HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/08/1998 Work Session
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1998
;.}.
.
The city of Springfield council met in work session, in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street,
Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, June 8, 1998, 6: 15 p.m., with Councilor Shaver presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Council President Shaver, Councilors Ballew, Beyer, Burge,'Dahlquist and Maine.
Mayor Morrisette was absent (excused). Also present was Human Resources Director Frank
Hotchkiss. .
1. Municipal Court Judges Performance Evaluation - Judge Curtis.
.
Councilor Shaver discussed the idea of adopting the state code and how that will impact the
courts. Judge Curtis said it did have an impact in many areas. Judge Curtis discussed limited
resources of the District Attorney's Office and overcrowding of the jail. He further explained
that the District Attorney would not file any misdemeanor charges occurring in Springfield in
the state court system at this point. He further clarified that is a crime was committed within
the city of Springfield, it is now filed in Springfield Municipal Court because it is a violation
of our city ordinance, as we have adopted state statute. He said that would result in hundreds
of criminal cases/filed. In the past District Court judges would hear these cases, now it will
be heard in city court. Some new cases filed in the court, since adoption of the state statute,
include child neglect, criminal impersonation, escape, felon in possession of a restricted
weapon, forgery, fraudulent credit card use, intimidation, negotiating bad checks, obstructing
government administration, possession of burglary tools, possession of a forged instrument,
prostitution, unlawful possession of a fire arm. These are all criminal cases that normally
impose a jail sentence for conviction.
Judge Curtis discussed the shortage of jail beds and the current Springfield facility. He
discussed the importance of the judge having some control over the five beds Springfield
contracts for. He said there are many individuals who should be held but due to
overcrowding, the jail will use a matrix to determine which five individuals will be held. If
this was not accurate information, the contract with the jail needed to be clarified to reflect
appropriate intent.
Judge Curtis eXplained that prior to the adoption of the state statute, the type of cases heard
included shoplifting, damage of property, traffic, assault cases. Now with the adoption of
state statues, the types of assault cases heard have expanded. He estimated that taking over
the cases that would normally be filed in District Court by adopting the State code will
increase the annual Municipal Court case load by about 100 cases (the previous year 726 cases
were handled and last year 869 cases were processed). Judge Curtis commented that the
additional 100 cases are relatively difficult and will result in a greater cost to the Court.
.
Finance Director Bob Duey provided information regarding jail beds and associated costs.
The group further discussed the status of the Springfield jail costs and court security issues.
Judge Curtis expressed concern that there is not bulletproof glass separating the clerks from
the lobby. He also felt the use of a metal detector for people entering the court may
eventually be needed. He was asked if this could start by using a wand on people entering for
difficult cases. He responded that this would be a good way to start.
Council would like a six-month update on activity and cost.
Judge Curtis commended council members for their efforts. He said they have stayed well
informed.
, -#
~
.
.
.
Work Session Meeting Minutes
Judges Evaluation
Page 2
Council recessed into executive session.
Council reconvened into work session.
2. Municipal Court Judges Performance Evaluation - Judge Strickland.
Judge Strickland expressed concern over the lack of the ability to enforce his orders due to the
lack of jail space. He also discussed the work camp. He further discussed reduced resources.
He did not know what would happen once they started receiving forgery cases, bad checks
and all state misdemeanors coming in. He said everyone would need to work harder.
Councilor Shaver thanked Judge Strickland for ajob well done. Judge Strickland commended
council on their actions and decisions related to the Boots and Proctor case. He said the
media regarding this issue was handled well.
Judge Strickland commended Officers Smith and Wisdom for their professionalism during the
Thurston High School shooting incident. He said both officers had children at the school but
they were professional and did their job before locating their children. He said both Mayor
Morrisette and Officer Smith did a good job of working with the media regarding the
incident.
Council reconvened into executive session.
Council reconvened into work session.
3. Municipal Court Judges Performance Evaluation - Judge Joseph.
Councilor Shaver asked what his future plans were. Judge Joseph said he was happy to
increase his workload and assist where needed. Judge Joseph indicated he was willing and
able.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Julie Wilson
g#~
Bill Morrisette
Mayor
~