Judge Mary Jane Knisely has been appointed to the District Court Judge position and would like to retain her custom-made judicial robe.  The City's purchasing policy and procedures dictate the ways that public property may be converted to private use.  The Council is being asked to approve giving the robe to Judge Knisely. 

Pursuant to section VII.10. of the City Purchasing Procedures, adopted by Administrative Order #97 on February 14, 2006 via Resolution 06-18388, surplus, worn out or obsolete material and equipment may be disposed of in any of the following ways:

* By selling or donating to other City departments.

* By cannibalizing.

* By trading in on new equipment.

* By advertising for sale and/or selling at City auction, or by advertising and obtaining sealed bids and selling to the
   highest responsible bidder.

* By selling on-line through a surplus auction website.

* By selling through a local auction house.

* By selling as scrap.

* By donating to a local charitable organization.

* Junking. If any material or equipment is junked, lost, or stolen, it shall be reported to the Purchasing Agent.

* By special Council approval.

The cost of a new, altered judicial robe ranges between $200 and $400.

Staff recommends allowing Judge Knisely to retain her judicial robe and treating it as a gift for her years of service to the City of Billings.