CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
MUNICIPAL COURT WORKSHOP
MONDAY,
Meeting is called to order at 6:42 p.m. by Mayor Rolland R. Grant.
Present:
Mayor Rolland R. Grant
Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.
Norman J. Miranda
Robert D. Sullivan
Gerald R. Lynch
City Council
Valerie A. Perry, City Clerk
William J. Conley, Jr. , City Solicitor
Gregory Dias, Asst. City Solicitor
Mayor Grant states that the workshop was called in response to a request from the City Solicitor and City Clerk for direction in setting up the Municipal Court.
The issues as outlined in the report by the City Solicitor and City Clerk are discussed. A discussion ensues on where the court will be held. Mayor Grant says he is in favor of the Council Chamber. Mr. Miranda states his concern about using the Council Chamber, saying he fears that the room will be ruined, and serious consideration should be given to using Room 306 for the court. Mr. Miranda and Mr. Sullivan state that they want to go on record as opposed to using the Council Chamber. After further discussion, motion is made by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Lynch, to use the Council Chamber for the Court. Motion passes 3-2, with Mr. Miranda and Mr. Sullivan voting against.
Lt. Wayne Gallagher, the Police Prosecution officer, answers questions from the Council concerning violations issued. He says cases taken to District Court per month range in number from 8 to 30.
Another issue that is discussed is when the court will be held. It is decided that Thursday evening will be the initial day for court, with Saturday morning as the next day to be considered. Perhaps the court will start with one Saturday morning a month. Mayor Grant states that he would like to see the court held one night a week and Saturday mornings because of the parking.
Mr. Conley states that the first issue the Council should consider is to acquire a computer system for the court. After discussion, motion is made by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Miranda, to direct the City Clerk to send out Requests For Proposals for a computer system. Motion passes 5-0.
Another issued discussed is the status of the support staff, and whether or not they should be part of the union. Mayor Grant states that they should be the same as the Canvassing Authority.
Mr. Lynch suggests the City Solicitor and City Clerk get together to determine what they think will be needed as far as cost, including salaries and benefits, and to project the revenue.
A motion is made by Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Lynch, to form a committee consisting of the City Clerk, City Solicitor, Councilman Sullivan, and Lt. Wayne Gallagher, to work out proposals for the City Council and report back. Motion passes 5-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry
City Clerk
Approved: OCT. 18 1993