Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1343RESOLUTION NO. 13'13 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Kent, Washington, relating to municipal courts. WHEREAS, Senate Bill 5117 recently introduced in the Washington State legislature prohibits the establishment of municipal courts; and WHEREAS, in addition to prohibiting establishment of municipal courts, the bill would prohibit the appointment of municipal court judges, requiring them to be elected, and would further eliminate municipal courts' authority to set fines and penalties for traffic infractions other than those established by the Washington State Supreme Court; and WHEREAS, municipal courts are able to work with local jurisdictions in scheduling court appearances by police officers and city attorneys, resulting in reduced overtime costs, and are geographically located to better serve the community; and WHEREAS, municipal courts better address the varying needs of cities, and at the same time often operate at a cost less than court filing fees required to be paid to the county's district courts; and WHEREAS, municipal courts are valuable tools for implementing community services and programs unique to the local character of each community; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT, WASHINGTON DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. That the City Council opposes passage of Senate Bill 5117 recently introduced in the Washington State legislature and any r~lated companion house bill which would in any way curtail or prohibit municipalities from establishing and operating municipal courts within their jurisdictions. Section 2. That the Mayor is authorized to take any and all steps on behalf of the City of Kent deemed appropriate to oppose this legislation. Passed at a regular meeting of the C~l of the City of Kent, Washington this c;L day of J~ , 1993. Concurred in by the Mayor\f the .. City of Kent, this .B day of"'~~ , 1993. '1--'-~ L~~'--- DAN\KELLEHER, MAYOR ATTEST: BRENDA JACOBE , TY CLERK APPROVED AS TO FORM: 2 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. I 3 tf-3 , passed by the City Council of the City of Kent, Washington, the Ql day of ~~' 1993. SB5117. res 3