As provided in Chapter IX., § 2 of the Charter, the mayor and council will annually elect one of the councilmembers to serve as vice mayor. The following provisions apply to the election and the duties of the vice mayor.
(a) Letter of Interest. Any councilmember interested in being elected as vice mayor shall submit a letter of interest to the city clerk no later than the third Monday in November, which will be shared with the mayor and council. The letter should describe the councilmember's goals and objectives during the term.
(b) Election. The mayor and council shall meet in the first week in December each year to elect a vice mayor. In years involving a general municipal election, that meeting shall be on the first Monday in December. In electing the vice mayor, they will choose from interested councilmembers who have submitted a letter of interest. If none have submitted a letter of interest, they will choose from any of the then-current councilmembers.
(c) Voting. Election of the vice mayor will be determined by simple majority vote of the mayor and council.
(e) Vacancy. If the office of the vice mayor becomes vacant, the mayor and council shall meet within a reasonable time to elect a new vice mayor to serve the remainder of the existing term.
(f) Duties. The vice mayor will:
(1) Work to develop a positive working relationship with and among the mayor and council.
(2) Oversee specific priority projects and policies as determined by the mayor and council.
(3) During the absence or disability of the Mayor, act as mayor pro tempore, consistent with Chapter VIII, § 1 of the Charter. During such absence or disability, the powers and duties of the office of mayor devolve upon the vice mayor.
(4) In case of a vacancy in the office of the mayor, act as mayor until such vacancy is filled, consistent with Chapter VIII, § 1 of the Charter. During such vacancy, the powers and duties of the office of mayor devolve upon the vice mayor.
(5) Sign approved ordinances and resolutions during the absence, disability, or vacancy of the mayor.
(6) Serve as the city's liaison to membership organizations or associations of governmental entities (e.g., the League of Arizona Cities and Towns), as the mayor may designate from time to time. As the city's liaison, the vice mayor will build relationships and advocate for the city's interests. The vice mayor will keep the mayor and council informed about developments related to these organizations or associations.
(7) Serve as the city's intergovernmental liaison to the Arizona legislature and legislative committees, regional governmental committees, elected and appointed officials, and other Arizona local governments, as the mayor may designate from time to time. As the intergovernmental liaison, the vice mayor will build relationships and advocate for the city's interests. The vice mayor will keep the mayor and council informed about developments related to these intergovernmental entities.
(g) Limitations. The vice mayor does not have the authority to obligate the city or the mayor and council in any way without prior authorization of the mayor and council; but may make recommendations to the mayor and council on matters relating to the duties of the vice mayor.
(Ord. No. 12058, § 1, 11-14-23)