Council gives informal consensus to vet outside firm for redistricting plan

The city attorney informed the council that an email opinion confirmed the prior meeting's action did not violate North Carolina open meetings law. Following that clarification, staff asked for informal consensus to start a procurement and vetting process to hire an outside firm to prepare the city's redistricting plan; the firm would produce a plan for council review and potential adoption.

Council members gave unanimous informal consensus to begin vetting firms and directed staff to bring a contract back to council for consideration. No formal vote was recorded for this procurement authorizing a contract; staff characterized the step as an initial vetting and selection process that will return to the council with a recommended contract for approval.