Rugby’s Municipal Court may be changing locations again.

At a regular meeting Monday evening, Municipal Judge Sharon Harmel informed the Rugby City Council that after attending a judges’ conference in October, she learned the current location is not in compliance with state courtroom rules.

Harmel said the current courtroom, which is in the Law Enforcement Center, does not have any separation between the public and court participants. A courtroom in the Pierce County Courthouse would meet requirements, however, with the move there would have to also be a change in hours. Municipal court proceedings take place in the evening on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, however to use the new proposed location, court would have to take place during daytime hours.

Rugby Mayor Arland Geiszler said he discussed the matter with City Attorney Bill Hartl, who said he saw no major issues with a move to the courthouse.

Harmel said the move to the proposed new location wouldn’t take place until closer to January.

The council approved a motion to allow the Municipal Court to relocate.

Prior to being in the Law Enforcement Center, Municipal Court proceedings were held in the courthouse basement.

(sub.) Other actions

– The council approved a motion to buy a new, boat-shaped 288″ by 48″ council table from Gaffney’s for $1799.

– The council approved a motion to transfer $35,000 from the city’s infrastructure fund to the 2013-2 Chalmer’s Addition Debt Sinking fund.

– The council approved a resolution providing the sale of series 2017 Refunding Improvement Bonds for refunding the city’s series 2009 Refunding Improvement Bonds.

The council approved a motion to sponsor public skating at the Al Wentz Arena.

– The council approved raffle permits for the Northern Lights Lions and Pierce County Relay for Life.

– The council approved a contract for Valuations Northwest, Inc. The company will appraise and take inventory of city assets and equipment. An appraisal and inventory hasn’t been done since 2003. The process would start in the spring.

– The council approved a resolution for the city to vacate an alley adjacent to property belonging to Nathan & Leah Kunde, Amber Sattler and Mark Simonson.

– The council approved the meeting minutes and bills of the Rugby Job Development Authority.

– The council approved the October meeting minutes, bills and financial statements and Municipal Judge’s report.