October 16, 1992
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1992, AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA 71446 PRESIDENT MCRAE CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
WALLACE MCRAE, PRESIDENT
BETTY WESTERCHIL, VICE PRESIDENT
GERALD BURNS
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR.
MARK SMITH
PHILIP L. GUNN
T.B. PORTER
CAROLYN WILLIAMS
ARVIL HARVEY
MURPHY O'BANION
B.R. HARVEY
BENARD MCKEE
COL. THOMAS TUCKER
There was also present Mr. Sammy L. Hinson, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mrs. Betty Westerchil, Ward One.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Col. Tucker, Fort Polk representative.
Superintendent Hinson read the attached Call Notice:
ATTACHED
On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. Gunn, the Board voted to rescind the resolution adopted October 6, 1992, relating to the reapportionment plan wherein eleven (11) members of the Vernon Parish School Board are to run at-large with one separate minority district.
Mr. Dowden asked that Mr. Skinner advise the Board of the proper legal procedure if a new reapportionment plan would be adopted.
Mr. Asa Skinner, Assistant District Attorney, addressed the Board. Mr. Skinner stated that proper procedure must be followed as stated in the Voting Rights Act and that the Justice Department, upon reviewing any reapportionment plan, would look closely to see if a governing body had public input on a proposed plan and look at fairness to the minority people and input of the minority district. He further stated that if a new plan would be adopted by the Board, that another public hearing would be required for public input and comments before final adoption by the Board.
Mr. Gary Joiner, Reapportionment Consultant, was called upon to present a proposed reapportionment plan. Mr. Joiner described a proposed plan of which he stated was based upon the original plan proposed on September 8, 1992 and that he also took into consideration input from the October 6, 1992 public hearing.
Mr. Dowden asked Mr. Joiner if District 9 could be split into sub-districts as he described was proposed in District 1. Mr. Joiner stated that sub-districts could be established in District 9 if that was the preference of the Board.
Mrs. Williams stated that as she understood, that District 1 being divided into sub-districts had been done in years past and was not a new way of districting the area (Hornbeck and Anacoco).
Mr. O'Banion asked Mr. Joiner who told him to move the Fort Polk precinct (4-3) into District 9. Mr. Joiner stated that no one had told him to draw this particular plan, that he had run this test previously and after the October 6, 1992 public hearing, his attitude was to research the statistics and that by moving the Fort Polk off-base housing precinct, 4-3, into District 9, he found this would bring District 4 into line statistically and with slight changes in other districts, would affect a more balanced plan.
Mr. O'Banion stated that this issue had been discussed at previous meetings and that Mr. Joiner had not contacted him relative to the plan discussed today. Other members also stated that Mr. Joiner had not contacted them relative to the plan presented today.
Mr. Burns stated that he would like to hear the military view from Col Tucker.
President McRae called on Col. Tucker for any comment. Col. Tucker stated that, as the Fort Polk Representative on the Vernon Parish School Board, he is a non-voting, non-paid member, however, that in his judgement, while serving as the spokesman for the military people at Fort Polk and Polk Elementary Schools that he had never failed to be satisfied with the results of issues that he presented to the Vernon Parish School Board and the administration of the Central Office. He further stated that, in his opinion, the present ways of operations of the Board are working satisfactorily.
Motion was made by Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mrs. Williams to adopt the plan presented by Mr. Joiner and have it on display for public viewing from this date and each Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 until the public hearing on November 5, 1992, at 10:00 a.m. at which time a final adoption would take place if approved by the Board.
DESCRIPTION ATTACHED
Mr. Dowden stated that he would make a motion for District 9 to be divided into sub-districts. Mrs. Westerchil stated she was not prepared to vote at this time on sub-districts in Districts 9.
Mr. O'Banion asked if Board members had discussed with or given the people of their districts the population of the Parish or their respective districts. He stated that the people of this Parish should be made aware of populations.
Mr. Gunn stated that populations and statistics should be made available to the public as they view the reapportionment plan on display.
Mr. Hinson asked that the Leesville Leader publish the districts' populations.
Question was called.
Roll call vote was taken on the motion by Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mrs. Williams to adopt the plan presented by Mr. Joiner and have it on display for public viewing from this date and each Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until the public hearing on November 5, 1992, at 10:00 a.m. at which time a final adoption would take place if approved by the Board:
YEA NAY
GERALD BURNS X
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR. X
PHILIP GUNN X
MARK SMITH X
BETTY WESTERCHIL X
CAROLYN WILLIAMS X
T.B. PORTER X
ARVIL HARVEY X
MURPHY O'BANION X
B.R. HARVEY X
WALLACE MCRAE X
BENARD MCKEE X
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11 YEA 1 NAY
There being no further business, on motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to adjourn until November 5, 1992.
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WALLACE MCRAE, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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SAMMY L. HINSON, SECRETARY
OCTOBER 16, 1992