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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-1999 Blue Sheet Town Code Amendments Election & AppointmentTOWN TOWN COUNCIL OF MEETING MARANA INFORMATION DATE: April 6, 1999 AGENDA ITEM: TO: Mayor and Council FROM: Daniel J. Hochuli, Town Attorney SUBJECT: Discussion and direction regarding Town Code Amendments relating to procedures for election & appointment of the Mayor and Vice -Mayor DISCUSSION: This issue is being presented to the Mayor and Council for further direction, allowing staff to further prepare this issue, toward the ultimate goal of adoption of a Town Code amendment adopting these changes. These changes have been necessitated by the decision to directly elect the mayor. 1. Although the Vice -Mayor will still be selected by a majority vote of the Mayor and Council, will we continue the current procedure of electing the Vice -Mayor at the first meeting following the general election every two years. Other alternatives are available as desired by the Mayor and Council. 2. The Arizona Constitution provides that a paid elected official must resign to run for another elected office. This does not apply to our Mayoral race because the Council Members are not paid. Does the Council wish to adopt a local resign -to -run provision, providing that a Council Member must resign from the Council in order to run for Mayor? 3. If the Mayor is unable to complete the term, what will the procedure be for a replacement? • The Vice -Mayor could be appointed to fill the vacant Mayoral seat, and the Council would vote to fill the vacant Council seat which was created. • The Council could select a Council Member to fill the Mayoral seat and complete the unexpired term. • The Council could select a Council Member to fill the Mayoral seat only until the next regularly scheduled primary and general election, at which time the voters would select a new Mayor. If this process is adopted and the Mayor's seat is vacant during the first two years of the 4 year term, would the newly elected Mayor fill the remainder of the absent Mayor's term (the remaining 2 years), or would this newly elected Mayor serve a four year term? • If a Council Member is appointed to the Mayor's seat until the next election, the council would then appoint someone to fill the now vacant Council seat. After the new Mayor is elected, if there is time remaining on the term of the Council Member who had been acting as Mayor, does that person regain his /her seat, so the person selected by the Council to fill the vacant council seat would be removed? RECOMMENDATION: Staff is presenting this issue to the Mayor and Council at this meeting for future consideration. If any Council Members have comments or concerns, these can be raised at this meeting, or can be communicated directly to the Manager or legal staff. After the Council Members have had time to consider these issues, this matter will again be presented to the Mayor and Council for discussion and action. SUGGESTED MOTION: No action required.