ORDINANCE: O-2002-31

SUBJECT: Redrawing the boundaries of the five wards within the City of Lakewood.

RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the ordinance

FUNDING SOURCE: N/A

SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER: The 2000 U.S. Census Data recently received by the City of Lakewood showed a 15% deviation in the population from the smallest ward in the City (Ward 3) and the largest ward in the City (Ward 5). The City Charter requires that the population among the five wards be distributed as equally and made as compact as possible. Historically, a 5% deviation has been considered "equal."

In addition, Jefferson County has redrawn the boundaries for the general precincts and in three areas those precincts overlap City ward boundaries. State statutes state that no precinct or part thereof shall be located within more than one ward.

Municipal election precincts shall consist of one or more whole general precincts wherever practicable and must be located within whole ward boundaries. The redrawing of ward boundaries to help equalize the population has caused municipal precincts to overlap ward boundaries.

At a City Council study session held on August 26, 2002, the City Clerk presented three scenarios which would correct the boundary problems mentioned above. The attached ordinance includes the scenario chosen by City Council to be the least disruptive to as few citizens as possible; creates a 5% deviation between the largest ward (Ward 5) and the smallest ward (Ward 3); and has municipal precincts containing whole general precincts, and whole general precincts drawn within ward boundaries.

FIRST READING ORDINANCE: September 9, 2002

SECOND READING ORDINANCE: September 23, 2002

ORIGINATED BY: Margy Greer, City Clerk

STAFF PERSON RESPONSIBLE: Margy Greer, City Clerk 303-987-7081

DOCUMENTS ATTACHED: Ordinance 2002-31
Attachment "A" - Wards/General Precincts
Attachment "B" - Wards/General/Municipal Precincts
Map - Redistricting 2002

SUBMITTED BY:
Margy Greer, City Clerk

REVIEWED BY:
Joni Inman, Director Mayor and City Manager's Office
Michael J. Rock, City Manager

	Home | Search | Contact Us | Privacy Policy Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Notice © City of Lakewood, 480 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood, CO 80226, 303-987-7000