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The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone <br />wished to be heard in this matter. <br />Mark Godwin, Alternative Sanctions Coordinator from St. Lucie <br />County, introduced Chief Judge Vocelle and Court Administrator Tom <br />Willis also from St. Lucie County. <br />Mr. Godwin felt Teen Court will bring relief to the <br />overburdened system, and will teach accountability and <br />responsibility to potential delinquent teenagers. This is a <br />worthwhile endeavor and everyone agrees it will be a valuable tool. <br />This will also do a great deal for students currently in high <br />school who will be able to see what happens in the court system. <br />They have already experienced many of the benefits in St. Lucie <br />County, such as students helping with community service hours and <br />volunteering in the court system. <br />Commissioner Eggert expressed her concerns that the funds <br />collected in Indian River County will stay in this County. <br />Mr. Godwin understood her concern, and stated that the tickets <br />issued in Indian River County for the last fiscal year would <br />generate revenues of only $45,000. Provisions are being made that <br />if St. -Lucie County has excess funds, they could be transferred to <br />Indian River County to supplement the proposed revenues. Funds <br />collected in Indian River County will be used strictly for Indian <br />River County but, if there is a shortfall, St. Lucie County will be <br />able to supplement the funds. <br />Commissioner Bird questioned the single position being funded <br />and wanted to know whether that is realistic and whether any <br />staffing assistance has been provided. <br />Mr. Godwin responded that the coordinator being proposed would <br />utilize secretarial staff that has available time; possibly some of <br />the judicial assistants. <br />Commissioner Bird wanted to know what type of infractions <br />would go before the Teen Court, and Mr. Godwin stated that retail <br />theft, trespassing, and school fights would be some of the <br />misdemeanors that would be referred. <br />Mr. Godwin reminded the Board that the $3 fee would be <br />collected from traffic offenders as a part of their fines and that, <br />effective October 1, 1996, the cost of traffic tickets will be <br />reduced almost by half to $25, rather than the current flat fee of <br />$69 plus $4 for each mile over the speed limit. <br />Tom Willis, court administrator, advised that parking <br />violations would be excluded except for handicapped violations. <br />William Roolage urged the Board to act in favor of the <br />proposal and reminded the Board that we are no longer an <br />SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 21 aooK 98,F: 977 <br />