STAFF REPORT - CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY

On May 14, 2012 Governor Jerry Brown announced unprecedented and severe funding cuts to the State’s judicial branch. In order to reduce costs before the beginning of the next fiscal year the Court made the necessary, but difficult decision, to close outlining branch courts and consolidate these operations into the courts in the downtown Fresno area. The Coalinga branch court closed July 30, 2012. 

In early 2013 the Superior Court of California, Fresno County selected the cities of Coalinga and Mendota for a pilot project known as Remote Video Proceedings (“RVP”).  The program was developed as a way to help service Fresno County residents living outside Fresno City limits.

As part of the RVP project, the City was responsible for providing the location, physical materials and electronic equipment needed to conduct remote video proceedings for traffic court.  These costs were approximately $2,900 to $3,500.

The court provides a court staff person to coordinate the proceedings, operate the Remote Video Proceedings equipment, and perform basic courtroom activities.  The court also covers the monthly cost of the Court Call video teleconferencing service.

On March 3, 2016 Council approved entering into a five year contract. 

The RVP program has worked well and the City has continued to renew the contract each time it has been up for renewal. 

The Court is pleased with the RVP program and the services it provides and now wishes to renew for an additional three years. 

Do not authorize the City Manager to execute a 3-year Agreement for Remote Video Proceedings with the Superior Court of California, Fresno County.

As per the attached contract, “no payment will exchange hands pursuant to this Agreement. Each party will work in cooperation and conjunction with the other for that benefit of Fresno County residents with these court use needs.”

However, ongoing costs to maintain the building may be expected as it was in the 1930s.