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Transmittal - 11/1/2022 ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 CITY COUNCIL TRANSMITTAL ______________________________ Date Received: November 1, 2022 Rachel Otto, Chief of Staff Date Sent to Council: November 1, 2022 TO: Salt Lake City Council DATE: November 1, 2022 Dan Dugan, Chair FROM: Rachel Otto, Chief of Staff Office of the Mayor SUBJECT: Naming the Salt Lake City Justice Court building the “John L. Baxter Justice Court” STAFF CONTACT: Rachel Otto DOCUMENT TYPE: Informational item RECOMMENDATION: Notify Council of the proposed building naming, per City Code Chapter 3.65 BUDGET IMPACT: New signage is estimated to be approximately $35,000; the administration plans to cover this amount through current departmental budgets. BACKGROUND: Mayor Mendenhall proposes naming the Salt Lake City Justice Court after former Salt Lake City Justice Court Judge John L. Baxter. Naming city assets is addressed in City Code Chapter 3.65. Section 3.65.020 states that the naming of major assets requires City Council approval, while the naming of minor assets requires only the Mayor’s approval. A major asset includes a structure or facility, including a portion of structure or facility. Under City Code, the Justice Court building is a major asset. The Council may choose to approve the name change through legislative process or defer the approval to the Mayor’s Office. Chapter 3.65 allows the Council 15 business days after receipt of this notice to determine whether it wishes to use a legislative process for the naming of the Justice Court building. If, at the conclusion of those 15 business days, the Council has not responded to this notice, the naming decision and process reverts to the Mayor’s Office to use the minor asset approval process. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Judge Baxter served Salt Lake City for over 20 years as a Justice Court Judge. Judge Baxter was dedicated to serving some of the most traditionally underserved people in Salt Lake City, making sure that they were not just processed through the justice system, but that they received the support they needed to be successful in society. Some of the highlights in Judge Baxter’s career include: • Serving as Presiding Judge from July 2014 to 2019, and in that capacity acting as liaison from the Court to the Office of the Mayor and the City Council. Also responsible for developing and implementing policy at the Court. • Developing and presiding over the Salt Lake Justice Homeless Court and the Salt Lake City Veterans’ Court. Additionally, he presided over the Salt Lake City Drug Court and the Salt Lake City Domestic Violence Court. • Training newly appointed District Court judges regarding interactions with self-represented parties and training new Justice Court judges in criminal procedure. • Working as a Trial Attorney for the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association, Salt Lake City, from 1997- 2002. • Acting as Legal Defender Association liaison to the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games safety committee and organizing and supervising public defender assignments during the Games. • Participating as Legal Defender Association liaison in developing and implementing the Third District Mental Health Court and serving as the public defender assigned to that court. COMMITTEE POSITIONS • 2003 – 2005 – Utah Judicial Council Committee on Privacy and Access to Public Court Records, reviewing, developing and submitting to the Council recommendations for privacy and access to court records. • February 2004 to September 2013 – Supreme Court of Utah Advisory Committee on Professionalism – Drafting and submitting to the Utah Supreme Court the Utah Standards of Professionalism and Civility (for attorneys) and the Utah Standards of Judicial Professionalism and Civility. Initiating review of attorneys applying to become mentors for new attorneys. • 2005 – Present – Salt Lake County Criminal Justice Advisory Council – Developing and implementing policies and procedures for appropriate jail use, developing community alternatives to incarceration and exploring options for treatment and reintegration into the community of those charged or convicted of crimes. • February 2005 to February 2014 – Chair, Utah Judicial Council Committee on Access to Resources for Self-Represented Parties – Developed and implemented a virtual Self-Help Center through the Utah State Courts which presently receives thousands of calls, texts or emails per year for individuals seeking legal guidance. • 2005 – 2011 – Utah Judicial Council Committee on Judicial Outreach – Developing and supporting efforts to engage the Judiciary with the public including Law Day activities and judge for a day programs. • 2011 – 2017 – Supreme Court of Utah Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure – Review and submit changes to the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure to the Utah Supreme Court. • 2011 – 2013 – Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice Mental Health Initiative – Investigate and expand mental health courts throughout the state. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 • 2013 – Present – Utah State Bar New Lawyer Training Program Committee – develop and review training materials for new lawyers and contact and interviewing references for attorneys applying to become new lawyer mentors. • 2014 – 2017 – Utah Judicial Council Uniform Fine and Bail Committee – review and submit to the Judicial Council any changes in fine and bail for the State of Utah. PROFESSIONAL AWARDS • 2004 – Salt Lake Area Domestic Violence Coalition Peace on Earth Award • 2005 – Utah State Courts Quality of Justice Award • 2011 – Salt Lake Area Domestic Violence Coalition Peace on Earth Award • 2017 – Utah Minority Bar Association Jimi Mitsunaga Excellence in Criminal Law or Pro Bono Award • 2019 – Justice Court Service Award • 2019 – Utah State Bar Judge of the Year COMMUNITY TESTIMONIALS Chief Justice Matthew Durrant: I’ve always looked to Judge Baxter as the perfect example of just how much good a genuinely compassionate and concerned judge can do. Thank you, Judge Baxter, for your truly extraordinary service. Court of Appeals Judge Gregory Orme: I had recollected that John served with me on the Judicial Council during my second stint on the Council, roughly 2010-2016. I recalled him as one of my favorites on the Council during that time and one of our most important and influential members. He was not one to dominate the meeting, but when he spoke, he always had such insightful and important things to say. Well, I was mistaken. John was not actually on the Council as near as I can reconstruct. He may have filled in occasionally for an absent justice court judge, but apparently he was just such a frequent presenter, both as the long-time chair of our access to justice committee and in connection with his pioneering work on two of our early problem-solving courts, that his regular participation with the Council during that time won him a promotion to the Council, albeit only in my mind's eye. I always enjoyed sitting by him and basking in his wisdom during lunch and breaks. He is truly among the very finest judges I have known during my 35 years with the Utah judiciary. District Judge Patrick Corum: When I was asked to write down a few things about John Baxter, I had no idea how hard it would be. Because how can I put into just a few sentences how much and why I admire the person who represented everything I always wanted to be as a public defender and everything I strive to be as a judge? John was, and is, both. First, John was an amazing attorney and mentor to an entire generation of public defenders. His compassion for his clients, his charisma, and his skill made him a great trial lawyer. Truly, John absolutely commanded the courtroom as a lawyer. I first met John over 20 years ago when he was the Misdemeanor Chief at LDA and I was a brand new public defender. As a supervisor and mentor, John had no peers and he absolutely inspired all of us to represent people with everything we had. I remember being called into his office after a particularly contentious day in court because the city prosecutor was calling and literally screaming at him about whatever it was that I had done. John listened calmy, put down the phone, smiled at me, and told me to keep up the good work. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Remembrances of John as a lawyer would be incomplete without some small mention of his court attire. He had coat rack in the corner of his office that was full of some of the most hideous pattern and color combinations known to humanity. On his way out the door to court, the jackets would be “matched” with his equally abhorrent ties. He dressed like that, not because he was color blind (and I sincerely hope he is because that would have partially shielded him from the horror that these jackets clearly were), but because one particularly difficult and harsh judge absolutely loved the outfits. As soon as he came in the door, this judge would interrupt whatever browbeating was being delivered to call John up in front of the packed courtroom, make him turn around, and just delight in whatever combo he had chosen that day – in my mind’s eye it is perhaps a green tie with little tabasco bottles on it with a red plaid jacket. John would then call his cases and the judge would do whatever he asked for on behalf of his clients before going back to yelling and sending everyone else’s clients to prison. Second, John is a great judge. In addition to just being very good at the daily work of a judge, I think John redefined what it is to be a judge. Ultimately, he was there to weigh facts and apply the law, but he also brought a level of innovation, compassion, and understanding of people that was truly remarkable. John was on the ground floor of nearly every type of specialty court that we have in this state. Mental Health Court, Veteran’s Court, and Homeless Court all owe a large part of their existence and success to John’s hard work, dedication, and courage to try new ideas. I have followed John my entire career. I followed him running the viaduct legal clinic, as a misdemeanor chief at LDA, and to the bench. At each stop, I have tried to live up to his example and hoped to become a fraction of what he was. Thank you for everything you have done for all of us John! Presiding Third District Justice Court Judge Brendan McCullagh: I have been in denial of John’s retirement for several years. I will miss him personally, as he is a dear friend. But we collectively will miss him more, as John has consistently over twenty years, provided us with clear-eyed, moral conscientious leadership. I'm loud and brash, he just showed all of us by his example how all who appear before us are entitled to respect, dignity and a chance to be heard. Nick Mecham, CJAC Policies and Projects Coordinator: I first met Judge Baxter when my neighbors, who were his parents, connected me with him as I was applying to law school. During my first year of law school I pestered him enough that he took pity on me and offered me an opportunity to work in his courtroom over the summer. I eagerly jumped at the opportunity. I’m happy I did because at that point in my life, in my late 20s, I thought I’d made up my mind on what justice was and what it meant. Working and interacting with Judge Baxter on a daily basis helped change my mind and reshape my value and understanding of justice. Realizing that there were real people behind each decision was an invaluable experience. His deft handling of the dynamic circumstances of his courtroom was a sight to behold. It was great to watch the kindness with which he treated those whose lives had been touched by the criminal justice system, maybe for the first time, maybe dozens of times, and the time he took to ensure that each person understood what was happening and what they were doing. His kindness fostered respect and wasn’t to be mistaken for weakness. He handled every situation I saw him come across with ease. He gave me several opportunities to help in many different ways including in homeless court, drug court, and in research of certain statutes and/or cases. He made me want to work hard for him and I could tell that his crew felt the same way. He worked hard and his example made each of us want to work hard as well. I felt, and still feel, that is a quality of a fantastic leader. His humility wouldn’t allow him to relish in accolades or praise. I aspire to that type of humility. In the 14 years since then, probably much to his chagrin, I’ve attempted to stay in contact with him and speak with him on a regular basis. I value his opinion and his advice and I seek both. He is fun to talk to, easy to relate to, and just a genuinely good person. He is a mentor to me of the highest value and I consider him a friend. I hope he considers me a friend as well and I aspire to ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 treat people the way he has always treated me and the way he’s treated those that have come into his courtroom. Kim Russo: I first met Judge Baxter after I was transferred to Operation Rio Grande in downtown Salt Lake City. My office, along with the other agencies, were upstairs at the Weigand Center. I distinctly remember after my first week, that the following Friday, Judge Baxter and his team arrived to conduct homeless court. I was intrigued and stepped in to observe. Immediately, I was in awe of the work that the Court was doing with our homeless population. Yet, even more affected by the way Judge Baxter dealt with the clients. He was informative with them, letting them know of their rights, but he also showed empathy and compassion for their difficult life circumstances. I soon was able to work with Judge Baxter doing his assessments on the clients that the City Prosecutor requested. What an honor this has been for me. I thank Judge Baxter for bringing me into the Court program. I also want to thank him for teaching me the value of the human spirit. The value of each human being and how precious life can be. Kele Griffone, CJS: Judge Baxter, From your friends and colleagues at Salt Lake County Criminal Justice Services, Happy Retirement. Your capacity to listen, passion for fairness, and dedication to our homeless population has been an inspiration to those around you. Many clients have expressed how you treated them with respect and they truly felt cared about when appearing before you. Your ideas, advocation for better processes to serve the community, tell it like it is, and willingness to roll up your sleeves and get things done has been valuable for the Criminal Justice Advisory Council. We need more advocates and visionaries like you. Comments made by clients in the homeless community concerning their experiences with Judge Baxter: ----I remember walking into his court downtown, it was homeless court. He did not make me feel ashamed or dumb because of my crime. Judge Baxter worked with me and found me community service so that I would not have to pay a fine. I have no money. I worked in the pantry with Crossroads Urban Center. I made many friends. But, Judge Baxter will always be my friend. Willie ----I really think that I was tired laying in the street, so sick because I was coming down from my drug use. It was homeless court, and I knew I just had to get in. Judge Baxter made a call, he had a lady call, and they got me right in to a treatment center. I wanted to go. I have been sober for four years now thanks to Judge Baxter. Fred B. ----Judge Baxter gave me a real break, allowing me to do a assessment. I believe that’s what they call it. The person doing the assessment, said I have good skills, and told mesome of the skills. I got job leads. I then told Judge Baxter about my leads. I went to the next homeless court and told Judge Baxter I g ot a job. He got up and shook my hand. Judge Baxter believes in me. I am keeping this job. In a month, I will have the deposit ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 ready and my first month’s rent. An apartment building accepted me. I thank Judge Baxter for believing in me. John L. ---Judge Baxter always stops and talks to me when he walks through the Weigand Center. He talks to me with respect. He is a kind man who always remembers what I tell him. When I see him the next time, he remembers what I told him and asks if things are getting better for me. He does care about people. Marsha D. ---I was so sad to hear that Judge Baxter is retiring. I could always count on him. I don’t think anyone in my life will ever be that nice to me. He never judged me because I was homeless. Someday, I won’t be homeless, and I hope Judge Baxter will know that I got housing for me and in his honor. I am going to miss him. Jesse V. ---I got my housing because Judge Baxter worked with me in court to look at my charges and figure out what I could do to close those cases. I went to do my community service, came back when it was over, and Judge Baxter connected me with housing. My voucher is active, and we think that my housing will come in August. I am going to get a job to with Advantage. I couldn’t do this without Judge Baxter’s help. Trisha W. ---Judge Baxter never judged me. I hear voices so much. He got me some help with people that I now trust. But he never made fun of my voices, like most people do. Judge Baxter was my safe person in the world. I just don’t want him to leave. Carlos V. RESOLUTION NO. _______ OF 2022 Naming the Salt Lake City Justice Court the “John L. Baxter Justice Court” WHEREAS, Salt Lake City Code 3.65 creates a process for the naming of major City assets, which includes a City-owned structure or facility. WHEREAS, under City Code 3.65, the Mayor must provide the City Council with fifteen business days’ notice of her intent to name a major asset, and the City Council may either allow the fifteen days to pass, at which point the Mayor may name the major asset, or the City Council may determine that the major asset should be named through a legislative process. WHEREAS, Mayor Erin Mendenhall provided the City Council notice of her intent to name the Salt Lake City Justice Court the “John L. Baxter Justice Court” in recognition of Judge John L. Baxter’s over twenty years of service as a Salt Lake City Justice Court Judge and his service to some of the most traditionally underserved people in Salt Lake City. WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the naming of the Salt Lake City Justice Court should be done pursuant to a legislative process, and finds that there is good cause to name the Salt Lake City Justice Court the “John L. Baxter Justice Court”. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL: 1. That the Salt Lake City Justice Court shall be named the “John L. Baxter Justice Court”. Passed by the Salt Lake City Council, this ____ day of December 2022. ________________________________ Dan Dugan, Council Chair Attest: ______________________________ Cindy Lou Trishman, City Recorder Approved as to form: Katherine Lewis, City Attorney