Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Appointing Presiding Municipal Court Judge Candace Carlsen, Associate Municipal Court Judge Peter Graham, and Contract Municipal Court Judge Anthonette Ayitey-Adjin for Two-Year Terms; and Providing for an Effective Date
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
MEETING DATE: May 5, 2026
DEPARTMENT: City Attorney
CONTACT: Mark S. Houser, City Attorney
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the Resolution effectuating each appointment.
ITEM SUMMARY: If appointed, Candace Carlsen would serve as Presiding Municipal Court Judge, Peter Graham would serve as Associate Municipal Court Judge, and Anthonette Ayitey-Adjin would serve as Contract Municipal Court Judge for two-year terms, effective immediately upon passage.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: State law, the McKinney home rule charter, and Section 66-3 of the City’s Code of Ordinances provide authority to the City Council to appoint those judges presiding over the City’s Municipal Court. Under state law, the term for municipal judges is two (2) years.
The City Council previously appointed Candace Carlsen to the position of Presiding Municipal Court Judge for a two-year term in 2024. To continue her service an additional two-year term reappointment is required, as well as the approval of a Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement.
Since March 6, 2026, the Associate Municipal Court Judge position has been vacant due to the departure of Judge Steven Autry. The attached resolution will appoint Peter Graham to fill said vacant Associate Municipal Court Judge position.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY: Judge Candace Carlsen and Judge Peter Graham are filling two (2) budgeted positions in Municipal Court.
Judge Anthonette Ayitey-Adjin as Contract Municipal Court Judge will be compensated for services as needed on a month-to-month basis. Per an independent contractor, services will be paid for out of the General Fund.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N/A