The agenda, as mentioned previously, was mostly procedural - call to order, adopt the agenda, approve minutes, adjourn. They also allowed for public testimony, but since it was not broadly announced in advance, there was no one who wanted to testify. (Unless you know how to find the Board meetings on the state public notice website or you have signed up to get notices emailed to you, it's pretty hard to keep track of the Board's meetings.)
The key thing on the agenda was to approve the Request For Information (RFI) for a Voting Rights Consultant. They chatted a bit about the RFI and approved it with a change in when it would be due (that added a couple of weeks so respondents would have enough time to see it and write up a proposal.) And they took out the "Alaska Experience" requirement because not very many people with Voting Rights Act experience also have experience applying it to Alaska.
They also announced the hiring of Star Assist to do the minutes of the meetings.
Below are my rough notes on the meeting. Don't rely on them for complete accuracy, but they should give you a sense of the Board's discussion. The audio should eventually show up here. [April 20, 2021 - audio is now available at the link]
Alaska Redistricting Board Meeting April 16, 2021 2:30 pm
Agenda Adopted
First, item is public testimony. We're going to do this at meetings, 3 minutes for general comments. Anyone who has signed up to testify?
Peter: We have listeners on line but no one who has signed up for public testimony.
John: Were minutes in our packet?
Peter: Yes, still tracking some down.
Budd: I have some format issues with the minues so I'd defer to Mr. Presley to go first. Want to comment on format of minutes.
Presley - Hired minutes service, we now have Anmaly as our minutes contractor. Owner of Star Assist started her own Minutes taking service. Lots of clients
Inmaly: Thanks so much. Thanks to the Board to give me the opportunity to work with the Board.
John: I haven't had a chance to review all the minutes provided. I'd like to hold off to the next meeting to approve.
Budd: I did see them in the packet and went over them. I don't object to deferring them, but have comments about way minutes presented in the future. Three things, minor,
1. Under heading under AK Redistricting Board - should be titled Minutes of Such and such a date, to see the date of meeting in bold at top
2. Every agenda and minutes - section about the agenda. Minutes should have whole agenda at the top, so you don't have to hunt around to find copy of agenda. Maybe just personal preference.
3. Whenever someone has made a motion, currently minutes say, Ms. Marcum motion to choose AP proposal. In my mind 'motion' not the right word - should be the verb 'move' or 'make a motion'.
John: All good suggestions and I would agree. Anyone else? Maybe good to go back and get them all in that form. [others agree]
John: We have RFI, Peter?
Peter: VRA passed by congress in 1965. All states must comply. Very technical.. I've been to various redistricting conferences and the all say to hire a consultant. First we have to analyze the elections since last time and that can start now. With our attorney's advice - Mr. Singer. We're hopeful we can get several bids and bring them before the Board. Basically using the previous RFI with some changes.
A few points: 1. I choose May 3 for responses, that's just two weeks, maybe make it a little longer.
John: Questions?
Bethany: Quick Q: Clarification on the travel. Understand that Board would be responsible for funding the travel?
Peter: Yes. But limited to approval of project director. Can't just travel willy-nilly. It's likely the person from out of state and we want them to know they may have to take a red-eye to get here.
John: Other Qs?
Budd: I thought substance fine and appreciate work done by staff and counsel. As Peter suggested I'd rather see a longer open time. At least another week or even a month.
John, you said that rather specialized and not that many people?
Peter: May 10 or even 14 is reasonable. Also curious about number of contractors. Talked to Association of ??? to see if they have a list and they'll send that to me.
John: Why not put 14th in but allow for making it possible to lengthen it.
Budd: Fine
John: Ok, lets do that it. And allow for a possible extension.
Peter: guidance? We ask for , see page, we mention Alaska experience in two locations. That language from RFI ten years ago. Of course we'd like that, but hope that doesn't imply we want only Alaskan experience. Last time, wasn't able to officially confirm this, the contractor last time was the only one to apply.
Matt: Good suggestion. Board benefits from casting a wide net. Anyone who has Alaska experience would be foolish not to highlight it.
Budd: I agree
???: I agree. Should create a pool of contractors instead of just having one.
John: Ten years from now hopefully there's someone around with that expertise.
Peter: With understanding the Board consents, will strike it out.
???: Mr. Chair I move we adopt the RFI with two amendments - strike Alaska requirement and extend the due date.
???: Second
John: Any objections?
???: Can we receive the link to RFI once it's posted publicly.
John: Motion to adjourn.
Nicole: I move we adjourn
Bethany: Seconded
John: Any objection? Hearing none, We're adjourned.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments will be reviewed, not for content (except ads), but for style. Comments with personal insults, rambling tirades, and significant repetition will be deleted. Ads disguised as comments, unless closely related to the post and of value to readers (my call) will be deleted. Click here to learn to put links in your comment.