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8.B.

City Council Meeting - FINAL

Meeting Date:

07/02/2024

From:

Jessica Cortes, Court Administrator

TITLE:

Consideration of Appointments: Magistrate and On-Call Magistrates for the Flagstaff Municipal Court.

STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the appointments of Honorable James Speed and On-Call Magistrates Charles Adornetto, Staci Foulks and Roberta McVickers to 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.

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 and On-Call Magistrates are critical to the criminal and civil processes of the judicial branch. These appointments help maintain an independent judiciary that is necessary for the ongoing operations of our local government. A strong, independent, and fair judicial branch provides balance to criminal and civil matters that require resolution within our municipality.

Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:

The Magistrate and On-Call Magistrates have been appointed by previous City Councils and have served in the Flagstaff Municipal Court and have been serving in the Flagstaff Municipal Court between two and eight years.

Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:

Approve the appointments.
Do not approve the appointments and request alternative candidates for Council consideration.

Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:

Priority Based Budget Key Community 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.