HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2019-15 RESOLUTION NO. 2019-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA,
APPROVING THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA
TOWN COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE, AMENDED AND
RESTATED MARCH 5, 2019
ENACTMENTS:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF FOUNTAIN
HILLS as follows:
SECTION 1. That the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona Town Council Rules of Procedure,
Amended and Restated March 5, 2019, are hereby approved in substantially the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. That the Mayor, the Town Manager, the Town Clerk and the Town Attorney are
hereby authorized and directed to execute all documents and take all steps necessary to carry
the purpose and intent of this Resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Fountain Hills, Maricopa County,
Arizona, this 5th day of March, 2019.
FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO:
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Gin Dickey, Mayor lizabet . Burke, Town erk
REVIEWED BY: APPR ED AS TO FORM:
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Grady E. Mill wn Manager on D. Arnson, own Attorney
RESOLUTION 2019-15 PAGE 2
EXHIBIT A
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA
TOWN COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MARCH 5, 2019
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 1
SECTION 1. RULES OF PROCEDURE/AUTHORITY
1.1 PROCEDURES
The following are the basis for and are used in conjunction with these basic Rules of
Procedure for meetings of the Council, Boards, Commissions and Committees:
A. State Law
B. Town Code, including these Council Rules
C. Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance, New Edition, by O. Garfield Jones
D. Roberts Rules of Order, 10th edition, as amended
In case of inconsistency, conflict, or ambiguity among the documents listed above, such
documents shall govern in the order in which they are listed.
1.2 PRESIDING OFFICER
As provided by the Town Code, the Mayor, or in the Mayor's absence, the Vice-Mayor, is the
Presiding Officer of all meetings of the Council. In the absence or disability of both the Mayor and
the Vice-Mayor, the meeting shall be called to order by the Town Clerk, whereupon, the Town
Clerk shall immediately call for the selection of a temporary Presiding Officer. If a majority of the
Councilmembers present are unable to agree on a Presiding Officer for the meeting, the meeting
shall automatically be adjourned and all agenda items shall be carried over to the next regular
Council meeting.
1.3 PARLIAMENTARIAN
The Town Attorney shall serve as Parliamentarian for all meetings. The Town Clerk shall act as
Parliamentarian in the absence of the Town Attorney and the Town Manager shall act as
Parliamentarian in the absence of both the Town Attorney and Town Clerk.
1.4 SUSPENSION OF THE RULES
The Council, by a three-quarter vote of all members present, may suspend strict observance of
these Council Rules or other policies and procedures for the timely and orderly progression of
the meeting; provided, however, that a simple majority of the Council may cause a change in the
order of items on the agenda.
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 2
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 AGENDA
As set forth in the Order of Business, an agenda is a formal listing of items to be considered
by (i) the Council at a noticed meeting of the Council or (ii) the applicable Board,
Commission or Committee at a noticed meeting of that body. The content of the agenda
may not be changed less than 72 hours prior to the public meeting, except in exceptional
circumstances, but in no event shall the agenda be altered less than 24 hours prior to the
public meeting, unless otherwise authorized by State law.
2.2 AGENDA PACKET
A compilation of documents supporting the items listed on the agenda and requiring
Council consideration or action, which may be used by Council, staff and the public for
more in-depth information than may be presented in an oral report. The agenda Packet is
organized as set forth in the Order of Business in Section 5 below and is made available
electronically to the Council or to any citizen on the Town's website: www.fh.az.qov by
6:00 p.m. the Thursday prior to the date of the meeting.
2.3 CONSENT AGENDA
Items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine, non-controversial matters
and will be enacted by one motion and vote of the Council. All motions and subsequent
approvals of Consent Agenda items will include all recommended staff stipulations unless
otherwise stated. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
Councilmember or member of the public so requests. If a Councilmember or member of the
public wishes to discuss an item on the consent agenda, he/she may request so prior to the
motion to accept the Consent Agenda or by notifying the Town Manager prior to the date of the
meeting. The item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal
sequence on the-agenda.
2.4 COUNCIL
Collectively, the Mayor and Common Council of the Town of Fountain Hills.
2.5 COUNCIL RULES
These Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona Town Council Rules of Procedure.
2.6 MEETING
The gathering, in person or by technological devices, of a quorum of the Council, Boards,
Commissions or Committees, at which the Councilmembers, Board members, Commissioners,
or Committee members discuss, propose or take legal action, including any deliberations by
a quorum with respect to such action. If a quorum is not present, those in attendance will be
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 3
named for the record by the Town Clerk or the staff liaison for a Board, Commission or
Committee.
2.7 NEWSPAPER
A daily or weekly paid publication of general circulation within the Town of Fountain Hills,
Arizona.
2.8 NOTICE
A formal announcement to the public that sets the date, time and the place at which a meeting
will be held. Such notice of meetings shall be in accordance with the State I aw, the Town Code
and these Council Rules.
2.9 QUORUM
The minimum number of Members of the Council, Board, Commission, or Committee that must
be present in order for business to be legally transacted. With a seven-member body, a quorum
is four members, unless otherwise specifically authorized by State law.
2.10 TOWN
The Town of Fountain Hills, an Arizona municipal corporation.
SECTION 3. MEETINGS
3.1 REGULAR MEETINGS
A. Regular Meeting Date; Time. The Council shall hold regular meetings on the first and
third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 P.M. When deemed appropriate, any regular
meeting date of the Council may be changed or cancelled by a majority of the Council.
Notice of the rescheduled or cancelled meeting shall be given to the public as is
reasonable and practicable under the circumstances. All regular meetings shall be held
at the Town Hall Council Chambers or at such place as may be prescribed by the Mayor
or the Town Manager. The Council may provide for a "Call to the Public" at such regular
meetings.
B. Holidays. When the day for a regular meeting of the Council falls on a legal holiday, no
meeting shall be held on such holiday, but such meeting shall be held at the same time
and the same location on the day designated by the Council that is not a holiday, unless
the meeting is otherwise cancelled by the Council.
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 4
3.2 ADJOURNED MEETINGS
Any meeting may be adjourned to a time, place and date certain, but not beyond the next regular
Council-meeting. Once adjourned, the meeting may not be reconvened except at the time, date
and place provided for in the motion to adjourn.
3.3 SPECIAL MEETINGS
The Mayor, the Town Manager, or the Town Clerk (upon the written request of three
Councilmembers), may convene the Council at any time after giving at least 24 hours' notice of
such meeting to members of the Council and the general public. The notice shall include the
date, place, hour and purpose of such special meeting. In the case of an actual emergency, a
meeting may be held upon such notice as is appropriate to the circumstances.
3.4 WORK SESSIONS
A. How Convened; When Convened; Notice. The Mayor or the Town Manager (at his own
discretion or upon the written request of three Councilmembers) may convene the Council
in a work session at any time after giving notice at least 24 hours in advance of such
work session to members of the Council and the general public. The notice shall include
the date, place, hour and purpose of such work session.
B. Purpose._Work sessions are held for the purpose of presentations and discussions on
such issues that require more in-depth consideration of the Council than may be possible
at a regular meeting. No formal action of the Council may be taken at such work session,
other than general consensus or conveying direction to staff for further action. These
work sessions shall not provide for a "Call to the Public."
3.5 EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Subject to applicable State law, the Council may hold such closed executive sessions as
necessary to conduct the business of the Town.
3.6 EMERGENCY MEETINGS
As provided for by State law, the Mayor and Council or the Town Manager may call a special
emergency meeting to discuss or take action on an unforeseen issue where time is of the
essence and sufficient time does not provide for the posting of a meeting notice 24 hours or
more before the-meeting. Notice of an emergency meeting of the Council will be posted within
24 hours following the holding of an emergency meeting. The notice will include the emergency
meeting's agenda and a brief but complete description of the nature of the emergency.
Emergency meetings shall not provide for a "Call to the Public."
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 5
3.7 MEETINGS TO BE PUBLIC
A. Open to Public. With exception of executive sessions, all regular, special and work
session meetings of the Council, Boards, Commissions, and Committees shall be open
to the public.
B. Public Comment. Public comment (Call to the public) is not taken at work sessions,
emergency meetings or at special meetings, unless the special meetings is held in place
of a regular meeting, or unless the special meeting includes a public hearing on the
agenda.
3.8 MINUTES OF MEETINGS
A. Staffing. The Town Clerk shall ensure staff attendance at all regular, special, work
session, emergency and executive session meetings of the Council for the purpose of
taking notes and/or audio recordation of the meeting. The Town staff liaison to each
Board, Commission or Committee shall ensure staff attendance at all meetings for the
purpose of taking notes and/or audio recordings of the meetings.
B. Recordings; written minutes. To the extent possible, all open, public meetings shall be
recorded by means of audio or video technology. In addition, written minutes reflecting
legislative intent shall be taken so that an accounting of the issues discussed and actions
taken is compiled and entered into the permanent Minute Book of the Town and kept on
file and of record in the Office of the Town Clerk. Audio or video recordings of meetings
will be retained for a period of time in accordance with the current Town of Fountain Hills
and/or State of Arizona approved records retention and disposition schedules. Minutes
shall identify speakers by name and shall indicate whether they are Fountain Hills
residents, and whether they support or oppose the proposed action (i.e. "for" or
"against") along with a summary of the speakers' verbal comments provided at the
meeting.
C. Availability. All meeting minutes of the Council, Boards, Commissions, and Committees
are deemed to be public records, with the exception of executive session minutes, which,
while they fall under the definition of and are considered public records by State law, are
deemed confidential and are only available under limited conditions or by Court Order.
Transcribed minutes, or the audio or video recordings of all open meetings of the Council,
Boards, Commissions, and Committees must be available for public review by 5:00 p.m.
on the third working day following each meeting, or as provided by State law. The Town
Clerk or designee shall ensure that the minutes of all regular; and special meetings
and work sessions of the Council, Boards, Commissions, and Committees are
made available through the Town's Web Site, www.fh.az.ciov within two working days
following their approval, or as provided by State law.
D. Executive Sessions. Minutes of executive sessions (1) shall be confidential; (2) are
maintained and secured by the Town Clerk; and (3) may be accessed only as provided
by State law.
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 6
E. Approval. Minutes of all meetings of the Council (other than executive sessions) may be
approved under the consent agenda, unless removed for discussion and separate action.
SECTION 4. NOTICE AND AGENDA
4.1 POSTING NOTICES
A. Time. The Town Clerk, or authorized designee, shall prepare all public meeting notices
of the Council, and shall ensure posting of the meeting notices no less than 24 hours
before the date and time set for said meetings in accordance with State law. The staff
liaison to each Board, Commission or Committee shall ensure that agendas are posted
in the same manner as for the Council.
B. Locations. Meeting notices shall be posted at a minimum of three locations within
the Town, including the Community Center, Town Hall and the Town's website
[www.fh.az.gov].
4.2 AGENDA PREPARATION
A. Availability. The Town Manager, or authorized designee, shall prepare the agendas for
all meetings of the Council as set forth below. Agendas of all meetings of the Council
shall generally be available to the public no less than 72 hours prior to said-meetings,
except in exceptional circumstances. In no event shall the agenda be made available
less than 24 hours prior to said meeting. Agendas and agenda packet materials are made
available through the Town's web site. The staff liaison to each Board, Commission or
Committee shall ensure that the agenda is available in the same manner as required for
the Council.
B. Submittal Process. Items may be placed on the Council agenda for discussion and
possible action by the following process (the agenda process for Boards, Commissions
or Committees shall be as determined by the applicable Department Head which shall
be substantially the same as the Council agenda submittal process):
1. All Departments: Preparation of the Agenda Action form with signatures of the
department director and staff (including all attachments) provided to the Town
Clerk for submittal to the Town Manager not later than two business days prior to
agenda packet preparation day (the Tuesday prior to meeting date). Town
Manager approves/amends items and signs off, finalizing the item for inclusion
in the agenda packet.
2. Mayor and Councilmembers: The Mayor or three Councilmembers may direct the
Town Manager through a written request to place an item on an agenda for action.
Any Councilmember may direct the Town Manager to place an item on a future
agenda during the "Council Discussion/Direction to Town Manager" portion of a
meeting.
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 7
3. Town Manager and Town Attorney: The Town Manager or Town Attorney may
place an item on the agenda by including appropriate documentation.
4. Citizen or Group: A citizen or group may apply to have an item placed on the
agenda as follows:
a. Obtain a "Scheduled Public Appearance/Presentation" form from the
Town Clerk and, when completed, return it to the Town Clerk for
submission to the Town Manager.
b. The Town Manager or authorized designee shall research the issue to
determine if it may be handled administratively or will require Council
discussion. If it is determined that the matter should be placed before the
Council, the Town Manager shall ensure that documentation, if any, is
compiled and the material included in the agenda packet. If the Town
Manager determines that the subject should not be placed on the agenda,
an individual wishing to have an item on the agenda as a "Scheduled
Public Appearance" may(i)ask that the request be forwarded to the Mayor
for consideration or (ii) obtain the written request of three members of the
Council to place the item on the agenda, and submit that request to the
Town Manager.
c. The Town Manager may postpone the requested appearance/
presentation date, if additional staff time is needed to research a
proposed agenda item.
C. Time Lines for Submission of Items.
1. Agenda items shall be submitted to the Town Manager by 2:00 p.m., not less than
nine calendar days prior to regular and special meetings to ensure timely delivery
to Councilmembers.
2. Agenda items for work sessions shall be submitted to the Town Manager by
2:00 p.m., not less than seven calendar days prior to the meeting to ensure timely
delivery to Councilmembers.
3. The Town Manager may approve exceptions to the schedule above in order to
ensure that the distribution of all agenda packets to the Council is in conformance
with these Council Rules.
4. Any requests requiring audio/visual support must be submitted to the Town Clerk
for coordination with the information and technology division a minimum of 48
hours prior to the meeting to ensure proper coordination and preparation.
Department directors are responsible for obtaining presentation materials from
applicants or presenters involved in their respective agenda items.
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 8
D. Agenda Item Submittals for Council Executive Sessions. Items may be placed on the
agenda for Council executive session discussion (if in compliance with the Town Code
and applicable State Statutes) by the following process:
1. Submission by a Councilmember, the Town Manager or the Town Attorney (with
notice to all Councilmembers).
2. Submission by the Mayor (with notice to all Councilmembers).
3. The Town Manager and the Town Attorney shall review the submittal for executive
session discussions prior to placement on the agenda, to ensure that the item is
the proper subject of an executive session pursuant to state law.
4. The Town Attorney shall advice the Town Clerk regarding the appropriate agenda
language of executive session items.
E. Agenda Packets. Full agenda packets for all noticed meetings (except executive session
documentation) of the Council shall be made available to Council members electronically,
five days before regular meetings and work sessions; provided, however, that agenda
packets may be supplemented later under special circumstances so long as no agenda
packet material is made available less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, except in the
case of exceptional circumstances or an emergency meeting.
F. Removal Requests. Requests to remove items from the Consent Agenda occurring after
the 72 hour posting deadline will be announced by the Mayor at the beginning of the
meeting at which the item was scheduled. The posted agenda will remain unchanged.
4.3 DISTRIBUTION OF NOTICES AND AGENDAS
A. Copies. The Town Clerk shall ensure that the Mayor and Council receive copies of all
meeting notices and agendas and any documentation provided for said meeting
electronically, not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, unless exceptional
circumstances require a later delivery.
B. Distribution. The Town Clerk shall ensure that the meeting notices, agendas and packet
documentation, as deemed necessary, are posted to the Town's website: www.fh.az.qov
and made available to the Mayor and Council, the public, Town Manager, Town
Attorney, and staff electronically by 6:00 p.m. on the Thursday prior to the date of the
meeting.
C. Amendments. A posted agenda may be amended up to 72 hours prior to such meeting.
In exceptional circumstances, such agenda may be amended up to, but not less than,
24 hours prior to the designated meeting, unless otherwise authorized by State Law.
Amended agendas shall indicate the date amended.
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 9
SECTION 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS
5.1 ORDER OF BUSINESS
The Order of Business of each meeting shall be as contained in the-agenda. The agenda shall
be a sequentially numbered listing by topic and a brief description of business items that shall be
taken up for consideration.
5.2 REGULAR MEETINGS
The agenda shall be prepared substantially in the following order, but may be amended for
brevity:
AGENDA
Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation/Moment of Reflection
Roll Call
Reports by Mayor, Councilmembers and Town Manager (including proclamations)
(No discussion)
Scheduled Public Appearances/Presentations (if any)
Call to the Public (Non-agenda items) (preceded by the following paragraph)
Pursuant to ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 38-431.01 (H), public comment is permitted (not required) on
matters not listed on the agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the
Council and (ii) is subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. The Council will
not discuss or take legal action on matters raised during "Call to the Public" unless the matters
are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. At the conclusion of the call to the public,
individual Councilmembers may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to review the matter
or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future Council agenda.
Consent Agenda (preceded by the following explanatory paragraph)
All items listed are considered to be routine, non-controversial matters and will be enacted by
one motion and vote of the Council. All motions and subsequent approvals of consent items
will include all recommended staff stipulations unless otherwise stated. There will be no
separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember or member of the public so
requests. If a Council member or member of the public wishes to discuss an item on the
consent agenda, he/she may request so prior to the motion to accept the Consent Agenda
or with notification to the Town Manager or Mayor prior to the date of the meeting for which
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 10
the item was scheduled. The item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered
in its normal sequence on the-agenda.
Action Items (grouped by subject to the extent possible)
Council Discussion/Direction to Town Manager (Items for future agendas)
Adjournment
All agendas shall have the following statement placed at the bottom:
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with
disabilities. Please call 837-2003 (voice) or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the
meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting or to obtain
agenda information in large print format.
A. Roll Call. Following the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance, the Moment of
Reflection or Invocation and before proceeding with the business of the Council, the
Presiding Officer shall direct the Town Clerk or authorized designee to call the Roll,
and the names of Councilmembers both present and absent shall be entered into the
minutes. The order of roll call shall be: Mayor, Vice Mayor and then Councilmembers
from the Mayor's far right to the Mayor's far left.
B. Reports by Mayor, Councilmembers and Town Manager
The Mayor may use Reports to read proclamations or conduct other ceremonial
matters as listed on the posted agenda and reports may be given by the Mayor,
Councilmembers and Town Manager on current events and/or activities. (The Arizona
Open Meeting Law does not allow discussion or action on any matter mentioned during
the reports.)
C. Scheduled Public Appearances/Presentations. The process set forth in Subsection
4.2(B) (4) above applies to members of the public or groups wishing to place an item on
the agenda under "Scheduled Public Appearances/Presentations". If the request is
approved by the Town Manager, the item will appear on the agenda. The Town Manager
shall endeavor to limit the total time for such presentations to ten minutes individually and
30 minutes collectively per Council meeting. Councilmembers may use "Scheduled
Public Appearances/Presentations" section to provide an update of official activities, as
listed on the posted agenda.
D. Call to the Public.
1. All citizens and interested parties will be limited to a maximum of three
minutes to address the Council on a non-agenda item.
2. All citizens and interested parties wishing to speak before the Council shall
fully complete a Request to Comment form (Request Form). Request forms
a uteselfraceHure 2819
Paged
submitted by those who indicate they will not speak will be grouped together
in the order in which the cards were received and by the categories of "for"
and "against" relating to the item indicated on the request forms. The Town Clerk
will announce the number of cards received, if any, and number received per
category.
3. At the conclusion of each citizen's comments, the Presiding Officer may take
any or all of the following actions:
a. Thank speaker for addressing issue.
b. Ask staff to review matter.
c. Ask that a matter be put on a future agenda.
d. Permit individual Councilmembers to respond to criticism raised during
the Call to the Public
4. At the discretion of the Presiding Officer light and/or sound signals may be
used to indicate the commencement of the time for speaking and a warning light
may flash to show that the appropriate time has passed. A red light will signal
that there is no longer any remaining time.
E. Consent Agenda
1 . The Consent Agenda includes items that are of such a nature that discussion is
not required, or issues that have been previously studied by the Council.
These items may be adopted by one motion and vote.
2. There is no detailed discussion on items listed under the Consent Agenda,
unless a member of the Council or any member of the public in attendance at
the meeting requests that an item or items be removed for discussion.
Councilmembers or the public may not ask a question without removal of the
item from the Consent Agenda.
3. Items removed from the Consent Agenda are considered in their normal
sequence as listed on the agenda, unless called out of sequence as provided
under Section 1.4 (Suspension of the Rules) above.
F. Action Items.
1. At the time each business item is presented to the Council, the Town staff shall
present a report on the subject and the applicant, if any, may also speak. The
Mayor or the Town Clerk, or authorized designee, will then call the request
forms of those citizens desiring input and comments. All citizens and interested
parties wishing to speak before the Council shall fully complete request forms
and submit the forms to the Town Clerk, or authorized designee, prior to
Council discussion of that agenda item.
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 12
Sufficient request forms shall be located in the Council Chamber's Lobby (the
public entry area into the Chamber) and at the Town Clerk's position on the
dais. Completed request forms will be retained by the Town Clerk until the draft
minutes are approved by the Council at a subsequent meeting. Speakers'
names and comments will be summarized and included in the meeting minutes.
Speakers will be called in the order in which the request forms were received. If
a speaker chooses not to speak when called, such speaker will be deemed to
have waived his/her opportunity to speak on that matter.
2. Those speaking before Council will be allowed three contiguous minutes to
address Council, but time limits may be waived by (a) discretion of the Town
Manager upon request by the speaker not less than 24 hours prior to a meeting,
(b) consensus of the Council at a meeting or (c) the Mayor either prior to or
during a meeting. Speakers may not (a) reserve a portion of their time for a
later time or (b) transfer any portion of their time to another speaker.
3. The purpose of all public comments is to provide information and the speaker's
views for Council consideration. It is not appropriate for the speakers to question
directly, or debate the matter under consideration with staff, other speakers, the
audience or Councilmembers; all remarks will be addressed to the Presiding
Officer and not to individual Councilmembers. All comments shall be addressed
through the Presiding Officer who shall decide if any response is warranted
and who, if anyone, shall address the concern. Councilmembers may request,
upon recognition by the Presiding Officer, clarification of comments or materials
presented by the speakers, any applicant's representatives or Town staff;
provided, however, that no Councilmember shall engage in debate directly with
such speakers, representatives or Town staff.
4. Proper decorum, in accordance with Section 6.4 below, must be observed by
Councilmembers, by speakers in providing testimony and remarks and by the
audience. In order to conduct an orderly business meeting, the Presiding Officer
shall keep control of the meeting and shall require the speakers and audience
to refrain from abusive or profane remarks, disruptive outbursts, applause,
protests or other conduct that disrupts or interferes with the orderly conduct of
the business of the-meeting. Personal attacks on Councilmembers, Town staff
or members of the public are not allowed.
5. Generally, agenda items requiring public hearings, other than those of a quasi-
judicial nature, shall be conducted in the following order:
a. The Presiding Officer will announce the matter that is set forth for a
public hearing, will then open the public hearing, and, if appropriate, ask
the staff to provide a report of the matter.
b. The Presiding Officer will the ask the applicant to speak regarding the
matter.
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 13 y,ti •
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c. After all public comments are heard, the Presiding Officer will close the
public hearing, and may ask staff or the applicant to respond to the
comments.
d. The Presiding Officer may then call for a motion and second, if
applicable, and ask if Council wishes to discuss the issue. Council may
then proceed to discuss the matter.
e. Upon the conclusion of Council comment, the Presiding Officer will call
for action on the motion.
f. Exhibits, letters, petitions, and other documentary items presented or
shown to the Council on a public hearing item become part of the
record of the public hearing and shall be maintained by the Town Clerk.
g. Ten collated sets of written or graphic materials should be provided by
the speaker to the Town Clerk prior to the commencement of the hearing
to allow for distribution to the Council, key Town staff and the Town
Clerk for inclusion in the public record. Reduced copies (8" x 11")of large
graphic exhibits should be provided as part of the sets of materials for
distribution as provided above. The appropriate staff member shall be
responsible to notify applicants of this requirement.
6. Questions or comments from the public shall be limited to the subject under
consideration. Depending upon the extent of the agenda and the number of
persons desiring to speak on an issue, the Presiding Officer may, at the
beginning of the agenda item, limit repetitive testimony, but in no event to
less than three minutes per topic. Upon approval of (a) the Presiding Officer or
(b) a majority of the Council, persons may be allowed to speak longer than three
minutes. Councilmembers may ask the individual speaker questions through the
Presiding Officer.
7. Quasi-judicial hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the
principles of due process, and the Town Attorney shall advise the Council in
this regard.
G. Council Discussion/Direction to Town Manager. The Council may (1) give direction to
the Town Manager to follow-up on matters presented at that meeting, (2) to bring an
item before the Council on a future agenda for discussion and possible action, or (3)
direct staff to conduct further research and report back to the Council.
H. Adjournment. The open, public meeting of the Council may be adjourned by
consensus of the Council.
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
Page 14
5.3 SPECIAL MEETINGS
A. As Substitute for Regular Meeting. If a special meeting is being held as an extension
of or in place of a regular meeting, the agenda shall be as set forth for a regular
meeting.
B. Generally. For all other special meetings, the agenda shall be prepared in the
following order:
AGENDA
Call to Order
Roll Call
Consent Agenda (if needed —explanatory paragraph same as regular meeting)
Action Items (grouped by subject to the extent possible)
Adjournment
5.4 WORK SESSION MEETINGS
The primary purpose of work sessions is to provide the Council with the opportunity for in-
depth discussion and study of specific subjects. Public comment is not provided for on the
agenda and may be made only as approved by consensus of the Council. In appropriate
circumstances, a brief presentation may be permitted by a member of the public or another
interested party on an agenda item if invited by the Mayor and Council to do so. The Presiding
Officer may limit or end the time for such presentations.
The work session agenda shall be prepared in the following order:
Call to Order
Roll Call
Work Session Statement (explanatory statement)
All Items Listed Are for Discussion Only. No Action Can or Will Be Taken. The primary
purpose of work sessions is to provide the Council with the opportunity for in-depth discussion
and study of specific subjects. Public comment is not provided for on the agenda and may
be made only as approved by consensus of the Council. In appropriate circumstances, a
brief presentation may be permitted by a member of the public or another interested party
on an agenda item if invited by the Mayor or the Town Manager to do so. The Presiding Officer
may limit or end the time for such presentations.
Agenda Items for Discussion (Items Numbered for Order)
Adjournment
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SECTION 6. PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING THE MEETING
6.1 CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Council shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer, (the Mayor or in
his/her absence, by the Vice-Mayor). In the absence of both the Mayor and Vice-Mayor,the
meeting shall be called to order by the Town Clerk, who shall immediately call for the selection
of a temporary Presiding Officer.
6.2 PARTICIPATION OF PRESIDING OFFICER
The Presiding Officer may debate from the Chair, subject only to such limitations of debate
as are imposed on all Councilmembers, and he/she shall not be deprived of any of the
rights and privileges of a Councilmember by reason of his/her acting as Presiding Officer.
However, the Presiding Officer is primarily responsible for the conduct of the meeting.
6.3 QUESTION TO BE STATED
The Presiding Officer shall verbally restate, or shall ask the Town Clerk to verbally restate,
each question immediately prior to calling for discussion and the vote. Following the vote, the
Presiding Officer shall ask the Town Clerk or authorized designee to verbally announce the
results of voting, including the ayes, nays and abstentions. The Presiding Officer shall publicly
state the effect of the vote for the benefit of the audience before proceeding to the next item
of business. Formal votes shall not be taken at work sessions or executive sessions.
6.4 RULES/DECORUM/ORDER
A. Points of Order. The Presiding Officer shall determine all points of order after
consultation with the Parliamentarian, subject to the right of any member to appeal such
determination to the whole Council. If any appeal is taken, the question (motion) shall
be substantially similar to the following: "Shall the decision of the Presiding Officer be
sustained?" In which event, following a second, a majority vote shall govern, and
conclusively determine such question of order.
B. Order and Decorum
1. Councilmembers: Any Councilmember desiring to speak shall address the
Presiding Officer and, upon recognition by the Presiding Officer, may speak.
2. Employees: Members of the administrative staff and employees of the Town shall
observe the same rules of procedure and decorum applied to Councilmembers.
The Town Manager shall ensure that all Town employees observe such decorum
and will direct the participation of any staff member in the discussion of the
Council. The Town Manager shall first be recognized by the Presiding Officer prior
to addressing the Council. Any staff member desiring to speak shall first be
recognized by the Town Manager.
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3. Public: Members of the public attending the meetings shall observe the same
rules of order and decorum applicable to the Council. Unauthorized remarks or
demonstrations from the audience, such as applause, stamping of feet,
whistles, boos or yells shall not be permitted by the Presiding Officer, who
may direct a law enforcement officer to remove such offender/s from the room.
C. Enforcement of Decorum. Proper decorum is to be maintained during all meetings by
the Council, staff and guests. It is the responsibility of the Presiding Officer of the
meeting to ensure compliance with this Policy. The Presiding Officer shall request that
a speaker refrain from improper conduct; if the speaker refuses, the Presiding Officer
may end the speaker's time at the podium. If the speaker refuses to yield the
podium after being asked to do so by the Presiding Officer, the Presiding Officer may
(1) recess the meeting for a brief time (2) end the speaker's time at the podium or (3)
direct a law enforcement officer present at the meeting to remove from the meeting
the person whose conduct is disorderly or disruptive.
6.5 TELECONFERENCE PROCEDURE
Meetings may be conducted by teleconference as follows:
A. Prior Notice. When a Councilmember is unable to attend a meeting and desires to
participate in the meeting by telephone, the Councilmember shall be permitted to do
so provided he/she gives the Town Clerk, or authorized designee, notice of
his/herinability to be present at the meeting at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
B. Notation on Agenda. The notice of the meeting and the agenda shall include the
following: "Councilmembers of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person
or by telephone conference call."
C. Public Access. Facilities will be used at the meeting to permit the public to observe
and hear all telephone communications.
D. Notation in Minutes. The minutes of the meeting shall clearly set forth which members
are present in person and which are present by telephone.
6.6 ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL
A. Manner of Addressing the Council.
1. Any member of the public desiring to address the Council shall proceed to the
podium after having been recognized by the Presiding Officer. There shall be
no loud vocalization (shouting or calling out) from the seating area of the
Council Chamber. At the podium, the speaker shall clearly state his/her name
for the record and shall indicate if he/she is a Town resident.
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2. Special assistance for sight and/or hearing-impaired persons can be provided.
Anyone requiring such assistance should contact the Town Clerk 48 hours
before a meeting to request an accommodation to participate in the meeting.
B. Limitation Regarding Public Comment and Reports. The making of oral communications
to the Council by any member of the public during the "Call to the Public: (Non-
agenda Items)" or under an action item, shall be subject to the following limitations:
1. All citizens wishing to address the Council shall complete and submit a request
form as set forth in Subsection 5.2(F) above.
2. The Presiding Officer may limit the number of speakers heard on non--agenda
topics at any single meeting to allow the meeting to proceed and end in a
timely manner.
3. If it appears that several speakers desire to provide repetitive comments
regarding a single topic, the Presiding Officer may limit the number of
speakers.
C. Motions.
1. Processing of Motions: When a motion is made and seconded, it shall be
stated by the Presiding Officer before debate.
2. Precedence of Motions: When a motion is before the Council, no motion
shall be entertained except the following, which shall have precedence in
the following order:
a. Fix the time to adjourn
b. Adjourn
c. Recess
d. Raise a question of Privilege
e. Table
f. Limit or extend limits of debate
g. Postpone to a certain time and date
h. Amend
Postpone Indefinitely
j. Main Motion
3. Motion to Postpone Indefinitely: A motion to postpone indefinitely is used to
dismiss an item on the agenda. This motion is debatable, and because it can
be applied only to the main question, it can, therefore, only be made while
the main question is immediately pending (a motion and second is on the floor).
This motion is commonly used to postpone an item until a more appropriate
time.
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4. Motion to Table: A motion to table enables the assembly to lay the pending
question aside temporarily when something else of immediate urgency has
arisen, in such a way that there is no set time for taking the matter up again.
A motion to table shall be used to temporarily by-pass the subject. A motion to
table shall not be debatable and shall preclude all amendments or debate of
the subject under consideration. If the motion shall prevail, the matter may be
"taken from the table" at any time prior to the end of the next regular meeting.
5. Motion to Limit or Terminate Discussion: Such a motion shall be used to limit
or close debate on, or further amendment to, the main motion. This is referred
to as "Call for the Question" and is the motion used to cut off debate and to
bring the group to an immediate vote on the pending motion; it requires a two-
thirds vote. The vote shall be taken by voice. If the motion fails, debate shall
be reopened; if the motion passes, a vote shall be taken on the main motion.
6. Motion to Amend:
a. A motion to amend shall be debatable only as to the amendment. A
motion to amend an amendment on the floor shall not be in order.
b. An amendment modifying the intention of a motion shall be in order, but
an amendment relating to a different matter shall not be in order.
c. Amendments shall be voted on first, prior to consideration of subsequent
amendments. After all amendments have been voted on, the Council
shall vote on the main motion (as amended, if applicable).
7. Motion to Continue: Motions to continue shall be debatable only as to the
propriety of postponement. Motions to continue to a definite time shall be
amendable and debatable as to propriety of postponement and time set only.
D. Addressing the Council after Motion is made. After the motion has been made, or
after a public hearing has been closed, no member of the public shall address the
Council without first securing permission from the Presiding Officer.
E. Voting Procedure. After discussion has been concluded and the Mayor, the
Councilmember who made the motion or the Town Clerk has restated the motion
under consideration, the following procedure shall apply:
1. Casting a Vote:
a. In acting upon every motion, the vote shall be taken by casting a
mechanical yes/no vote, voice, roll call or any other method as
determined by the Presiding Officer, by which the vote of each member
of the Public Body can be clearly ascertained and recorded in the
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meeting minutes. Upon the request of the Mayor or a Councilmember,
the vote shall be taken by roll call.
b. The vote on each motion shall be entered into the record by names of
the Councilmembers voting for or against. The Record also shall include
the names of any member not casting a vote by reason of being absent
from the room at the time of the vote.
c. If a Councilmember has declared a Conflict of Interest, the Town Clerk
shall include a statement such as "Abstained due to declared Conflict
of Interest" in the official minutes as part of the results of the vote.
d. If the roll call method of voting is used, the Town Clerk or designee shall
call the names of all members in random order with each new vote.
Members shall respond "Aye"or "Nay."
2. Failure to Vote:
a. All Councilmembers in attendance at a duly called meeting that requires
formal Council action are required to vote. A member may abstain from
voting only if he/she has a conflict of interest under State law, in which
case such member shall take no part in the deliberations on the matter in
question.
b. Should a Councilmember fail to vote or offer a voluntary abstention,
his/her vote shall be counted with the majority of votes cast, unless the
Councilmember's vote is excused by the State law; however, in the
event of a tie vote, his/her vote shall be counted as "Aye."
3. Reconsideration: Any Councilmember who voted with the majority may move
a reconsideration of any action at the same or next regular meeting. To ensure
that the open meeting law requirements are met, a written request from such
Councilmember must be submitted to the Town Clerk's Office at least nine days
prior to the next regular meeting. After a motion for reconsideration has once
been acted upon, no other motion for reconsideration thereof shall be made
without the unanimous consent of the Council.
4. The affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum shall be required for passage of
any matter before the Council.
SECTION 7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
7.1 INTRODUCTION
Occasionally, a Councilmember may find himself/herself in a situation that requires a
Councilmember remove himself/herself from participation in discussion and voting on a matter
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before the Council. This situation exists when the Councilmember has a "conflict of interest"
as defined by the Arizona Conflict of Interest Law. This law establishes minimum standards
for the conduct of public officers and employees who, in their official capacity, are, or may
become involved with, a decision, which might unduly affect their personal interests or those
of their close relatives.
7.2 PURPOSE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST LAWS
The purpose of Arizona's Conflict of Interest Law is to prevent self-dealing by public officials
and to remove or limit any improper influence, direct or indirect, which might bear on an official's
decision, as well as to discourage deliberate dishonesty.
7.3 APPLICABILITY OF THE ARIZONA CONFLICT OF INTEREST LAW
The Arizona Conflict of Interest Law as now set forth or as amended in the future, applies to
all actions taken by Councilmembers, Board members, Commissioners, and Committee
members.
7.4 DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Any Councilmember, Board member, Commissioner, or Committee member who may have
a conflict of interest should seek the opinion of the Town Attorney as to whether a conflict
exists under the State law. Any member who has a conflict of interest in any decision must
disclose that interest at the meeting and in writing on a form provided by the Town Clerk. The
disclosure of the conflict shall include a statement that the member withdraws from further
participation regarding the matter. The Town Clerk or designee shall maintain for public
inspection all documents necessary to memorialize all disclosures of a conflict of interest by a
member.
7.5 WITHDRAWAL FROM PARTICIPATION
Having disclosed the conflict of interest and withdrawn in the matter, the Councilmember,
Board member, Commissioner, or Committee member must not communicate about the matter
with anyone involved in the decision making process in any manner. Further, the member
should not otherwise attempt to influence the decision and should remove himself/herself
from the Council Chamber, or other location where a meeting is being held, while the matter
is considered. Failure to disclose any conflict of interest is addressed in Section 7.8 below.
7.6 RULE OF IMPOSSIBILITY
In the unlikely situation that the majority of Councilmembers, Board members,
Commissioners, or Committee members have a conflict of interest and the Council, Board,
Commission or Committee is unable to act in its official capacity, members may participate
in the discussion and decision after making known their conflicts of interest in the official
records.
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7.7 IMPROPER USE OF OFFICE FOR PERSONAL GAIN
Public officers and employees are prohibited from using or attempting to use their official
positions to secure valuable things or benefits for themselves, unless such benefits are (A) part
of the compensation they would normally be entitled to for performing their duties or
(B) otherwise permitted according to State Law.
7.8 SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS
Violations of the conflict of interest provisions set forth herein shall be punished as provided
for in State law.
7.9 NON-STATUTORY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Occasionally, a Councilmember, Board member, Commissioner, or Committee member may
feel that he/she should ethically refrain from participation in a decision even
though the circumstances may not amount to a conflict of interest under the State law
described above. It is the policy of the Council to encourage members to adhere to strongly
held ethical values, which are exercised in good faith. However, subsection 6.6(E) (2) above
encourages participation in the decision making process unless the matter involves a
statutory conflict of interest set forth by State law.
SECTION 8. CODE OF ETHICS
The purpose of this policy for the Town is to ensure the quality of the Town Government through
ethical principles that shall govern the conduct of the Council and members of the Town's
boards, commissions, and committees.
In furtherance of this purpose, we shall:
8.1 OBEY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
THE CONSTITUTION, AND LAWS OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA AND THE LAWS
OF THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS.
8.2 BE DEDICATED TO THE CONCEPTS OF EFFECTIVE AND DEMOCRATIC LOCAL
GOVERNMENT THROUGH DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP.
We shall honor and respect the principles and spirit of representative democracy and
shall set a positive example of good citizenship by scrupulously observing the letter
and spirit of laws, rules, and regulations.
8.3 AFFIRM THE DIGNITY AND WORTH OF THE SERVICES RENDERED BY THE TOWN
GOVERNMENT AND MAINTAIN A DEEP SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
AS A TRUSTED PUBLIC SERVANT.
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8.4 BE DEDICATED TO THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF HONOR, ETHICS, AND INTEGRITY
IN ALL PUBLIC AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS.
A. Public Confidence. We shall conduct ourselves so as to maintain public confidence in
Town government and in the performance of the public trust.
B. Impression of Influence. We shall conduct our official and personal affairs in such a
manner as to give a clear impression that we cannot be improperly influenced in the
performance of our official duties.
8.5 RECOGNIZE THAT THE CHIEF FUNCTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS AT ALL
TIMES TO SERVE THE BEST INTERESTS OF ALL THE PEOPLE.
We shall treat our office as a public trust, only using the power and resources of
public office to advance public interests and not to attain personal benefit or pursue
any other private interest incompatible with the public good.
8.6 KEEP THE COMMUNITY INFORMED ON MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS; ENCOURAGE
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CITIZENS AND ALL MUNICIPAL OFFICERS;
EMPHASIZE FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC; AND SEEK
TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND IMAGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE.
A. Accountability. We shall ensure that government is conducted openly, efficiently,
equitably, honorably, and in a manner that permits the citizens to become fully
informed to allow them to hold Town officials accountable.
B. Respectability. We shall safeguard public confidence in the integrity of Town
government by being honest, fair, caring, and respectful, and by avoiding conduct
creating the unexplainable appearance of impropriety, or impropriety of which is
otherwise unbefitting a public official.
8.7 SEEK NO FAVOR; BELIEVE THAT PERSONAL BENEFIT OR PROFIT SECURED
BY CONFIDENTIAL OR PRIVILEGED INFORMATION OR BY MISUSE OF PUBLIC
TIME IS DISHONEST.
A. Private Employment. We shall take any steps necessary to ensure that we comply
with the State law regarding conflicts of interest when we engage in, solicit, negotiate
for, or promise to accept private employment or render services for private interests or
conduct a private business.
B. Confidential Information. We shall not disclose to others, or use to further our personal
interest, confidential information acquired in the course of our official duties.
C. Gifts. We shall not directly or indirectly, in connection with service to the Town, solicit
any gift or accept or receive any gift - of any value - whether it be money, services,
ban, travel, entertainment, hospitality, promise, or any other form of gratuity. This policy
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shall not apply to hospitality, transportation or other assistance provided to Town
officials when such hospitality, transportation of other assistance is (i) directly related to
their participation in community events as a representative of the Town or (ii) of
inconsequential value and accepted as a courtesy.
D. Investment in conflict with official duties. We shall not invest or hold any investment,
directly or indirectly, in any financial business, commercial or other private transaction
that creates a conflict with our official duties.
E. Personal relationships. Personal relationships shall be disclosed in any instance where
there could be the appearance of conflict of interest or a conflict of interest
8.8 CONDUCT BUSINESS OF THE TOWN IN A MANNER, WHICH IS NOT ONLY FAIR
IN FACT, BUT ALSO FAIR IN APPEARANCE.
8.9 PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING, MUTUAL RESPECT AND TRUST AMONG
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
CONCERNING THEIR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES WITH RESPECT TO
TOWN STAFF'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE COUNCIL'S
POLICIES_
All members of the Council, boards, commissions, or committees shall acknowledge
in writing, on a form provided by the Town Clerk, receipt of these provisions relating
to ethics.
SECTION 9. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS,AND COMMITTEES
The Fountain Hills' Council may create such boards, commissions, and committees as
deemed necessary to assist in the conduct of the operation of Town government. The Council
may authorize and direct the Town Manager to establish ad hoc committees as needed in
order to provide additional flexibility with regard to conducting Town business.
9.1 REGULARLY SCHEDULED OR UNSCHEDULED BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES
A. Classification. All boards, commissions, and committees of the Town shall be classified
as regularly scheduled or unscheduled boards, commissions, and committees.
Regularly scheduled boards, commissions, and committees are those that meet on a
regularly-scheduled basis or may be quasi-judicial in nature. Unscheduled boards,
commissions, and committees meet on an as-called basis.
B. Regularly Scheduled. Regularly scheduled boards, commissions, and committees
include:
1. Planning and Zoning Commission
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2. Community Services Advisory Commission
3. McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
4. Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
5. Sister Cities Advisory Commission
6. Municipal Property Corporation
C. Unscheduled. Unscheduled boards, commissions, and committees:
1. Ad Hoc Committees
2. Board of Adjustment
3. Building Safety Board of Appeals
D. Sunset. Except for the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of
Adjustment, any board, commission, or committee created shall cease to exist
(1) upon the accomplishment of the special purpose for which it was created or
(2) when abolished by a majority vote of the Council.
9.2 SELECTION OF BOARD, COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A. Call for Applications. The call for applications to fill vacant seats for boards,
commissions and committees shall include a request for:
1. A cover letter of interest.
2. A resume.
3. The application that describes the applicant's skills, experience, and
education background needed to ensure the successful filling of the
vacancy.
4. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire specific to a board,
commission, or committee application, if such questionnaire is included.
5. The consent to executive session form.
6. If a member whose term will be expiring wishes to reapply for an additional term
on the same board, commission or committee, such member is exempt from
filing those items listed in Subsections 9.2 (A)(1-4). However, such member
shall submit in writing, on a form provided by the Town Clerk that includes a
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request for the Council's consideration of reappointment in addition to the consent
to executive session as listed in Subsection 9.2(A)(5). The member may include
any new or additional information that is relevant to the original application
already on file.
B. Advertising/Timing and Location. The Town Clerk shall be responsible for advertising to
fill vacant seats to boards, commissions, and committees for at least two weeks and no
later than two months, prior to the expiration of the current board, commission, or
committee member(s) term, via:
1. The Town's government access channel.
2. Newspaper advertising.
3. The Town website.
4. The Town's official posting sites as listed in Section 2-4-3 of the
Fountain Hills Town Code. The downloadable application packet will be
placed on the Town's website for public access with hard copies made
available to the public through the Customer Service Representative.
C. Advertisement Contents. Advertisement of vacancies shall include the following:
1. The name of the board, commission, or committee.
2. The number of vacancies to be filled.
3. A brief description of the board, commission, or committee.
4. A brief description of the qualifications, skills and experience background
applicants should possess, if any.
5. An overview of when the board, commission, or committee meets.
6. The deadline for submitting applications.
7. Listing of applicant information required and location where application packets
may be obtained.
8. Staff liaison contact information.
9. The dates of publication in the local paper.
D. Staff Review. Individuals applying for boards, commissions, or committees must
submit to the Town Clerk those items as listed in Subsection 9.2(A) above by the
published deadline. The Town Clerk and Staff Liaison will review the application(s) to
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;:w 1 .t.+rt ti7 w+'[!a *� . :. 'a .
ensure that the applicant(s) meet the qualifications as listed in Subsection 9.4(A)
below.
E. Council Materials. The staff liaison to the board, commission, or committee will
assemble and copy all application packets and provide all supporting materials to all
Council members.
F. Subcommittee Review/Interview. The Council subcommittee shall interview all applicants,
unless there are more than five applicants for each vacancy, in which case the
subcommittee may choose, at its discretion, to limit the number of interviewed applicants
to five per vacancy after meeting to review all of the applications. The staff liaison
will schedule an appropriate time to interview qualified applicants in person or via
telephone, and shall prepare and post the agenda for an executive session in accordance
with the Arizona open meeting law for said interviews. Interviews shall be conducted in
Executive Session unless the applicant requests the interview be held at a public meeting.
G. Subcommittee Recommendation. After the interviews have concluded, the staff
liaison, Town Clerk or the Council Subcommittee chair shall advise the Mayor of the
subcommittee's discussion and appointment recommendation(s).
H. Council Consideration. The Town Clerk shall prepare the agenda action form according
to the submission deadline for the next appropriate Council meeting agenda,
including the following information: (1) a review of the steps taken to recruit
applicants, (2) the number of vacancies to be filled along with the names of those
members whose terms expire, (3) the number of applications received and (4) the
specific term to be filled.
Notification of Council Meeting. The staff liaison shall notify the appointee(s) that he/she
is a possible candidate for appointment to a board, commission, or committee and
suggest that he/she may want to be present at the scheduled meeting when the
recommendation is presented to the Council.
J. Notification of Council Action. Following the Council's approval of the Mayor's
appointment(s) to a board, commission, or committee, the Town Clerk shall notify
appointees as to their appointment and provide them with an Oath of Office, Ethics Policy
and Open Meeting Law Affirmation for their signature and return. Those applicants not
chosen to fill a vacancy on a board, commission, or committee, will be provided written
notification by the Town Clerk outlining the Council's appointments and they will be
provided with an application of interest for consideration of applying for any other board,
commission and committee vacancies.
K. Appointee Orientation. The staff liaison will provide specific details to the new
appointees relative to: (1) their attendance at the "official" board, commission, or
committee orientation, and (2) all official literature, agendas, minutes, or other
materials specific to their appointment.
•
9.3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES
A. Appointments Subcommittee. The Mayor may annually appoint Council Subcommittees
for board, commission and committee appointments. Each subcommittee shall be made
up of three Councilmembers. The Mayor may appoint himself/herself to this
subcommittee. If no such subcommittee is appointed, at a minimum, a quorum of the
Fountain Hills Council shall review applications and conduct interviews for the various
boards, commissions, and committees to fill vacancies based upon the applicants'skills,
experience, and background as required under Section 9.4 below.
B. Subcommittee Purpose. The purpose of this Council Subcommittee is to review
applications, interview applicants (typically in Executive Session) and provide a
recommendation to the Mayor for possible appointment to fill vacancies based upon the
applicants' skills, experience, and background as required under Section 9.4 below.
C. Appointment Timing. The process of application review and interviews will be
conducted in such a manner as to allow for the appointments to coincide with the
term expiration of the current board, commission or committee member(s) term or as
soon thereafter as reasonably possible.
9.4 QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENTS; EMPLOYEES OR APPOINTED OFFICERS
AS MEMBERS
A. Minimum Qualifications. All members of boards, commissions, and committees shall
meet the following minimum qualifications upon their appointment to any board,
commission, or committee. Each member must be:
1. Eighteen years of age or older, for any board, commission, or committee
seats, designated by Council; except for members appointed to Youth
Commissioner position for youth representation.
2. A Fountain Hills resident for at least one year, unless the Council specifically
waives this time or residency requirement for a specific board, commission or
committee.
3. A qualified elector, except youth appointees.
B. Prohibited Appointees. Town employees or appointed officers shall not be eligible for
appointment to any board, commission, or committee but may be requested to provide
staff support thereto. Councilmembers are prohibited from serving on regularly scheduled
commissions as listed in Subsection 9.1(B) above and the Board of Adjustment.
C. Ex-Officio Members. The Mayor, with the consent of the Council, may from time to
time appoint ex-officio members to those boards, commissions or committees as set
forth in the bylaws of such body. Such members shall serve at the pleasure of the
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Mayor and Council. Ex-officio members shall not be entitled to vote on any matter
brought before the commission.
9.5 TERMS, VACANCIES, REMOVAL
A . Terms. All members of unscheduled boards, commissions, and committees shall serve
a term of up to three years, or until the board, commission, or committee is dissolved,
unless Council action, Town Code, or Arizona Revised Statutes specifically designates
terms.
B. Staggered Terms for Smaller Boards. For those regularly scheduled boards,
commissions, and committees having five members or fewer, the terms of office shall
be staggered so that no more than three terms shall expire in any single year when
possible; provided, however, that no staggering of terms shall be required for any boards,
commission, or committee that will be in existence for a single term.
C Staggered Terms for Larger Boards. For those boards, commissions, and committees
having more than five members but less than eight members, the terms of office shall
be staggered so that no more than four terms shall expire in any single year when
possible; provided, however, that no staggering of terms shall be required for any board,
commission, or committee that will be in existence for a single term.
D. Simultaneous Service Limitation. No individual may serve as a voting member on
more than one regularly scheduled or unscheduled board, commission, and committee
at one time.
E. Vacancies. A vacancy on a board, commission, or committee shall be deemed to have
occurred upon the following:
1. Death or resignation of a member of a board, commission, or committee.
2. A member ceasing to be a resident of the Town of Fountain Hills, unless the
Council has provided that such member may be a non-resident.
3. Three successive unexcused or unexplained absences by a member from any
regular or special board, commission, or committee meetings. However, the
term of all members shall extend until their successors are appointed and
qualified.
F. Removal. Any board, commission, or committee member may be removed as a
member to that board, commission, or committee upon a vote of not less than four
Councilmembers for any cause as determined by the Council.
G. Filling Vacancy. Whenever a vacancy has occurred on one board, commission, or
committee procedures described in Sections 9.2, 9.3, and 9.4 above will be used to
Rules of Procedure-March 5,2019
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generate applicants, interview applicants, and make a recommendation for a potential
appointee.
H. Re-appointment. An incumbent member of a board, commission, or committee seeking
reappointment shall submit, in writing on a form provided by the Town Clerk that
includes a request for the Council's consideration of reappointment in addition to the
consent to executive session form by the published deadline in order to be considered
for appointment by the Council. The member may include anyone or additional
information that is relevant to the original application already on fil
9.6 APPLICABILITY OF THE ARIZONA OPEN MEETING LAW
All boards, commissions, and committees are subject to the Arizona Open Meeting Law and
therefore shall attend the Town's Annual Open Meeting Law training.
9.7 RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Members of all boards, commissions or committees shall be residents of the Town.