Minutes
Members Present:
Penny Miller, Chair
Justice Mary Muehlen Maring
Judge Bruce Bohlman
Judge Lawrence Jahnke
Judge Mikal Simonson
Rita Hannesson
Dion Ulrich
Staff:
Carla Kolling
Chair Miller called the meeting to order at 8:40 a.m. and explained the necessity for the call. She informed the members that Keithe Nelson is requesting that a new position be created in the Supreme Court that would work in part with the drug courts and assist with formatting opinions for the web page. She said that the position being requested is a Legal Assistant. She explained that the person who previously worked with the drug courts is no longer with the Supreme Court resulting in a need to seek approval from the Board to create and fill a new position with the Supreme Court, in a prompt fashion.
Carla Kolling explained that initially she had recommended that the position require someone to have court experience, preferably one year. However, after consultation with Mr. Nelson, she withdrew her recommendation. Justice Maring could see the advantages of having someone possess experience but was reluctant to suggest including the requirement for fear of not finding someone to fill the position. Rita Hannesson stressed concern over employing someone to fulfill the duties and responsibilities set forth in the job description without some knowledge of court operations. She stated that the duties warrant someone with court background.
It was moved by Justice Maring, seconded by Judge Jahnke, to approve the position as recommended, without an experience requirement, and forward it to the Supreme Court for consideration. Motion carried with one dissent from Rita Hannesson.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 o'clock a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carla Kolling, Staff