The Jefferson City Council is expected to vote Monday on a new ward map, but a previously undiscussed map has been added to the mix.
Through council discussion and community input, the City Council was looking to vote on one of four maps originally discussed.
The city needs to redraw the ward lines because the 2020 census showed population changes had created too much discrepancy between the wards. Ward 4, the largest, has a population of 8,813 while Ward 1, the smallest, has a population of 7,386. The ideal ward population is 7,992.
The proposed option would move two sections from Ward 4 into Ward 5 and move two sections of Ward 5 - one into Ward 2 and one into Ward 1.
The border between Wards 4 and 5 currently runs along Cedar Hill Road to Overlook Drive, which turns into Sun Meadow Lane until it reaches Southridge Drive.
Under the proposed map, it would start at the intersection of Stadium and Southwest boulevards to Satinwood Drive and follow along Vieth Drive.
The other southern section of Ward 4 up for debate is right on the edge of the city limits, which is two sides of the piece with a third the existing border with Ward 5.
The northern border would be drawn along Route C and go until the city limit.
Under the proposal, both areas would move into Ward 5.
It would also extend the Ward 2 boundary from Jackson Street to Lafayette Street, which would take an area out of Ward 5, along with an area from Locust Street to Bald Hill Road with an edge along East Atchison Street moving into Ward 1.
Through this plan, and all three other maps the council considered, Ward 3 wouldn't be touched.
However, Ward 1 Councilman David Kemna is introducing a substitution to the bill - which could receive a vote Monday - with a new map that would impact Ward 3.
Kemna's proposed substitution would still move the lower section of Ward 4 into Ward 5 and the area around Locust Street into Ward 1.
His map also moves a section in the northern part of Ward 4, which council members previously discussed.
The area is south of U.S. 50, from Dix Road to Missouri 179.
Council members previously discussed moving the section into Ward 2, but were concerned about it because the area is essentially a long strip of land, which becomes narrow at one point. While it follows census block lines, council members questioned whether it looks too much like a gerrymandered area.
However, Kemna's maps would move that section not into Ward 2, but into Ward 3, which has otherwise been untouched. Additionally, his map includes a section not looked at in the other maps, in the northern corner of Ward 3. The section, east of Hayselton Drive, would move into Ward 2.
Under this option, Ward 1 would include 7,721 people, Ward 2 would be 8,072, Ward 3 would be 8,113, Ward 4 would be 8,355 and Ward 5 would be 7,697.
Kemna could not be reached for comment Friday.
At the Oct. 18 City Council meeting, Cole County Republican National Committee Chairwoman Penny Quigg said she's concerned about a lack of public input before the city drew potential maps, a lack of transparency and a lack of understanding about the larger impact of new ward lines.
She also expressed concern about the fact the city doesn't include prison population when drawing ward lines.
Prisoners are counted as part of the census, but since at least the 2000 ward redistricting process, they haven't been included in the ward populations.
Consent agenda
Authorize the renewal of the Jefferson City Regional Economic Partnership for Economic Development Services for $185,000.
Accept a $32,072 Hazardous Moving Violations from the Missouri Department of Transportation; it will go toward overtime, training and radar units. This is the 17th year the city has received the grant.
Accept a $25,000 Driving While Intoxicated Grant from MoDOT; it will go toward overtime. This is the 14th year the city has received the grant.
Authorize the use of the right-of-way at 907 Wildwood Drive for the installation of two aluminum signs for the business there; the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System.
Award a bid for manhole frames, covers and risers from Neenah Foundry of Neenah, Wisconsin, for $30,750 and Core and Main of Columbia for $6,122.
Authorize the purchase of a snow plow truck from Henderson Products, Inc. of Huntley, Illinois.
Bills introduced
Establishing election dates and candidate filing period for the 2022 municipal elections.
Amend the 2021-22 budget to include Sales Tax H.
Approve a final subdivision plat to replat a section of the Capital Mall.
Assign the names of "Patriot Drive" and "Lion Way" to private streets near Lawson Elementary and Thomas Jefferson Middle Schools.
Bills pending
Authorize a $149,870 construction contract with Aplex to replace the sewer line on the East Capitol.
Authorize a $492,815 construction contract with Aplex to rework the stormwater culvert in the 600 block of Norris Drive. City staff is requesting a suspension of the rules for council to vote on the bill Monday.
Authorize a $110,304 cemetery maintenance agreement for Longview Cemetery, Old City Cemetery and Woodland Cemetery with A.J. Lawn Care.
How to participate
The City Council will meet in person 6 p.m. Monday, but will have a virtual option due to COVID-19 and social- distancing recommendations.
Community members can attend the meeting at the council chambers in City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St., or view the meeting live via the city's YouTube page.