HomeMy WebLinkAboutTown Code Chapter 02-2002 CHAPTER 2 MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Article 2-1 COUNCIL
Section 2-1-1 Elected officers
The elected officers of the town shall be a mayor and six (6) council members. The mayor
and council members shall constitute the council and shall continue in office until
assumption of duties of office by their duly elected successors. The mayor and council
members shall serve four (4) year overlapping terms.
[Adopted byOrd. No. 96.13; revised by Oral No. 99.11]
Section 2-1-2 Corporate powers
The corporate powers of the town shall be vested in the council and shall be exercised only
as directed or authorized by law. All powers of the council shall be exercised by ordinance,
resolution, order or motion.
[Adopted byOrd. No. 96.13]
Section 2-1-3 Duties of office
Members of the council shall assume the duties of office immediately upon being sworn in,
which shall occur within twenty (20) days following the date of the general election.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.11]
Section 2-1-4 Vacancies
A. The council shall fill by appointment for the unexpired term any vacancy on the
council that may occur for whatever reason, by the following procedure:
1. Whenever a vacancy on the town council occurs, the town clerk shall
advertise, post, and give public notice of the vacancy and availability of a
seat on the town council.
2. Those interested in filling the vacancy shall submit to the town clerk an
application, resume, and other support materials as desired, and the clerk
shall distribute all such materials to all remaining council members.
3. Thereafter, the council will fill the vacant seat by a majority vote. The vote
will not be by nomination and election, rather it will be conducted by making
a motion to appoint a certain individual to the vacant council seat to fulfill the
remaining term, and if the motion fails for lack of a second or majority vote
there may thereafter be a subsequent motion for a different or the same
individual. The council may continue making motions until a motion to
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appoint an applicant to the vacant seat is successfully passed by a majodty
of the council.
B. In the event of a vacancy in the mayor's position, the council shall elect one council
member willing to serve as mayor, who shall resign his or her council seat and
become the mayor as provided hereinafter.
1. In the event the vacancy in the mayor's position occurs more than
eighteen (10) months following the commencement of the terms, the
appointed mayor shall complete the elected mayor's term.
2. In the event the vacancy in the mayor's position occurs within eighteen (18)
months following the commencement of the term, then the town shall
schedule a special election for mayor to occur at the next primary and
general elections of the town, calling for the election of a mayor to complete
the remaining two years of the term. The appointed mayor shall serve until
the newly elected mayor takes office to complete the remaining two year
mayoral term.
[Adopted by Ord. No, 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.11; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-1-5 Oath of office
Immediately prior to assumption of the duties of office, the mayor and each council member
shall take and subscribe to the oath of office.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-1-6 Bond
Prior to taking office, the mayor and every council member shall execute and file an official
bond, enforceable against the principal and their sureties, conditioned on the due and
faithful performance of their official duties, payable to the state and to and for the use and
benefit of the town or any person who may be injured or aggrieved by the wrongful act or
default of such officer in such officer's official capacity. A person so injured or aggrieved
may bring suit on such bond under provisions identical to those contained in A.R.S.
§ 38-260. Bonds shall be in such sum as shall be provided by resolution, and the premium
for such bonds shall be paid by the town. Nothing in this section shall preclude the town
from obtaining a blanket bond pursuant to the provisions of A.R.S. § 9-302.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-1.7 Financial disclosure statement
Each member of the council shall file a financial disclosure statement in a form and with
such information as provided by resolution of the council.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
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Section 2-1-8 Compensation
There shall be no compensation of elective officers for their pedormance of their elective
duties, however reimbursement may be made to elective officers for expenses incurred in
the performance of elective duties pursuant to the general approval of the council.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Article 2-2 COUNCIL ELECTION
Section 2-2-1 Primary election
Any candidate who shall receive at the primary election a majority of all the votes cast shall
be declared to be elected to the office for which he or she is a candidate effective as of the
date of the general election, and no further election shall be held as to said candidate,
provided that if more candidates receive a majority of the votes than there are offices to be
filled, then those equal in number to the offices to be f/lied receiving the highest number of
votes shall be declared elected.
[Adopted byOrd. No. 96.13]
Section 2-2-2 Non-political ballot
Nothing on the ballot in any election shall be indicative of the support or political party
affiliation of any candidate.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-2-3 General election nomination
if at any primary election held as above provided there is any office for which no candidate
is elected, then as to such office said election shall be considered to be a pr/mary election
for nomination of candidates for such office, and the second or general municipal election
shall be held to vote for candidates to fill such office. Candidates to be placed on the ballot
at such second or general municipal election shall be those not elected at such first
election, shall be equal in number to twice the number to be elected to any given office or
less than that number if there be less than that number named on the primary election
ballot, and persons who receive the highest number of votes for the respective offices at
such first election shall be the only candidates at such second election, provided that if
there be any person who, under the provisions of this section, would have been entitled to
become a candidate for any office except for the fact that some other candidate received
an equal number of votes therefor, then all such persons receiving an equal number of
votes shall likewise become candidates for such office.
[Adopted byOrd. No. 96.13]
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Section 2-2-4 Election to office
*]'he candidates equal in number to the persons to be elected who receive the highest
number of votes shaft be declared elected.
[Adopted byOrd. No. 96.';3]
Section 2-2-5 Candidate financial disclosure
Each candidate for the office of council member shall file a financial disclosure statement
on a form prescribed by the clerk when such candidate files a nomination paper. The
statement shall contain such information as required by state law and resolution of the
council.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-2-6 Initiative and referendum
A. There is reserved to the qualified electors of the town the power of the initiative and
the referendum as prescribed by the State Constitution. Any initiative or referendum
matter may be voted on at the next ensuing primary or general election, or at a
special election called by the council.
B. Number of Signatures
1. The totaJ number of registered voters qualified to vote at the last municipal
election, whether regular or special, immediately preceding the date upon
which any initiative petition is filed shall be computed.
2. The basis upon which the number of qualified electors of the town required
to file a referendum petition shall be as determined by state law.
C. Time of Filing
1. Initiative petitions shall be filed at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior
to the election at which they are to be voted upon.
2. Referendum petitions shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the adoption of
the ordinance or resolution to be referred. If the town clerk is unable to
provide petitioners with a copy of the ordinance or resolution at the time of
application for an official number or on the same business day of the
application, the thirty (30) day period shall be calculated from the date such
ordinance or resolution is available.
D. The following procedures relating to sample ballots and publicity pamphlets are
hereby adopted for conducting elections at which an initiative or referendum is to
be voted upon:
1. A publicity pamphlet, containing the entire text of the official ballot, shall be
mailed by the town clerk to each household within the town Jn which a
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registered voter resides, not less than eight (8) days prior to the election to
which the sample ballot pertains.
2. The pamphlet shall Contain the proposition as it will appear on the ballot
together with a Summary of each proposition. Each summary shall be
followed by any arguments supporting the proposition followed by any
arguments opposing the proposition.
3. Arguments supporting and opposing propositions appearing on the ballot
shall be filed with the office of the town clerk by 5:00 p.m. not less than
sixty (60) days prior to the election at which the propositions are to be voted
upon. Arguments supporting or opposing propositions appearing on the
ballot shall meet the following requirements:
i. Arguments must relate to the propositions proposed by initiative or
referred by referendum which will appear on the ballot.
ii. Arguments must identify the proposition to which they refer and
indicate whether the argument is in support of or in opposition to the
proposition.
iii. Arguments may not exceed three hundred (300) words in length.
iv. Arguments must be signed by the person submitting them.
Arguments submitted by organizations shall be signed on behalf of
the organization by an officer of the organization authorized to take
such action. All persons signing documents shall indicate their
residence or post office address.
v. No person or organization shall submit more than one argument for
each proposition to be voted upon.
vi. Each argument shall be accompanied by a deposit in the amount of
$250.00 to offset proportional costs of printing. This requirement
shall not be waived on any account.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 98.15; revised by Ord. No. 97.26; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-2-7 Automatic recount
A. When the canvass of returns in a special, primary or general town election shows
that the margin between the successful candidate receiving the least number of
votes and the unsuccessful candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for
council, or the margin between the number of votes cast for and against initiated or
referred measures, does not exceed five (5) votes, a recount of the vote upon such
candidates, measures or proposals shall be required.
B. When the canvass shows that a recount is required, the council shall forthwith
certify the facts requiring a recount to the Pima County Superior Court.
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C. Up°n the C°urt ann°uncing the results of the election recount and entering an order
setting forth its determination as required under A.R.S. § 16-665, the town clerk
shall forthwith deliver to the candidate entitled thereto, as certified by the Court, the
certificate of election.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 97.26]
Section 2-2-8 Eligibility for office
A person shall not be a member of the town council unless, at the time of election, the
person is eighteen (18) years old or o der, s a qualified elector residing within the town at
the time of electon, and has resided in the town for one (1) year next preceding the
election, or if an area has been annexed to the city or town for a period of less than one (1)
year next preceding the election has resided in such area for one (1) year next preceding
the election. If an annexed area is subject to the provisions of this subsection, a person
may meet the residency requirements if he has resided within the existing limits of the Town
for a one (1) year period.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 97.26]
Article 2-3 MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR
Section 2-3-1 Vice mayor
At the first meeting after their election and qualification, but in any event within twenty (20)
days after the date of the generel election, the council members shall choose a vice mayor
from among their number by majority vote. The vote will not be by nomination and election,
rather it will be conducted by making a motion to appoint a certain council member as vice
mayor, and if the motion fails for lack of a second or majority vote there may thereafter be
a subsequent motion for a different or the same individual. The Council will continue
making motions until a motion to appoint a council member as vice mayor is successfully
passed by a majority of the council. The vice mayor shall assume the duties of the mayor
in the absence, disqualification or resignation of the mayor.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.11]
Section 2-3-2 Acting mayor
In the absence or disability of the mayor, the vice mayor shall act as the mayor. In the
absence of both the mayor and vice mayor, the Council may designate another of its
members to serve as acting mayorwho shall have all the powers, duties and
of the mayor during such absence or disability, responsibilities
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.11; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-3-3 Term of the vice mayor; removal
The vice mayor shall be selected as set forth herein, and shall serve at the pleasure of the
council, but in no event longer than a two (2) year term unless he or she is re-appointed as
set forth herein. The vice mayor may be removed prior to the expiration of his or her term
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by an affirmative vote of the Council, provided that no matter how many council members
are present at the meeting at which the vote to remove is taken, it shall require an
affirmative vote of at least four (4) council members to effectuate a removal. In the case
of the removal of the vice mayor the council shall select a replacement as provided in this
article.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.11]
Section 2-3-4 Powers and duties of the mayor
The powers and duties of the mayor shall include the following:
A. The mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the town.
B. The mayor shall be the chairman of the Council and preside over its meetings. The
mayor may make and seCond motions and shall have a voice and vote in all its
proceedings.
The mayor shall execute and authenticate by his or her signature such instruments
as the council or any statutes, ordinances or this Code shall require.
D. The mayor shall make such recommendations and suggestions to the council as he
or she may consider proper.
E. The mayor may, by proclamation, declare a local emergency to exist due to fire,
Conflagration, flood, earthquake, explosion, war, bombing or any other natural or
man-made calamity or disaster or in the event of the threat or occurrence of riot,
rout or affray or other acts of civil disobedience which endanger life or property
within the town. After declaration of such emergency, the mayor shall govern by
proclamation and impose all necessary regulations to preserve the peace and order
of the town, including but not limited to:
1. Imposition of a curfew in all or any portion of the town.
2. Ordering the closing of any business.
3. Closing to public access any public building, street or other public place.
4. Calling upon regular or auxiliary law enforcement agencies and
organizations within or without the political subdivision for assistance.
F. The mayor shall perform such other duties required by state statute and this Code
as well as those duties required as chief executive officer of the town.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.11]
Section 2-3-5 Failure to sign documents
If for five (5) consecutive days the mayor fails or refuses to sign any ordinance, resolution,
contract, warrant, demand or other document or instrument requiring his or her signature,
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then a majority of the members of the council may, at any regular or special meeting,
authorize the vice mayor or, in his or her absence an acting mayor, to sign such ordinance,
resolution, contract, warrant, demand or other document or instrument which when so
signed shall have the same force and effect as if signed by the mayor.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.11]
Article 2-4 COUNCIL PROCEDURE
Section 2-4-1 Regular and special council meetings
A. All meetings of the Council shall be public meetings and shall be conducted in
accordance with A.R.S. § 38-431 et seq. (the "open meeting law") and all other
federal, state and local laws. The council shall hold its regular meetings on the first
and third Tuesday of each month, provided that when the day fixed for any regular
meeting of the council falls upon a day designated by law as a legal holiday or
election day, the meeting shall be held on the next succeeding day which is not a
holiday, unless otherwise set by action of the council. All regular council meetings
shall commence at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise designated.
B. The mayor may convene the council at any time by notifying the members of the
council of the date, hour and purpose of such special meeting. The mayor or the
clerk, upon the written request of three members of the council, shall convene the
council at any time by notifying the members of the council of the date, hour and
purpose of such special meeting. The public shall be given at least twenty-four (24)
hours notice of such special meetings by the posting of a notice in at least three
public places within the town, except that in the case of an actual emergency a
meeting may be held upon such notice as is appropriate under the circumstances.
Study sessions shall not be conducted as formally as council meetings, although
they shall follow the laws and this code.
C. AIl regular meetings and special meetings of the ceuncil shall be held at the Marana
Town Hall, 13251 North Lon Adams Road, Marana, Arizona, unless otherwise
designated.
D. Notice of each meeting shall be distributed at least twenty-four (24) hours in
advance to each council member (if possible), and posted in at least three (3)
places as provided by law. In the case of an emergency as defined by the open
meeting law, notice shall be as soon as is reasonable under the circumstances.
Notice in this paragraph is intended to mean a complete agenda of the meeting,
including the kind of meeting, location, date and time of the meeting. Notice to
council members of all non-regular meetings shall be by any and all means possible
to assure that the best possible efforts were made to contact each council member.
E. Written minutes shall be taken of each council meeting, and if recording equipment
is available, each council meeting shall also be tape recorded. These provisions
shall not apply to executive sessions, which are governed elsewhere in this Code.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
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Section 2-4-2 Agenda preparation and distribution
A. Agendas for town council meetings shall be prepared by the agenda committee,
which shall be made up of the mayor (or his or her designee), town manager, town
clerk, town attorney, and any other person designated by the mayor or town
manager. In the absence of the mayor, the vice mayor shall serve in his or her
stead. The agenda Committee sha! review, adjust and agree f~ the items on each
agenda. Although the agenda committee shall formulate each agenda, the final
determination of what will be placed on an agenda will be in the sole discretion of
the mayor, except as provided in the following subsections.
B. Notwithstanding the mayor's discretion of what items to agenda, in the event that
three or more council members desire that an item be placed on the agenda, that
item must be placed upon the agenda for the second regular town council meeting
after the date of the request.
C. Except in an emergency (as determined by the mayor or town manager), any
person desiring te place an item on the agenda shall prepare end deliver a
summary of the issue a reasonable time prior to the agenda committee meeting.
If the request is made by an employee or staff member, it shall be delivered to the
town manager, and if the request is made by a Council member or member of the
public, it shall be delivered to any member of the agenda committee.
D. All blue sheets, reports, communications, ordinances, resolutions, contract
documents, and other documents to be included in the "council packet" shall be
submitted to the town manager for review a reasonable time prior to the agenda
committee meeting, and the town manager will work with the department preparing
the materials to ensure that ail final materials are submitted to the town clerk or his
or her designee prior to the final preparation of the Council packet. The final agenda
will be prepared by the town clerk, approved as to form by the town attor
signed bY the mayor or, in his or her absence thev ....... ,-, .. n. ey., and
, ,..,~ ,.ayuf. ~..,ouncll pacKe~s will
be delivered to all council members at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the
council meeting. These deadlines may be waived for any particular item by the
mayor or town manager only if it is determined that it is impossible to meet the
deadline.
E. The agenda format attached hereto (Appendix "A") will generally pertain to all
regularand special town council meetings, study sessions, joint meetings with other
entities, retreats, subcommittee meetings, task force meetings, and all other
meetings held pursuant to the open meeting law, although variations maybe made
from time to time. Although it is expected that this exact format will be used for
regular and special council meetings, for study sessions and other meetings a
relaxed format may be used which excludes many of the unnecessary items.
F. Agenda items requiring action by the Council which are generally routine items, not
believed to be Controversial, not requiring Council discussion, or issues already
discussed or heard at public hearing for which final adoption by resolution or
ordinance is needed may be contained in a consent agenda. A single motion and
affirmative vote "to approve the consent agenda" will approve all items in the
consent agenda, including any resolutions or ordinances included Jn the consent
agenda. Prior to a motion to pass the consent agenda, and upon the request of any
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council member, any item on the consent agenda can be removed from the consent
agenda and considered immediately following the COnsent agenda, in the event the
consent agenda is not passed, the council may discuss and vote upon each item
listed on the consent agenda immediately thereafter.
G. In formulating the agenda, items for which there is attendance of speakers,
presenters or members of the public, may be placed higher on the agenda in order
to allow those individuals to leave after the item is completed.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13~ revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-4-3 Duties at meetings
A. The Mayor shall be the presiding officer of the counci and the Committee chairman
shall be the presiding officer of such committee. In the event of the absence of the
mayor, the vice mayor shall be the presidhg officer until the return of the mayor.
In the event of the absence of both the mayor and vice mayor, the clerk shall call
the meeting to order and a temporary presiding O~cer shal be elected by a majority
of those council members present, and that person shall serve until the return of the
mayor or vice mayor. Upon the return of the mayor or vice mayor, the temporary
presiding officer shall relinquish the chair when the business immediately before the
council is completed. The word "mayor" as used in this section shall mean the
presiding officer of the meeting.
B. The mayor shall call the meeting to order, and lead or designate the leading of the
pledge of allegiance and, if desired, an invocation/moment of silence. The mayor
shall preserve strict order and decorum at all regular and special meetings of the
council. The mayor may move, second and debate from the chair, subject only to
such limitations of debate as are imposed on all members. The mayor shall not be
deprived of any of the rights and privileges of a council member.
C. The clerk shall take the roll call The clerk shaU announce each agenda item,
reading into the record the item as listed on the agenda, sufficiently to advise the
council and public as to what business is about to be considered by the council.
The clerk shall also read motions into the record es set forth in this section and
perform otherduties as set forth in fhis section or as directed by the mayor.
D. The may°r may appoint a sergeant-at-arms at the council meetings, who shall carry
out all orders and instructions given by the mayor for the purpose of maintaining
order and decorum at the council meeting. Upon instructions of the mayor, it shall
be the duty of the sergeant-at-arms to remove any person who violates the order
and decorum of the meeting, as set forth hereinafk~r.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27~
Section 2-4.4 Procedures for meetings
The following procedure will generally pertain to all regular and special town council
meetings, study sessions, joint meetings with other entities, retreats, subcommittee
meetings, task force meetings, and all other meetings held pursuant to the open meeting
~aw:
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A. _Call to order, the mayor shell call the meeting to order.
B. ~: the mayor or his or her designee shall lead the pledge.
C. Invocation/moment of silence: if desired, the mayor or his/her designee shall lead
the invocation/moment of silence.
D. Roll call: roll shall be celled by the clerk. Any absence which hes been explained
to the mayor, town manager, or town clerk in advance shall constitute an "excused
absence", and any absence which has not been explained in advance shall be an
"unexcused absence". At the time of takhg roll, the mayor shall place into the
record whether a counc~ member's absence '" ,
IS excused or"unexcused".
E. ~: the council shall vote to approve the agenda as written, or
shall modify the agenda by moving items or deleting items, and shal approve the
modified agenda. The Council may, by majority vote, delete agenda items or
Consider items out of sequence from the printed agenda, so long as public notice
is adhered to.
F. ~: the clerk shall present minutes of previous meetings to the
council for approval. Councilmembers who were not present ata previousmeeting
may abstain from the vote approving those minutes, although this is not required.
The council may approve multiple minutes by one vote, and if one or more CouncJ~
member expressed a desire to abstain from ff~e vote on One set of minutes, the
motion may be to approve the minutes "except as noted by counci member(s)
G. ~: persons wishing to address the council on an item not already on
the agenda may do so, although each speaker is limited to three (3) minutes. The
mayor or council may limit the total time offered speakers. At the conclusion of call
to the public, individual members of the council may respond to criticism made by
those who have addressed the council, may ask staff to review the matter or may
ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda.
H. ~: a council member may ask a staff member about a particular issue
in his or her report, but discussion of any item mentioned in a staff report may not
be held unless that item is properly placed on the agenda.
I. Order of business: the clerk, if directed by the mayor, shall announce each order
of business, and the mayor shall then ask the council its pleasure on the item. A
motion need not be made in order for an item to be discussed. Unless the council
determines that no report is necessary, staff shall have an opportunity to report on
the issue and will respond to council questions. The council may take action on any
item listed on the agenda, and at any time that agenda item is before the council a
motion may be made as provided in this article.
J. Town manaqer's and mayor's report,-., the town manager's and the mayor's reports
may be written or oral. Any council member may ask the town manager or mayor
about a particular item in his or her report, but discussion of any item mentioned in
the report may not be held unless that item is properly placed on the agenda.
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K. ~: any council member may request that an item be placed on
a future agenda, if any other council member(s) agree(s), he or she will show his
or her support. Any item which is suggested and has support from at least two
other council members must be scheduled for the second regular town council
meeting following that meeting unless otherwise provided, and any suggested item
which does not receive support from at least two other Councl members may be
placed on a future agenda at the discretion of the mayor or the agenda committee.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27;, revised by Ord. 2000.21]
Section 2..4-5 Executive sessions
A. Executive sessions may be placed on an agenda under thesame circumstances as
any other agenda item, however approval of the town attorney of all executive
sessions shall be required to assure compliance with the open meeting law.
Executive sessions may only be placed on the agenda if lhe issue is allowed to be
considered in an executive session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03.
B. Under normal circumstances, executive sessions will beattended by the mayor and
council, town manager, and town attorney. The mayor may direct or a majority of
the council may vote to have other individuals attend the executive session.
C. Executive sessions are not to be tape recorded, but an individual appointed by the
mayor shall take written minutes of executive sessions to document the nature and
extent of the discussions. All minutes of executive sessions shall be sealed and
retained by the town attorney. Only those individuals who were present at a
particular executive session or others specifically permitted by law may review the
minutes of that session.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13~ revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-4-6 Public hearing procedure
A public hearing may be placed on the agenda under the same agenda item as the
discussion and action of the council. The normal procedure for public hearings shall be as
set forth hereafter.
A. ~: The agenda item shall be called by the clerk as any other
agenda item.
B. Declaration of public hearinq: the mayor shall declare that the Council is now in
public hearing.
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C. P--~.~: the proponent may make an opening statement in order
to explain the item to the council and public. The mayor or council may limit the
time for this statement as necessary.
D. ~: staff shall have an opportunity to report on the issue and answer
questions by the council.
E. Written comments: written COmmunications filed with the town or staff shall be
presented to the council or read into the record.
F. P~ublic comments: testimony from members of the public shall be permitted.
Members of the public shall be limited to five (5) minutes per person, or less as
designated by the mayor or council. The total time allotted to the public on any
issue may be limited by the mayor or council, but in no event will the public
testimony be limited to less than one hour.
G. Council discussion: discussion by council members may be held at this time, or
reserved until the council has COme out of public hearing.
H. Preoonent closinq statement: the Proponent may be allowed a brief closing
statement in order to rebut the statements made by the public, to offer a
COmpromise, or to otherwise address the issue.
I. D~eclaration of end of public hearlr, j Unless a majority of the council members
object, the mayor shall declare the termination of the public hearing.
J. Council discussion and voto: the agenda item will then be discussed and action
taken as on any other agenda item.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-4-7 Discussion and voting procedure
A. A quorum must be present in order for the COuncil to consider or act upon any
business. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of the council,
excluding vacancies. In the event a quorum is not present, the meeting shall be
called to order, and the only motion that can be made, considered and passed is a
motion for adjournment.
B. Each council member has a responsibility for compliance with A.R.S. § 38-501 et
seq., concerning conflicts of interest. Any member of the COuncil who believes he
or she has a COnflict of interest, shall, immediately upon determining that a conflict
exists, declare the conflict of interest and explain the basis for the conflict. That
COuncil member may then leave the room and shall refrain from taking any part in
the meeting, discussion, COnsideration or determination of that issue. If that issue
is not resolved at that meeting, that COuncil member shall not discuss the matter
with any other council member until the mater is finally resolved. The member who
declared the conflict may return to his or her seat when that agenda item is
completed.
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C. Every council member desiring to speak shall address the mayor, and upon
recognition by the mayor, shall confine himself or herself to the question under
debate, avoiding all personalities and indecorous language.
D. A council member, once recognized, shall not be interrupted when speaking unless
it is to cell him or her to order. If a council member, while speaking, is called to
order, he or she shall cease speaking until the question of order is determined, and,
if in order, he or she shall be permitted to proceed.
E. While the council is in session, the council members must preserve order and
decorum. A member shall neither by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt
the proceedings or the peace of the council nor disturb any member while speaking
or refuse to obey the orders of the council or mayor, except as otherwise herein
provided.
F. In the event a person in the audience wishes to address the council on an issue on
the agenda which is not a public hearing, the mayor may permit the person to speak
or may present the request to the council. If a majority of the council wishes to hear
from the public on the issue, that person shall be permitted to speak, however any
such public address shall be limited to five (5) minutes per person and as otherwise
restricted by the mayor or council. Written communications which were delivered
to the mayor prior the agenda item being called will be read into the record or a
copy shall be delivered to each council member.
G. Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks, or who becomes
boisterous while addressing the Council, or who interferes with the order of business
before the council, and who fails upon request of the mayor to cease such activity,
shall be barred from further audience before the council for the remainder of that
meeting unless permission to continue is granted by a majority vote of the council.
H. A motion shall be made by beginning the statement with words such as, "1 move
that...." A motion must be stated clearly, and specifically state the contents of the
motion. There can be no discussion after a motion is made until there is a second
or the motion dies for lack of a second. If there is not a second, the mayor shall
announce that the motion failed for lack of a second, and the discussion may
continue, or the council may move on to the next agenda item.
I. After the motion is made and seconded, the clerk should read back the motion from
the official record. The mayor may then call for discussion.
J. At any time before the question is called on a pending motion, the council member
who made the motion may ask that his or her motion be amended. At the time of
the amendment, he or she shall clearly state the amendment, and the amendment
shall be read back by the clerk. If the council member who seconded the vote
agrees, then the motion shall be considered amended voluntarily.
K. At any time before the question is called on a pending motion, a council member
may make a motion to amend the motion. At that time the discussion of the
underlying issue will stop. If there is not a second to the motion to amend, then
discussion on the underlying issue will continue. If there is a second to the motion
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to amend, then all discussion will be confined to the motion to amend, and there
shall be a vote on the motion to amend. If the motion to amend is adopted by a
majority of the council, discussion will continue on the (now) amended motion. Ifthe
motion to amend fails, discussion will continue on the odginal motion on the floor.
L. At any time before the question is called on a pending motion, the Council member
who made the motion may ask that his or her motion be withdrawn. The motion will
be withdrawn only in the event that the council member who seconded the motion
agrees with withdrawal of the motion.
M. Discussion shall end at the time the question is called, or at the time the mayor
determines that there is no further discussion desired by any COuncil member. The
mayor shall direct the clerk to read the motion, and the clerk shall read the motion
as made or amended. The only persons who can object to the form of the motion
.at this time are the council members who made and seCOnded the motion. If there
is a COnflict as to whether the motion as read is the motion as intended, the matter
will revert to further discussion until the discrepancy is corrected.
N. The mayor shall ask council members to designate their individual votes by
announcing "aye" or "nay." If, prior to the vote or after the vote, any COuncil member
requests a roll call vote, the clerk shall calJ roll, and each council member shall state
his or her vote aloud.
O. After the vote, the clerk shall announce whether the motion failed or passed. If the
vote was unanimous the clerk shall so state, and if it was not, the clerk shall state
the individual votes for the reCOrd, stating the number of ~aye" and "nay" votes. If
any council member disagrees with the vote as read back by the clerk, he or she
shall immediately request a clarification or roll call vote. After the clerk reads back
the individual votes, silence by any council member displays his or her agreement
with the vote as read.
P. A motion passes if it receives more "aye" votes than the combined number of "nay"
votes plus the number of council members abstaining from voting on the motion,
regardless of the reason for the abstention. In the case of a tie in votes on any
motion, the motion shall be considered lost.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-4-8 Motions to reconsider
A. Reconsideration of any action taken (or not taken) by the town council may be
requested only by a council member who was on the prevailing side of the vote.
Such a COuncil member may request that the issue of reconsideration be placed on
the agenda for discussion and possible action, although this request must be made
prior to the start of the next regular town council meeting following the meeting at
which the action was taken. If such a request is made, reconsideration will be
placed on the agenda for the second regular town council meeting following the
meeting at which the original action was taken. The agenda will list reCOnsideration
of the vote as one item, and the re-vote on the issue as a separate item.
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B. When that agenda item is called, the council may discuss the reconsideration,
however a motion to reconsider may only be made by one of the council members
who was on the prevailing side of the vote. Such a motion may be seconded by any
council member. The discussion and vote of the motion to reconsider shall be as
for any other business before the council.
C. If the motion to reconsider failed, the council will skip the next agenda item, which
will be the discussion and vote of the odginal issue. If the motion to reconsider was
successful, the council will discuss and vote on the original issue as for any other
business before the council, and any council member may make motions on the
original issue.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Article 2-5 ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
Section 2-5-1 Prior approval
Before presentation to the council, all ordinances, resolutions and contract documents shall
have been reviewed as to form by the attorney and shall, when there are substantive
matters of administration involved, be referred to the person who is charged with the
administration of the matters. Such person shall have an opportunity to present his or her
objections, if any, prior to the passage of the ordinance, resolution or acceptance of the
contract.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-5-2 Introduction
Ordinances, resolutions, and other matters or subjects requiring action by the council shall
be introduced and sponsored by a member of the council, except that the town attorney or
the town manager may present ordinances, resolutions and other matters or subjects to the
town council, and any member of the town council may assume sponsorship thereof by
moving that such ordinance, resolution, matter or subject be adopted.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-5-3 Reading of proposed ordinance
Ordinances shall be read, prior to adoption, but may be read by title only, provided that the
council is in possession of printed copies of said ordinance. A member of the council may
request that the ordinance under consideration be read in full, and in such a case the
ordinance shall be read in full.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-5-4 Requirements for an ordinance
Each ordinance should have but one subject, the nature of which is clearly expressed in the
title. Whenever possible, each ordinance shall be introduced as an amendment to this
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code orto an existing ordinance, and, in such case, the title of the sections to be amended
shall be included in the ordinance.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-5-5 Effective date of ordinances
A. No ordinance, resolution or franchise shall become operative until thirty (30) days
after its passage by the council, except measures immediately necessary for the
preservation of the peace, health or safety of the town. Such an emergency
measure shall only become immediately operative if it states in a separate section
the reason why it is necessary that it should become immediately operative and only
if it is approved by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of all the members elected
to the Council.
B. In addition to the provisions of subsection A of this section, the clerk shall
certify the
minutes of any council meeting at which an ordinance, resolution or franchise,
except an emergency measure, is passed.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-5-6 Signatures required
Every ordinance passed by the council shall, before it becomes effective, be signed by the
mayor, attested by the clerk, and acknowledged that it has been approved as to form by the
town attorney.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-5-7 Publishing required
Only such orders, ordinances, resolutions, motions, regulations or proceedings of the
council shall be published as may be required by state statute or expressly ordered by the
Council
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-5-8 Posting required
Every ordinance imposing any penalty, fine, forfeiture or other punishment shall, after
passage, be posted by the clerk in three (3) or more public places within the town and an
affidavit of the person who posted the ordinance shall be filed in the office of the clerk as
proof of posting.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
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Article 2-6 STANDING BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
Section 2-6-1 Establishment
The council may create such standing boards, committees or COmmissions as it deems
necessary upon a majority vote of the COuncil, except as otherwise provided in this COde or
as required by statute.
[Adopted by Ord, No. 96.13]
Section 2-6-2 Appointment; vacancies; terms
A. When a vacancy occurs on a standing board, committee or commission the council
will fill the vacant seat by a majority vote. The vote will not be by nomination and
election, rather it will be conducted by making a motion to appoint a certain
individual to the vacant council seat to fulfill the remaining term, and if the motion
fails for ~ack of a seCOnd or majority vote there may thereafter be a subsequent
motion for a different or the same individual. The council may continue making
motions until a motion to appoint an applicant to the vacant seat is successfully
passed by a majority of the COuncil. The mayor or any council member may move
the appointment of any person who meets the qualifications for the vacant position.
B. The term of members of standing boards, COmmittees and Commissions shall be as
set forth at the time of formation of the board, committee or commission, or as set
forth by ordinance, resolution, motion, order, or in the bylaws of the board,
committee or COmmission.
C. The members of standing boards and commissions shall serve without
compensation, however, members may be reimbursed foractual expenses incurred
in conjunction with their duties upon authorization or ratification by the board,
committee or COmmission and approved of such expenditures by the town council.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Article 2-7 SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Section 2-7-1 Establishment
The council may create such special COmmittees as it deems necessary upon a majority
vote of the council, except as otherwise provided in this COde or as required by statute. Any
time the council forms a committee or approves the formation of a committee, unless that
COmmittee is designated as a standing COmmittee, it shall be designated as a special
committee as provided in this article. Special committees may be created to address
specific tasks assigned to them by the council. Special committees' terms of existence
shall be for no more than one year and their membership shall include a number
appropriate to the task involved.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
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Article 2-8 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Section 2.8-1 General provisions
The planning and zoning Commission is established as an advisory Commission to the
mayor and Council, As such, its function is to hear and consider matters of a legislative
nature and of policy.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-8-2 Organization
Membership on the planning and zoning Commission shall be by appointment of the town
council, and it shall Consist of seven (7) voting members, one of whom shall be the
chairman and one shall be the vice chairman. The commission shall adopt rules for its own
organization and for the transaction of its business, but such rules shall not be in conflict
with this Code, other ordinances of the town or with the laws of the State of Arizona.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-8-3 Appointment; vacancies; term
A. When a vacancy occurs on the planning and zoning Commission, the council will fill
the vacant seat by a majority vote. The vote will not be by nomination and election,
rather it will be conducted by making a motion to appoint a certain individual to the
vacant seat to fulfill the remaining term, and if the motion fails for lack of a second
or majority vote there may thereafter be a subsequent motion for a different or the
same individual. The Council may continue making motions until a motion to appoint
an applicant to the vacant seat is successfully passed by a majority of the council.
The mayor or any council member may move for the appointment of any person
who meets the qualifications for the vacant position.
B. The term of members of the planning and zoning Commission shall be four (4)
years.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-8-4 Powers and duties
A. P~reoarati0n of a General Plan. It shall be the function and duty of the planning and
zoning Commission, after holding public hearings, to make and adopt and
recommend to the council a general plan for the physical development of the town,
including any areas outside of the town limits which, in the judgment of the
commission, bear relation to the development of the town. Where the plan involves
territory outside of the town limits, the provisions of the plan that pertain to external
territory shall be made known to the appropriate authorities of Pima County or those
municipalities having jurisdiction over said territory. Said general plan, with
accompanying maps, plats and descriptive and explanatory matter shall show the
Commission's recommendat ons for the physical development of the town and may
include, among other things, methods of circulation and transportation, the general
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location and extent of public facilities for water, power, sanitation, playgrounds and
drainage facilities; and the use of land, whether for residences, commerce, industry,
agriculture, flood channels or open space. The commission may, from time to time,
amend, extend or add to the general plan or carry any part of the plan's subject
matter into greater detail.
B. Reports and Recommendations. The planning and zoning commission may make
reports and recommendations relating to the planning and development of the town
to the council and to other organizations and residents of the town. The
commission may recommend programs for public improvements and the financing
thereof to executive or legislative officials of the town.
C. Reeulation of Subdivisions and Other Larqe Scale Development~ It shall be the
duty of the planning and zoning commission to prepare regulations governing the
subdivision of land and other large scale developments within the town, to prepare
amendments to such regulations when considered necessary and appropriate and
to submit said regulations and amendments to the council for consideration and
action.
D. Al~Droval of Plans and Plats for Subdivisions and Other Laroe Scale Developments.
It shall be the duty of the planning and zoning commission, when required by law,
to review and recommend approval or denial of plans and plats for all subdivisions
and other large scale developments within the Town, before such plans and plats
may be considered by the council.
E. Preoaration of a Zoninq Plan. The planning and zoning commission shall make and
recommend to the council a zoning plan for the town, including both the full text of
the town's zoning regulations and maps indicating the location and limits of the
regulations and the various zones. All proposed amendments to the zoning
regulations shall first be submitted to the commission for its review and
recommendations. Said recommendations regarding any proposed zoning change
shall be submitted to the council within thirty-one (31) days after submission to the
commission, unless a longer period has been granted by the council.
F. Conduct Hearinos and Meetinqs. The planning and zoning commission may
conduct hearings and meetings with interested property owners and citizens of the
town and others in the process of carrying out its functions and duties.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Article 2-9 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Section 2-9-1 General provisions
There is hereby established a board of adjustment for the town. The board of adjustment
is the quasi-judicial body of the town established to grant relief from certain provisions of
the town zoning code, as specifically set forth, and within the limits herein established.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
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Section 2-9-2 Establishment
The town council is hereby established as the Town of Marana board of adjustment. The
council shall convene as the board of adjustment whenever it is necessary to fulfill the
responsibilities of the board of adjustment. All meetings shall be open to the public and if
the board meeting is conducted as part of a council meeting, the agenda shall clearly reflect
that the council will be acting as the board of adjustment on that agenda item.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-9-3 Quorum and voting
When acting as the board of adjustment, the council shall follow all rules, regulations and
procedures that it follows as the town council.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
Section 2-9-4 Powers and duties
The board of adjustment shall perform the following duties:
A. Variances. The board shall hear and decide on requests for variances from the
terms of the land development code as provided therein.
B. Interoretations. The board shall hear and decide on interpretations of the land
development code as provided therein.
C. Non nformin u s. The board shall hear and decide on applications for
nonconforming uses as provided in the land development code.
D. Other matters. The board shall consider such other matters as may be referred by
the town council from time to time.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Article 2-10 INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
Section 2-10-1 Persons covered
All of the protections and benefits conferred by this article shall be enjoyed by any present
or former mayor and each and all of the present or former members of the council, town
officers, town magistrates, town employees, and all members of all town boards,
committees, subcommittees, advisory committees and commissions which protected parties
are hereinafter referred to individually as a "town officer" and collectively or jointly as "town
officials."
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord. No. 99.27]
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Section 2-10-2 Indemnification and protection of town officials
A. Any town officer and all town officials shall be exonerated, indemnified and held
harmless by the town from and against any liability or loss in any manner arising out
of, or occasioned by, his or her service as a town officer or official and based upon
any claim by any third-party that the town or such town officer or official, by any
action or failure to act, damaged the property or infringed the rights of said third
party, or of any other person on whose behalf said third-party brings a claim or legal
action, provided such officer or official acted, or failed to act, in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the
town.
B. The right to indemnification provided for in subsection (A) of this section shall
extend as well to any claim brought by, or on behalf of, the town to recover
damages alleged to have been occasioned to it or any of its property, by any act or
failure to act of any town officer or official, except that no indemnification or
exoneration shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such
town officer or official shall have been adjudged to be liable to the town unless and
only to the extent that the court in rendering such judgment shall determine upon
application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances
of the case, such officer or official is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for
such expenses as such court may deem proper. The court in which any such action
or suit was brought may determine upon application that, in view of all of the
circumstances of the case, indemnity for amounts paid in settlement is proper and
may order indemnity for the amount so paid in settlement.
C. In any case where indemnification is required under the provisions of
subsections (A) or (B) of this section, the town treasurer shall pay, on behalf of such
town officer or official, any money judgment and shall perform the onerous
provisions of any court order which may be entered against him or her when such
judgment or order has become final and no longer appealable, or has not been
stayed pending appeal.
D. In any case where any town officer or official is or may be entitled to be exonerated,
indemnified and held harmless pursuant to the provisions of subsection (A) of this
section, the town shall protect and defend such officer or official from and against
any litigation commenced against him or her, by engaging and compensating
competent legal counsel to conduct his or her defense, and by paying all court costs
and any fees of opposing legal counsel taxed or imposed by the court having
jurisdiction.
E. In any case where any town officer or official is or may be entitled to be exonerated,
indemnified and held harmless pursuant to the provisions of subsection (B) of this
section, the town shall pay the expenses, including attorneys' fees and the cost of
a bond or other security pending appeal, incurred in defending the civil action, suit
or proceeding by such officer or official in advance of the final disposition of such
action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such
town officer or official to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he or
she is not entitled to be indemnified by the town as authorized in subsection (B) of
this section.
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F. The coverage afforded by this section shall not apply in any case where
indemnification is not permissible pursuant to any state statute or any determination
that such indemnification would be contrary to public policy.
[Adopted by Ord, No. 96.13]
Section 2-10-3 Insurance coverage
The town shall at all times procure insurance policies providing the maximum coverage and
limits procurable at reasonable rates to protect its interests and to indemnify and protect all
town officials and any town officer entitled to indemnification and protection pursuant to this
article. Acceptance of coverage and undertaking of protection by any such insurance
carrier shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this article on the part of the town.
however, in any case or instance where an insurance carrier does not in fact accept
coverage and defend any town officer or officials, or where the insurance policy limits are
insufficient to cover any judgment entered against any town officer or officials, the town
shall be bound by the provisions of this article to protect and indemnify pursuant to the
provisions of section 2-10-2.
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13]
Section 2-10-4 Notice of claims
It shall be a precondition to the assertion of any claim for protection and indemnity under
this article that any town officer or officials, after having been served with process
commencing litigation against him, her or them, or after having received written notice of
a possible claim alleged to be covered under the provisions of section 2-10-2(A) or (B),
shall promptly give notice of the pendency of such action, or the presentation of any such
claim, to the town clerk, who shall in turn present such actual or potential claim to the
council. It shall further be a precondition to coverage hereunder that a town officer or official
claiming the protection and benefits conferred by this article shall at all times, and in every
way, cooperate fully with legal counsel appointed by the town to defend against any
threatened or pending litigation under the provisions of section 2-10-2(D).
[Adopted by Ord. No. 96.13; revised by Ord, No. 99.27]
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APPENDIX A
[Repealed by Ord. No. 2000.21]
2-24