HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 02 City Pro Tem Judge's EvaluationAGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: June 27, 2022
Meeting Type: Work Session
Department: Human
Resources/Finance
Staff Contact: Chaim Hertz/ Nate Bell
SPRINGFIELD Staff Phone No: 541-726-3787
CITY COUNCIL Estimated Time: 20 Minutes
ITEM TITLE: CITY PRO TEM JUDGE'S EVALUATION
ACTION Provide guidance regarding the Presiding and Pro Tem Judges' performance
REQUESTED: evaluations.
ISSUE The performance evaluations for the City's municipal judges are commonly
STATEMENT: completed in the fall. Human Resources is seeking guidance regarding a proposed
process change to the evaluations.
ATTACHMENTS: 1 - Judge Evaluation Template
DISCUSSION/ The Pro Tem and the Presiding Judge employment contracts stipulate that "the
FINANCIAL employer and the employee will participate in the performance appraisal of
IMPACT: employee and the operations of the Municipal Court at a minimum on an annual
basis." After the 2021 evaluation process, the Pro Tem Judges expressed some
ethical concerns regarding the current process.
In prior years, the evaluation of performance was limited to 360 feedback survey
collected from trial attorneys, court staff, City sworn officers, City police dispatch,
City Municipal Jail employees, and City Prosecutor and staff. An evaluation
completed by the Mayor and City Council was missing from the process. As a
result, Human Resources is proposing the following changes:
Presiding Judge: HR will continue to complete a 360 -feedback survey as
outlined with slightly different questions (see attachment) and will expand the
process to include a self-evaluation summary completed by the Presiding
Judge. City Council will also be encouraged to visit and observe proceedings
and to speak with the Court Supervisor and the Presiding Judge. Armed with
all of this information, City Council will then be asked to individually
complete an evaluation. The Council evaluation will be summarized and
presented to Council by Human Resources at an executive session in the fall,
similar to the process used for the City Manager and City Attorney.
Pro Tem Judge(s): Considering the infrequent and irregular work schedule of
the Pro Tem Judge(s), Human Resources is recommending that Council
delegate the drafting of the performance evaluation to the Presiding Judge. In
the fall the Presiding Judge would submit the evaluation(s) to Council for
approval. Council will maintain final approval authority and would meet with
each of the Pro Terns during the fall annual review period.
Presiding Judge Performance Evaluation
During the months of June through August, the Human Resources will ask the Presiding Judge to
compete a self-evaluation form and solicit 360 -feedback from the Pro Tem Judges, Court staff, Police
staff, the City Prosecutor's Office, and criminal defense attorneys
These are sources that City Council can use to evaluate the performance of the Presiding Judge.
1. Visit court and observe proceedings
2. Talk with Court Supervisor.
3. Contact the Judge and have a direct conversation regarding concerns.
4. Review the 360- feedback and the Presiding Judge Self Evaluation, which will be provided to
City Council with the evaluation template.
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 6
(1)
Presiding Judge Performance Evaluation
D — Not Observed: 1 — Not making progress towards expectations: 2 — Making progress towards
expectations: 3 — Meets expectations: 4 — Exceeds Expectations
Professionalism
0
1
2
3
4
Comments
1. Projects a professional and positive
image
2. Courteous to the public and staff at
all times
3. Controls their emotions effectively
in difficult situations
4. Promotes public understanding of
and confidence in the courts through
conduct on the bench.
City Council Relationship
0
1
2
3
4
Comments
5. Provides accurate and sufficient
information to City Council to
highlight criminal justice trends and
needs in our community.
6. Provides annual data on Municipal
Court proceedings for budget
preparation and Presiding Judge
evaluation.
7. Effectively assists the City Council in
understanding and addressing issues
facing Municipal Court.
Communications
0
1
2
3
4
Comments
8. Communicates effectively with
Police Department and City
Attorney's Office.
9. Oral communications are clear and
logical.
10. Written communications are clear
and logical
Court Administration
0
1
2
3
4
Comments
11. Creative in developing practical
solutions to problems faced in the
course of work.
Attachment 1, Page 2 of 6
12. Keeps current on changes in local,
state, and federal laws affecting
municipal Court.
13. Manages uncollected fines.
14. Maintains control over the
courtroom, including courtroom
personnel.
15. Makes decisions and rulings in a
prompt, timely manner.
16. Fosters a productive work
environment with Pro Tem judges
and court staff.
17. Court begins on time and
proceedings are conducted in a
timely manner.
18. The operation of court appears
organized.
19. Based on your overall evaluation of the Presiding Judge, what would you list as strong points.
Examples includes:
o Knowledge and understanding of the laws
o Respectful and educated approach to all cases
o Facts of all cases
o Professionalism
o Genuine compassion and caring of people appearing in Court.
20. Based on your overall evaluation, what areas would you suggest the Presiding Judge work on to
improve skills or to be more effective. Please be as specific as possible. Examples Include:
o Time Management
o Delegate social service issues to the proper agency
o Better reporting of Court activities
21. What goals and expectations do you have for the Municipal Court for the coming year?
Attachment 1, Page 3 of 6
(2)
Presiding Judge
Self -Evaluation
1. Please describe your strengths or examples of exceptional performance over the past year.
2. Describe your performance deficiencies or job behaviors that requiring improvement.
3. Highlight your progress in meeting goals previously set with City Council.
4. Describe efforts you have taken to stay current on changes in local, state, or federal laws pertaining
to Municipal Courts.
5. What are your professional goals or specific areas of improvement you would like to address during
the next evaluation period?
Attachment 1, Page 4 of 6
(3)
Presiding Judge
360 Feedback
Pro Tem Judges, Court Staff, Police, City Prosecutors Office, Defense Attorneys
0 — Not Observed: 1 — Not making progress towards expectations: Z — Making progress towards
expectations: 3 — Meets expectations: 4 — Exceeds Expectations
Professionalism
0
1
2
3
4
Comments
1. Projects a professional and positive
image
2. Courteous to the public and staff at
all times
3. Controls their emotions effectively
in difficult situations
4. Promotes public understanding of
and confidence in the courts through
conduct on the bench.
Communications
0
1
2
3
4
Comments
5. Uses clear and logical oral
communication in court.
6. Uses plain English and
understandable language when
speaking to prospective litigants and
witnesses.
7. Written communications are clear
and logical
Court Administration
0
1
2
3
4
Comments
8. Is punctual and prepared for court.
9. Maintains control over the
courtroom, including courtroom
personnel.
10. Makes decisions and rulings in a
prompt, timely manner.
11. Fosters a productive work
environment with Pro Tem judges
and court staff.
12. Acts to ensure that disabilities and
linguistic and cultural differences do
not limit access to the justice
system.
Attachment 1, Page 5 of 6
13. Based decisions on the law and
facts without regard to the
identity of the parties or
counsel.
14. Keeps an open mind and
considers all relevant issues in
making decisions.
15. Willingness to make difficult or
unpopular decisions.
16. Acts fairly by giving people
individual consideration.
Attachment 1, Page 6 of 6