Executive Committee Present: Absent: Judge Ronald E. Goodman Staff: Ted Gladden, Executive Secretary The meeting of the Judicial Conference Executive Committee was convened via telephone conference at 12:00 p.m. The meeting opened with a discussion of recognition for Judge O'Keefe's passing. It was concluded that Judge O'Keefe should be recognized at the June meeting of Judicial Conference. It was moved, seconded, and passed that deceased judges should receive recognition at the meeting immediately following their passing. Ted Gladden then reviewed the tentative agenda received from Chris Hogan of the State Bar Association. He stated that the room rate would be $89 per night at the AmericInn and $76 per night at the Badlands for a single or $89 per night for a couple. Neither facility would charge tax. These are the best rates that can be obtained in Medora. There was discussion that the Judicial Conference should continue to be held cooperatively with the Bar Association, but that Mr. Gladden should contact Ms. Hogan about future events expressing our concern about scheduling meetings where the rooms are over the state reimbursement rate. After further discussion concerning lodging, Mr. Gladden was asked to secure a block of rooms in Belfield as well as Dickinson that would be within the state allowable rate for those preferring to stay elsewhere. Mr. Gladden was asked to contact the Bar so that registration could be made directly to the Bar, but the billing would be through one central bill to the State Court Administrator's Office. After he reviewed the agenda for Wednesday, June 25, Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27, it was suggested that we look at a breakfast meeting on Thursday, June 26, for a meeting of the North Dakota Judges Association. We can then look for time on the agenda to schedule a meeting separate from the Bar Association for the Judicial Conference business meeting, probably on Thursday. At the business meeting, membership will need to elect a chair-elect for the Judicial Conference. Agenda items should include a legislative update by Jim Ganje and review of the proposed judicial administration reorganization plan. Justice Maring indicated she knew of a presenter that does an excellent job speaking on the physiological impact of alcohol on juveniles. She suggested this might be a topic for consideration at the Judicial Conference. Mr. Gladden indicated that with the limited time available at the June meeting, possibly we should look at devoting a substantial portion of the fall Judicial Conference to issues and concerns surrounding both the juvenile and adult drug courts. After further discussion, Mr. Gladden was directed to prepare a draft agenda for the Judicial Conference meeting as soon as he has received a copy of the State Bar Association Annual Convention agenda. Chair Bekken asked the members to review the bylaws and let him know of any proposed changes. It was moved, seconded, and passed to prepare a change eliminating the Program Planning Committee and recognizing that the duties of this committee have been moved to the Executive Committee. Meeting adjourned.
Chair, Judge James M. Bekken
Justice Dale V. Sandstrom
Justice Mary Muehlen Maring
Judge Robert O. Wefald
Judge John T. Paulson
Ted Gladden
Executive Secretary