06/24/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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V. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE SELECTION e PROCESS (memo, ordinance attached) Ms. Miller stated that she has been working on this item for about one year. She has two concerns with the current process. There may be ways that less money can be spent while still receiving competent judicial services. Her concerns are: 1) there is presently no automatic review mechanism; and 2) the position seems to entitle life tenure, at least that seems to be the current practice. She thinks with the current procedures, the judgeship would never be reviewed unless major problems developed. She is proposing modifications to the guidelines, including terms of office for the judgeship and that a poll be taken of the Lane County Bar Association for a preferential ballot of the candidates from applications received. The council should receive information about those applying for the position of Municipal Judge. The same judge could be rehired, but it would be a decision, rather than something that happens by default. She does not feel life tenure should occur automatically and thinks reviews would be good. She has suggested four-year terms beginning in 1985, so this process would occur in off-election years to make it as non-political as possible. Ms. Smith stated she would like to delay this item and ask that the council consider holding it over while staff has reviews and prepares options for the selection process. She would like to know what alternatives there are and how the people in the court system would respond to those options. She also would like information on how the process is handled in other cities. She agreed that this should be non-political. The City of Eugene has a highly regarded court system and she wants this to continue, but she would like a report back on all e alternatives. Ms. Miller indicated agreement, but stated that she would not vote to authorize the Manager to renew the municipal judges' contracts for this year until information comes back. She feels that when the contracts are renewed, it should be under the new process. Mr. Whitlow indicated a report would be brought back within two weeks. VI. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE PROPERTY FOR PARK PURPOSES LOCATED OFF LAWRENCE AND CHESHIRE STREETS (memo, map distributed) Mr. Whitlow stated that this proposed acquisition is near Skinner Butte Park. This has been negotiated with the seller with an agreed-upon price being close to the appraised value. The moneys for this project would be coming from the bond program previously approved by the voters. He indicated that Walter Haniuk, Parks & Recreation Department, is available to answer questions. Ms. Wooten asked where this property is precisely located and what is currently on the property. Mr. Haniuk responded that it is one dwelling away from the corner of Lawrence and Cheshire streets. It is contiguous to the Park. Three dwellings are currently on the property. Two of the structures could be reha- bilitated for housing, but one is in bad condition and should be removed. This acquisition would be for the future expansion of Skinner Butte Park. If the dwellings remain feasible for housing, they will remain so. Ms. Wooten asked how the property would be used and how many residents would be affected. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 24, 1981 Page 6