Title
(CONTINUED FROM APRIL 20, 2022) - Consideration of Citizen Petition Related to the Process for Preparing Formal Council Meeting Agendas
Description
This report provides the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee with information in response to a citizen petition submitted by Jeremy Thacker at the Feb. 16, 2022 City Council Formal Meeting (Attachment A).
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
The petitioner requests the City Council to allow any resident to put items on a Council Agenda. Specifically, that public comments submitted prior to a deadline of the Council's choosing, to be added to the agenda to allow for the possibility of discussion and citizen engagement.
Background
The City of Phoenix complies with Arizona Revised Statutes, Arizona’s Open Meeting Law, the City Charter, City Code and Administrative Regulations related to public meetings. The City Charter requires the City Council to act by resolution, ordinance, franchise, or formal action. The City Council properly and regularly takes these legal actions, primarily during City Council Formal Meetings, which are designated for this purpose. The process of getting an item on a City Council agenda is controlled and provided by the City Charter, City Code, and Administrative Regulations. The City Manager has the authority to set the agenda for City Council Formal Meetings. As authorized by the City Manager, items are placed on a City Council Agenda by staff to request approval of specific items by resolution, ordinance, franchise or formal action. For example, to execute a contract, change City Code language, or annex property into the City. Prior to placing an item on a City Council Agenda, staff must follow Administrative Regulations to ensure agenda items are properly formatted and vetted. Then, during the meeting the City Council votes on whether to approve or deny staff’s specific requests. Setting agendas and conducting meetings in this manner allows a large volume of City business to be efficiently conducted during each meeting. Additionally, the City Manager shall place an item on a City Council Formal Meeting Agenda at the written request of the Mayor or at least three Councilmembers. Therefore, only the City Manager, the Mayor and/or at least three Councilmembers have the authority to put items on a Council Agenda.
Allowing residents to put items on the Council Agenda would delay and disrupt the regular conduct of City business. Currently, there are several other more adequate opportunities for residents to present items to the City Council for discussion and citizen engagement.
- Residents can provide comments to the City Council on existing agenda items by registering to speak during the pertinent Council Meeting. In response, Councilmembers may consider comments provided, ask questions, or request additional details, as needed.
- Residents can address the City Council on any topic during the Citizen Comments portion of the City Council Formal Meeting. In response, Councilmembers can ask staff to review the matter or ask for the matter to be placed on a future agenda.
- Residents can submit Citizen Petitions to the City Council during the Citizen Comments portion of the City Council Formal Meeting, requesting specific action from the Council. In response and if the item meets the qualifications of a Citizen Petition, the item is scheduled onto the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee Agenda for Subcommittee review.
- Residents may also reach out to and discuss items directly with individual Council Offices.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager’s Office and the Law and City Clerk departments.