HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7: Appointment of Presiding Municipal Judge
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Action: Appointment of Presiding Municipal Judge
Meeting Date: June 26, 2006 Agenda Item Number: 7
Department: Central Services – Municipal Court Staff Contact: Marilyn Nelson
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5580
ISSUE STATEMENT
This item is for the council to consider the reappointment of Presiding Municipal Judge Wayne Allen to
a four-year term in office, beginning July 1, 2006.
BACKGROUND
Presiding Judge Wayne Allen was appointed by the council in 1994 and is completing his current four-
year term. The council 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. A previous evaluation was conducted in 2002. In January 2006, the council appointed a 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. On June 14, the council met
with Judge Allen in work session, and discussed key issues facing the municipal court. 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 ofefficient, accountable municipal government.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The council may reappoint Wayne Allen as Presiding Municipal Judge, or direct staff to begin
recruitment for a new judge.
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CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends the reappointment of Judge Allen.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to reappoint Judge Wayne Allen to another four-year term as Presiding Judge of Municipal Court,
and direct staff to renew his contract.
ATTACHMENTS
The 2006 Judicial Evaluation Committee Report was distributed with the May 22, 2006, City Council
packets.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Marilyn Nelson
Telephone: 682-5580
Staff E-Mail: Marilyn.D.Nelson@ci.eugene.or.us
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