General Services
Reference: Appointing Michelle R. Kline Presiding Municipal Judge
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Jane Bais DiSessa, City Manager
Prepared By: Karen Borkowski Surine, Assistant City Manager
Date Prepared: September 8, 2021
PURPOSE
To appoint a Presiding Municipal Judge to the Brighton Municipal Court.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA
Safe, Active and Engaged Community
Financially Responsible
BACKGROUND
On February 11, 2021, Council requested City staff issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Presiding Municipal Judge position and to continue using the current approved list of Deputy Judges. Seven (7) individuals submitted an RFP. A committee consisting of Councilmembers Blackhurst and Watts met with Assistant City Manager Karen Borkowski Surine to review the proposals. Prosecuting Attorney Adam Gollin and Court Administrator Michelle Ramos were available for procedural questions on Court operations. The committee recommended three (3) candidates be interviewed by City Council. The committee also reviewed and finalized interview questions for City Council to utilize in the interviews. The committee also discussed proposing a new salary arrangement, increasing the time commitment required of the Municipal Judge and having part-time benefits. Interviews were scheduled for 8/31/2021. Prior to the interviews, two of the candidates withdrew to take other positions.
The Presiding Municipal Judge must be a currently licensed Colorado attorney with experience on the bench in a Colorado municipal court of record, preferably with knowledge of the Brighton Home Rule Charter and Brighton Municipal Code. The Presiding Municipal Judge is expected to communicate in a respectful and professional manner with Court staff, defendants, witnesses, attorneys and others engaged with during the normal course of business. Court is held on most Tuesdays and Fridays with other dates scheduled as needed. With this appointment, the Pre...
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