Ord 39-2024 Reappointing Judge Diane Dockery as Municipal Court Judge - 2 years 08/20/2024 Ordinance No. 39-2024
Ordinance reappointing Judge Diane Dockery, Municipal Court Judge
for a term of two years to begin on August 20, 2024
WHEREAS, Texas Government Code § 30.00006(a) — (d) provides:
(a) A municipal court of record is presided over by one or more municipal
judges.
(b) The governing body shall by ordinance appoint its municipal judges.
(c) A municipal judge must:
(1) be a resident of this state;
(2) be a citizen of the United States;
(3) be a licensed attorney in good standing; and
(4) have two or more years of experience in the practice of law in this
state.
(d) The governing body shall provide by ordinance for the term of office of its
municipal judges the term must be for a definite term of two or four years;
and,
WHEREAS, Judge Dockery wishes to be reappointed for a term of two years. See
attached letter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
1 . The City Council hereby reappoints Judge Diane Dockery as Wichita Falls
Municipal Judge for a term of two years, beginning August 20, 2024.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 20th day of August, 2024.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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August 12,2024
To: Mayor Tim Short
Councilor Mike Battaglino
Councilor Jeff Browning
Councilor Larry Nelson
Councilor Michael Smith
Councilor Tom Taylor
Councilor Bobby Whiteley
Re: Reappointment: Michael J.Whalen
Substitute(Associate)Judge,Municipal Court
Reappointment: Diane Dockery
Judge,Municipal Court
Dear Mayor Short and Members of the City Council,
Please consider this my recommendation and request that Michael J. Whalen continue, by
reappointment,to serve as Substitute(Associate)Judge for another two-year term commencing
October 1, 2024. Judge (Mike) Whalen has been serving in this capacity since 1994 and has
performed all duties expected of this position with excellence.
In addition, please consider this my request to be reappointed to serve another two (2) year
term as Judge of the Wichita Falls Municipal Court. As you know, I was appointed by the City
Council on July 19, 2022 to serve in this position, and my employment with the City began on
August 1, 2022. In accordance with Texas law, I am continuing to serve as Municipal Court
Judge until further action is taken.
Since my appointment to the bench, I have professionally performed all duties required of the
judiciary. I have done so with a commitment to preserving fairness for all citizens who have
found themselves in Municipal Court,while upholding the dignity and respect deserving of our
legal system. I have made every effort to well-represent Municipal Court and the City of Wichita
Falls in all that I do,both in the community and as Judge,and it would remain an honor and
privilege to continue serving in this position. For these reasons, I am requesting that I be
reappointed to serve another two-year term.
If you require further information,please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
CLait_e_.) /Can citti,Lt__
Diane Dockery,Judge
Wichita Falls Municipal Court