GF council reviews new ward lines

A first look at options to redraw city ward lines in Grand Forks following the latest census count drew some angst among a few on the council.

Members were presented with three proposals last night (Monday) designed to balance population and growth in the city.  After a closer look at the boundaries each would displace at least one current council member.

President Dana Sande says it’s hard enough to get people to serve and he’s concerned about potentially kicking someone out.

Mayor Brandon Bochenski says the goal is to map the lines based only on population.  “We’ve heard for years that such and such ward was there only because such and such council member drew the line that way.  “I don’t want to hear that the next ten years.  I think we need to do this the right way.”

City Attorney Dan Gaustad says even if a current member’s home address falls outside the new ward lines that individual would be allowed to serve out their term.

The council asked staff to develop a fourth option that keeps all current members in their existing wards.  The issue will be a topic of further discussion at a meeting next week.  Final approval is expected later this month.