Title
An ordinance amending the City Code by revising Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 6 (Municipal Court) for the purpose of removing the office of Municipal Court Assistant Judge, clarifying appointment and removal provisions, qualifications, and term of office, providing for Substitute Judges during a temporary absence of a Municipal Judge, and the filling of a vacancy of an unexpired term.
Body
In 2022, the City Council directed staff to restructure the positions of Municipal Court Judges to account for growth in the community and increased activity in the Municipal Court operation. The restructuring led to the creation of the Municipal Court Presiding City Judge and Municipal Court Associate Judge and redefining the role of the Municipal Court Alternate Judge.
With the appointment of Warren Nystrom as Municipal Court Associate Judge, staff is recommending the elimination of the Municipal Court Assistant Judge position which is currently vacant.
This ordinance provides for the elimination of the Assistant Judge position. Additionally, this ordinance adds provision for appointment, removal, qualifications, and terms of offices to all judge positions as stated in the City Code, City Charter, State Law, and Texas Constitution. Also added to the ordinance are provisions for temporary absences and substitute judges and provides the ability of the Presiding Judge to select Alternate or Associate Judges as substitute judges.
Recommended/Desired Action
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance.
Attachment(s)
Ordinance
Drafter
Cliff Keheley
Head of Department
Cliff Keheley