MEETING MINUTES

Monday, August 5, 2013

Attendance

Present were: President Judge Butts, Judge Anderson, Judge Lovecchio, Brian Bluth, Richard Callahan, Robert Elion, Bradley Hillman, E.J. Rymsza, John Person, Joseph Rider, Jeffrey Rowe, Kevin Way, Mike Wiley, David Wilk, and Ed Mitchell.

Old Business

Scheduling of Criminal Trials

A memo which discusses procedural changes in the processing of criminal cases has been sent by Judge Butts to those attorneys involved in criminal law practice.

Emergency Custody Hearings

The new local rule enlarging the period of time for scheduling emergency custody hearings from five (5) days to ten (10) days has been adopted and is in effect.

Access to Courthouse

A streamlined procedure for access to the courthouse by attorneys to reduce delays caused by the necessity of passing through security remains a work in process.

Mortgage Foreclosure Diversionary Procedure

The current status of the mortgage foreclosure diversionary procedure was discussed. Government programs are no longer available. The local procedure including the requirement of notice of the program with the complaint and a stay order until the first conference and a document exchange requirement remains in place.

Scanning of Records in Prothonotary’s Office

Additional screens have been put in place. Training on docket searching requirements is ongoing.

Local Practice Seminar and Forum

The local practice seminar and forum which had been scheduled for May 20, 2013 was canceled by the Court.

New Business

Guardianship Monitoring Program

There is a statutory requirement for annual reports by financial guardians.

Court Calendar

The court calendar will be completed by the end of August.

Notification to Court of Settlements and Resolutions of Pending Motions

The Court again requests attorneys to notify judges of settlements and resolution of pending motions which eliminate the necessity for scheduled Court conferences, arguments, pretrials, or trials.

Arbitration Scheduling

Arbitration scheduling is now being done by the court administrator’s office.

Legal Services

There is a need for increased attorney participation in the pro bono PFA program.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be November 4, 2013 at noon at a location to be announced.

Respectfully submitted,

C. Edward S. Mitchell, Chairman