MEETING MINUTES

November 4, 2015

Attendance

Present were: Judge Butts, Judge Anderson, Judge Gray, Aaron Biichle, Richard Callahan, Robert Cronin, Robert Elion, Charles Greevy, III, Brad Hillman, Edward Mitchell, John Person, Jeffrey Rowe, Edward Rymsza, Thomas Waffenschmidt, Jeffrey Yates

Old Business

Access to the Courthouse/Cell Phone Permits

The Deputy Sheriffs are now permitting attorneys showing attorney cell phone passes entry to the Courthouse through security without the necessity of removing items from pockets and being wanded.

Additional Protections From Abuse

There have been no local training sessions for attorneys in connection with the newly enacted “The Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence and Intimidation (PSVI) Act.” There are, however, PBI seminars available.

Court Calendar

The 2016 Court Calendar has been published and is available to attorneys on the Law Association website.

Arbitrations

The new local rules pertaining to arbitrations have been adopted and are published on the Law Association website. The new procedure for arbitrations will become effective January 1, 2016.

New Business

Make Up of Jury Panel

In anticipation of the meeting, a member had requested from the Court Administrator the lists used to make up the jury panel. The Judges present thought the panel was drawn from records of voter registration, income tax, drivers’ license and welfare lists. Subsequent to the meeting, Judge Butts communicated that the list comes from the AOPC every other year.

Retirement of Court Administrator

Kevin Way will retire December 11, 2015. Judge Butts has interviewed candidates but, as of the date of the meeting, does not have authority for funding from the Chief Justice to hire Kevin’s replacement.

Subsequent to the meeting, it has been learned that Adrienne Stahl, Esquire has been hired to become the Court Administrator.

Judge’s Assignments

In 2016, Judge Butts will handle Orphan’s Court matters.

Orphan’s Court Docket

Judge Butts is seeking funding for software for an Orphan’s Court docket.

Make Up of Jury Panel

In anticipation of the meeting, a member had requested from the Court Administrator the lists used to make up the jury panel. The Judges present thought the panel was drawn from records of voter registration, income tax, drivers’ license and welfare lists. Subsequent to the meeting, Judge Butts communicated that the list comes from the AOPC every other year.

AOPC Training of Court Staff

The administrative office of the Pennsylvania Courts is conducting training of the court staff in the use of computer systems.

The Prothonotary has been requested to consider making e-filing available in civil and criminal matters.

Make Up of Jury Panel

There was a discussion concerning how specially presiding judges are assigned when all local judges have recused themselves.

Assignments are handled pursuant to Rule 701 of the Rules of Judicial Administration. Assignments can come from the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) or from the presiding judge of the Regional Unit. Lycoming County is a part of a regional unit and Judge Butts is the presiding judge.

Next Meeting

This is the last meeting for 2015.

The Committee for 2016 will be selected by the incoming LLA President. The first meeting for 2016 is scheduled for Monday, February 1, 2016.

Respectfully submitted,

C. Edward Mitchell, Chairman