramsey Ward System.