Item 4CM E M O R A N D U M
March 31, 2009
TO: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM: Sharen Jackson, Director of Finance
Resolution No. 09-016, Appoint a Clerk of the Court.
SUBJECT:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Requested:
Appoint Ms. Leah Huff as the Southlake Municipal Court Clerk.
Background
Texas Government Code, states each municipality with an
Information:
established court of record is to have a municipal court clerk, who
shall keep minutes of the court proceedings, issue process and
generally perform the duties for the municipal court that a county
clerk performs for a county court.
A synopsis of such duties include keeping a record of each case in
which a person has been charged with a violation of law, deposit
fines and fees collected by the court in the city’s treasury, maintain
a record of the names and length of service of citizens who have
served on a jury and report the monthly activities of the court to
the Office of Court Administration.
October 1997, Mr. Sean Leonard was appointed as the Municipal
Court Clerk and has served in this capacity ever since. However,
because his current position and responsibilities as the Deputy
Director of Finance – Operations now include administrative
oversight over three divisions, it has been determined the
supervisory responsibilities of the Court Supervisor, Ms. Leah
Huff are more in line with the daily duties and responsibilities of a
Municipal Court Clerk as mandated by the State.
Strategic Link:
B1: Implement and Share Best Practices Across All Departments
Considerations:
No financial impact.
Citizen Input/
Board Review:
Not applicable.
Legal Review:
Approved as to form and legality.
Alternative:
None
Supporting
Documents:
Resolution No. 09-016
Staff
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Appointment of the Southlake Municipal Court Clerk
Page 2 of 3
Recommendation:
Approve the attached resolution appointing Ms. Leah Huff as the
Southlake Municipal Court Clerk.
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Appointment of the Southlake Municipal Court Clerk
Page 3 of 3
RESOLUTION NO. 09-016
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS, APPOINTING A
MUNICIPAL COURT CLERK AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Section 30.488 of the Texas Government Code, which governs the
Municipal Court of Record of the City of Southlake, provides that the governing body of
the city shall appoint a clerk of the municipal court of record who shall be known as the
municipal clerk; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 522, section (6) of the city, which establishes the
Southlake Municipal Court, further provides that the clerk shall serve under the
supervision of the city manager; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Southlake feels it is in the best
interest of the city to approve the appointment of a municipal court clerk; now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS:
Section 1. that the above premises are found to be true and correct and are
incorporated into the body of this resolution as if copied in their entirety.
Section 2. that Leah M. Huff, is hereby appointed by the City Council to serve as
Municipal Court Clerk, as recommended by the city manager.
Section 3. that the appointment is hereby effective upon passage of this resolution by
the City Council.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the ____ day of _____________________, 2009.
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
By: __________________________
Andy Wambsganss, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Lori Payne
City Secretary
Exhibit 1