City Manager's Office
Reference: Resolution Appointing Deputy Fill-in Judges
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Karen Borkowski Surine, Assistant City Manager
Date Prepared: 4/18/2024
PURPOSE
Council charged Judge Barajas to submit recommendations to them for the appointment of Deputy Fill-In Judges to be utilized by the Brighton Municipal Court on an as needed basis.
BACKGROUND
Section 8.2 of the City Charter requires that the City Council appoint a Presiding Municipal Judge and such Deputy Judges as the Council deems necessary. Occasionally there may be scheduling conflicts, illness, or the need for the Presiding Judge to recuse himself due to familiarity with a defendant or victim to ensure a fair trial. The Court would then be obligated to find a relief judge to the matter.
The City Council appointed Judge Johnny Barajas to serve as the Presiding Municipal Judge effective April 2, 2024, via Resolution 2024-42. The City Council directed Judge Barajas to make recommendation(s) to them regarding Deputy Fill-In Judges. Judge Barajas reviewed the applications from the Presiding Judge Candidate pool and was familiar with the work of two candidates. The current Presiding Deputy Judge, Charles Peters, has served for approximately four years and is interested in continuing in this capacity. Judge Barajas is recommending reappointment. Additionally, Judge Barajas recommends appointing Jonathan M. Lucero as a Deputy Judge. Mr. Lucero is familiar with the operations of the Brighton Municipal Court as he has served as the Court-appointed Council for defendants in 2023. Both have worked cooperatively and respectfully with Court staff and defendants.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE ITEM
Judges must be an attorney at law in good standing with the Colorado Bar Association. Both candidates are in good standing.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Deputy Judge currently is compen...
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