H8. 2022 Municipal Judge AppointmentCITY OF
KALISPELL
City of Kalispell
201 1st Ave E. P.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
(406) 758-7000 Fax (406)7757
REPORT TO: Mayor Johnson and Kalispell City Council
FROM: Doug Russell, City Manager
SUBJECT: Appointment of Committee for recommendation on Municipal Judge
Appointment
MEETING DATE: October 3, 2022
BACKGROUND: The sitting Kalispell Municipal Judge has submitted her resignation with
her last day of employment being October 4. According to Montana Code Annotated, 7-4-4112,
the council is charged with appointing a replacement to the position until a successor is elected at
the next general election in November of 2023. That election will be for a two-year period in
accordance with the remainder of the existing term.
We have begun advertising for the opening, but recommend the Council establish a committee to
make a recommendation to the entire council for the appointment. As such, we are
recommending a committee of the Mayor, two additional council members, Denise Michel, the
City of Kalispell Human Resources Director and Charlie Harball, former City of Kalispell
Attorney.
The closing date for applications is set for October 19. We anticipate the committee getting
together the week of October 24-28 and making a recommendation for appointment on
November 7.
FISCAL IMPACTS: The current wage for the Municipal Court Judge, as established
by resolution, is $100,800.99.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Mayor appoint, and that the Council
confirms the appointment of a review committee for the Municipal Court Judge.