HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-03-09 City Council Special MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 9,1984
The special meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on March 9,1984,at the Apache Junction City Council
Chambers pursuant to the notice required by law.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Clarke called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmen Present:Councilman Shanks,Councilman
Damiano,Vice Mayor Eidson,
Mayor Clarke
Councilmen Absent:Councilman Hill,Councilman
Taylor,Councilman Steelsmith
Staff Present:
Others Present:
City Manager Michael J.McNulty
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
Director of Public Safety
Bill McDaniel
City Attorney David Alexander
Deputy City Clerk Lori V.Clark
Leo S.Coombs
Charles Harrison
Gino Terwilliger
Mayor Clarke made the following statement:
"The Council has been checking into allegations about the Apache Junction
Magistrate's Office for a year or more.We chose not to comment to the
press because we needed to be sure of our findings.
I t has become quite clear to me that the citizens of this community believe
they cannot expect fair and impartial justice from the Magistrate's Court.
Many complaints have been voiced with very little,i f any,facts to help us.
The credibility of the Council and the Department of Public Safety is being
questioned.
On Wednesday,March 7th,two council members and myself met with Judge Leo
Coombs.I t was suggested that he consider resigning at an early date.His
answer was a definite "no"and a threat of suit.
I have come to the conclusion that Judge Leo Coombs can no longer
effectively serve this council and the community.
Action must be undertaken to assure everyone that we do listen and we are
concerned.His personal relationship with the Council,his threats of suits
against the city,cannot and will not be tolerated."
Mayor Clarke read Chapter 5,Article 5-2-1,from the City Code as
follows:
"The presiding officer of the magistrate court shall be the city magistrate,
who shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the council."
Councilman Damiano stated that the many allegations against the judge
are hearsay,directed by a person with a grudge,and wished to have said
allegations investigated prior to any Council action.
Councilman Shanks stated that "a man is innocent until proven guilty by
a court of law,and the Council is not a court of law."
Vice Mayor Eidson expressed his opinion that Judge Coombs has done a
good job,but as these allegations and statements made by the Judge,are
causing problems for the Police Department,City Council,and affecting the
efficiency of the Magistrate Court,and i t is necessary for the Council to
take action as i t is not possible to rectify the situation.
Mayor Clarke MOVED THAT BE IT
RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,
ARIZONA,THAT THE SERVICES OF LEO S.COOMBS AS MAGISTRATE OF THE MAGISTRATE
COURT OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,BE TERMINATED EFFECTIVE AT
5:00 P.M.,MARCH 9,1984.
Vice Mayor Eidson seconded the
motion.
Vice Mayor Eidson asked i f vacation pay and benefits will be paid Judge
Coombs.
Mayor Clarke stated that all benefits due to Mr.Coombs,will be
forthcoming.
Vice Mayor Eidson asked i f there is any severance pay for this
position.
Mayor Clarke stated that there is not.
Councilman Damiano again stated that the allegations would have to be
fully investigated before he could agree with the proposed Council action.
VOTE:In Favor:Vice Mayor Eidson,Mayor Clarke
Opposed:Councilman Damiano,Councilman Shanks
The motion failed.
ADJOURNMENT
)Councilman Shanks MOVED THAT BE IT
RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,
ARIZONA,THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED AT 3:17 P.M.
motion.
VOTE:Unanimous
The motion carried.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 9,1984
PAGE 2
Councilman Damiano seconded the
ACCEPTED THIS 3RD DAY OF APRIL ,1984,BY THE
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
Wendell J.Clar
Mayor
ATTEST:
Kathleen Connelly
City Clerk
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 9,1984
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