01/09/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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M E M 0 RAN DUM e January 2, 1985 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Micheal D. Gleason, City Manager RE: Municipal Court Ordinance With the assistance of the City Attorney, we are proposing amendments to Sections 2.785 and 2.790 which address Court procedures and the selection of jurors. We are also proposing to repeal Sections 2.795; 2.800; 2.805 and 2.810 which have been identified as redundant in lieu of the above amendments. Municipal Court has developed an automated jury management system which changes from a yearly "draw" system to a monthly "pool" system. Savings in personnel costs and the added con- venience to the public in serving one month versus 12 months of jury service are the incentives behind implementing this new procedure. e Specifically, the amendment .to Section-2.785 adds language to conform to the language in the City Charter, Chap~er 5, Section 17(3). The additional language provides the City with the opportunity to develop procedures which differ from those governing justices' courts. The amendment to Section 2.790 consolidates existing City Ordinances, 2.795-2.810, which we are proposing to repeal. The amendment also provides the Court with the authority to determine the number of prospective jurors, the examination of the jurors by the judge, and that each party shall be en- titled to two peremptory challenges. These changes are neces- sary for the implementation of the automated jury management system. This Ordinance requires your prompt attention because the matters contained herein concern the public welfare. In sum, we are recommending this Ordinance change in order to implement an automated jury management system which will pro- vide a better service to the citizens of Eugene. A copy of the Ordinance is under seperate cover. e MDG/pr .