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Law director reports municipal court caseload, real estate work and plans to allow intern hiring
Summary
Law Director Zach Fowler reported on municipal court activity (about 770 misdemeanors, 173 OVI cases and roughly 3,000 traffic matters through November), described real estate and easement work, and said he may seek ordinance changes to allow hiring an intern to fill a part-time prosecutor need.
Law Director Zach Fowler delivered the offices annual report, summarizing court caseload figures, office duties and forthcoming administrative changes.
Fowler said municipal court recorded around 770 misdemeanors and 173 OVI cases through November, plus roughly 3,000 traffic matters. "We have about 470 cases opened last year," he said, adding the office currently has "about 144, I think, open cases right now." Fowler credited the full-time prosecutor, Andy Bauscher, and his staff for managing the caseload.
Beyond prosecutions, Fowler outlined other law department responsibilities, including easements for sidewalks and sewers, real estate transactions such as land acquisition for city parking, inspection and maintenance agreements with the engineering department, and routine advisory work for zoning and police matters. He told council the office aims to continue twice-yearly updates to codified ordinances.
Fowler also raised a personnel item: the office has an open part-time prosecutor position and is considering whether to amend the codified ordinance to permit hiring an intern as a practical response to that vacancy. He said he would likely return with legislation if councils blessing is needed.
Councilmembers thanked Fowler for his work and professionalism; no council action was taken on the law directors personnel proposal during the meeting.
