11/26/1996 - Minutesf--),2"M -
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City of Port 4rcfwrd
216 Prospect Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Telephone (360) 876-4407
Fax (360) 895-9029
TO: Finance Committee
FM: City Clerk
RE: Finance Committee Minutes-
DT: December; 1996
The Finance Committee met in City Council Chambers with Russell Hauge on November 26,
1996, 7.30 PM to discuss his proposal to provide prosecution legal services in the
City's Municipal Court. Committee members present: John Clauson, Don Morrison with
Carolyn Powers sitting in for Bob Geiger. Also present were Russell Hauge, Jeff Jahns,
Mayor Weatherill, Police Chief Mathews, Municipal Court Judge Mittet and City Clerk
Parks.
Mr. Hauge introduced Jeffery Jahns, who supervises the Deputy Prosecutors in the Limited
Jurisdiction Division of the County Prosecutors Office. Mr. Hauge outlined his proposal
to provide prosecution services in Port Orchard Municipal Court for criminal proceedings
and infraction hearings. He clarified, his office would be serving as Assistant City
Attorney and would not be acting as a Kitsap County Prosecutor. He described the
primary benefits of his office providing this service as active defendant tracking;
felony drop downs, early disposition of cases and enhanced law enforcement (by availing
their criminal history data base to the Port Orchard Police Department).
Chief Mathews supported utilizing a centralized prosecutor, stating that it would
provide more effective prosecution and judicial system.
Those present discussed many aspects of law enforcement/judicial system including but
not limited to the court process, responsibilities of the prosecutor and scheduling
police officer time.
Municipal Court Judge Mittet expressed concern and opposition to the concept of the
Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney providing City prosecuting services. In addition
to potential conflicts, he cited increased legal costs of separate prosecutors for civil
and criminal proceedings, loss of control and questioned whether Mr. Hauge would use
"Rule 9" interns (3rd year law student working part time) or attorneys who have passed
the bar exam.
Mr. Hauge respectfully took exception to Judge Mittet's concerns stating his office
provides prosecution services to the City of Bremerton, under contract as Assistant City
attorneys. He stated there would no conflict with his County Prosecuting duties. His
office works closely with the Bremerton Mayor and city staff to define areas of emphasis
(i.e. Domestic violence, DUI/DWI, etc).
Judge Mittet questioned how many other cities contract with County Prosecutors for
criminal prosecutions? Mr. Hauge responded this is a relatively new concept, the City
of Tacoma has contracted with the Pierce Co. Prosecutors Office for approximately six
months.
Councilman Clauson questioned how would contracting with Mr. Hauge for criminal
prosecution effect the City budget, and the cost of civil and other legal matters?
Councilwoman Powers summarized the three primary questions appear to be - cost; control
of emphasis areas; and continuity of information.
Councilman Morrison requested Mr. Hauge provide a copy of his contract with the City
of Bremerton. Mr. Hauge agreed to send a copy.
Mr. Hauge thanked the Mayor and Committee members for this opportunity to discuss his
proposal to provide criminal prosecution services. He and Mr. Jahns excused themselves.
After Mr. Hauge and Mr. Jahns left the meeting, Mayor, Councilmembers and staff
continued discussion on the City's legal representation. Committee members requested
Clerk review (1) City Attorney contract/agreement; and (2) legal costs for last two
years, breaking down retainer fee and extra charges for time and cost of civil, criminal
or other legal matters.
cc: City Council
Mayor Weatherill
Municipal Court Judge
Police Chief
City Treasurer
City Engineer
C• 216 Prospect Street
1 f of Port Orefi-ad Port Orchard, WA 98366
Telephone (360) 876-4407
Fax (360) 895-9029
no,
TO: Mayor Weatherill
Councilman Geiger, Finance Committee Chair
Councilman Clauson
Councilman Morrison
Municipal Court Judge Mittet
City Engineer Curles
Police Chief Mathews
FM: City Clerk
RE: Finance Committee Meeting with
Kitsap Co. Prosecutor Russ Hauge
DT: November 15, 1996
This is to confirm the meeting between the City of Port Orchard and the Kitsap County
Prosecuting Attorney's Office on Tuesday, November 26, 1996, 7:30 PM at the Port
Orchard City Hall Council Chambers; 216 Prospect Street.
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss Mr. Hauge's proposal for the Kitsap
County Prosecuting Attorney Office to provide prosecution services to the City of Port
Orchard.
cc: Russ Hauge, Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney's Office