§ 2-51. Open government.

(a)

The citizens of Scottsdale expect and deserve open government. Arizona has an official public policy "that meetings of public bodies be conducted openly" and that any doubt should always be resolved "in favor of open and public meetings" (A.R.S. § 38-431.09). The city council has adopted a formal goal of "Open and Responsive Government: Make government accessible, responsive and accountable so that decisions reflect community input and expectations" (Nov. 4, 2004 Mission and Goals). And Scottsdale citizens have voted in favor of a Vision Statement that "Scottsdale will be a leader in promoting open government processes that are accessible, responsive, and fair to all of its citizen participants" (City of Scottsdale General Plan 2001, page 87).

(b)

Therefore, city officials shall conduct themselves in a manner that fully adheres to and preferably exceeds state laws concerning open meetings and transparency of actions. Indeed, city officials are encouraged to employ a "mindset of openness" in conducting the affairs of the city and should be cautious before voting to hold a portion of a meeting in executive session. Moreover, city officials are reminded that any attempt to circumvent the Open Meeting Law — such as by using technology, a "hub-and-spoke" scheme, or any other technique involving less than a quorum yet designed to communicate with a quorum of the public body — can violate the Open Meeting Law. City officials also shall show no favoritism on who has access to or receives relevant information on matters under consideration or of general public interest.

(c)

The city attorney is encouraged to vigorously promote and enforce state laws regulating open meetings, and be proactive and assertive in ensuring strict adherence to those laws reflecting the city's "mindset of openness."

(Ord. No. 3675, § 1, 5-2-06)