STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Core
AGENDA DATE: August 27, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Civil Service
EXECUTIVE: Donzell Gipson
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SUBJECT
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Authorize (1) the reappointment of Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Karen R. Washington dba Karen Roberts Washington, Attorney at Law, for the period January 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027; (2) the appointment of Jody Gilzene, Claire Em Motivators, LLC, Chambers Legal PLLC, and Nicole N. Walker Owens, as Administrative Law Judges for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027, to hear employee appeals of terminations and demotions; and (3) contracts with each ALJ in the amount of $15,000.00 each - Total not to exceed $75,000.00 - Financing: General Fund (subject to appropriations)
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BACKGROUND
The City Charter was amended August 12, 1989, to establish the Administrative Law Judge alternative to the Trial Board. The employee has the option of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or Trial Board. ALJs have either five years' experience in adjudicating personnel issues or three years as a licensed attorney in the State of Texas and are compensated $400.00 per day, with the appealing employee paying up to half of this amount. ALJ hearings are conducted to provide a due process hearing for discharged or demoted employees. The ALJ hears sworn testimony, reviews documentary evidence, and renders a decision following the same hearing procedures as used by the Trial Board.
On December 6, 1995, the City Council authorized an ordinance to empower the Judicial Nominating Commission to recruit, interview, and nominate candidates to serve as Administrative Law Judges for Council approval by resolution No. 95-4007; Ordinance No. 22612.
Contracts for two ALJs will expire on December 31, 2025.
The Judicial Nominating Committee conducted interviews in connection with its required evaluation of Administrative Law Judges on Thursday, May 29, 202...
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