Title
Municipal Judge Recruitment
Body
Summary and Background Information: In July 2021, Municipal Judge David Juarez announced that he would not seek reappointment when his current two-year term expires in February 2022. Pursuant to Council Policy #CP-9, the City Council must initiate recruitment of a qualified replacement and act promptly to appoint a qualified person to serve in an acting or interim capacity. Because Judge Juarez will complete the remainder of his term, the City Council has about 6 months to conduct the recruitment and appoint a successor. Because the new judge will begin after the November 2021 election, it is recommended that the recruitment begin this fall but that the candidate review, interviews, and appointment occur after the organizational meeting (sometime in December-January) to ensure appointment by February 2022
The city's Municipal Judge is appointed directly by the City Council to a two-year term, pursuant to Chapter VIII of the City Charter. The Municipal Judge must have the minimum qualifications:
(1) be a qualified elector of the State of Colorado;
(2) be at least twenty-five (25) years of Age;
(3) be a resident of Adams County, Colorado; and
(4) have been engaged in the active practice of law for at least five (5) years.
The City Council determines the fixed salary and fringe benefits.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Roger Tinklenberg, City Manager
Staff Member Presenting: Cathy Blakeman, Deputy City Manager
Financial Impact: n/a
Funding Source: n/a
Staff Recommendation: Begin recruitment in September 2021 using internal resources and plan to conduct candidate review and interviews following the seating of the new council.
Suggested Motion: I move to begin the Municipal Judge recruitment process as outlined by staff.