07/29/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Smith stated that at her request, other options have been presented. The - comments being made that would cause this to be more political would not be good. Judge Bocci stated that the current ordinance serves the purpose well and he would support a review process. The council has the authority it needs in the current system. Judge Bocci agreed that the council has the authority to discharge. Ms. Smith asked if he had talked with other judges in the court systems. Judge Bocci stated that he had talked to those in Municipal Court, and they share his views 100 percent. He has not specially contacted other judges in the area, but comments in the past from other court systems have also been favorable. Ms. Smith stated that she is not willing to support the ordinance as now presented. It could be revised or modified for a compromise. Ms. Mill er indicated she would be happy to serve on a task force to do this. She will not support renewing the present contract until this is done. She has been working on this project since spring of 1980. The memo she sent to the council June 30, 1981, summarized the areas to be changed. First, the council hires the Muni- cipal Judge and the City Manager. They have daily contact with the City Manager, but not with the Municipal Judge. Most of the council do not receive input on judges' performances unless there is a complaint. This review should come before the council on a regular schedule. The Manager oversees all other departments, and the council has not been exercising its authority. She woul d like to see an automatic review procedure implemented. Second, she has a strong suspicion and belief that more is being paid than necessary for judicial ser- vices. It is difficult to compare with other cities. The only way to find out is to open this job up for bids to see what people will do it for. The Municipal Judge position is challenging, but not the most challenging job around. Much of it is routine, with some difficult problems occasionally. Many people would like the opportunity for a job like that. She thinks it is pos- e sible that some people would do it for less money and be as qualified and as competent. It is different paying an hourly rate for municipal services than it is in an attorney's office, where they have their own office and support staff costs. The council should decide what it expects, the qualifications that are necessary, and see what happens. The system now has automatic rate increases. A system needs to be developed and until these goals are accomplished, she is not willing to renew the contract. Mr. Haws stated that he agrees this is a good idea. He does not have anything to do with the current system, but would like to see the system put in writing. The current system may restrict the council. He personally does not care what the Lane County Bar thinks and would like to make his own decision. He is not sure how this limits the council's ability and would like more clarification. Judge Bocci stated that the council now has unlimited authority and this ordi- nance would tie the council to someone for four years as well as to the selec- tion process. He agrees it should not be a popularity contest. Mr. Haws asked about the limiting aspect of the ordinance. Ms. Miller stated it might be good to go through this procedure every four to six years and, in the interim, applicants could serve at the pleasure of the council. The ordinance gives greater flexibility with regard to the Lane County Bar. Now, the council must pick from the top three of the bar poll. Mr. Haws said nothing has been done in the six years he has been on the council. He does not agree with taking e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 29, 1981 Page 8