City Council Meeting - FINAL

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9.A.

Meeting Date:	05/02/2023
From:	Jessica Cortes, Court Administrator


Information
TITLE:
Consideration of Appointment and Reappointment: On-Call Magistrates for the Flagstaff Municipal Court.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the appointment of Hector Figueroa and the reappointment of Michael Araujo and Howard Grodman as On-Call Magistrates to the Flagstaff Municipal Court.
Executive Summary:
Appointment of all magistrates is required to be completed by the Flagstaff City Council for a two-year term under both the City Charter and FCC Section 1-15-001-0002(A). Appointment of Magistrates for the Municipal Court allows for ongoing operations of the court without interruption. Magistrates hear criminal, civil, traffic and local code violations that are filed in the Flagstaff Municipal Court. They conduct trials, both jury and non-jury, and sentence individuals within the parameters set by law. Magistrates are required for the ongoing operational needs of the Municipal Court. Magistrates are critical to the criminal and civil processes of the judicial branch.
Financial Impact:
Funding for all judicial positions is included in the approved budget of the Flagstaff Municipal Court. No additional budgetary impact is anticipated.
Policy Impact:
On-Call Magistrates are critical to the criminal and civil processes of the judicial branch. These appointments help maintain an independent judiciary that is necessary for the ongoing operations of our local government. A strong, independent, and fair judicial branch provides balance to criminal and civil matters that require resolution within our municipality.
Connection to PBB Priorities/Objectives, Carbon Neutrality Plan & Regional Plan:
Personnel - Attract and retain quality staff.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
Yes, Michael Araujo, Hector Figueroa and Howard Grodman have been appointed by previous City Councils and have served in the Flagstaff Municipal Court for two years in this capacity.
Options and Alternatives:
Approve the appointments. Do not approve the appointments and request alternative candidates for Council consideration.