HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 11.19 HHSC Agenda City of Apache Junction, Arizona Meeting location:
City Council Chambers
1v 'Z 300 E.Superstition Blvd.
Agenda Apache Junction,AZ
\RizaNr 85119
Health and Human Services
apachejunctionaz.gov
Commission P:(480)982-8002
Thursday, November 19,2020 6:00 PM City Council Chambers
A. Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Roll Call
D. Approval of Agenda
1. 20-526 Consideration of approval of agenda.
Sponsors: Jennifer Pena
E. Approval of Minutes
2. 20-527 Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of July 23, 2020.
Sponsors: Jennifer Pena
Attachments: Meeting Minutes
F. Public Hearings
The following items are public hearings where members of the public are given the opportunity to speak.
Once recognized by the Chairman,please come to the podium microphone and give your name and
address. There is a five-minute time limit per speaker.
G. Old Business
H. New Business
The Commission shall consider any business not yet considered.Arizona Open Meeting Law prohibits
public comments at this time.
3. 20-626 Election of Chair and Vice Chair.
Sponsors: Jennifer Pena
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 1 Printed on 8/25/2026
Health and Human Services Agenda November 19,2020
Commission
4. 20-529 Presentation and discussion on code of conduct, conflicts of interest,
open meeting law, public record law and parliamentary procedures by
City Attorney Joel Stern.
Sponsors: Joel Stern
Attachments: CODE OF CONDUCT 2020
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST LAW 2020
OPEN MEETING LAW 2020
PUBLIC RECORD LAW 2020
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE 2020
RJS Contact Info
5. 20-625 Discussion and possible direction to staff regarding possible
amendments to the Apache Junction City Code Volume 1, Chapter 2,
Mayor, Council and Appointed Boards and Commissions, Article 2-14:
Financial Assistance, as it relates to the requirements set forth by
Ordinance 659.
Sponsors: Jennifer Pena
Attachments: Article 2-14 Requests for Financial Assistance
6. 20-534 Discussion and possible update on selection of a scheduled Health &
Human Services Commission meeting day and time.
Sponsors: Jennifer Pena
Attachments: Meeting Schedule
I. Information and Reports
The chair at this time may announce information regarding activities involving Health and Human Services
matters, such as, but not limited to attendance of commission members at community meetings or
events, seminars or conferences, or upcoming events or conferences.
J. Staff Liaison's Report
The City Clerk, members of City staff or those individuals designated by the Manager, may present
information pertinent to items under consideration or information related to the operation of the City.
K. Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose
7. 20-528 Schedule next commission meeting in the city council chambers
located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard.
Sponsors: Jennifer Pena
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 2 Printed on 8/25/2026
Health and Human Services Agenda November 19,2020
Commission
L. Adjournment
Copies of this agenda and additional information regarding any of the items listed above may be reviewed
from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, except holidays, at the City Clerk's Office located
at 300 East Superstition Boulevard in Apache Junction,Arizona, 85119, telephone number is(480)
982-8002.
The City of Apache Junction invites and welcomes people of all abilities to use our programs, sites and
facilities. Specific requests may be made by contacting the Human Resources Office at(480)474-2617
or TDD(480) 983-0095.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 3 Printed on 8/25/2026
►P�"E�c�, City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition
Boulevard
01 Agenda Item Cover Sheet Apache Junction,AZ
_ 85119
Agenda Item No. 1.
PizoNr File ID: 20-526
Sponsor: Jennifer Pena Agenda Date: 11/19/2020
Index: In Control: Health and Human Services Commiss
Consideration of approval of agenda.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 1 Printed on 8/25/2026
►P�"E�c�, City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition
Boulevard
01 Agenda Item Cover Sheet Apache Junction,AZ
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Agenda Item No.2.
PizoNr File ID: 20-527
Sponsor: Jennifer Pena Agenda Date: 11/19/2020
Index: In Control: Health and Human Services Commiss
Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of July 23, 2020.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 1 Printed on 8/25/2026
City of Apache Junction, Arizona Meeting location:
pi City Council Chambers
v `= 300 E Superstition Blvd.
;- Meeting Minutes
Apache Junction,AZ
+Q120N* Health and Human Services 85119
Commission www.ajcity.net
P: (480)982-8002
Thursday,July 23,2020 6:00 PM City Council Chambers
1. Call to Order
Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Erickson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call
Present 3- Commissioner Borey
Chairperson Erickson
Commissioner Gerstner
Staff in Attendance:
Jennifer Pena, City Clerk
Jill Bright, Deputy City Clerk
Larry Kirch, Development Services Director
4. Approval of Agenda
20-302 Consideration of approval of agenda.
Commissioner Borey moved,seconded by Commissioner Gerstner that the Health and Human
Services Commission accept the agenda as presented.
Yes: 3- Commissioner Borey, Chairperson Erickson and Commissioner Gerstner
No: 0
5. Approval of Minutes
20-303 Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of May 28, 2020.
Commissioner Borey moved,seconded by Commissioner Gerstner that the Health and Human
Services Commission approve the minutes from the May 28,2020 meeting.
Yes: 3- Commissioner Borey, Chairperson Erickson and Commissioner Gerstner
No: 0
6. Public Hearings
7. Old Business
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Pagel
Health and Human Services Meeting Minutes July 23,2020
Commission
8. New Business
20-305 Acknowledgement of Shar Daniels' resignation from the commission.
Chairperson Erickson thanked Ms. Daniels for her service and welcomes her to reapply if she
ever moves back to Apache Junction.
20-306 Discussion on the commission appointment process.
City Clerk Jennifer Pena explained the appointment process that will be done in October of this
year. Chairperson Erickson encouraged all members of the community to apply.
20-307 Presentation and discussion on the funding allocations from council and
dissemination of the administrative processes to recipients.
Development Services Director Larry Kirch reviewed the general contract terms and explained
the administrative changes to the contracts this year. Mr. Kirch showed a report that the
organizations will use when submitting quarterly reports to the city in order to keep the
reportings uniformed.
Chairperson Erickson encouraged the organizations to collaborate and work together.
20-308 Presentation and discussion on possible changes to Article 2-11 and Article
2-14 Health and Human Services Commission.
City Clerk Jennifer Pena shared that not much needs to be changed on Article 2-11. Ms. Pena
explained changes that should be updated on Article 2-14 and reporting requirements.
Chairperson Erickson believes these updares will benefit the agencies.
9. Information and Reports
10. Director's Report
Development Services Director Larry Kirch shared that council did approve another$80,000.00
for next years Health & Human Services funding. Mr. Kirch stated that the city has opened the
CARES Act Grant application and non profits can apply.
City Clerk Jennifer Pena confirmed that the application is open from July 21 -August 25 and
encouraged all organizations to apply.
11. Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose
20-304 Hold a regular meeting at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 27, 2020 in the city
council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard.
Commissioner Borey moved,seconded by Commissioner Gerstner that the Health and Human
Services Commission hold a regular meeting on August 27,2020 at 6:OOpm in the city council
chambers located at 300 E.Superstition Boulevard.
Yes: 3- Commissioner Borey, Chairperson Erickson and Commissioner Gerstner
No: 0
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 2
Health and Human Services Meeting Minutes July 23,2020
Commission
12. Adjournment
Chair Erickson adjourned the meeting at 6:31 pm.
Mary Erickson
Chairperson
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 3
►P�"E�c�, City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition
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01 Agenda Item Cover Sheet Apache Junction,AZ
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Agenda Item No. 3.
PizoNr File ID: 20-626
Sponsor: Jennifer Pena Agenda Date: 11/19/2020
Index: In Control: Health and Human Services Commiss
Election of Chair and Vice Chair.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 1 Printed on 8/25/2026
►P�"E�c�, City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition
Boulevard
o Agenda Item Cover Sheet Apache Junction,AZ
U =i 85119
Agenda Item No.4.
�Piz oN* File ID: 20-529
Sponsor: Joel Stern Agenda Date: 11/19/2020
Index: In Control: Health and Human Services Commiss
Presentation and discussion on code of conduct, conflicts of interest, open meeting law, public
record law and parliamentary procedures by City Attorney Joel Stern.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 1 Printed on 8/25/2026
COUNCIL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
CODE OF CONDUCT
Public trust is built on the actions of elected and appointed board and commission
officials ("members"). Residents gain confidence when members act fairly and
honestly in their decision making. Common sense guidelines assist the ability of
members to perform their duties with the highest standards of personal ethics,
integrity, fairness and impartiality. Members should observe the following
standards and in instances where they are not observed, it is incumbent upon the
mayor and board or commission chairperson to refresh their recollection of such
guidelines:
SECTION 1: ACT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
The common goal of the city should always be first priority and not furthering
private or personal interests. Equal treatment of all persons should be the order of
the day. Anyone with an actual, reasonably perceived or potential conflict of
interest should recuse themselves from those items involving the conflict.
SECTION 2: COMPLY WITH THE LAW
Members should always act in accordance with federal and state law and city
ordinances, to include, for example, open meeting, conflicts of interest, public
records, election and financial disclosure laws.
SECTION 3: PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Members shall conduct themselves above reproach and shall avoid even the
appearance of impropriety. They should never act on a matter where: 1) their
impartiality might reasonably be questioned; 2) they have a personal bias or
prejudice concerning a party or representatives thereof, a staff member or members
of the public who support or oppose a party; or 3) they have personal knowledge of
facts that are in dispute that would not be known by staff or the public at large.
The question is whether their impartiality might be questioned from the perspective
of a reasonable person.
REVISED September 2020
SECTION 4: PUBLIC MEETINGS AND DUE PROCESS
a) Members should always perform their duties with due process in mind so the
public has a meaningful ability to observe the proceedings and participate in public
hearings.
b) Members should come to meetings fully prepared after reading the public
packet, listen courteously and attentively to all discussions, and focus on the
business at hand. Members should not interrupt speakers who have the floor, nor
should they make personal comments or interfere with the orderly progression of
meetings.
c) Members should always be fair, objective and respectful at meetings and on
social media, letters to the editor ("LTE"), articles or in other public
communications. Members should allow questions posed to specific individuals to
be answered first by those individuals. If the individual does not have the answer,
then the mayor or chairperson may ask if others know the answer.
d) Members should show great respect for the chair and always seek recognition
before speaking, which practice will set the example for those who want to speak
and will contribute to orderliness of meetings. To enhance the flow or discussion
at work or study sessions, it is permissible for the mayor or board and commission
chairpersons to be flexible on recognition formalities.
e) The chair shall not allow speakers to address the audience and they should be
instructed to address only the public body when making comments.
SECTION 5: ADVOCACY
a) Members do not lose their First Amendment rights by virtue of becoming a
member. However, when they decide to engage in social media, LTE, articles or
other public-statements, they must not hold themselves out as being associated with
the city and they shall explicitly advise that their views do not necessarily reflect
the views of the city or the majority of the public body.
b) Members shall refrain from attempting to influence other member positions
unless such communications and discussions are heard in public at a regularly
scheduled public meeting. Members may advocate political positions or
participate in political activities in their personal capacities as long as they do not
identify themselves as representatives of the city.
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SECTION 6: NON-INTERFERENCE WITH AND TREATMENT OF STAFF
Members should observe the council/manager form of government and should not
interfere with the administrative function of staff nor impair the ability of staff to
implement council policies. Members may however discuss with staff significant
projects if they need clarification on processes or need additional information.
SECTION 7: GIFTS, FAVORS OR OTHER BENEFITS
Gifts, favors or other benefits shall never be accepted by members to avoid even
the appearance of impropriety. This includes event tickets, admission costs, meals,
products, memorabilia and travel and lodging accommodations, but not de minimis
tokens of appreciation such as pens, pins and plaques.
SECTION 8: MEETING DISTRACTIONS
a) Electronic devices at meetings may be used to conduct the business at hand,
however, if a family emergency or a personal matter arises and the means of
communication is a personal device, it is recommended the member excuse
themself from the dais to handle the matter.
b) Members should be aware that nonverbal body language is viewable by the
audience, and may indicate their opinion, or be in reaction to comments from
another member or speaker.
SECTION 9: INFLUENCING ELECTIONS
No member shall attempt to influence an election using their elected or appointed
status nor shall use public facilities, public meetings or staff to accomplish such
act.
SECTION 10: COMMUNICATION WITH LITIGANTS
Members should use caution while communicating with litigants or their
representatives during any pending lawsuits against the city. However, social
graces such as waving or exchanging pleasantries may be extended.
SECTION 11: CRITICISM OF STAFF
Any criticism of staff by members shall be forwarded to the city manager and shall
not take place in public. Staff should always be treated as professionals by
members, especially in public.
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SECTION 12: ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
If an appointed member knows they will be unable to attend a meeting, they should
notify the respective staff designee assigned to the particular board or commission
and/or the chairperson of the respective board or commission.
SECTION 13: GENERAL RULES OF DECORUM
Members shall at all times avoid engaging in personal attacks, be polite to speakers
regardless of any adverse positions, treat the public and staff with respect, dress
professionally, actively listen without diversions (i.e. no sidebar communications
of any sort, no disrespectful or rude use of electronic devices, and no eating at the
dais unless there is a medical need for immediate nutrition).
SECTION 14: INCOMPATIBILITY OF OFFICE
Members shall not serve on other boards and commissions with conflicting duties;
incompatibility of office depends on individual duties required of each position and
members should consult with the city attorney for a determination if there is a
concern.
SECTION 15: QUASI-JUDICIAL CAPACITIES
Conditional use permit council appeals and board of adjustment hearings are both
considered "quasi judicial", meaning members act in a judicial appellate capacity
at those meetings. In all such cases, members should not communicate outside the
public meeting parameters with any applicant or their representatives nor should
they provide opinions, comments or support on social media relative to the case or
issues at hand.
SECTION 16: LEGAL TRAINING
All members shall at the first available opportunity, complete any formal training
offered by staff, including but not limited to any legal or city attorney sponsored
training.
SECTION 17: STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
Members should not take staff recommendations lightly. Staff personnel are
specialists in their area and have come before the public body in their capacity
after years of study and experience. The recommendations of staff are typically
and technically correct. Members may however ask for clarification or further
explanation if there is some confusion on staff positions/recommendations.
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CONFLICT OF INTEREST LAW
I. OBJECT AND PURPOSE
The object of the conflict of interest statute is to remove or limit the possibility of
personal influence which might bear upon a public official's decision. See Yetman v.
Naumana, 16 Ariz. App. 314, 317 492 P.2d 1252, 1255 (1972). The purpose is to
prevent self-dealing by public officials and public employees. The financial interests
of public officials or employees must not conflict with the unbiased performance of
their public duties. One cannot serve two masters with conflicting interests. See
Maucher v. City ofEloy, 145 Ariz. 335, 701 P.2d (1985).
Il. SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST CONFLICT
A public official or employee who has, or whose relative has, a non-speculative, non-
remote, substantial interest in a public body's decision, contract, sale, purchase or
service, shall make known the substantial interest in the official records of the public
agency and shall not participate in or influence the decision, vote, contract, sale,
purchase or service. See A.R.S. § 38-503(A). Even negligence in failing to comply
with this conflict of interest law can trigger serious consequences. See e.g. A.R.S. §
38-510(A)(2), where reckless/negligent violations are considered to be a class one
misdemeanor. A public officer or employee therefore has an obligation to become
aware of their interests and those of their relatives. A "substantial interest" is a non-
speculative, non-remote, pecuniary or proprietary interest, either direct or indirect, by
which a person will gain or lose something that is not abstract. General sympathy,
feeling or bias is not pecuniary or proprietary. See Hughes v. Jorgenson, 203 Ariz.
71, 50 P.3d 821 (2002). See also Yetman, supra.
III. THE "CITY PROVIDER" CONFLICT
General Rule (A.R.S. § 38-503(C)(1)). A conflict of interest exists any time a public
officer or employee supplies goods or services to their public entity, not pursuant to
public competitive bidding.
Exception (A.R.S. . 38�-503(C)(2)). An exception to this rule exists if the goods or
services are valued at less than $300 for a single transaction, with a maximum
aggregate for all transactions of$1,000 annually.
REVISED September 2020
IV. THE SELF-DEALING CONFLICT
General Rule (A.R.S. §§ 38-504 and 38-505). A public officer or employee shall not:
A) represent another person for compensation before a public agency during
their tenure, or within 12 months afterwards, concerning any matter in which
they were directly involved or concerned;
B) disclose or use for personal profit, during or within 2 years after leaving
office, confidential information that they became aware of while a public
officer or employee;
C) use or attempt to use their official position to secure any valuable thing or
benefit from that which would not normally accrue to them in the performance
of their official duties, the benefit being of such a character as to manifest a
substantial or improper influence upon them with respect to their duties (i.e.
benefiting donor rather than the public good);
D) receive or agree to receive, directly or indirectly, any additional
compensation for any service in connection with any matter pending before
them.
V. WHY SHOULD ANYBODY CARE?
Potential consequences for violating the law include:
A) criminal penalties for knowingly or intentionally violating the law, a class 6
felony punishable by prison time and a maximum fine of $150,000; negligent
or reckless violation, a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 6
months jail, a fine of$2,500 plus penalties and assessments, 3 years probation,
and other orders deemed appropriate by the court. See A.R.S. § 38-510.
B) forfeiture of public office or public employment, contract cancellation (3
year window pursuant to A.R.S. 38-511(A)) and assessed attorney fees and
costs (inclusive of fee or commissions paid in furtherance of the contract under
A.R.S. § 38-511(E)).
C) private citizen lawsuits alleging violation of civil rights.
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D) criminal felony (class 5) and forfeiture of public office for making or being
interested in contracts or becoming a vendor/purchaser in public contracts.
(See A.R.S. § 38-447).
VI. REMOTE INTEREST EXCEPTIONS (A.R.S. § 38-5021
The following are considered "remote interests", and would not prohibit the public
official/relative/employee from being involved in the decision, contract, purchase,
sale or service:
A) non-salaried employees of a nonprofit organization.
B) landlord/tenants of a contracting party.
C) attorneys of a contracting party.
D) non-profit cooperative marketing associations.
E) insignificant stock ownerships (3% or less of total shares, with income
less than 5% of total dividends and other payments from the corporation
which are less than 5% of the total annual income from the corporation).
F) reimbursement of expenses.
G) recipients of public services generally provided to others by city.
H) interests of other agencies.
I) public school board members when relatives are not a dependent or
spouse.
J) class interests (if member of trade, business, profession or other class of
persons consisting of at least 10 or more members with which no greater
interest than that of other class members).
K) relative who is an employee of any business or government entity that
employs at least 25 employees in Arizona who do not have nor assert
management/budget decision making authority or control.
L) ownership of any publicly traded investments that are held in an account
or fund, including mutual fund, managed by one or more qualified
3
investment professionals who are not employed or controlled by the
officer or employee and that the officer or employee owns shares or
interests together with other investors.
VII. WHAT SHOULD THE PUBLIC OFFICER DO IF HE OR SHE BELIEVES
A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS?
A) Obtain a written opinion from the city attorney. No public officer is
personally liable for acts done in their official capacity if good faith reliance on
written conflict of interest opinions of the city attorney. (See A.R.S. § 38-446,
Immunity from personal liability).
B) Disclose and withdraw. Once the conflict has been determined to exist, the
public officer shall: 1) declare such conflict publicly; 2) leave the room and not
vote on the decision nor influence other decision makers on the vote; and 3) not
be a party to the contract, sale, purchase or service which is at issue.
CAUTION: A conflict of interest should never be used to escape accountability
on a vote, to avoid taking a stand on a controversial issue, or appease an
unfounded or unpopular public perception.
VIII. CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS
The city or any of its departments or agencies may cancel within three years after
execution any contract without penalty or further obligation, if any person
significantly involved in initiating, negotiating, securing, drafting or creating a
contract or any extension thereof, is an employer or agent of any party to the contract
in any capacity or a is consultant to any party of the contract with respect to the
subject matter of the contract. In addition, any fees or commissions incurred may be
recouped. NOTE: The cancellation clause under A.R.S. § 38-511(A) became the
center of controversy some years ago in the Glendale/Phoenix Coyotes Arena deal
where a former employee of Glendale was hired by the Phoenix Coyotes. The court
ruled that due to the employee having worked on the Phoenix Coyote Arena deal and
then being hired by the Coyotes, a portion of the contract was struck down as null and
void. See Ice Arizona Manager Co., LLC v. City of Glendale, et als. (Maricopa
County Superior Court, circa 2015).
IX. REMOVAL FROM APPOINTED OFFICE
For appointed commission and board members, they serve at the pleasure of the
mayor and city council and may be removed with or without cause any time during
4
their appointed terms. While it is unlikely removal would be pursued "without
cause", here are some viable "for cause" reasons:
A) violation of the open meeting law or code of conduct
B) violation of oath
Q more than three unexcused absences from meetings
D) conflict of interest violations
E) rude, abusive, slanderous or disrespectful behavior directed at public, staff
or city council and applicants and their representatives
F) using title for personal purposes or to influence an election
G) fraud, collusion, coercion and evidence of bias against or for an applicant or
staff member
H) committing violent acts
I) inefficiency
J) neglect of duty or malfeasance in office
X. DEFINITIONS
A) "compensation": money, any tangible thing of value, or a financial benefit.
B) "employee": any person employed by an incorporated city or town, a
political subdivision of the state or any of its departments, boards,
commissions, or agencies (inclusive of counties and school districts), whether
full-time, part-time, contracted, or who otherwise agrees to some compensation
in exchange for performing some function for the government.
Q "made" or "make known": the filing of a paper which is signed by a public
officer or employee and which fully discloses a substantial interest, or the
filing of a copy of the official minutes of a public agency which fully discloses
a substantial interest pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-509.
5
D) "official records": the minutes or papers, records or documents maintained
by a public agency for the specific purpose of receiving disclosures of
substantial interests required to be made known.
E) "pecuniM interest"_ an interest by which a person will gain or lose
something, as contrasted to general sympathy or bias.
F) "public agency": all courts, departments, agencies, boards, commissions,
institutions, instrumentality or legislative or administrative body of the state,
county, an incorporated city, town or any other political subdivisions (inclusive
of counties and school districts).
G) "public officer": any elected and appointed individual of a public agency
established by charter, ordinance, resolution, state constitution or statute, any
member of an advisory commission, board, council or committee, regardless of
whether they are paid for their services.
H) "relative": any individual within two degrees of kinship, including spouse,
child, child's child, parent, grandparent, brother or sister of whole or half blood
and their spouses, and the parent, brother, sister or child of a spouse.
I) "substantial interest": any non-speculative, pecuniary or proprietary
interest, either director indirect, other than a remote interest.
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
A) State anti-nepotism statute:
It is a class 2 misdemeanor under A.R.S. § 38-481 for a legislative, executive,
ministerial or judicial officer to appoint or vote for appointment of any person
related to him or her by affinity or consanguinity within three degrees to any
clerkship, office, position, employment or duty in any department of the state,
district, county, city or municipal government of which such legislative,
executive, ministerial or judicial officer is a member, which involves the
payment of government funds.
B) City nepotism personnel rule:
1) Under Apache Junction Personnel Rules, Rule 4, § 6, individuals cannot
be hired employees who are related to a current employee by blood or
marriage (parent, spouse, child, grand parent, grand child, brother, sister (of
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the half as well as whole), uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, 1st cousin, mother-in-
law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, or brother-in-law) if one of the employees
is in a supervisory chain with the other; and
2) No person, by blood or marriage as noted above, related to a
councilmember, city manager, city attorney, magistrate judge, or
department head, may be appointed to any city employment positon.
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OPEN MEETING LAW
I. PUBLIC POLICY
It is the public policy that meetings of public bodies be conducted openly and that
notices and agendas be provided for such meetings which contain such information as
is reasonably necessary to inform the public of the matters to be discussed or decided.
(See A.R.S. § 38-431.09). The open meeting law ("OML") was first enacted in 1962
and its purpose is to open the conduct of the business of government to the scrutiny of
the public and to ban decisions made in secret. (See Karol v. Board of Education
Trustees, 122 Ariz. 95, 593 P.2d 649 (1979)). All meetings of a public body shall be
public meetings and all persons so desiring shall be permitted to attend and listen to
the deliberations and proceedings. All legal action shall occur in public. (See A.R.S.
§ 38-431.01).
II. WHY SHOULD ANYBODY CARE?
Potential consequences for violating the law include:
A) nullification of action taken
B) enforcement actions by attorney general/county attorney with a penalty
for those who knowingly violate the open meetings law and those who
aid in the violation in an equitable amount a superior court deems
appropriate, $500 for second and $2,500 for third and subsequent
violations
C) personal liability for attorney fees and costs
D) removal from public office
E) recalls
F) embarrassment to city/elected officials/staff
III. WHEN DOES THE OPEN MEETING LAW APPLY?
The open meeting law applies to meetings when there is a quorum present of a public
body.
IV. DEFINITIONS
A) "advisory committee" or "subcommittee": any entity that is officially
established and whose members have been appointed for the specific purpose
REVISED Sept.2020
of making a recommendation concerning a decision to be made or considered
or a course of conduct to be taken or considered by a public body.
B) "executive session": a gathering of a quorum of members of a public
body from which the public is excluded for one or more of the reasons
prescribed in A.R.S. § 38-431.03.
C) "legal action": a collective decision, commitment or promise made by a
public body pursuant to the constitution, bylaws or specified scope of
appointment and the laws of the state. (See A.R.S. § 38-431(3)).
D) "meeting": the gathering, in person or through technological devices, via
internet or other online medium, of a quorum of members of a public body at
which they discuss, propose, or take legal action including any discussions,
deliberations or considerations, consultations that may foreseeably require final
action or a final decision by the public body. (See A.R.S. § 38-431(4)). E-
mail, voicemail, telephone communications between members of the public
body cannot be used to circumvent the OML. See Ariz. Atty. Gen. Opinion
No. I05-004). (CAVEAT: It is not a violation of the law if a member of a
public body expresses an opinion or discusses an issue with the public either at
a venue other than a meeting that is subject to Title 38, personally, through the
media or other form of public broadcast communication or through
technological means and social media if: 1) the opinion or discussion is not
principally directed at or directly given to another member of the public body;
and 2) there is no concerted plan to engage in collective deliberation to take
legal action. (See A.R.S. § 38-431.09(B); AZ.Atty.Gen.0p. 107-013).
E) "public body": the legislature; political subdivisions including counties,
schools, special districts, cities, towns and all boards and commissions of these
entities; all quasi-judicial bodies, advisory committees and subcommittees
(which are established by the public body or presiding officer tasked with
making a recommendation to the public body about a decision or course or
conduct).
V. NOTICE, EMERGENCY MEETINGS, AGENDA AND MINUTES
A) NOTICE
General Rule: Notices and agendas for such meetings shall contain
information as is reasonably necessary to inform the public of the
matters which are being discussed or decided. (See A.R.S. § 38-431.09).
2
Notice of a meeting to the public must be posted on the city's internet
website and in hard copies in designated locations at least 24 hours in
advance, excluding non-work days, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays,
stating the name of the public body, the date, time and place of the
meeting. Notice of the meeting to the members of the public body is
also required. (See A.R.S. § 38-431.02)
B) EMERGENCY MEETINGS:
1) Emergency meetings may be conducted (less than 24 hour notice
is permitted, except in a personnel matter, which still requires a
minimum of a 24 hour notice). An "emergency" exists when, due
to unforeseen circumstances, immediate action is necessary to
avoid some serious consequence that would result from waiting
until the required notice could be given.
2) Ratification of an action (must post notice of ratification of a prior
action taken in violation of open meeting law at least 72 hours in
advance of meeting).
3) Recessed meetings (less than 24 hours notice is permitted for a
meeting, which will be recessed to a later date as long as the first
meeting was properly noticed). (See A.R.S. § 38-431.02(E)).
C) AGENDAS
1) General Rule: In addition to the time, date, and place of the
meeting set forth on the notice, the agenda must contain such
information as is reasonably necessary to inform the public of the
matters to be discussed or decided. (See A.R.S. §§ 38-431.01 and
38-431.09). The agenda may be made available to the public by
including it as part of the public notice or by stating in the public
notice how the public may obtain a copy of the agenda. (See
A.R.S. § 38-431.02(G)).
2) Order of A_eg nda: As long as each item to be discussed is
specifically described, the public body may dictate in which order
each item is to be considered, which may include: executive
sessions, the consent agenda, awards, presentations, and current
event summaries, city manager's or director's report, public
hearings, old and new business, direction to staff, selection of
3
times, locations and meetings, information and reports, and call to
the public.
3) Call to the Public: Individuals may address the public body on
any issue within its jurisdiction and if it is not, the chair may rule
the speaker out of order and may order the speaker to stop
speaking or be removed from the meeting should the speaker
disregard the chair's ruling on jurisdiction.
While members of the public body may not answer questions or
discuss comments during call to the public, the public body may
do any of the following:
a) respond to criticism
b) ask staff to review the matter
c) ask staff to place the matter on a future agenda
The public body shall not discuss or take legal action on matters
raised at call to the public unless the matters have been properly
noticed for discussion and legal action. (See A.R.S. § 38-
431.01(H)). There is a three (3) minute time limit per speaker at
call to the public. (See A.J.C.C. § 2-4-6 (L)).
D) MINUTES
1) General Rule. Public bodies shall provide for the taking of written
minutes or a recording of all their meetings. Minutes shall include: i)
date, time, place of meeting; ii) present or absent notation of members of
the public body; iii) a general description of the items considered
(verbatim transcript is not required); and iv) an accurate description of
all legal actions proposed, discussed or taken including a record of how
each member voted, the names of the members who propose each
motion, the names of the persons making statements or presenting
material to the public body and a reference to the legal action about
which they made statements or presented materials. (See A.R.S. § 38-
431.01(13)).
2) Public Inspection. The minutes or recording of a council meeting
shall be available for public inspection, three working days after the
meeting, and a statement of legal action taken at the meeting shall be
4
posted on the city's internet website within three working days after the
meeting (ten working days for board and commission meetings). Within
two working days following approval of the minutes, the city must post
approved minutes of its council meetings on its internet website.
VI. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
A) ARE ONLY FOR:
1) legal advice
2) pending or contemplated litigation, including discussions
involving contract negotiations and settlements
3) confidential records
4) personnel matters including employment, assignment,
appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, salary
schedules, compensation, discipline and resignation
5) discussions and consultations with Indian tribes, and those relating
to international and interstate negotiations
6) discussions and consultations with employee organizations on
salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of
fringe benefits
7) negotiations on the sale, purchase, or lease of real property
8) security plans and associated issues with public facilities
9) school safety plans/programs
B) LEGAL ACTION, AGENDAS, MINUTES, AND CONFIDENTIALITY:
1) Final Legal Action. During the executive session, the public body
may only discuss, consider and direct its attorney to take legal action.
However, the public body must convene in public to vote for binding the
public entity on the directed legal action.
2) Agendas and Minutes. The agenda for an executive session must
provide more than just a recital of the statutory provisions authorizing
the executive session. However, it need not contain information that
would defeat the purpose of the executive session, compromise the
legitimate privacy interests of a public officer, appointee or employee, or
compromise the attorney-client privilege.
5
The minutes of executive sessions must reflect an accurate description of
all instructions given during the executive session to attorneys or labor
and real estate representatives regarding the public body's position. (See
A.R.S. § 38-431.01(C)).
3) Confidentiality. Minutes and all discussions in executive sessions
may not be disclosed, except to the following persons:
a) any member of the public body that met in the executive
session as well as members who did not attend, unless their
absence was due to a declared conflict of interest
b) any officer, appointee, or employee who was the subject of
discussion
c) staff personnel, to the extent necessary for them to prepare and
maintain the minutes of the executive session
d) the attorney for the public body, to the extent necessary for the
attorney to represent the public body
e) the auditor general involved in an audit of the public body
f) the attorney general or county attorney if requested during an
official investigation
g) a court of law where a violation has been alleged
A knowing or intentional confidentiality breach is a class 6 felony and
reckless or negligent violation is a class 1 misdemeanor. See A.R.S. §
38-510(A). Either type of violation could also lead to forfeiture of office
or employment. (See A.R.S. § 38-510(B)).
4) Who may attend. Only those individuals whose presence is
reasonably necessary to carry out executive session responsibilities.
(See A.R.S. § 38-431(2)). The mayor or chairperson should remind all
present that the business conducted in executive session is confidential
pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(C).
VII. CATAGORICAL EXEMPTIONS
This OML does not apply to the following:
A) any judicial proceeding or any political caucus of the state legislature
B) any conference committee of the state legislature, except that they shall
be open to the public for observation
6
C) commissions on appellate and trial court appointments and the
commission on judicial qualifications
D) state board of fingerprinting for central registry determinations and
hearings
E) medical board discussions on findings and reports relating to physician
complaints
F) social events where no business of the public body is discussed nor
action being taken
VIII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION & ACCESS TO MEETINGS
A) While the public must be allowed to attend and listen to deliberations
and proceedings taking place in all public meetings, there is no right of the
public to participate in the discussion or in the ultimate decision of the public
body. (See A.R.S. § 38-431.01(A); Ariz.Atty.Gen.Op. 78-1).
B) If a legal action is brought against public speakers to deter or prevent
them from exercising their public participation/constitutional rights in a
governmental proceeding including, but not limited to, a council, planning and
zoning commission and board of adjustment public hearing and is determined
by a court of law to have been brought for an improper purpose, including to
harass or cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in cost of litigation,
damages and attorney fees can be ordered. (See A.R.S. § 12-752) (Arizona's
strategic lawsuits against public participation ("SLAPP") statute).
C) The public may record a meeting as long as such recordation does not
interfere with the conduct of the meeting. (See A.R.S. § 38-431.01(F)). The
notice and accommodations must conform to the Americans with Disabilities
Act ("ADA") under 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213.
7
PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
I. ARIZONA'S POLICY OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE (A.R.S. § 39-121)
Public records and other matters in the custody of any public officer shall be open to
inspection for any person at all times during business hours. See Carlson v. Pima
County, 141 Ariz. 487, 491, 687 P.2d 1242, 1246 (1984). The law serves to open
government activity to public scrutiny. See Griffis v. Pinal County, 215 Ariz. 1, 4 ¶
11, 156 P.3d 418, 421 (2007). The core purpose of the law is to allow public access
to official records and other governmental information so that the public may monitor
the performance of government officials and their employees. Id.
Arizona's Public Records Act ("PRA") is broader than the Freedom of Information
Act ("FOIA") (see 5 U.S.C. § 522) but "when interpreting the [PRA], it is appropriate
to look to FOIA for guidance". See Phoenix New Times, LLC v. Arpaio, 217 Ariz.
533, 539, ¶ 15, n.3, 177 P.3d 275, 281 (App. Div. I, 2008).
II. WHY SHOULD ANYBODY CARE?
A person who is denied access to public records could have a cause of action against
the officer or public body for any damages resulting from the denial and may appeal
the denial through a special action filed in superior court. The court may award
attorney fees and other legal costs that are reasonably incurred if the person seeking
public records has substantially prevailed in their lawsuit against the government by
showing the refusal to disclose or produce the records was done in bad faith. A party
may substantially prevail only to the extent an action is necessary to accomplish the
purpose of the original public records request. See Paradigm DKD Group, LLC v.
Pima County Assessor, 246 Ariz. 429, 439 P.3d 1210 (App. Div. II, 2019). Under
A.R.S. § 39-121.02 (B), the trial court has wide latitude to award attorney fees to the
prevailing party. See Democratic Party of Pima County v. Ford, 228 Ariz. 545, 269
P.3d 721 (App. Div. II, 2012). A plaintiff seeking attorney fees and costs for a public
entity's failure to produce public records under the PRA may not "prevail" over a
governmental entity when the entity ceases to act "adversarialy" toward the
requesting party. ACLU v. Department of Child Services, 248 Ariz. 26, 455 P.3d 725
(App. Div. I, 2020); and see also A.R.S. § 39-121.02(B). To prevent such a result,
the public body can request a hearing before a judge who can review the documents
in camera (in chambers) and can then decide what is appropriate to release or what to
block out or "redact".
REVISED September 2020
III. DEFINITION OF A PUBLIC RECORD
A) General Definition. Interestingly, the PRA under A.R.S. §§ 39-121 et seq.
does not define the term "public records". However, through case law
interpretation and other statutes such as A.R.S. § 41-3150, the term "public
records" include: all books, papers, maps, photographs or other documentary
materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, including prints or
copies of such items produced or reproduced on film or electronic media,
including electronic computer metadata, made or received by any
governmental agency in pursuance of law or in connection with the transaction
of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by the agency
or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies,
decisions, procedures, operations or other activities of the government, or
because of the informational and historical value of data contained therein. See
Matthews v. Pyle, 75 Ariz. 76, 251 P.2d 893 (1952).
The PRA requires public entities and officers to maintain all records,
reasonably necessary and appropriate to maintain an accurate knowledge of
their official activities and any activities supported by monies of the state or
counties, cities and towns, and other municipal organizations.
The PRA also requires public officers to disclose "other matters," including
documents held by a public officer in his or her official capacity and in which
the public's interest in disclosure outweighs the governmental interest in
confidentiality. See Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community v. Rogers,
168 Ariz. 531,539,815 P.2d 900, 908 (1991).
B) Prompt Disclosure. Once public records are identified, there is a
presumption of disclosure and the burden of overcoming that presumption falls
upon the public official who seeks to block access. See Scottsdale Unified Sch.
Dist. v. KPNX Broad. Co., 191 Ariz. 297, 300 ¶ 9, 955 P.2d 534, 537 (1998).
See Cox Arizona Publications, Inc. v. Collins, 175 Ariz. 11, 14, 852 P.2d 1194,
1197 (1993). Under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D) and (E), the public entity must
"promptly" furnish the public records upon request. See McKee v. Peoria
Unified School District, 236 Ariz. 254 (App. Div. I, 2014). Mere
inconvenience to staff to service the request does not warrant a delay. The
term "promptly" also means: quick to act or do what is required, or without
delay. See West Valley View, Inc. v. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, 216
Ariz. 225, 165 P.3d 203 (App. Div. I, 2007) (review denied). A rolling
disclosure is compliant with the PRA; and "promptness" is based on the
particular facts and circumstances. See McKee, supra. (unintentional failure to
2
include a set of notes with a 150 plus page disclosure and quickly correcting
the mistake is not bad faith and does not undermine the overall
reasonableness/promptness of the response). Even if the record is available by
alternate means, that is not reason to withhold access to review or provide
copies. See A.H. Belo Corp. v. Mesa Police Dept., 202 Ariz. 184, 187, 42 P.3d
615, 618 (App. Div. I, 2002). To determine if producing documents poses an
unreasonable administrative burden, courts consider whether the general
presumption in favor of disclosure is overcome by: 1) the resources and time it
will take to locate, compile, and redact the requested materials; 2) the volume
of materials requested; and 3) the extent to which compliance with the request
will disrupt the agency's ability to perform its core functions. See Hodai v.
City of Tucson, 239 Ariz. 34, 365 P.3d 959 (App. Div. II, 2016). Failure to
provide any communication to a requesting party by a governmental entity
relating to a PRR and then only providing the documents after the requesting
party files a law suit shows a failure in promptly responding. ACLU v.
Department of Child Services, supra.
C) Exceptions. The open access requirement is subject to: 1) statutory
confidential exclusions; 2) privacy interests; and 3) best interests of the state.
See Carlson, supra. at 490, 687 P.2d at 1245. Examples of things that do not
need to be disclosed include dates of birth, social security numbers, home
addresses, phone numbers, medical information, tax records, student records,
utility customer information, credit card information, retirement account
information, savings/checking account numbers, driver's license numbers,
criminal histories, grand jury transcripts, and photographs of police officers.
Information withheld just because it is embarrassing to the city would be
contrary to the PRA. See Dunwell v. University of Arizona, 134 Ariz. 504, 508,
657 P.2d 914, 921 (App. Div. II, 1983).
IV. WHO CAN OBTAIN PUBLIC RECORDS?
Any person may request examination of public records or copies, printouts or
photographs thereof during regular office hours or may request that the custodian
mail a copy of any public record not otherwise available on the public body's website
to the requesting person. See A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1). A written request is not
required by statute but it is encouraged to avoid speculation and ambiguity.
V. PUBLIC ENTITIES CAN CHARGE A FEE
A) General rule (A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1)). The custodian may require any
person requesting a copy of any public record to pay in advance for any
3
copying and postage charges. However, no fee can be charged for inspection
of documents. See also Ariz.Op.Atty.Gen. No. I13-012.
B) For non-commercial use. A person requesting copies, printouts, or
photographs of public records for a non-commercial purpose may be charged a
fee for the records in advance. An agency may charge a fee it deems
appropriate for copying records, including a reasonable amount for the cost of
time, equipment, and personnel used in reproducing copies of records, but not
for costs of searching for the records. See A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D); see also
Hanania v. City of Tucson, 128 Ariz. 135, 624 P.2d 332 (App. Div. II, 1980);
and Atty.Gen.Op. 186-90. However, a victim of a crime cannot be charged for
copies of police reports under A.R.S. § 39-127. An agency can charge for
reproductions in electronic format.
C) For commercial use. Persons requesting reproductions for a commercial
purpose as defined under A.R.S. § 39-121.03(A) must provide a statement
setting forth the commercial purpose for which the records are requested. The
fee can include a reasonable cost for time, materials, equipment and personnel
in reproducing the record and value of reproduction. The city can obtain an
exemption from the governor not to release the records if it feels disclosure of
the records is not in the best interest of the public. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-
121.03(D), "commercial purpose" means use of a public record for the purpose
of sale or resale, or for the purpose of producing a document containing all or
part of the copy, printout or photograph for sale, or the obtaining of names and
addresses from public records for the purpose of solicitation or for any purpose
in which the purchaser can reasonably anticipate the receipt of monetary gain
from the direct use of the public record. Commercial purpose does not mean
the use of a public record as evidence or as research for evidence in an action
in any judicial or quasi-judicial body. See Primary Consultants, LDC v.
Maricopa County Recorder, 210 Ariz. 393, 111 P.3d 435 (App. Div. I, 2005);
see also La Wall v. Robertson, 237 Ariz. 495, 353 P.3d 375 (App. Div. I, 2015)
(where the court ruled the records do not have to be legally admissible, nor be
used for a "specific", "contemplated" or "pending" action at the time of the
request and in the end affirmed the attorney fee award of$30,000).
VI. MISCELLANEOUS CASE LAW & AUTHORITIES
Offense reports of jail inmates are public records. However, redaction can be made
for protected information but charges cannot be made for redactions. See Carlson v.
Pima County, supra.
4
Names and r6sumCs of applicants in a pool for a public position are not public
records, but names and r6sume's of final candidates for a public position are public
records. See Board of Regents v. Phoenix Newspapers, Inc., 167 Ariz. 254, 806 P.2d
348 (1991).
A school district could not obtain prospective relief under the PRA to enjoin four
individuals from making prospective public records requests without court leave; the
requests made by defendants and individuals did not constitute a public nuisance; and
the defending individuals were entitled to attorney fees for their successful defense.
See Congress Elementary School v. Jean Warren, 227 Ariz. 16 (App. Div. I, 2011)
(involving public records requests requiring more than 417 hours to review nearly
9,000 pages of documents).
Autopsy reports prepared by county medical examiners are public records for news
gathering and cannot be withheld for privacy considerations. See Star Publishing
Company v. Parks, 178 Ariz. 604, 875 P.2d 837 (App. Div. I, 1993) (review denied
July 6, 1994); however, the privacy interests of survivors must be weighed against the
need for public awareness of the government's performance of its law enforcement
functions. See Schoeneweis v. Hammer, 223 Ariz. 169, 175-176, ¶ 23, 221 P.3d 48,
54-55 (App. Div. I, 2009). Additionally, a political consulting firm's use of voter
information in furtherance of its business is not a "commercial purpose". See
Primary Consultants v. Maricopa County Recorder, Id.
The PRA does not contain sweeping exemptions for police reports in active, ongoing
criminal prosecution, although a balancing scheme might, in particular and in
exceptional cases, lead to an exemption of records from disclosure. See Cox Arizona
Publishing Inc. v. Collins, Id.
Teachers had confidentiality or privacy interest in their birth dates even though the
birth dates were available from other public sources. The court held the public
interest in disclosure to enable a broadcasting company and reporter to run criminal
background checks on teachers was, at best, speculative, and therefore upheld the
nondisclosure. See Scottsdale Unified School District No. 48 v. KPNX Broadcasting
Co., Id.
The City of Mesa Police Department was not required to release an audiotape of a
911 call in which an injured child was heard crying and whimpering to a television
station during a tragic and stressful incident. A transcript was released instead, which
on balance preserved the child's privacy. See AH Belo Corp. v. Mesa Police
Department, supra.
5
E-mails generated or maintained on a government-owned computer system are not
automatically public records as there are privacy issues to be considered. See Griffis
v. Pinal County, supra.
The electronic version of a computer-based record, including any embedded
metadata, is subject to disclosure under public records law, but an agency is not
required to create a record. See Lake v. City of Phoenix, 222 Ariz. 547, 218 P.3d
1004 (2009).
The best interest of the agency includes the overall interest of the government and the
people, whether the release would adversely affect the agency's mission, and must
prove specifically how this adverse affect outweighs the presumption of disclosure.
See Phoenix Newspaper Inc., v. Keegan, 201 Ariz. 344, 35 P.3d 105 (App. Div. I,
2001).
A promise to keep material confidential is not enough to stop disclosure; this includes
clauses in settlement agreements and notice of claims with sexual assault allegations.
See PNI v. Ellis, 215 Ariz. 268, 159 P.3d (App. Div. I, 2007); see also Moorehead v.
Arnold, 130 Ariz. 503, 637 P.2d 305 (App. 1991).
Electronic messages sent via cellphone, text or other social media on either public or
private personal devices are subject to public records disclosure under the PRA as
long as they have a substantial nexus to government activities. Atty.Gen.Op. No.
117-004CR-15-026, July 7, 2017.
Arizona's PRA requires the government to "query and search its database to identify,
retrieve and produce responsive records for inspection" if the agency maintains
public records in an electronic database; but agencies are not required to "tally and
compile previously untallied and uncompiled information or data available in
electronic databases". Id. Research services also need not be provided. Lunney v.
State, 244 Ariz. 170, 418 P.3d 943 (App. Div. I, 2018).
There is a privacy interest in home addresses and home phone numbers.
Ariz.Atty.Gen.Op. I91-004 (January 4, 1991).
An informant's identity is non-disclosable. Grimm v. Ariz. Bd. of Pardons &
Parolees, 115 Ariz. 260, 268-69, 564 P.2d 12279 1235-36 (1977).
Press release requests on an ongoing basis shall be complied with under the Arizona
PRA. West Valley View, Inc. v. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Id.
6
A mayor's security duty records and activity logs were subject to the PRA, as the city
could not show a security risk in disclosing them to the a public interest group.
Judicial Watch, Inc. v. City of Phoenix, 228 Ariz. 393, 267 P.3d 1185 (App. Div. I,
2011).
A news organization had no right of access to investigate reports, files or materials
relating to a joint federal/state criminal investigation of an attempted assassination of
a Member of Congress (Giffords). The records were not considered public records
under Arizona law, A.R.S. § 39-121, et seq. was not applicable to federal law and the
records law was outweighed by an interest in protecting defendant's 6' Amendment
right to be tried fairly by an impartial jury. U.S. v. Loughner, 807 F. Supp. 2d 828
(D. Ariz. 2011).
Public officials cannot use private electronic devices and social media accounts for
the purpose of concealing official conduct. Ariz.Op.Atty.Gen. No. I17-004 (July 7,
2017).
7
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
A) PURPOSE & SOURCE
The purpose of parliamentary procedure is to expedite the transaction of city
business in an orderly fashion. The phrase dates back to the 16t' and 17t' centuries
in England in the House of Commons and early colonists in America followed the
British model in town meetings. President Thomas Jefferson published the first
book on parliamentary procedure in 1801 which served as the rules for the U.S.
Congress.
Henry Martyn Robert (1837 — 1923) (the "Robert" in "Robert's Rules") was a U.S.
Army officer waterway engineer. He was assigned to go to a church meeting as the
presiding officer. Due to his poor performance at the meeting, he developed the first
rendition of procedural rules in 1876 formally published as the Pocket Manual of
Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies (also commonly known as "Robert's
Rules of Order"). Although they have historically been applied more efficiently in
private organizations and civic groups, the rules have been adopted by some local
governing boards such as Apache Junction. (See Apache Junction City Code, Vol.
I, § 2-4-6(A), which requires the mayor to preserve order and decorum at meetings
and conduct them pursuant to the parliamentary rules contained in Webster's New
World Robert's Rules of Order, (0 1999, by Robert McConnell, as revised). Any
conflict in the rules with state law shall render them unenforceable. The city attorney
interprets the rules for the council and its boards and commissions.
B) GOALS
The rules are designed to meet the following seven goals:
1) Decision making is done by a majority vote.
2)Every member of the voting body has equal rights and privileges to make motions,
ask questions, speak and vote.
3) Minority views may be heard and considered.
4) The process is simple and direct.
5) There is a requirement to follow the basic motion rules.
6) Generally, one question at a time is considered.
REVISED September 2020
7) Voting members are to be impartial and should seek recognition from the
chairperson before speaking and should never make or engage in personal attacks
with other members, staff or the public.
C) MOTIONS
A motion (a proposal to do something) is the way business is conducted by a
deliberative group. Generally, in order to make a motion, a voting member of the
deliberative group needs to first be recognized as having the floor from the mayor
or chairperson. The motion can be made by saying "I move that ". A second
is required and then the vote can be taken. Typically, it is historical practice for the
council and its boards and commissions to first have a discussion before a motion is
made, not after the motion is made or after a second. Motions fail if they do not
receive a second or if they do not have a majority count after the vote.
Elected officials and appointed members cannot abstain from voting unless they
declare a conflict of interest.
A failure or refusal to vote shall count as a "yes" vote and in the case of a tie vote, a
proposed measure shall be considered defeated.
A motion to reconsider a vote may only be made by a member who voted on the
prevailing side when the vote for the main motion occurred. The motion shall be
made at the time immediately after the initial vote, or at the regularly scheduled
subsequent meeting; otherwise the ability to reconsider is lost.
D) OTHER COMMON MOTIONS AND ACTIONS
Making Amendment "I move to amend the motion by "
Tabling (indefinite delay) "I move to table the motion "
Continuing (temporary delay) "I move to continue this matter until "
Recess or break time "I move for a minute recess."
Withdraw "I move to withdraw my motion."
Substitution "I move that the motion be stricken and substituted
with the following motion: "
Change order of agenda "I move that item # be placed before item
2
Objecting to procedure "Point of order."
E) NOMINATION OF OFFICERS
Selection of the chairperson and vice chairperson for boards and commissions and
for vice mayor by the council shall be as follows:
1) Chairperson/Mayor calls for a motion to open nominations.
2) Chairperson/Mayor calls for a second.
3) Roll call vote is then taken on motion to open nominations.
4) Chairperson/Mayor calls for nominations. This is where a member, after
having been recognized by the chairperson/mayor, has the chance to nominate
members for the positions by simply stating "I nominate for the positon
of "
5) Chairperson/Mayor calls for any other nominations (must ask three
additional times).
6) Chairperson/Mayor calls for motion to close nominations.
7) Chairperson/Mayor calls for a second.
8) Roll call vote is then taken on motion to close nominations.
9) Chairperson/Mayor calls for a motion to approve first person nominated
for the position.
10) Chairperson/Mayor calls for a second.
11) Roll call vote is then taken on nomination. If there are multiple motions,
whoever gets the most votes at the first instance is nominated for the position.
3
��6f� �l�flll,Gf2Pi _/tf/J2GLGGYJI
Richard Joel Stern
City Attorney
300 E.Superstition Blvd. Direct. (480)474 5104
Apache junction,:k-- 85119 Business: (480)474 2604
email:jstern0tIajcity.net
►P�"E�c�, City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition
Boulevard
01 Agenda Item Cover Sheet Apache Junction,AZ
_ 85119
Agenda Item No. 5.
PizoNr File ID: 20-625
Sponsor: Jennifer Pena Agenda Date: 11/19/2020
Index: In Control: Health and Human Services Commiss
Discussion and possible direction to staff regarding possible amendments to the Apache
Junction City Code Volume 1, Chapter 2, Mayor, Council and Appointed Boards and
Commissions, Article 2-14: Financial Assistance, as it relates to the requirements set forth by
Ordinance 659.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 1 Printed on 8/25/2026
ARTICLE 2-14: REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Section
2-14-1 Requests for non-profit funding
2-14-2 Requests for financial assistance
§2-14-1 REQUESTS FOR NON-PROFIT FUNDING.
(A) Required documentation. Any non-profit agency submitting a request for an allocation or grant of city funds shall
submit to the city specific documentation including, but not limited to, the following: A copy of the agency's most recent
audit report; a certified copy of the agency's most recent financial statement; detailed expenditure statements in order to
provide a detailed accounting of all funds previously received from the city; complete information on the source and amount
of funding received from all other sources such as non-governmental agencies, membership fees and dues, and private
contributions; client service information as it applies to residents of the city; proof of non-profit status as determined by the
Internal Revenue Service; proof of corporate status to include copies of by-laws and articles of incorporation; the source and
amount of funding received from other governmental agencies; the names and addresses of current board members; and
any other documentation as may be deemed necessary by the city.
(B) Reporting requirements. Any non-profit agency receiving an allocation or grant of city funds shall be required to
submit to the city, on a quarterly basis, a detailed accounting of the expenditure of city funds for the previous quarter, a
written report outlining the agency's performance and accomplishments within the scope of work outlined in their contractual
agreement with the city, and any other documentation as may be deemed necessary by the city in order to determine the
agency's compliance with the provisions of the contract.
(C) Contract required,procedure for distribution of funds.
(1) All city funds allocated or granted to any non-profit agency shall be by means of a written contract based upon
services to be provided to or work to be performed on behalf of the city and its residents in compliance with the provisions of
Arizona Revised Statutes regarding the use of public funds.
(2) All city funds allocated or granted under the provisions of this section shall be released in equal quarterly
installments or quarterly payments based upon a schedule of anticipated expenses which has been approved by the Mayor
and Council. No subsequent quarterly allocation or grant shall be released until such time that the receiving agency has
provided all of the required documentation for the previous quarter and has provided satisfactory evidence of compliance
with the scope of work stipulated in their contract with the city.
(D) Submittal of requests for funding. All funding requests submitted by non-profit agencies for the allocation or grant of
city funds shall be submitted to the City Clerk's office during the month of January of each year. Requests so submitted shall
not be subject to city funding unless approved by the Council and only following adoption of a final budget for the
subsequent fiscal year.
(Ord. 659, passed 11-3-1998)
§2-14-2 REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
All requests for financial assistance shall comply with the following stipulations and conditions:
(A) All requests shall be filed by or on behalf of a valid, non-profit organization as qualified by the Internal Revenue
Service and as registered with the Arizona Secretary of State, Arizona Corporation Commission or other appropriate state
office. The registration shall be current and documentation of such status and registration shall be provided at the time of the
request. This article shall not apply to governmental or quasi-governmental jurisdictions;
(B) All requests shall be submitted to the City Clerk during the month of January of each year in order to be eligible for
consideration in conjunction with the subsequent fiscal year budget;
(C) All requests received in accordance with division (B)above shall be referred to the appropriate city board or
commission for purposes of review and recommendation to the Council; and
(D) In those instances where a request is due to catastrophic circumstances or when the public health, safety and
welfare is at risk, the requirements of this article may be waived by action of the Council. It is preferable, however, even in
such instances, for the request to receive a review and recommendation from the appropriate city board or commission.
(Prior Code, Art. 2-14)
►P�"E�c�, City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition
Boulevard
01 Agenda Item Cover Sheet Apache Junction,AZ
_ 85119
Agenda Item No.6.
PizoNr File ID: 20-534
Sponsor: Jennifer Pena Agenda Date: 11/19/2020
Index: In Control: Health and Human Services Commiss
Discussion and possible update on selection of a scheduled Health & Human Services
Commission meeting day and time.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 1 Printed on 8/25/2026
DO NOT REMOVE THIS NOTICE
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE CITY OFAPACHE JUNCTION CITY COUNCIL,AND ITS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
PURSUANT TO ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES �38-431.02 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE CITY OFAPACHE JUNCTION CITY COUNCIL AND ITS BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS WILL HOLD THEIR REGULAR MEETINGS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS, DAYS,AND TIMES:
MEMBERS OFANY OFTHE PUBLIC BODIES LISTED BELOW WILL ATTEND EITHER IN PERSON OR BYTELEPHONE,VIDEO OR INTERNET CONFERENCING.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT AT (480) 982-8002, option 5.
ORGANIZATION MEETING DAY MEETING LOCATION AGENDAS AVAILABLE AT
TIME
City Council Chambers City Clerk Department
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Day before Reg. Mtg. 7:00 p.m. 300 E. Superstition Blvd.
300 E. Superstition Blvd. A ache Junction, AZ 85119
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. Apache Junction, AZ p
www.ajcity.net
City Council Chambers Development Services Dept.
PLANNING &ZONING COMMISSION 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. 300 E. Superstition Blvd. 300 E. Superstition Blvd.
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Apache Junction, AZ www.ajcity.net
City Council Chambers City Clerk's Office
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION 4th Thursday 6:00 p.m. 300 E. Superstition Blvd. 300 E. Superstition Blvd.
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Apache Junction, AZ www.ajcity.net
City Council Chambers Parks and Recreation Dept.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 1st Wednesday 6:00 p.m. 300 E. Superstition Blvd. 1035 N. Idaho Road
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Apache Junction, AZ www.ajcity.net
City Council Chambers Public Library
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2nd Thursday 6:30 p.m. 300 E. Superstition Blvd. 1177 N. Idaho Rd.
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Apache Junction, AZ www.ajcity.net
City Council Chambers Development Services Dept.
300 E. Superstition Blvd.
300 E. Superstition Blvd.
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION 2nd Monday 5:30 p.m. p Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Apache Junction, AZ www.ajcity.net
MEETING DATES MAYBE ADJUSTED AND CANCELLED DUE TO CONFLICTS WITH LEGALHOLIDAYS.
THIS NOTICE IS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1,2021 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2021.
►P�"E�c�, City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition
Boulevard
01 Agenda Item Cover Sheet Apache Junction,AZ
_ 85119
Agenda Item No. 7.
PizoNr File ID: 20-528
Sponsor: Jennifer Pena Agenda Date: 11/19/2020
Index: In Control: Health and Human Services Commiss
Schedule next commission meeting in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition
Boulevard.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 1 Printed on 8/25/2026