MEO's Letter
This Clerk of Court's Bi-monthly message to staff, who daily provide T(imely) A(ccurate) C(ourteous) service to all customers.
Summertime and Our Progress is Sizzling June 1 marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for several community organizations and government agencies. For the Clerk of Courts, however, ours is based on a calendar year. To date this year, our agency can be proud of many accomplishments. Through April, the General Division's Civil eFilings surpassed 150,000. From its initial phased-in launch to full implementation in November 2011, our colleagues in the Civil Division have approved, on average, 95 percent of all submitted eFilings. Prior to eFiling's implementation, turnaround time was generally within three business days. Now it's common for Deputies to be working on same-day filings, making our average turnaround time much closer to 24 hours. Since pilot testing of eFiling in the Domestic Division began in March, 2012, more than 800 domestic matters have been presented through the eFlex system. Again, we have reached a 95 percent approval rate. May 31 is the Domestic Division's official "go live" eFiling launch date for all Divorces pre and post decrees, with or without children. They, too, will phase in case types over time. Our outreach to the legal community on eFiling continues to be well received. Clerk of Court's subject matter experts April Hughes and Christopher Kopech, along with Domestic Court's Administrative Magistrate Gina Palmer, participated in or led 12 training classes, called "How to eFile in Domestic Court." In partnership with the Columbus Bar Association and specifically working with Amy Randall, CBA's CLE (Continuing Legal Education) Director, nearly 400 attendees registered for these educational sessions. Post-class survey ratings in many categories were 4.7 on a 5 point scale, and in select categories were deemed "exceptional" (5 points) by attendees. Our colleagues in Auto Title East have also realized significant achievements so far this year. These Title Clerks (and their furniture) relocated to their new location in the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles' Auto Service Center at 1583 Alum Creek Drive. To celebrate this significant move, and to join with our colleagues in the BMV Registrar and Reinstatement sites and their leadership, we held an Open House/Welcome event on May 22. Clerk of Courts senior staff and title managers networked with representatives from the BMV's executive leadership team. Staff from other county agencies and affiliated organizations and auto dealers also participated in the day's event. Since Auto Title East relocated, the Deputy Registrar at this site has informed us that her agency has already realized increased customer traffic. We are less than seven months from the end of my first term as Clerk of Courts. Our agency's recent successes and collective accomplishments are the result of all of you, my Deputy Clerks, who make it all possible. I am proud that you are part of my team. I look forward to four more productive years and more successes and celebrations to share together.
Legal Divisions
Read here for activities of the Criminal, Civil, Records, Juvenile, Domestic and Appeals divisions of the Franklin County Clerk of Courts' agency. (For staff changes and promotions, Deputy Clerks can refer to their internal newsletter.)
Domestic eFiling - Popular Series
The 12th Domestic e-Filing training successfully ended on May 29. Each session included valuable participation from two county agencies and the Columbus Bar Association (CBA.) Class attendees who qualified for continuing legal education (CLE) credit received one CLE hour. This was the first time in this Clerk of Courts' term that the CBA officially sponsored a CLE course featuring subject matter experts from the county's Clerk of Courts and Domestic Courts staffs. Approximately 400 attendees participated in the 12 sessions.
Because of these sessions' popularity, and to make the e-Filing information available to the general public, Domestic Court's and other agencies' staffs, two additional special "OPEN SESSIONS" were scheduled. On June 28, anyone is welcome to attend either the 1030 a.m. or 130 p.m. session to be held in 373 S. High Street's Auditorium (located off the first floor lobby.) Look for this promotion to appear on the County's portal and lobby TV monitors. These sessions will not qualify for CLE credit.
 |
 |
Telecommunications Update
By Chris Kopech, Business Operations Specialist & Telecommunications Coordinator For those of you who haven't heard yet, Public Facilities Management (PFM) is in the process of converting all county telephone lines from the old AT&T-owned system to an enhanced County owned and operated telephone system run entirely by PFM. This conversion has been a long time coming, and will lead to better phone operations and significant technology upgrades for our legal and auto title divisions.
What does this mean for everyone in the Clerk of Courts office? Some of you, specifically those using multi-line phones, will get new hardware from PFM compatible with the new system. Most changes, however, will occur behind the scenes. These changes will allow our office to deliver enhanced customer services as well as improved efficiencies and productivity. In a 2011 internal study of our phone traffic, it was discovered that as much as 22% of the calls received into this office went to a busy signal. This inhibits our ability to provide timely, accurate, and courteous service to customers. With the new system, calls will no longer go to a busy signal, but can remain in a queue until a Clerk is available to take the call. This is just one of the immediate features available to our office when the conversion is complete. Other enhanced services will be made available during the next phases led by PFM
The conversion is tentatively scheduled for mid-June and more updates will occur over the next few weeks. As always, if you are experiencing any issues with your phones, phone lines or voicemail, please let your supervisor or manager know so that I can address those concerns as quickly as possible, especially leading up to the conversion.
Thanks, and I look forward to welcoming this new technology to the Clerk's Office!
Vote Right-Vote Enright!
Tom Enright, Clerk of Courts from 1971 to 1994, accepted our office's invitation to visit our offices on June 5. His 2012 Reunion Tour started with a personal meeting in Clerk O'Shaughnessy's office. During this time, they shared many stories including those of their administrations' similarities, differences and challenges. The subject of adequate budgeting and financing was one topic not missed. In one story, Mr. Enright indicated that in order to receive a new supply of pens, their old pens had to first be returned! Also, he told of his battle with the commissioners for two new typewriters. (Apparently, those commissioners needed to be educated of the Clerk of Courts staffs' needs - Mr. Enright laughed as he said, "... can you imagine, our clerks had to have functioning office equipment; after all it was required in their ability to successfully do their jobs!" Ultimately, the commissioners heard Mr. Enright's pleas, were convinced and they granted his request .)
Mr. Enright's smile brightened each time he encountered a Deputy Clerk still employed here. He commented that in a recent conversation with one of his former administrators, they imagined only 5 people probably remained in this agency. Mr. Enright was astonished to discover that nearly 30 "Enrighteans" continued their employment as Deputy Clerks. (see below for individual and group photos.)
The office also presented a special gift to Mr. Enright. Many employees inscribed their personal messages and wishes in a "Memory Book," which Mr. Enright greatly appreciated. He thanked everyone for this keepsake and the special invite to return to the office and visit. He anticipates a return visit with his wife to tour the new courthouse and specifically see the modern conveniences in the courtrooms.
That was then. . .
 |
 |
 |
This is now. . .
 |
 |
 |
Auto Title
Read here for activities of one or any of the four Auto Title offices located through Franklin County. (For staff changes and promotions, Deputy Clerks can refer to their internal newsletter.)
Auto Title East - WHERE ARE YOU??
Unless you have been on vacation for more than two months, most of you are aware that Auto Title East moved to its "new" home on April 30. Our signature lines have referenced the office's newer name Auto Title Alum Creek and the new address of 1583 Alum Creek Drive, for the past couple months.
In celebration of its new place, the title team hosted an "Open House and Welcome" on May 22. Community leaders, county co-workers, auto dealer representatives and our colleagues from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) - including BMV executive staff, Deputy Registrar, and Reinstatement offices were invited to attend and enjoy a tour of this one-stop-shop. Also, three tasty cakes were served to guests and made the event sweeter. (The Clerk's logo was on one cake; BMV logo on a second; and, both logos on the third representing these two agencies' co-location in the shared facility.)
Neither DarkShadows nor Vampire DiariesJulie Erwin, Auto Title South, coordinated their office's annual Blood Drive. Undeterred by a slight snafu with the Red Cross, Julie was able to pull from a list of 27 donors who originally signed up for this year's Drive. A total of 8 pints were collected, and according to the Red Cross each donated pint saves 24 lives. Thanks to those who gave their time and literally their blood to this worthy cause.
(Editor's note: In spite of recent popularity, Barnabas Collins was not one of those selected donors.)
 |
 |
 |
 |
TAC in ACTion
Timely---Accurate-Courteous service in ACTion! Comments submitted to this office either by a co-worker about a co-worker or by any one of the Clerk of Courts' colleagues, customers or general public also recognizing the extraordinary work by our extraordinary staff.
TAC--- Way to Go! Atta Guy = Atta Gal!
Teri P. (email) " What a pleasant surprise I had on 5/26 at the Morse Road title agency! I sold a car via autotrader.com and arranged to meet the buyer for the title transfer. Andrea was very helpful and completed the transaction smoothly and quickly. In addition the line went very quickly. I had been dreading a long line and rude associates. Thanks for this great experience."
Nicole W. (email) "To whom it may concern, I write this afternoon to share with you an excellent experience I had with your IT department. A man by the name of Jeffrey R. Gossman, helped me while I was having a technical problem filing a Complaint in a civil matter. When Mr. Gossman was unable to solve the problem over the phone yesterday, he looked into the problem after we were off the phone, and when I came into work the next morning, I had already received a follow-up email from Mr. Gossman containing information on how else to solve the technical problem. Later, I learned that Mr. Gossman continued to monitor the issue even after his follow up email because after I successfully filed the Complaint, I once again received a follow-up email asking whether the Complaint filed was the document I was having trouble with. It was refreshing for me to deal with an individual who so diligently performs his job duties. Mr. Grossman deserves a pat on the back! Sincerely, Nichole M. W. attorney Schulze, Howard & Cox"
Cmd. Gary C., Columbus Police (email) "I just got off the phone with Becky in the criminal division. She was very helpful and I appreciate the extra effort she made in helping with a grand jury indictment."
Becky G. (email) "YOU ARE AMAZING!!!" (Editor's note: this was a note complimenting Carol Nation's work)
Ruth N., of Judge P. Sheeran's office (email) "Mary, I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate our girl Sandy Stapelton........she ROCKS the floor clerk job. Not only is she super efficient...she's sooo pleasant EVERY TIME we ask for something. Just thought you should know how much we appreciate her. Such a great addition. Ruthy"
Michael R. (email) "I would like to compliment the Franklin County Clerk of Courts Office for their very fine staff. The staff is very responsive to the public that they serve. I would like to commend Xenia Palus and Denise Goodnight for their help in locating evidential documents related to the explosion of what is now the Ohio Supreme Court on April 14, 1932. Upon my request the matter was resolved in hours and not days You have an exceptional staff. Sincerely, Mike R. Civil Engineering Student Ohio State University. PS You got my vote"
Editor's note to All: The previous references are but a few complimentary notes, letters and emails sent to our office featuring the good work of those featured employees. Each and every day all of you possess the capacity to do good work; to be courteous in your interactions with the public, our customers and co-workers. Thanks to everyone for being here and doing good work.