2015-11-09 District Court Districting MeetingDistrict Court Districting Meeting
November 9, 2015
2:00 PM
Present: Commissioners Stamper and Fund, Glenn Carter, Tammy Clevenger, Dennis Dawes, Larry Grove,
Jim Lawler, Shane O’Rouke, and Rachel Dunnagan and Judge Buzzard
Reporter: Karri Muir
Commissioner Fund opened the meeting and gave a brief history of how this committee was called back
together.
Tammy, City of Morton stated the Mayor of Morton would like the District Court to stay in Morton.
Judge Lawler stated the Morton Court site was very busy years ago. With internet availability citizens
would be able to go on line and pay fees. We would provide the service by citizens doing tickets and
infractions on line, and it would convenient for the courts also. The time and expensive would be a cost
savings to the County. Tammy noted that there were about 18 cases a month that have been heard.
Dennis feels this is a business agreement, yet has a concern if there is an agreement with the City of
Morton for the building.
Commissioner Stamper asked the question if there would be an opportunity for citizens to come to
court once a month.
Judge Buzzard gave a summary of the Morton Court and how it operates. They go out once a month to
hold court. He feels the facility is not kept up. The building has no security and this is a liability. The
opportunity to see a judge is still available; they would have to come to Chehalis. This can be completed
on online and the forms can also be mailed to citizens. The only type of cases is traffic infractions that
are held in Morton.
Glenn stated they are concerned with the security issues at Morton.
There was discussion on how tickets are handled. When a ticket is given, it either needs to be mailed
back to District Court or brought in to the courthouse person.
Shane discussed the RCW and what he thought it meant. He asked Judge Buzzard how he felt about
video conferencing. Judge Buzzard does not like video conferencing. You lose a lot through this median.
Larry asked if the security issue could be addressed would Judge Buzzard support it. Judge Buzzard
stated he would not.
Commissioner Fund read David Fines comment on the alternatives for Morton District Court. Shane
asked if court could be held less times per year.
Judge Lawler moved that Alternative B be adopted. Mayor Dawes seconded the motion. District Court
shall be open for the transaction of all business to before it on all days except non-judicial days. The court
shall not be required to open on Saturdays except that the court may be open Saturdays in such
instances as the court may desire.
Tammy stated that she heard one of the big issues was the cost. She asked Judge Buzzard what the cost
was. Judge Buzzard stated cost is not his concern when it comes to Morton Court. Rachel asked if travel
time takes longer than it does to serve the citizens. Judge Buzzard stated it does. Glenn stated he does
that concern that the East end of the County does not see Government very often.
Motion carried 6-1 with one member abstaining.
Meeting adjourned at 3:30 pm