Loading...
Item 6I CITY OF ITEM 61 SOUTHLAKI MEMORANDUM May 31 , 2016 To: Shana Yelverton, City Manager From: Stacey Black, Director of Human Resources Subject: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Municipal Judge Carol Montgomery. Action Requested: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Municipal Court Judge Carol Montgomery. Background Information: Should City Council approve Ordinance No. 1156 appointing Carol Montgomery as the Municipal Court Judge, it is necessary for City Council to approve a professional services agreement to establish the compensation, benefits and essential functions of the Judge. The proposed agreement provides for an annual salary of $68,337.63 with limited benefits including participation in the City's retirement program (TMRS), dues for professional memberships, and registration costs for training programs. The proposed annual salary includes a 4% merit and a 1 .5% cost of living pay adjustment. The proposed pay adjustment is consistent with the employee pay adjustment strategy that City Council approved for employees in Fiscal Year 2016. The term of the agreement is two years beginning on July 7, 2016 and expiring on July 6, 2018. All other terms remain unchanged from the previously executed agreement. Judge Montgomery has not requested any adjustments to the benefit structure or the essential functions of the Judge as part of her reappointment. Financial Considerations: Annual compensation for the Judge is currently $64,775 (gross bi- weekly salary of $2,491.35). The proposed annual salary is $68,337.62 (gross bi-weekly salary of $2,628.37), which includes a 4% merit and 1 .5% cost of living pay adjustment. The pro-rated impact to the FY 2016 budget is $890.66 and can be absorbed through departmental budget savings. Shana Yelverton, City Manager ITEM 61 May 31, 2016 Page 2 Strategic Link: Performance Management and Service Delivery. Citizen Input/ Board Review: N/A Legal Review: The agreement was reviewed by the City Attorney's Office. Alternatives: Council may approve or modify the attached agreement. Supporting Documents: Proposed Municipal Judge Agreement Executed Municipal Judge Agreement, July 7, 2014 Staff Recommendations: City Council approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Municipal Judge Carol Montgomery. CITY OF SOUTHLAI4,'E 9 CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS Agreement Municipal Judge THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 7th day of July, 2016, by and between the City of Southlake, Texas, a Municipal Corporation, chartered under the constitution of the State of Texas as a home rule city, hereinafter referred to as "City", and Carol Montgomery, hereinafter referred to as "Municipal Judge," both of which parties hereto understand and agree as follows: WITNESSETH: 1. City does hereby agree to enter into an Agreement with Carol Montgomery for Municipal Judge services for a period of two (2) years, beginning on July 7, 2016, and continuing through midnight on July 6, 2018, at a gross bi-weekly salary of$2,628.37. 2. City does hereby agree to provide a smartphone or equivalent mobile phone that offers more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary phone for the Municipal Judge for unlimited use in the performance of his/her duties as Municipal Judge. In addition, the City will providejudge's robe and gavel. 3. City does hereby agree to budget and to pay for professional memberships, subscriptions, and dues to state and local legal associations and organizations necessary and desirable for his/her continued professional participation, growth and advancement, and for the good of the City. Such memberships to include the following: Lexis/Nexus —Online Case Tracking Texas State Bar Association Northeast Tarrant County Bar Association 4. City does hereby agree to budget and to pay for the travel and subsistence expenses of Municipal Judge for training, short courses, institutes and seminar that are necessary for professional development and for the good of the City. 5. The Municipal Judge shall perform all functions and duties required under the City Charter, City ordinances, and as delineated and described in Attachment "A", and shall perform such other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as said position shall require. 6. The City Manager shall administer this contract on behalf of the City Council. The Municipal Judge shall keep the City Manager informed of issues related to the Court, and shall execute his/her performance in cooperation with the City Manager and the City Manager's staff, to the extent, such cooperation does not impair the necessity of judicial independence and avoids the appearance of impropriety. 7. During this Agreement, the Municipal Judge agrees to comply with all provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct, Chapter V of the City of Southlake Charter, Article II of Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Southlake, Section 30 of the Texas Government Code, and all other applicable laws pertaining to the operation of the Southlake Municipal Court of Record. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and said Code, Charter, Statutes and laws, the terms of said Code, Charter, Statutes and laws shall govern. 8. The Municipal Judge shall not take on representation of a client adverse to the City. The Municipal Judge shall not represent a client in a case where an employee of the City, in his/her capacity as an employee of the City, is a witness or may be summoned to appear as a witness. 9. The Municipal Judge warrants he/she meets the minimum qualifications listed in Chapter V of the City of Southlake Charter and Article II of Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Southlake. 10. The City may remove the Municipal Judge from office during his/her term pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of Section 30 of the Texas Government Code, or its successor, as same may hereafter be amended. 11. A request by the Municipal Judge for release from this Agreement prior to the end of its term must be submitted in writing to the Mayor for City Council approval not less than thirty (30) days prior to the requested date of termination. Unapproved abandonment of the Agreement shall be considered a default by the Municipal Judge in the performance of this Agreement. 12. City shall pay retirement benefits for Municipal Judge as follows: The Municipal Judge will deposit seven percent (7%) of his/her monthly salary into Texas Municipal Retirement System and the City shall match those deposits on a two-to-one basis. In Witness Whereof, City has caused this Agreement to be signed in its name by John Terrell, Mayor, and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and attested by its City Secretary, and the Municipal Judge has hereunto set his/her hand and seal the date first above written. Municipal Judge City of Southlake, Mayor Carol Montgomery Laura Hill ATTEST: Lori Payne City Secretary ATTACHMENT "A" CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS Duties of the Municipal Judge Essential Functions: 1. Perform various judicial work in the Municipal Court in accordance with the provisions of the City Charter, City ordinances and applicable State and Federal statutes in a professional and impartial manner. 2. The Municipal Judge shall effectively interact with staff and other judges to execute assigned duties in a manner consistent with the expectations established by the City Council, adhering to the highest ethical standards required of judges. The Judge shall also comply with the City's Code of Ethics and the Business Code of Conduct. 3. Preside over all municipal court proceedings. The Municipal Judge shall preside in a professional and impartial manner and treat parties, attorneys, witnesses, and the public with appropriate judicial decorum. Rulings shall be issued in a timely manner consistent with the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedures. 4. Arbitrate disputes and advise counsel, jury, litigants, or Court personnel on Court procedures; administer the judicial system; settle disputes between opposing attorneys. The Municipal Judge shall maintain decorum and order in the courtroom and shall ensure that all court hearings and business shall be conducted efficiently and promptly as the court schedule dictates. 5. Establish rules of the procedures for questioning witness and defendants for which standard procedures have not been established. 6. Listen to presentation of cases and rule on the admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony. 7. Promptly process and issue search and arrest warrants; set and forfeit bail for Class C misdemeanors falling under Municipal Court jurisdiction; set bail for felonies and misdemeanors as part of magisterial duties or process all duties as a Tarrant County Magistrate in a timely manner. 8. In performing magistrate duties, the Judge shall coordinate with police personnel to conduct arraignments in such a manner to maximize efficient operation of the police. 9. Instruct jury on applicable laws and procedures; direct jury to deduce facts only from evidence presented and sentence or fine offenders if convicted or see page 30 of TMCEC Municipal Judges Book under Duties and Responsibilities. 10. Review and keep current on all new laws, major court decisions and other pertinent information relevant to the revision of Court procedures and operations. 11. Demonstrate efforts to improve operations, be specific, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to enable the court personnel to provide quality customer service. 12. Represent the Southlake Municipal Court through attendance at community court-related functions. To avoid the appearance of impropriety the Southlake Municipal Court Judge may not participate in local or State elections. STATE OF TEXAS Oath of Office "I, Carol Montgomery, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Municipal Court Presiding Judge of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God." Carol Montgomery Municipal Court Presiding Judge City of Southlake Sworn to and subscribed before me by affiant on this day of ' 2016. AL Co J � Clerk of the Court City of Southlake AKE, STATE OF TEXAS Statement of Appointed Officer "I, Carol Montgomery, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money or thing of value, or promised any public office or employment as a reward to secure my appointment or confirmation thereof, so help me God." Carol Montgomery Municipal Court Presiding Judge City of Southlake Sworn to and subscribed before me by affiant on this day of ' 2016. AL Co�'Qj. Court Clerk �J pT City of Southlake AK ORIGINAL CITY OP SOUTHLAKI✓ CITY OF Council Action:ON Ord./Res. N SOUTHLAI<,E Date Approved 0(9 103o CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS Agreement Municipal Judge THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 7th day of July, 2014, by and between the City of Southlake, Texas, a Municipal Corporation, chartered under the constitution of the State of Texas as a home rule city„ hereinafter referred to as "City", and Carol Montgomery, hereinafter referred to as "Municipal Judge," both of which parties hereto understand and agree as follows: WITNESSETH: 1. City does hereby agree to enter into an Agreement with Carol Montgomery for Municipal Judge services for a period of two (2) years, beginning on July 7, 2014, and continuing through midnight on July 6, 2016, at a gross bi-weekly salary of$2,491.35. 2. City does hereby agree to provide a Smartphone or equivalent mobile phone that offers more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary phone for the Municipal Judge for unlimited use in the performance of his/her duties as Municipal Judge. In addition, the City will provide judge's robe and gavel. 3. City does hereby agree to budget and to pay for professional memberships, subscriptions, and dues to state and local legal associations and organizations necessary and desirable for his/her continued professional participation, growth and advancement, and for the good of the City. Such memberships to include the following: Lexis/Nexus—Online Case Tracking Texas State Bar Association Northeast Tarrant County Bar Association 4. City does hereby agree to budget and to pay for the travel and subsistence expenses of Municipal Judge for training, short courses, institutes and seminar that are necessary for professional development and for the good of the City. 5. The Municipal Judge shall perform all functions and duties required under the City Charter, City ordinances, and as delineated and described in Attachment "A", and shall perform such other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as said position shall require. 6. The City Manager shall administer this contract on behalf of the City Council. The Municipal Judge shall keep the City Manager informed of issues related to the Court, and shall execute his/her performance in cooperation with the City Manager and the City Manager's staff, to the extent, such cooperation does not impair the necessity of judicial independence and avoids the appearance of impropriety. 7. During this Agreement, the Municipal Judge agrees to comply with all provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct, Chapter V of the City of Southlake Charter, Article II of Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Southlake, Section 30 of the Texas Government Code, and all other applicable laws pertaining to the operation of the Southlake Municipal Court of Record. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and said Code, Charter, Statutes and laws, the terms of said Code, Charter, Statutes and laws shall govern. 8. The Municipal Judge shall not take on representation of a client adverse to the City. The Municipal Judge shall not represent a client in a case where an employee of the City, in his/her capacity as an employee of the City, is a witness or may be summoned to appear as a witness. 9. The Municipal Judge warrants he/she meets the minimum qualifications listed in Chapter V of the City of Southlake Charter and Article II of Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Southlake. 10. The City may remove the Municipal Judge from office during his/her term pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of Section 30 of the Texas Government Code, or its successor, as same may hereafter be amended. 11. A request by the Municipal Judge for release from this Agreement prior to the end of its term must be submitted in writing to the Mayor for City Council approval not less than thirty (30) days prior to the requested date of termination. Unapproved abandonment of the Agreement shall be considered a default by the Municipal Judge in the performance of this Agreement. 12. City shall pay retirement benefits for Municipal Judge as follows: The Municipal Judge will deposit seven percent (7%) of his/her monthly salary into Texas Municipal Retirement System and the City shall match those deposits on a two-to-one basis. In Witness Whereof, City has caused this Agreement to be signed in its name by John Terrell, Mayor, and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and attested by its City Secretary, and the Municipal Judge has hereunto set his/her hand and seal the date first above written. Municipal Judge City of Southlake, Mayor Carol Montgom ry John Terrel vTH ''••. ATTEST: ��?• ••• ••..ti °'• ` APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY Alicia Richardson, TRMC .000 41 City Secretary �•,•��, r'��*�`.•��'%% C ATTACHMENT "A" CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS Duties of the Municipal Judge Essential Functions: 1. Perform various judicial work in the Municipal Court in accordance with the provisions of the City Charter, City ordinances and applicable State and Federal statutes in a professional and impartial manner. 2. The Municipal Judge shall effectively interact with staff and other judges to execute assigned duties in a manner consistent with the expectations established by the City Council, adhering to the highest ethical standards required of judges. The Judge shall also comply with the City's Code of Ethics and the Business Code of Conduct. 3. Preside over all municipal court proceedings. The Municipal Judge shall preside in a professional and impartial manner and treat parties, attorneys, witnesses, and the public with appropriate judicial decorum. Rulings shall be issued in a timely manner consistent with the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedures. 4. Arbitrate disputes and advise counsel, jury, litigants, or Court personnel on Court procedures; administer the judicial system; settle disputes between opposing attorneys. The Municipal Judge shall maintain decorum and order in the courtroom and shall ensure that all court hearings and business shall be conducted efficiently and promptly as the court schedule dictates. 5. Establish rules of the procedures for questioning witness and defendants for which standard procedures have not been established. 6. Listen to presentation of cases and rule on the admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony. 7. Promptly process and issue search and arrest warrants; set and forfeit bail for Class C misdemeanors falling under Municipal Court jurisdiction; set bail for felonies and misdemeanors as part of magisterial duties or process all duties as a Tarrant County Magistrate in a timely manner. 8. In performing magistrate duties, the Judge shall coordinate with police personnel to conduct arraignments in such a manner to maximize efficient operation of the police. 9. Instruct jury on applicable laws and procedures; direct jury to deduce facts only from evidence presented and sentence or fine offenders if convicted or see page 30 of TMCEC Municipal Judges Book under Duties and Responsibilities. 10. Review and keep current on all new laws, major court decisions and other pertinent information relevant to the revision of Court procedures and operations. 11. Demonstrate efforts to improve operations, be specific, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to enable the court personnel to provide quality customer service. 12. Represent the Southlake Municipal Court through attendance at community court-related functions. To avoid the appearance of impropriety the Southlake Municipal Court Judge may not participate in local or State elections. STATE OF TEXAS Oath of Office "I, Carol Montqomery, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Municipal Court Presiding Judge of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God." o?Southlake ery Municipal Court Prudge Cityj Sworn to and subscribed before me by affiant on this 5-t--dayof 50NO, , 2014. �\G1pAL Co J � O,r Clerk of the Court City of Southlake STATE OF TEXAS Statement of Appointed Officer "I, Carol Montgomery, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money or thing of value, or promised any public office or employment as a reward to secure my appointment or confirmation thereof, so help me God." C roI ontgom Municipal Court Presiding J dge City of Sou la Sworn to and subscribed before me by affiant on this s day of i)VY`�- , 2014. �\G�pp.L Co Court Clerk City of Southlake 6), -CO