City magistrate resigns

City magistrate Derek Oliverson, who signed a two-year employment-renewal contract in April, has resigned to take the same position in Glendale.

Oliverson said his last day will be Aug. 1.

City manager Rick Olson said professional employment contracts can be terminated with 30 days notice.

Both men said the parting was amicable.

“He did a great job on the court,” Olson said. “And he was very invested in the community.”

Oliverson said he had “no complaints” and was simply moving on to a better opportunity.

Until city council decides to replace him, four assistant city magistrates will cover the docket. The magistrate’s office also has three clerks and one court administrator, Oliverson said.

Council will discuss the matter at its regular meeting on July 25.

Olson noted that the city will save money in the meantime. He said he wasn’t sure off the top of his head how much the position pays, but estimated it to be about $89,500.

Council laid off several department heads in April while struggling to balance the city budget.

Oliverson, asked what he has been paid, said only that it could be a different amount for different candidates, that the amount is negotiated with city council.

When council gave him his annual performance review and offered a contract renewal in April, it did so in executive session, which is not open to the public.

A city magistrate presides over misdemeanors such as driving under the influence and other alcohol-related crimes, domestic violence, as well as parking and traffic violations — just about everything execept felonies and civil contracts, Oliverson said.

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