City of Central Falls
City Council Municipal Court Committee Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at 4:00 p.m.
Chairman Patino opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: M. Oliverio-L. Paquette-R. Ogni- R. Patino -N. Benway.
General Discussion of the Municipal Court.
Mayor Matthews was asked to give his views regarding the Court.
The Mayor stated that in his opinion the Court has been operating fine with the exception of the summoning issue which he believes has been resolved.
Chairman Patino stated that the Committee has been informed that there are Two primary issues one is the responsibility of supervision of the Court and the second is the issue of collection of fines.
The Mayor stated that space is not available anywhere in the City Hall. He stated that To move the Court would mean moving, not only the personnel, but the computers, files and all other necessary machinery and Office furniture. He also spoke on the issue of where to pay tickets. He said whenever a person receives a ticket it is without hesitation that the person would go to the Police Station to pay the ticket A practice that is done throughout the state if not the country. He stated that its convenient to the public and to move it would also involve an expense. He said that he would not move the Court from the Police Station. He stated that relative to the supervision of the Court the Chief is the person that is responsible for the employees of the Court. He said the Judge is responsible for the general operation of the CourtRoom.
M. Oliverio asked the Mayor if the clerks are trained and who trained them.
The Mayor responded.
Sgt. Ogni questioned the Mayor relative to warrants.
The Mayor responded that if a ticket were given to a person who violates the handicap parking laws and ignores the payment of the ticket via the notices given and a subsequent summons to the Court then what is the difference if a ticket is issued for another violation such as loud music etc. the Court issues a Warrant because the notice was ignored. To ignore this is to snub the Court and it undermines the authority of the Court.
He stated that the Council creates the law and that it is up to the Court to enforce it and that the Court should not be diluted or reduced but rather that it should be enhanced and made more efficient.
He commented on the tracking system for tickets, which has made the collection more efficient. He stated that every ticket is accounted for and that is better than it was in the past.
Chairman Patino asked if the Judge should have more Administrative Duties.
The Mayor stated that the Judge should be responsible for the Technical aspects of the Courts but that the monies collected are clearly the responsibility of the court staff.
Chairman Patino stated that the Municipal Court report should be separate from the Police report so that the Council can fully understand what amount of money the Court produces and that the Judge should be reviewing this report.
Discussion continued on the responsibility of the Judge and the Court.
Councilman Issa asked if it should be put in the Ordinance who supervises the Clerks.
Mayor Matthews stated that the Chief is the supervisor of the Clerks. He said that this is clearly an Administrative functions as provided for by Charter.
Natalie Benway explained the clerical procedures of the Court.
Chairman Patino stated that at the next meeting he would ask the Committee to break-up into sub-committees to make recommendations of the issues of the Committee.
Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
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Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
Committee Secretary/City Clerk