Chelsea appoints Jeff Hester as municipal court judge

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Chelsea City Council tonight appointed Chelsea resident and local lawyer Jeff Hester as Municipal Court Judge for the City of Chelsea.

Hester, who also serves as municipal judge for Calera and Vincent, will bring experience to the city of Chelsea, said Mayor Tony Picklesimer.

“By serving in [two] cities already, it really gives us the benefit of having an old pro at day one, so that’s a good thing,” Picklesimer said.

Hester attended the Chelsea City Council’s pre-council meeting on May 2, during which council members were able to ask him questions about his experience. While Hester said he did not have experience setting up computer programs or court clerk responsibilities necessary for starting a court, he added “I have no question we will do things right once we have everything set up.”

Hester will likely be sworn in as municipal court judge during the council’s first June meeting. The city plans to hold its court once a month, Picklesimer said, adding that the city is “still months away” from the court starting.

In regard to new city employees, the council also approved the creation of a new position for the Chelsea maintenance department. With the completion of the city’s new sports complex, they have increased the number of fields needing attention from nine to 12. That increase made a cause for creating a new position, Picklesimer said.

This position will be from late May to the end of September, at which time the city will decide whether or not to keep the position.

The council also recognized the Chelsea High School varsity baseball team during its meeting. The team won 27 games this season, making it the winningest season in the program’s history. They also made it to the 6A state quarterfinals, losing to Hillcrest, the defending state champion.

The team’s four seniors played a part in the team’s success, said coach Michael Stallings, and provided leadership to the rest of the team.

“We had a great year. Just a great group of guys,” Stallings said. “I couldn’t say enough good things about them.”

Also during the meeting, the council:

  • Approved a resolution to accept asphalt bid improvements for Crossbrook Subdivision streets and Shirley Lane.
  • Approved a resolution ratifying the purchase of an ad for the Chelsea Lady Hornets, in the Girls State Soccer Championship game program.
  • Approved to pay the city's bills.