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ARF- 3506

Regular Agenda Item 2. E.

Regular BOS Meeting-Revised

Meeting Date:	12/15/2015
Submitted For:	Jesse Bolinger
Submitted By:	Jonathan Bearup, Deputy Court Administrator, Superior Court
Department:	Justice Court-Globe Regional
Fiscal Year:	2016	Budgeted?:	No
Contract Dates Begin & End:	January 2016 - March 2016	Grant?:	No
Matching Requirement?:	No	Fund?:	New

Information

Request/Subject

Local Fill the Gap funds to be utilized to enhance Globe Regional Justice Court's Courtroom II and the Waiting Room.

Background Information

Beginning in 2015, the Globe Regional Justice Court, with the County's support and assistance, developed an additional courtroom/hearing room and a waiting room/jury assembly area. Courtroom II will enable the Justice Court to simultaneously conduct hearings thus reducing wait time and improving case expedition. The waiting room provides an area for defendants and others to reside before being called into court thus keeping the hallways clear of foot traffic and, additionally, the waiting room is an area for prospective jurors to assemble prior to jury trials.

Evaluation

Using Local Fill the Gap funds, subject to the spending requirements of A.R.S. 12-102.02, and the provisions of the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration Section 5-107, will allow the Globe Regional Justice Court to expedite criminal case processing by providing modern technological enhancements. The funding, if approved, will allow the purchase of digital recording equipment for Courtroom II which enables that courtroom to conduct criminal proceedings and alleviate any unnecessary waiting.

As the Globe Regional Justice Court has recently transitioned to a "paperless" court, Local Fill the Gap funds would also be used to purchase a shredder of industrial capacity to dispose of documents pursuant to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123.

The remaining funds would be used to purchase media equipment in the form of two televisions, two wall mounts, and audio/visual cart, and additional seating for the waiting room/jury assembly area. Courts are required to display a short video to all prospective jurors prior to criminal jury trials and this equipment would satisfy that requirement.

Conclusion

By using Local Fill the Gap funds, the Globe Regional Justice Court would be able to improve and enhance facilities, thus facilitating criminal case processing, without any impact to the County's general fund.

Recommendation

The Globe Regional Justice Court respectfully recommends that the Gila County Board of Supervisors approve the court's Local Fill the Gap Application to improve facilities and expedite criminal case process without additional costs to the citizens of Gila County.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to approve the Globe Regional Justice Court's "Fill the Gap" application to the Court Services Division, Administrative Office of the Courts, in the amount of $8,000 in order to enhance existing court facilities and expedite case processing. (Jonathan Bearup)

Attachments
GRJC FTG Facilities
Attorney Memo