Council unanimously reappoints municipal judge Jennifer Johnson Grant, expands traffic‑camera hours

Lake Forest Park — The City Council unanimously confirmed Jennifer Johnson Grant as the city’s municipal court judge and adopted Amendment No. 1 to her employment agreement, action that extends her term for another four years and adjusts staffing for traffic‑camera caseloads.

Administrator Phil Hill presented Resolution 25‑2038, saying the contract changes would extend Judge Grant’s term and add additional pro‑tem judge hours to handle traffic camera tickets. Hill explained the amendment increases the judge’s allocation for traffic‑camera work from 24 to 30 hours and allows pro‑tem judges to cover up to four hours per week in excess of the regular 30‑hour schedule, with related costs charged to the traffic safety fund.

Vice Chair Goldman moved adoption and the council voted to waive the council’s normal three‑touch rule so it could act on the item at this meeting. The motion to adopt Resolution 25‑2038 carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Jennifer Johnson Grant took the oath of office at the dais. “I am so happy and just really feel humbled that you are renewing my contract,” Grant said after being sworn in, adding praise for her court administrator, Julie Espinosa.

The council’s packet notes that pro‑tem judge hours and the judge’s increased allocation are budgeted against the traffic safety fund; staff said exact dollar impacts depend on future pro‑tem usage and will be handled through a mid‑biennial adjustment where needed.

Next steps: the amended employment agreement will be processed by city staff and the judge resumes duties under the extended term and amended hours.