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AN ORDINANCE related to superior court; providing for an annual gathering and reception for superior court judges, staff and volunteers and authorizing meal and refreshment costs for such reception; and adding a new section to K.C.C. chapter 2.69.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. The mission of King County superior court is to serve the public by ensuring justice through accessible and effective forums for the fair, just, understandable and timely resolution of legal matters.
2. In fulfilling its mission, the superior court receives the benefit of thousands of hours of volunteer services through programs such as Dependency Court Appointed Special Advocate, Partnership for Youth Justice and Guardianship/Probate.
3. Volunteers in these and other court-sponsored programs provide incalculable public benefits, assisting youth, families and others as they interact with the legal system.
4. Because they serve as volunteers, court volunteers are ineligible for expense reimbursement, and any costs incurred in the performance of their duties are their own responsibility.
5. It is in the county's interest to provide for interaction between King County superior court judges, staff and volunteers to promote communication and the transfer of information that will inform court activities.
6. Therefore, it is appropriate for superior court to hold an annual gathering and reception in order to provide King County's elected judges and court staff with an opportunity to interact with court volunteers in a setting that will provide an open forum for discussion, as well as an opportunity for the county to express its appreciation for their service.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
NEW SECTION. SECTION 1. There is hereby added to K.C.C. chapter 2.69 a new section to read as follows:
Annual gathering and reception for superior court volunteers.
A. The presiding judge of the superior court may annually convene a gathering and reception between superior court judges, staff and volunteers. The intent of convening the gathering and reception shall be to:
1. Increase communication between superior court judges, staff and volunteers;
2. Provide for informal discussion between superior court judges, staff and volunteers; and
3. Foster a spirit of cooperation in serving the public.
B. Costs of meals or refreshments for superior court judges, staff and volunteers attending the meeting and reception are hereby authorized, subject to the availability of
funds in the superior court's budget and to the dollar limits specified in K.C.C. 3.24.080.