(a) The board shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To conduct investigations into the background and qualifications of candidates for the office of Presiding Municipal Judge and Associate Municipal Judge, including but not limited to the use of questionnaires, personal interviews, and contacting such individuals and institutions as it deems reasonable to obtain as much background information on the candidate as possible.
(2) In the case of the appointment of a new Presiding Municipal Judge, or appointment of a successor presiding judge, the board shall commence the process to review and submit a recommendations regarding the appointment of the Presiding Municipal Judge.
(3) If the position of the Presiding Municipal Judge is vacant, the board shall review all applications for the position. The board shall recommend up to three (3) persons nominated by the board to fill the vacancy. The vacancy shall be filled by the City Council from the names submitted to the Council by the board.
(4) In the case of an Associate Municipal Judge, if the Associate Municipal Judge position is vacant, the board shall commence the process to review and submit a recommendation to the Presiding Municipal Judge regarding the appointment of an Associate Municipal Judge.
(5) If the position of the Associate Municipal Judge is vacant, the board shall review all eligible applications for the position. The board shall recommend to the Presiding Municipal Judge up to three (3) persons nominated by the board to fill the vacancy. The vacancy shall be filled by the Presiding Municipal Judge from the names submitted by the board.
(6) Review proposals for selection of public defender and alternative defender services and recommend the award of contracts.
(7) Review proposed contracts for public defender and alternative defender services and recommend the inclusion of appropriate terms and conditions in such contracts.
(8) Conduct annual reviews for all city public defenders.
(9) Make recommendations pertaining to the provisions of public defender services.
(Ord. No. 2021-08, § 38, 4-6-21)