HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: Judicial Evaluation Discussion
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: Judicial Evaluation Discussion
Meeting Date: June 14, 2006 Agenda Item Number: B
Department: Central Services – Municipal Court Staff Contact: Kristie Hammitt
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5019
ISSUE STATEMENT
This work session provides an opportunity for the council to hold a discussion with Presiding Municipal
Judge Wayne Allen on the findings of the 2006 Judicial Evaluation Committee Report, and other topics
relevant to judicial performance. The council will consider reappointment of Judge Allen on June 26.
BACKGROUND
Presiding Judge Wayne Allen was appointed by the City Council in 1994 and is in the fourth year of his
current four-year term. The council has conducted a formal judicial evaluation, as required by Eugene
Code Section 2.011(10), which provides for an ad hoc citizen evaluation committee and a public hearing
as part of the process. The last evaluation was conducted in 2002. In January 2006, the council
appointed the current six-member evaluation committee. The committee presented its report to the
council on May 22, 2006. Also on May 22, the council held a public hearing on judicial performance.
Judge Allen’s four-year contract expires June 30, 2006.
Municipal Court has concurrent jurisdiction with Lane County Circuit Court for violations and
misdemeanor crimes which occur within City limits, as set forth in Oregon statute and in Eugene City
Code, including all traffic offenses. Municipal Court has sole jurisdiction over all parking offenses
which violate City Code. Municipal judges have the authority to adjudicate cases, impose fines and
other sanctions, issue warrants, summon jurors and perform all other judicial functions, according to
Oregon statute governing justice courts, Eugene Charter and Eugene City Code. The judges are part-
time independent contractors, not employees of the City. The Presiding Judge is appointed by City
Council.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
This item relates to the City Council goal of efficient, accountable municipal government.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The purpose of the June 14 work session is to have a discussion with Judge Allen. The City Code does
not require the council to hold a discussion with the Presiding Judge, but it has been City Council
practice in previous evaluations to do so.
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CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
SUGGESTED MOTION
No motion is required.
ATTACHMENTS
Note: The 2006 Judicial Evaluation Committee Report was distributed with the May 22, 2006, City
Council packets.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Kristie Hammitt
Telephone: 682-5019
Staff E-Mail: Kristie.A.Hammitt@ci.eugene.or.us
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