04-25-85 Council as WholeAPRn 25, 1985 COIIMIITTEE Or THE WHOLE COUNCIL 4:00 P,II,
The Mayor and all Councilmen were present as well as Police Chief Stefanie,
Clerk Halver, Police Judge Willis, Ro3er Hopkins, and Attorney Bill. Astle.
City Attorney Beier and Attorney Randy Ogle arrived later.
The Mayor called the meeting to order for discussion of the City Court and
whether we Grant to consider a Municipal Court.
Councilman Saverud gave the background leading to the requesting this
meeting. Ile stated we should be considering now, whether we want to make any
changes, prior to the upcoming election. He has talked to Bill Astle who
sits on a committee dealing with courts of limited jurisdiction and had
talked to Judge Keedy, who had intended to come to the weeting, but something
has come up and he will not be here,
Bill Astle talked about I""unicipal Courts. His first- point was that a
Municipal Court Judge must be a lawyer. A Hunicipal Court would expand the
City+s court jurisdiction; it would have the sane pourers as a county Justice
Court. This expanded jurisdiction would provide more service to the
taxpayer. He thinks it is worthy of serious consideration by the City.
Councilman Grainger ,asked if the Judge could: be appointed, if he had t-?-'be a
lawyer•, and could he be part time, City Attorney :'Beier said he had to be an
attorney, and part time was possible,
Bill Astle conceded the attorney requirement would probably increase the
salary requirement.
is The Mayor reported on the City of Missoula, which is the only city using the
Municipal Court system, They are not satisfied with the system, but that's
primarily a problem with the present Judge, The Mayor went on to state
personally he was against changing to the Muncipal Court; broadening the
scope of the court is just going to cost the taxpayers more.
Councilman Saverud asked Randy Ogle if he could make an estimate on salary
costs and if he thought there would be candidates for this position. He
thought it would be a full time position but would be more attractive to an
attorney who could augment the salary with a practice on the side.
Councilman Schindler said it seems on the surface to be a pretty expensive
step for the City to take.
Councilman Ruiz asked Bill Astle what was wrong with our present Court. Bill
said there was nothing wrong; the municipal court could provide more services
to the City taxpayers. It would be identical to the services available in
the County J.P. Courts,
Mr. Astle urged the council to investigate the system before they make a
decision,
Councilman Springer asked if anyone on tile council was willing to take the
time to study this.
Councilman Paltrier felt there would be a duplication of services already
provided in the County J.P. Courts and he would be against it.
• Councilman Saverud recommended we listen to Judge Needy before we make any
recoriiendations back to the Council.
Judie Willis stated there were figures available on the cost of operation of
all justice courts and city courts for the state.
Councilman Nystul 'asked Judge Willis for his opinion, He said he didn't know
what Judge Keedy had in mind but he didn't see any way Judge Keedy could
utilize the city court.
Councilman Springer stated there were statutory things a "lawyer court" could
be authorized to do by the District Court.
Bill Astle requested the council hear Judge Keedy and stated he thought a
lawyer court could ^enerate revenue for its additional services and make more
use of the existing facilities.
Councilman Saverud said he would schedule a meeting with Judge Keedy.
CouncilT an Nystul asked if -the & P. Courts could Masked if their workload
would require this additional service. Someone suggested the City Attorney
could probably make that inquiry.
Fleeting adjourned 4:47 P.M.
0 Don Halver
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