HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0002) IR 20-10465 – Municipal Court COVID-19 Response-ReopeningINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 20-10465
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 25, 2020
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SUBJECT: MUNICIPAL COURT- COVID-19 RESPONSE AND REOPENING
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The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide information related to the Municipal Court response to
COVID-19, reopening plan, and next steps.
In addition to consulting with the City Manager's Office, the Joint Emergency Operations Center, and the
internal City of Fort Worth's COVID-19 Committees, the Court has reviewed the multiple orders and
declarations from:
• the Texas Governor's Office
• Texas Supreme Court
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
• and related guidance from Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA)
These continue to be key influences to determine the actions and policies/procedure changes to implement
including any related timeline and date requirements for criminal and civil courts.
INITIAL IMPACTS
Beginning in mid -March 2020 the department experienced the worldwide effects of the COVID-19
pandemic resulting in:
• An immediate halting of all in -person hearings/trials on March 16, 2020
• Implementing, coordinating, staffing, and reporting for screening stations at multiple city facilities
• Closing of court facilities for in -person services on March 23, 2020
• Suspension of all due dates and appearance dates on criminal and civil cases
• Suspension of issuance of new Class C warrants and service on existing outstanding Class C
warrants on criminal cases filed with the court except in exigent circumstances
• Suspension of boot -tow enforcement on civil parking cases
• Moved to a strong emphasis on staff and judges working remote
• Transitioned the jail arraignment staff and judges from 350 Belknap to 1000 Throckmorton to
conduct hearings and class b and above warrant requests by officers virtually
• Increased staffing at Lake Worth due to increased use and enforcement of social distancing
• Installation of barriers and modification to work areas to limit COVID exposure
The Court has used multiple methods to notify the public of these changes in coordination with the City
Manager's Office, Communications and Media Relations Department, Texas Office of Court
Administration (OCA), and direct communication in person, by mail, text and phone to the public. As we
engage with residents, we understand the need to communicate using a variety of methods and the
importance of communicating often as we work to build trusting community relationships.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 20-10465
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 25, 2020
Page 2 of 4
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SUBJECT: MUNICIPAL COURT- COVID-19 RESPONSE AND REOPENING
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The Court has maintained uninterrupted service delivery during the pandemic on the following items:
• Phone and Online Chat services
• Virtual hearings with judges
• Processing online plea and request submissions for criminal and civil parking cases
• Mail processing (including payments)
• Accepting online payments and processing
• Patrol duties at Lake Worth
• Building Security
• Jail Arraignment and related Magistrate processes
• Emergency Warrant confirmation
• Marshals' assisting FWPD on 911 and other calls
VIRTUAL SERVICE DELIVERY
Although the Court had preliminarily started work on technology solutions to conduct jail arraignment and
magistrate services remotely using virtual technology, the pandemic placed an immediate need to
implement the technology solution sooner than originally planned.
On April 9, 2020, the court successfully transitioned all court staff and judges physically from the jail at
350 Belknap to the A.D. Marshall Public Safety and Courts Building (PSB) and began conducting those
processes remotely.
The Court then began applying the same technology tools to conducting virtual services that normally
would only occur in -person at the counter and in the walk-in courtroom. The following new virtual
services successfully launched to date:
• Clerk Counter Service -The public can engage the court virtually just as if they walked into the court
to speak with a clerk
• Walk-in Court- Either through the clerk online or in -person at the Court patrons have access for a
virtual hearing with a judge through either process
• Attorney and Pro Se Plea Dockets
• Parking Hearings -The public can request a remote hearing
• Marshal Initiated Service
o Redirected -Instead of taking arrested persons to jail they are brought to the court to see a
judge virtually for any Class C Violations
o In the Field Processing -Based on qualifying circumstances a Marshal is able to utilize an
IPAD to connect a defendant with a judge
o Set appointments with defendants to attend virtual court in lieu of arrest
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 20-10465
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 25, 2020
Page 3 of 4
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SUBJECT: MUNICIPAL COURT- COVID-19 RESPONSE AND REOPENING
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The Court will be expanding its use of virtual technologies to include other hearings and dockets in August
2020. Initially this will include pro se plea dockets and attorney plea dockets, Community Court and other
non -trial hearings. We anticipate that we will be able to add bench trials and other dockets in October. We
are taking a measured approach in adding dockets back to our schedule. As we are working on these
initiatives, we are including the City Attorney's Office in those conversations to ensure we are gathering
their stakeholder feedback.
Reopening
On June 1, 2020, the Court began implementing its reopening plan (see attached) as submitted and
approved by the Regional Administrative Judge. The Court opened its doors for walk-in counter service on
June 1, 2020. In -person trials and hearings may not resume until October 1, 2020, or later.
Important Dates
Criminal Cases
Date that the clock started again on appearance dates and due dates was August 17, 2020, which translates
to the following:
• Criminal Citations issued beginning March 1, 2020 thru August 17, 2020 —Defendants have 21 days
from August 17, 2020 to make an appearance by mail, online, or in person
• Criminal Citations issued on or after August 18, 2020 —Defendants have 21 days from the issue date
to make an appearance by mail, online, or in person
• September 8, 2020 will be the date we will begin enforcing past due dates on cases filed prior to
March 1, 2020
Note: No new warrants have been issued since the March shutdown. Cases in warrant prior to the
pandemic have resumed being served as of June 8, 2020.
Civil Parking Cases
New date that the clock starts ticking on appearance dates, due dates is September 15, 2020, which
translates to the following:
• Civil Parking Cases filed beginning March 1, 2020 thru September 15, 2020 —Litigants have 21
days from September 15, 2020 to make an appearance by mail, online, or in person
• Civil Parking Cases filed on or after September 15, 2020 —Litigants have 21 days from the issue
date to make an appearance by mail, online, or in person
• September 15, 2020 will begin enforcing past due dates on cases filed prior to March 1, 2020
including issuance of delinquent fees and boot/tow enforcement
Note: Cases in delinquent status and eligible for boot/tow enforcement prior to COVI-19 resumed effective
July 8, 2020.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 20-10465
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 25, 2020
Page 4 of 4
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SUBJECT: MUNICIPAL COURT- COVID-19 RESPONSE AND REOPENING
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Notifications
Municipal Court has continued to send text and mailing notifications to persons with pending cases
informing them of their various options and important dates. To date the Court has sent out over 8,500 text
notifications and over 20,000 letters to the public in addition to other general media notifications.
If you have any questions, please contact Danny Rodgers, Chief Judge at 817-392-6715 or William F.
Rumuly, Municipal Court Director at 817-392-6736.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
COVID -19 OPERATING PLAN FOR THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS MUNICIPAL COURT
COVID-19 Operating Plan for the City of Fort Worth Municipal Court
Purpose
Courts have a responsibility not only to take steps to ensure the health and safety of those
entering a court building for court proceedings, but also to reassure visitors that the courts are
working to ensure visitors' health and safety so that they feel safe returning to the courthouse.
Because of the courts' unique ability to compel participants to attend versus other entities who may
open for individuals to voluntarily visit, this responsibility is even more important.
Recognizing the need to ensure the health and safety of litigants, attorneys, visitors, court
staff, judges, and other individuals entering the buildings housing the courts, the City of Fort Worth
Municipal Court, including Public Safety Building, City Hall Security Post, lake Patrol, Warrants, Teen
Court, and Parking Hearing Office, will implement the following protective measures:
General
1. All judges will comply with the Emergency Orders issued by the Supreme Court of Texas and
Court of Criminal Appeals, including conducting in -person proceedings according to the
guidance issued by the Office of Court Administration (OCA) regarding social distancing,
maximum group size, and other restrictions and precautions.
2. All judges will use all reasonable efforts to conduct proceedings remotely.
3. The presiding judge of the municipal court will maintain regular communication with the local
health authority and mayor and adjust this operating plan as necessary with conditions in the
city.
4. Judges will begin setting non -essential in -person proceedings no sooner than June 1, 2020
Judge and Municipal Court Staff Health
1. Judges and court staff who can perform the essential functions of their job remotely will
telework when possible.
2. Judge and Court Staff Monitoring Requirements: Judges and Court Staff will not come to work
if they develop COVID symptoms that cannot be attributed to another noncontagious health
condition
3. Judges or court staff who feel feverish or have measured temperatures equal to or greater
than 99.69F, or with new or worsening signs or symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough,
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain,
headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, or having known close contact with a
person who is confirmed to have COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter the building and
should seek medical advice. (See Appendix 1).
4. Judges and court staff will be required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and
practice appropriate hygiene recommendations at all time.
S. Protective Measures: Hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, not touching your face, a facemask
or face covering, gloves, and social distancing via environmental
engineering/monitoring/enforcement.
Court Docket Schedule
The following Court schedule has been established to reduce occupancy in the Public Safety
Building. Throughout each Phases E-Court and "paper-lite" processes will be used whenever possible.
1. PHASE 1
a. WALK-IN DOCKET
b. ATTORNEY PLEA DOCKET (ATPD)
c. PAY DOCKETS
2. PHASE 2
a. CODE PLEA DOCKET- ENVIRONMENTAL / FIRE / WASTE CART
b. PROPERTY HEARINGS
c. CIVIL FORFEITURE
d. BUILDING STANDARDS
3. PHASE 3
a. SELF -REPRESENTED DEFENDANT PLEA DOCKET —GENERAL (NOT TRAFFIC)
b. SELF -REPRESENTED DEFENDANT PLEA DOCKET -TRAFFIC
c. REVOCATION DOCKET
d. PRE CAPIAS PRO FINE SHOW CAUSE
e. EXPUNCTION HEARINGS
f. DSC SHOW CAUSE NON COMPLIANCE
g. BOND DOCKET (APPEARANCE BONDS, SURETY BONDS, CASH BONDS)
h. INDIGENCY DOCKET
i. COMMUNITY COURT
j. ANIMAL (DANGEROUS DOG, ANIMAL CRUELTY)
k. ASSAULT/ASSAULT FAMILY VIOLENCE PLEA DOCKET
I. PARKING APPEAL
m. JUVENILE ARRAIGNMENT DOCKET (JAD)
n. JUVENILE NOW AN ADULT DOCKET (JNA) (NOT CURRENTLY USED)
o. TRUANCY— PARENT CONTRIBUTING
p. TRUANCY —SUMMONS
q. TRUANCY —STUDENT
r. TRUANCY — SHOW CAUSE
s. TEEN COURT
t. TEEN COURT DOCKET
u. TEEN COURT SHOW CAUSE (TCSC)
v. SPECIAL— COMIN `UP
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4. PHASE 4
a. JURYTRIALS
b. BENCH TRIALS
c. CODE / TRIAL DOCKET — BENCH TRIAL
d. ANIMAL / TRIAL DOCKET — BENCH TRIAL
e. JUNKED VEHICLE APPEALS / BENCH TRIAL
f. EPO HEARINGS (APPEAL / MOTION)
Vulnerable Populations
1. Individuals who are over age 65 and individuals with serious underlying health conditions,
such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose
immune systems are compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer or other conditions
requiring such therapy are considered to be vulnerable populations.
2. Each judge will Include information on orders setting hearings, dockets notices, and in other
communications notifying individuals who are in vulnerable populations of the ability to
contact the court to identify themselves as a vulnerable individual and receive
accommodations. A notice with this information will be posted on the courts' websites and in
conspicuous locations around the court building (a copy of which is attached).
3. Vulnerable populations who are scheduled for court will be accommodated by video
arraignment and walk-in docket via personal electronic device or by video arraignment and
walk-in docket in the field facilitated by a Deputy Marshal.
Social Distancing
1. All persons not from the same household who are permitted in the court building will be
required to maintain adequate social distancing of at least 6 feet.
2. No more than four individuals not from the same household will be permitted in an elevator.
If more than one individual from the same household is in an elevator, no other individuals
will be permitted in the elevator.
3. Each restroom has been evaluated to determine the appropriate capacity to ensure social
distancing and the maximum capacity has been posted on each restroom door.
4. Public common areas, including breakrooms and snack rooms, have been closed to the public.
S. The maximum number of persons permitted in the gallery of each courtroom has been
determined and posted. The maximum capacity of the courtroom will be monitored and
enforced by court staff.
6. The gallery of the courtroom has been marked to identify appropriate social distancing in the
seating. Seating is limited to every other row.
7. In each courtroom, the counsel tables, witness stand, judge's bench, and clerk, court reporter,
and bailiff seating have been arranged in such a way so that there is social distancing of at
least 6 feet between each space.
Screening
1. When individuals attempt to enter the court building, a Deputy Marshal and/or Clerk will ask
the individuals health screening questions relevant to the status of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Individuals who indicate yes to any of these questions will be refused admittance to the court
building.
2. When Individuals attempt to enter the court building, a Deputy Marshal and/or Clerk will use
an infrared thermometer to determine the temperature of the individual. Individuals whose
temperature equals or exceeds 99.62F will be refused admittance to the court building.
3. Inmates being transported from the jail to the court building will be screened for symptoms of
COVID-19 and have their temperature taken prior to transport. Inmates with symptoms or a
temperature equal to or above 99.62F will not be transported to the court building.
4. Staff who are screening individuals entering the court building will be provided personal
protective equipment, including hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, not touching your face, a
facemask or face covering, gloves, and social distancing via environmental
engineering/monitoring/enforcement.
Hyaiene
1. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed at the entrances to the building, outside of
elevators on each floor, outside of each courtroom, and outside of bathrooms.
2. Signs reminding people to wash their hands, use of hand sanitizer, not touching their face,
waring facemask or face covering, and to use social distancing will be posted on each floor of
the PSB.
Cleanina
1. Court building cleaning staff will clean the common areas of the court building so that
common spaces are spot cleaned as often as possible and will be sanitized each day (Monday
thru Friday).
2. Court building cleaning staff have been provided cleaning supplies shown to be effective with
this coronavirus.
3. Court building cleaning staff have been trained on proper cleaning techniques and provided
appropriate personal protective equipment.
Face Coverings
1. All individuals entering the court building will be required to wear a mask or face coverings at
all times.
2. Individuals will be encouraged to bring cloth face coverings with them, but if the individual
does not have a cloth face covering, a disposable face covering will be provided.
Other
Fort Worth Municipal Court will operate all services in phases as dictated below to maximize the safety
of the public, staff, clerks, judges, marshals, and partner department personnel.
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1) Safety Requirements:
a) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
1) Municipal Court employees will wear a face covering whenever they are within
6 ft. of another person or while in common areas. Employees will wear gloves
whenever an employee has physical contact with a member of the public or
when exchanging items with said person.
ii) Additionally, employees will use, social distancing, handwashing, not touching
their face, and disinfecting surfaces in conjunction with PPE. Employees will not
come to work if they develop COVID symptoms that cannot be attributed to
another noncontagious health condition. PPE usage will continue through Phase
4 as defined below.
III) Individual employees who are unable to wear PPE due to a medical or
psychological condition will be exempt from this policy and when possible that
employee's exposure to other staff members and the public will be limited.
Iv) Social distancing, handwashing, not touching their face, and disinfecting surfaces
and employees not coming to work if they develop cold or flu symptoms that
cannot be attributed to another noncontagious health condition will continue in
perpetuity.
b) Facility Wide Environmental COVID Mitigation:
i) Access and Screening Control PSB —
(1) Change time models on the West entrance, South entrance and external
elevators to deadlocked
(a) Persons requiring ADA accommodations will utilize the ADA ramp
at the East Entrance.
(b) People requiring ADA accommodations requiring the use of the
ADA elevator and are unable to use the ramp will be address on a
case by case basis.
(c) After-hours time models will remain at current setting.
(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrances
during business hours.
(a) After-hours Municipal Court Employees, Code Employees, and
Fort Worth Police Department Employee will "self -screen" (take
and long own temperature) at the West entrance.
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
ii) Access and Screening City Hall —
(1) Designate South end visitor entrance and North end employee only
(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrances
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
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iii) Respiratory droplet contamination mitigation-
(1) Cover holes in clerk/cashier windows with tape, standoff or speaker
(2) Regular surface cleaning in common area
(3) Installation of Plexiglas at x-ray stations (PSB)
(4) Installation of Plexiglas dividers in the courtrooms
(5) Hand disinfectant stations (PSB Waiting areas)
iv) Mask/Gloves-
(1) Facemasks or face covering will be worn by all staff members when
within 6 feet of others and while In common areas. Gloves will be worn
as necessary.
c) Reporting:
i) See Appendix 1
2) Operational Phase:
a) Phase 1—Initial Operations:
i) Hours of Operation 0800-1700 hours Monday through Friday
ii) Capacity (6ft Social Distancing)-
(1) Cashier and Clerks — Every other window staffed
(2) Cashier/Clerk waiting area —10
(3) Main lobby- Approximately 15
(4) 1't Floor courtroom hallway -Approximately 10
(5) Parking Waiting — 4 defendants
(6) Courtroom 1— 4 defendants
(7) Courtroom 2 — 8 defendants
(8) Courtroom 3 —8 defendants
(9) Courtroom 4 — 8 defendants
(10) Courtroom 5 —16 defendants
(11) Jury Pool Room — 24 potential Jurors
(12) 2"d Floor courtroom hallway- Approximately 8
(13) Parking Hearing Office Waiting Area — 2 defendants
(14) Teen Court Room 400 —1 defendant and guardian or a single family
unit.
Iii) Social Distancing Marking (6ft) —
(1) Cashier and Clerk Windows
(2) Prosecutor to Defendant (Courtrooms 1-5) Main Entrance South to
Texas St to West end of building
iv) Media Requirements-
(1) Press Release -Provide the Office of Communication with Press Releases
notifying the public our hours of operations, available services, and
available resources
(2) Website-Provide the Office of Communication with website updates
notifying the public our hours of operations, available services, and
available resources
(3) COVID Signage and Notices -Update PSB COVID signage and notices to
reflect current state.
v) Access and Screening Control PSB-
(1) Change time models on the West entrance, South entrance and external
elevators to deadlocked
(a) Persons requiring ADA accommodations will utilize the ADA ramp
at the East Entrance.
(b) People requiring ADA accommodations requiring the use of the
ADA elevator and are unable to use the ramp will be address on a
case by case basis.
(c) After-hours time models will remain at current setting.
(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrance
during business hours.
(a) After-hours Municipal Court Employees, Code Employees, and
Fort Worth Police Department Employee will "self -screen" (take
and long own temperature) at the West entrance.
(b) From 0730 until 0800 hours a Deputy Marshal will conduct Health
Screenings at the West entrance of PSB to facilitate staff
screening prior to the beginning of the day.
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
A Access and Screening City Hall —
(1) Designate Southeast visitor only entrance and Northeast employee only
(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrances
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
vii) In -person proceedings and services (TBD)
b) Phase 2-Improved Operations:
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i) Hours of Operation 0800-1700 hours Monday through Friday
ii) Capacity (6ft Social Distancing)- Capacity (6ft Social Distancing)-
(1) Cashier and Clerks — Every other window staffed
(2) Cashier/Clerk waiting area —10
(3) Main lobby- Approximately 15
(4) V Floor courtroom hallway -Approximately 10
(5) Parking Waiting-4 defendants
(6) Courtroom 1-4 defendants
(7) Courtroom 2 —8 defendants
(8) Courtroom 3 — 8 defendants
(9) Courtroom 4 — 8 defendants
(10) Courtroom 5 —16 defendants
(11) Jury Pool Room — 24 potential Jurors
(12) 2Rd Floor courtroom hallway- Approximately 8
(13) Parking Hearing Office Waiting Area — 2 defendants
(14) Teen Court Room 400 —1 defendant and guardian or a single family
unit.
Ili) Social Distancing Marking (6ft) —
(1) Cashier and Clerk Windows
(2) CA attorney to Defendant (Courtrooms 1-5)
(3) Main Entrance South to Texas St to West end of building
Iv) Media Requirements-
(1) Press Release -Provide the Office of Communication with Press Releases
notifying the public our hours of operations, available services, and
available resources.
(2) Website-Provide the Office of Communication with website updates
notifying the public our hours of operations, available services, and
available resources.
(3) COVID Signage and Notices -Update PSB COVID signage and notices to
reflect current state.
v) Access and Screening Control PSB —
(1) Change time models on the West entrance, South entrance and external
elevators to deadlocked
(a) Persons requiring ADA accommodations will utilize the ADA ramp
at the East Entrance.
(b) People requiring ADA accommodations requiring the use of the
ADA elevator and are unable to use the ramp will be address on a
case by case basis.
(c) After-hours time models will remain at current setting.
(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrance
during business hours.
(a) After-hours Municipal Court Employees, Code Employees, and
Fort Worth Police Department Employee will "self -screen" (take
and long own temperature) at the West entrance.
(b) From 0730 until 0800 hours a Deputy Marshal will conduct Health
Screenings at the West entrance of PSB to facilitate staff
screening prior to the beginning of the day.
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
vi) Access and Screening City Hall —
(1) Designate South end visitor only entrance and North end employee only
(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrances
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
vii) In -person proceedings and services (TBD)
c) Phase 3-Enhanced Operations:
i) Hours of Operation 0800-1700 hours Monday through Friday
ii) Capacity (6ft Social Distancing)-
(1) Cashier and Clerks — Every other window staffed
(2) Cashier/Clerk waiting area —10
(3) Main lobby- Approximately 15
(4) 151 Floor courtroom hallway -Approximately 10
(5) Parking Waiting-4 defendants
(6) Courtroom 1— 4 defendants
(7) Courtroom 2 — 8 defendants
(8) Courtroom 3 — 8 defendants
(9) Courtroom 4 — 8 defendants
(10) Courtroom 5 —16 defendants
(11) Jury Pool Room — 24 potential Jurors
(12) 2ed Floor courtroom hallway- Approximately 8
(13) Parking Hearing Office Waiting Area — 2 defendants
(14) Teen Court Room 400 —1 defendant and gradian or a single family unit.
111) Social Distancing Marking (6ft) —
(1) Cashier and Clerk Windows
(2) Prosecutor to Defendant (Courtrooms 1-5)
(3) Main Entrance South to Texas St to West end of building
iv) Media Requirements-
(1) Press Release -Provide the Office of Communication with Press Releases
notifying the public our hours of operations, available services, and
available resources.
(2) Website-Provide the Office of Communication with website updates
notifying the public our hours of operations, available services, and
available resources.
(3) COVID Signage and Notices -Update PSB COVID signage and notices to
reflect current state.
v) Access and Screening Control PSB—
(1) Change time models on the West entrance, South entrance and external
elevators to deadlocked
(a) Persons requiring ADA accommodations will utilize the ADA ramp
at the East Entrance.
(b) People requiring ADA accommodations requiring the use of the
ADA elevator and are unable to use the ramp will be address on a
case by case basis.
(c) After-hours time models will remain at current setting.
(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrance
during business hours.
(a) After-hours Municipal Court Employees, Code Employees, and
Fort Worth Police Department Employee will "self -screen" (take
and long own temperature) at the West entrance.
(b) From 0730 until 0800 hours a Deputy Marshal will conduct Health
Screenings at the West entrance of PSB to facilitate staff
screening prior to the beginning of the day.
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
vi) Access and Screening City Hall —
(1) Designate South end visitor only entrance and North end employee only
(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrances
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
vil) In -person proceedings and services (TBD)
d) Phase 4-Full Operations, Date (TBD):
i) Hours of Operation 0800-1700 hours Monday through Friday
ii) Capacity (6ft Social Distancing)-
10
(1) Cashier and Clerks — Every other window staffed
(2) ashier/Clerk waiting area —10
(3) Main lobby- Approximately 15
(4) 11t Floor courtroom hallway -Approximately 10
(5) Parking Waiting — 4 defendants
(6) Courtroom 1— 4 defendants
(7) Courtroom 2 — 8 defendants
(8) Courtroom 3 — 8 defendants
(9) Courtroom 4-8 defendants
(10) Courtroom 5 —16 defendants
(11) Jury Pool Room — 24 potential Jurors
(12) 2"d Floor courtroom hallway- Approximately 8
(13) Parking Hearing Office Waiting Area — 2 defendants
(14) Teen Court Room 400 —1 defendant and guardian or a single family
unit.
Ili) Social Distancing Marking (6ft) —
(1) Cashier and Clerk Windows
(2) Prosecutors to Defendant (Courtrooms 1-5)
(3) Main Entrance South to Texas St to West end of building
(4) Social distance standards could end at this phase.
iv) Media Requirements-
(1) Press Release -Provide the Office of Communication with Press Releases
notifying the public our hours of operations, available services, and
available resources.
(2) Website-Provide the Office of Communication with website updates
notifying the public our hours of operations, available services, and
available resources.
(3) COVID Signage and Notices -Update PSB COVID signage and notices to
reflect current state.
v) Access and Screening Control PSB —
(1) Change time models on the West entrance, South entrance and external
elevators to deadlocked
(a) Persons requiring ADA accommodations will utilize the ADA ramp
at the East Entrance.
(b) People requiring ADA accommodations requiring the use of the
ADA elevator and are unable to use the ramp will be address on a
case by case basis.
(c) After-hours time models will remain at current setting.
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(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrance
during business hours.
(a) After-hours Municipal Court Employees, Code Employees, and
Fort Worth Police Department Employee will "self -screen" (take
and long own temperature) at the West entrance.
(b) From 0730 until 0800 hours a Deputy Marshal will conduct Health
Screenings at the West entrance of PSB to facilitate staff
screening prior to the beginning of the day.
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
vi) Access and Screening City Hall —
(1) Designate South end visitor only entrance and North end employee only
(2) All employees and visitors will be health screened at the main entrances
(3) Standard security screening operations will remain in effect
vii) In -person proceedings and services (TBD)
*Health Screening will remain In effect as long as City and OCA dictate.
3) Staffing Plan:
a) Phase 1-Initial Staffing:
I) Jail -Will operate 24/7 in all phases-
(1) Clerk of Court (at PSB) -Five jail clerk staff would be needed to operate
24/7 to support the jail.
(2) Judges (at PSB) - Five Judges would be needed to operate 24/7 to
support the jail.
ii) Marshal Division- (Administration, PSB, Lake Patrol, Warrants and City Hall)
(1) City Marshal x1
(2) Chief Deputy Marshal x1
(3) Senior Deputy Marshal x5
(4) Deputy City Marshal x37
Ill) Administration —
(1) 9 admin services staff (HR, Finance, Training, and Process) can continue
teleworking and when necessary report to a physical location; working
regular business hours 8 am — 5 pm.
(2) admin services staff (Department Head, Hearing Officer, Business
Analyst) working in office 8 am —5 pm
12
iv) Clerk of Court (Non Jail)-
(1) Minimal staff in house, at the capacity of approximately 13, which
includes 2 cashiers for payments, virtual court, and other assignments;
1 mail clerk for mail pickup, assignment, and processing, 3 docket clerks
for courtroom duties, and virtual court; 2 caseworkers for payment
plans, community service, Community Court, and Truancy; 1 bond clerk;
1 parking clerk; 1 information desk clerk; 1 supervisors; 1 Deputy Court
Clerk; Assistant Clerk of Court.
(2) The remaining 40 staff will be processing all other court duties while
teleworking, which supports social distancing.
v) Judges-
(1) Rotate Judges to work Virtual walk in court, physical walk-in court and
telecommuting.
vi) Parking Hearings-
(1) 1 Parking Hearing Officer will continue to telecommute until in -person
hearings start again (TBD).
vii) Teen Court-
(1) The Teen Court Administrator will work on sight.
(2) Part-time Teen Court Assistant will not return to PSB until in -person
hearings start again (TBD),
b) Phase 2-Improved Staffing:
i) Jail -Will operate 24/7 in all phases-
(1) Clerk of Court (at PSB) -Five jail clerk staff would be needed to operate
24/7 to support the jail.
(2) Judges (at PSB) - Five Judges would be needed to operate 24/7 to
support the jail.
ii) Marshal Division — (Administration, PSB, Lake Patrol, Warrants and City Hall)
(1) City Marshal x1
(2) Chief Deputy Marshal x1
(3) Senior Deputy Marshal x5
(4) Deputy City Marshal x37
III) Administration —
(1) 9 admin services staff (HR, Finance, Training, and Process) can continue
teleworking and when necessary report to a physical location; working
regular business hours 8 am — 5 pm.
13
(2) 3 admin services staff (Department Head, Hearing Officer, Business
Analyst) working in office 8 am —5 pm
iv) Clerk of Court (Non Jail)-
(1) Operating at the capacity of approximately 24 which includes 4 cashiers
for payments, virtual court, and other assignments; 1 mail clerk for mail
pickup, assignment, and processing; 4 docket clerks for courtroom
duties, and virtual court; 4 caseworkers for payment plans, community
service, Community Court; 4 data entry clerks for citation entry; 2 clerks
for phones; 1 information desk clerk; 1 public information clerk; 1 bond
clerk; 1 parking clerk; 2 supervisors; 2 Deputy Court Clerks; Assistant
Clerk of Court
(2) The remaining 29 staff will be processing all other court duties while
teleworking, which supports social distancing.
v) Judges-
(1) Rotate Judges to work Virtual walk in court, physical walk-in court and
telecommuting.
vi) Parking Hearings-
(1) 1 Parking Hearing Officer will continue to telecommute until in -person
hearings start again (TBD). May return to office if needed.
vii) Teen Court-
(1) The Teen Court Administrator will work on sight.
(2) Part-time Teen Court Assistant will not return to PSB until in -person
hearings start again (TBD). May return to office is needed.
c) Phase 3-Enhanced Staffing:
i) Jail -Will operate 24/7 in all phases-
(1) Clerk of Court (at PSB) -Five jail clerk staff would be needed to operate
24/7 to support the jail.
(2) Judges (at PSB) - Five Judges would be needed to operate 24/7 to
support the jail.
ii) Marshal Division- (Administration, PSB, Lake Patrol, Warrants and City Hall)
(1) City Marshal x1
(2) Chief Deputy Marshal x1
(3) Senior Deputy Marshal x5
(4) Deputy City Marshal x37
14
iii) Administration —
(1) 5 admin services staff (HR, Finance, Training, and Process) can continue
teleworking and when necessary report to a physical location; working
regular business hours 8 am — 5 pm.
(a) 7 admin services staff (Department Head, Hearing Officer,
Business Analyst, Sr. Admin, Sr, Accountant, Customer Solutions
Analyst, Admin Manager) working in office 8 am —5 pm
iv) Clerk of Court (Non jail)-
(1) Operating at the capacity of approximately 36, which includes 6 cashiers
for payments, virtual court, and other assignments; 1 mail clerk for mail
pickup, assignment, and processing; 5 docket clerks for courtroom
duties, and virtual court; 6 caseworkers for payment plans, community
service, Community Court and Truancy; 5 data entry clerks for citation
entry, 4 clerks for phones; 1 information desk clerk; 1 bond clerk; 1
parking clerk; 3 supervisors; 2 Deputy Court Clerks; Assistant Clerk of
Court
(2) The remaining 17 staff will be processing all other court duties while
teleworking, which supports social distancing.
v) Judges-
(1) Rotate Judges to work Virtual walk in court, physical walk-in court and
telecommuting.
vi) Parking Hearings-
(2) 1 Parking Hearing Officer will continue to telecommute until in -person
hearings start again (TBD). May return to office if needed.
vii) Teen Court-
(1) The Teen Court Administrator will work on sight.
(2) Part-time Teen Court Assistant will not return to PSB until in -person
hearings start again (TBD). May return to office is needed.
d) Phase 4-Full Staffing
i) Jail -Will operate 24/7 in all phases-
(1) Clerk of Court (at PSB) -Five jail clerk staff would be needed to operate
24/7 to support the jail.
(2) Judges (at PSB) - Five Judges would be needed to operate 24/7 to
support the jail.
ii) Marshal Division —(Administration, PSB, Lake Patrol, Warrants and City Hall)
(1) City Marshal x1
15
(2) Chief Deputy Marshal x1
(3) Senior Deputy Marshal x5
(4) Deputy City Marshal x37
III) Administration —
(1) 12 admin services staff working in office at full capacity 8am — 5 pm
(2) Clerk of Court (no -jail) -
I. Operating at the capacity of 53 which includes 10 cashiers for
payments, virtual court, and other assignments; 1 mail clerk for
mail pickup, assignment, and processing, 8 docket clerks for
courtroom duties, and virtual court; 1 jury coordinator; 9
caseworkers for payment plans, community service, Community
Court, and Truancy; 8 data entry clerks for citation entry; 5 clerks
for phones; 4 supervisors; 1 bond clerk; 1 public information clerk;
1 information desk clerk; 1 parking clerk; 2 Deputy Court Clerks;
Assistant Clerk of Court.
4. Judges-
(1) Rotate Judges to work Virtual walk in court, physical walk-in court and
telecommuting.
5. Parking Hearings-
(1) 1 Parking Hearing Officer will continue to telecommute until in -person
hearings start again (TBD). May return to office if needed.
6. Teen Court-
(1) The Teen Court Administrator will work on sight.
(2) Part-time Teen Court Assistant will not return to PSB until in -person
hearings start again (TBD). May return to office is needed.
I have attempted to confer with all judges of courts with courtrooms in
this Operating Plan. In developing the , I consulted with thVcnduct
ll e
documentation of which' attached thi plan. I will ensure tju
courtrooms in the court building co ered y this Operating PIthe plan. ; n/ h
Date: 6/1/2020
J
co rt building regarding
alth thority and mayor,
dg of courts with
proceedings consistent with
16
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APPROVAL OF COVID -19 OPERATING PLAN FOR THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
MUNICIPAL COURT BY THE HONORABLE BETSY PRICE, MAYOR
Re: Municipal Court - OCA COVID Operating Plan Final
Rodgers, Danny <J a mes. Rodgers @fortworthtexas.gov >
Mon 6/1/2020 2:18 PM
To: Adler, Chelsea <Chelsea.Adler@fortworthtexas.gov>
Thank you very much, Chelsea.
Thanks,
Danny Rodgers
Chief Judge
Fort Worth Municipal Court
1000 Throckmorton
Office Phone: 817.392.6715
Email Danny.Rodgers@fortworthgov.or-e
City of Fort Worth — Working together to build a strong community.
❑® Fort Worth
From: Adler, Chelsea <Chelsea.Adler@fortworthtexas.gov>
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2020 2:11 PM
To: Rodgers, Danny<James.Rodgers@fortworthtexas.gov>
Subject: RE: Municipal Court - OCA COVID Operating Plan Final
She just reviewed and approved, thank you!
Chelsea Adler
Chief of Staff
Mayor Betsy Price & City Council
City of Fort Worth
C:817-897-2723
O: 817-392-6363
Chelsea.Adier@fortworthtexas.gov
City of Fort Worth -- Working together to build a strong community.
0 cidlmage004.
jpg@01 CF85
cn nrnn�nrn
From: Rodgers, Danny <James. Rodgers @fortworthtexas.gov>
Sent: Monday, June 1, 20201:55 PM
To: Adler, Chelsea<Chelsea.Adler@fortworthtexas.gov>
Subject: Re: Municipal Court - OCA COVID Operating Plan Final
Hi Chelsea -
Just checking in to see if you have had an opportunity to talk with the Mayor about the
Municipal Court Operating Plan.
I completely understand that there is a lot happening right now, but I do need to move
this forward.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Danny Rodgers
Chief Judge
Fort Worth Municipal Court
1000 Throckmorton
Office Phone: 817.392.6715
Email Dannv.Rodgers@fortworthgov.org
City of Fort Worth — Working together to build a .strong community.
0 Fort Worth
From: Rodgers, Danny<James.Rodgers@fortworthtexas.eov>
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2020 7:58 AM
To: Adler, Chelsea <Chelsea.Adler@fortworthtexas.gov>
Subject: Re: Municipal Court - OCA COVID Operating Plan Final
Good morning Chelsea -
Following up on the Municipal Court Operating Plan. Were you able to get that before the
Mayor yesterday?
Thanks,
Danny Rodgers
Chief Judge
Fort Worth Municipal Court
1000 Throckmorton
Office Phone: 817.392.6715
Email Danny.Rodgers@fortworthgov.org
City of Fort Worth — Working together to build a strong community.
g Fort Worth
From: Rodgers, Danny<James.Rodgers@fortworthtexas.gov>
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 202011:02 AM
To: Adler, Chelsea <Chelsea.Adler@fortworthtexas.gov>
Subject: Re: Municipal Court - OCA COVID Operating Plan Final
Thanks Chelsea.
Danny Rodgers
Chief Judge
Fort Worth Municipal Court
1000 Throckmorton
Office Phone: 817.392.6715
Email DannyRodgers@f6rtworthgov.org
Clty of Fort Worth — Working together to build a strong community.
® Fort Worth
From: Adler, Chelsea <Chelsea.Adler@fortworthtexas.gov>
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 202010:38 AM
To: Washington, Valerie R <Valerie.Washington@fortworthtexas.gov>; Cooke, David C.
<David.Cooke@fortworthtexas.gov>; Rodgers, Danny <James.Rodgers@fortworthtexas.gov>; Rumuly,
William F <William.Rumuly@fortworthtexas.gov>; Bennett, Brandon
<Brandon. Ben nett@fortworthtexas.goy>
Subject: RE: Municipal Court - OCA COVID Operating Plan Final
Thanks — I will work to get this in front of Mayor for review.
Chelsea Adler
Chief of Staff
Mayor Betsy Price & City Council
City of Fort Worth
C:817-897-2723
0: 817-392-6363
Chelsea.Adler@fortworthtexas.gov
City of Fort Worth — Working together to build a strong community.
0 cid:image004.
Ipg@01 CF85
rn nrnnnr�rn
From: Washington, Valerie R <Valerie.Washington@fortworthtexas.gov>
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 202010:32 AM
To: Cooke, David C.<David.Cooke@fortworthtexas.gov>; Rodgers, Danny
<James.Rodgers @fortworthtexas.gov>; Rumuly, William F <William.Rum uly@fortworthtexas.gov>;
Adler, Chelsea <Chelsea.Adler@fortworthtexas.gov>; Bennett, Brandon
<Brandon.Ben nettfortworthtexas.govv>
Subject: Municipal Court - OCA COVID Operating Plan Final
David,
Attached is Judge Rodger's final operating plan for Municipal Court that must file with the Office of
Court Administration. Please note the plan requires acknowledgement that Mayor and our Health
Director have seen and are ok with the plan.
Will you please help us get this in front of Mayor Price? Our hope is that you or Chelsea will have a few
minutes with her today or tomorrow where she can review and then respond via email that she has
seen and supports the plan.
Judge has worked with Steve Cooke, Chief Davis, Marshal Swift, and Brandon to pull this plan together.
Thanks for your helpiI II
Val
APPROVAL OF COVID -19 OPERATING PLAN FOR THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
MUNICIPAL COURT BY BRANDON BENNETT, HEALTH OFFICER FOR THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
RE: OCA COVID Operating Plan Swift ALL COURT Draft S 13 20 (1)
DePaula, Elmer <Elmer.DePaula@fortworthtexas.gov>
Fri 5/29/2020 2:33 PM
To: Rodgers, Danny <James.Rodgers@fortworthtexas.gov>; Bennett, Brandon
< B ra n d o n. B e n n et t@ fo rtw o rth texa s. g ov>
Cc: Morton, Tim <tim.morton@fortworthtexas.gov>; Rumuly, William F <William.Rumuly@fortworthtexas.gov>;
Gonzalez, Simon <Simon.Gonzalez@fortworthtexas.gov>
Chief Judge Rodgers,
This correspondence serves as confirmation that you have consulted as well as submitted reopening
protocols to mitigate the spread of communicable diseases; i.e. Covid-19, as the city's municipal court
plans to resume court proceedings/services.
Said consultation as well as the submittal of protocols were vetted and accepted by the City of Fort
Worth's Health Officer and his authorized staff.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Elmer DePaula, RS
Deputy Health Officer
City of Fort Worth, TX
817-392-7251
817-991-3892
Elmerdepaula@fortworthtexas.eov
Cc:
Brandon S. Bennett
Health Officer
City of Fort Worth
From: Rodgers, Danny
Sent: Friday, May 29, 202011:17 AM
To: Bennett, Brandon <Brandon.Bennett@fortworthtexas.gov>
Cc: Morton, Tim <tim.morton@fortworthtexas.gov>; DePaula, Elmer
<Elmer. DePa u la @fortworthtexas.gov>; Rumuly, William F <Willi am. Rum u ly@fo rtworthtexa s.gov>;
Gonzalez, Simon <Simon.Gonzalez@fortworthtexas.gov>
Subject: Re: OCA COVID Operating Plan Swift ALL COURT Draft 513 20 (1)
Brandon -
I need the following before I can submit our plan to the Administrative Judge:
Brandon, if you would be so kind, I need an email back from you confirming that I, as
the Chief Judge, have consulted with you, as the City Health Officer, on this report.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Danny Rodgers
Chief Judge
Fort Worth Municipal Court
1000 Throckmorton
Office Phone: 817.392.6715
Email Danny.Rodgers@fortwortheovore
City of Fort Worth — Working together to build a strong community.
Q Fort Worth
From: Rodgers, Danny<James.Rodeers@fortworthtexas.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 20201:47 PM
To: Bennett, Brandon <Brandon.Bennett@fortworthtexas.gov>
Cc: Morton, Tim <tim.morton@fortworthtexas.gov>; DePaula, Elmer
<Elmer.DePaula@fortworthtexas.eov>; Rumuly, William F<William.Rumuly@fortworthtexas.sov>;
Gonzalez, Simon <Simon.Gonzalez@fortworthtexas.gov>
Subject: Re: OCA COVID Operating Plan Swift ALL COURT Draft 513 20 (1)
Gentlemen -
Thank you very much for reviewing the FWMC COVID Operating Plan. I have
incorporated many of your suggestions/corrections. A copy of the final draft is attached.
In regard to your comment concerning virtual hearings, we are using Webex for our
virtual hearings and will continue to do so moving forward. It is our goal to provide virtual
access to most of our docket processes. We will not be scheduling any "in -person"
dockets until at Ieast July,
Brandon, if you would be so kind, I need an email back from you confirming that I , as
the Chief Fudge, have consulted with you, as the City Health Officer, on this report.
If any of you have any questions, concerning this matter, please let me know
Again, thank you for your assistance.
Thanks,
Danny Rodgers
Chief Judge
Fort Worth Municipal Court
1000 Throclanorton
Office Phone: 817.392.6715
Email Danny,RodRers@fortworthRov.org
City of Fort Worth — Working together to build a strong community.
❑13 Fort Worth
From: Bennett, Brandon <Bra ndo n. Bennett @fortworthtexas.Rov>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 202012:17 PM
To: Rodgers, Danny<James.RodRers@fortworthtexas.Rov>
Cc: Morton, Tim <tim.morton@fortworthtexas.Rov>; DePaula, Elmer
<Elmer.DePaula@fortworthtexas.Rov>
Subject: FW: OCA COVID Operating Plan Swift ALL COURT Draft 513 20 (1)
Attached is your document with comments from Health/Dr. Morton. Not all are true PH oriented, but
good things to consider. Some are clearly your policy decisions, like the comment about the District
Courts. Dr. Morton is a good asset and he can clarify any of our comments if needed .... and if your
horse needs its teeth floated he can take care of that as well
Brandon Scott Bennett
Health Officer/Director
From: Timothy Morton <tim.morton@fortworthtexas.Rov>
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11:25 AM
To: Brandon Bennett <Brandon.Ben nett@fortworthtexas.eov>
Subject: OCA COVID Operating Plan Swift ALL COURT Draft 5 13 20 (1)
My thoughts.
Tim