7.A.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 06/17/2025
- From:
- Jessica Cortes, Court Administrator
TITLE:
Consideration of Appointment: Presiding Magistrate for the Flagstaff Municipal Court.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the reappointment of the Honorable Thomas Chotena as Presiding Magistrate of the Flagstaff Municipal Court.
Executive Summary:
Appointment of all magistrates is required to be completed by the Flagstaff City Council for a two-year term under both the City Charter and FCC Section 1-15-001-0002(A). Appointment of Magistrates for the Municipal Court allows for ongoing operations of the court without interruption.
Magistrates hear criminal, civil, traffic and local code violations that are filed in the Flagstaff Municipal Court. They conduct trials, both jury and non-jury, and sentence individuals within the parameters set by law. Magistrates are required for the ongoing operational needs of the Municipal Court. Magistrates are critical to the criminal and civil processes of the judicial branch.
Judge Chotena has been serving in his capacity as Presiding Magistrate of the Flagstaff Municipal Court and is requesting to continue in his current role.
Magistrates hear criminal, civil, traffic and local code violations that are filed in the Flagstaff Municipal Court. They conduct trials, both jury and non-jury, and sentence individuals within the parameters set by law. Magistrates are required for the ongoing operational needs of the Municipal Court. Magistrates are critical to the criminal and civil processes of the judicial branch.
Judge Chotena has been serving in his capacity as Presiding Magistrate of the Flagstaff Municipal Court and is requesting to continue in his current role.
Financial Impact:
Funding for all judicial positions is included in the approved budget of the Flagstaff Municipal Court, account numbers 001-01-016-0066-1-4101 through 001-01-016-0066-1-4161.
Policy Impact:
Magistrates are critical to the criminal and civil processes of the judicial branch. This appointment helps to maintain an independent judiciary that is necessary for the ongoing operations of our local government. A strong, independent and fair judicial branch provides balance in criminal and civil matters that require resolution within our municipality.
Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:
Judge Chotena has been appointed by previous City Councils and has been serving in the Flagstaff Municipal Court for twenty-three years.
Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:
Approve the appointment.
Don't approve the appointment and request alternative candidates for Council consideration.
Don't approve the appointment and request alternative candidates for Council consideration.
Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:
Personnel - Attract and retain quality staff.
Connection to Regional Plan:
None.
Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:
None.
Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:
None.