Freddie Woolfork
Wilfred Hart
Kevin Browning
Wanda Mosley Scott
Valerie Brant-Wilson read a text from Rashawn Green
Robert Gelsimino
There being no further speakers, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Adams received clarification from Attorney Reingold that the
schedule called for the final district boundaries to be voted on at the December 7,
2021 meeting. Suggestions were made to have another meeting in advance of the
final vote, and possibly a community outreach effort. Director Russell provided
information regarding an app that would allow the Commissioners to examine
different district scenarios.
The Board entered into lengthy discussion of the proposals with consideration for
public comments, and the goal of providing staff with clear direction. There was
general agreement that the geography of the districts was more important than
perfectly equalized population counts. The Commissioners then debated the pros
and cons of having the barrier island in one district, as was preferred by some
speakers who were concerned with socioeconomic disparity. The Board was in
favor of splitting the barrier island due to the differing needs of the north and south
beach areas, and to minimize the sprawl of District 5. Vice Chairman O'Bryan
then suggested using Proposal 1 with modifications to keep the McAnsh Park
neighborhood together, limit the City of Vero Beach to be encompassed by no
more than two (2) Districts, and square off District 3. The Board reiterated that a
Commissioner could serve any district.
Discussion returned to the suggestion of additional meetings in advance of the
December 7th deadline. The Board noted that several speakers who represented
the Gifford neighborhood expressed a need for empathy for their concerns, and it
was agreed that staff should conduct an informational meeting in Gifford. The
Commissioners also requested to have the revised map of Proposal 1 brought
back before the Board in advance of the December vote.
Board consensus was reached to move forward with a modified Proposal 1 map,
with the exception of Commissioner Moss who stated she was not yet ready to
commit to any one proposal.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Chairman
Flescher, to approve Redistricting Proposal Map Number 1 with the following
modifications: 1) lower the population's deviation from the average, if
possible; 2) ensure the Municipalities are not split among more than two (2)
Districts; 3) keep the McAnsh Park neighborhood in one (1) District, with the
western boundary along 27th Avenue; and 4) square off District 3. The Board
also directed staff to organize a presentation of the revised Redistricting
Proposal Map 1 in the Gifford neighborhood, as well as returning before the