1st Session | December 2, 2025

As Arizona statutes and municipal operations evolve, clerks are tasked with maintaining accuracy, transparency, and consistency in every aspect of public administration. This comprehensive day of training revisits the fundamental duties of the Clerk’s Office while exploring current updates to law, policy, and procedure. Whether participants are new to the profession or pursuing advanced mastery, these sessions reinforce the critical role clerks play in ensuring open government, ethical compliance, and effective governance.

Meeting Administration

8:30 – 9:00 AM

Presenter:
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk, City of Goodyear

Effective meeting management is vital to ensuring efficiency, clarity, and accurate public records. This session will cover the full lifecycle of meeting administration, from agenda creation and notice posting to minute-taking and post-meeting follow-up. Participants will gain practical tools to standardize internal processes, maintain compliance, and enhance transparency. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, accessibility, and developing consistent systems that strengthen organizational credibility and public engagement.

Open Meeting Law/Council Rules of Procedure

9:00 – 9:45 AM

Presenter:
Denise Archibald, City Clerk, City of Phoenix

Transparency and accountability remain cornerstones of municipal governance. This session provides an in-depth review of Arizona’s Open Meeting Law and local council rules of procedure, helping clerks manage agendas, minutes, and public discussions with legal precision and professional confidence. Attendees will examine statutory updates, practical scenarios, and strategies to prevent common violations. The session reinforces the Clerk’s critical role in upholding public trust and ensuring transparent decision-making processes.

Public Records Law

9:45 – 10:15 AM

Presenter:
Sarah Thornhill, City Clerk, City of Prescott

Public records are a cornerstone of open government and a daily responsibility of the Clerk’s Office. This session reviews Arizona’s Public Records Law with attention to current legal interpretations, retention timelines, exemptions, and confidentiality considerations. Attendees will learn strategies for responding to requests efficiently while balancing legal compliance and public service. Through real-world examples, participants will refine their understanding of records law and strengthen their capacity to safeguard government transparency.

Records Management

10:15 – 10:45 AM

Presenter:
ASLAPR Contact

Proper records management supports both operational efficiency and historical preservation. This session focuses on compliance with state retention schedules and coordination with the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records division. Participants will review procedures for organizing, retaining, and lawfully disposing of municipal records while addressing the unique challenges of digital recordkeeping. Clerks will leave with practical tools to build or enhance their records management programs in alignment with state standards.

General Administration

10:45 – 11:15 AM

Presenter:
Marcella Sarmiento, City Clerk, City of Avondale

The Clerk’s Office is often the central hub for a wide range of legal and administrative functions essential to municipal operations. This session will explore the processing and management of key legal documents, including claims, subpoenas, summons, bids, and annexations, along with strategies for maintaining compliance and accuracy. The presenter will also review the general administration of a Clerk's Office, from providing passport and notary services to supporting public inquiries and managing various ancillary tasks not typically assigned to the Clerk’s Office. Attendees will discuss procedures that protect the integrity of municipal records, reduce legal exposure, and ensure timely response to statutory requirements. The content reinforces the Clerk’s critical role in risk management and administrative oversight, strengthening both operational effectiveness and public trust.

Elections (General/Recall)

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Presenter:
Holly Moseley, City Clerk, City of Mesa

Election administration requires precision, neutrality, and a deep understanding of Arizona’s evolving election laws. This high-level session will provide an overview of best practices for managing municipal elections, focusing on practical strategies that ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparency throughout the process. The presenters will also share updates on recall election procedures, including valuable “lessons learned” from the City of Mesa’s recent recall experience. Attendees will gain insight into effective coordination with election partners, risk mitigation, and proactive communication with candidates and the public. This session supports advanced professional growth by connecting statutory knowledge with real-world application and continuous improvement in election management.

2nd Session - December 3, 2025

Day two focuses on forward-looking issues that impact municipal operations and clerk well-being. The morning begins with a comprehensive update on Campaign Finance statutes, critical for ensuring compliance and supporting transparent elections. The day concludes with a session on professional wellness, recognizing the importance of maintaining balance, resilience, and mental clarity in a demanding public service environment. Together, these sessions reinforce the need for both technical expertise and personal sustainability in advancing the profession.

Campaign Finance Update

8:30 – 11:00 AM

Presenter:
Christina Estes-Werther, Partner, Pierce Coleman

Staying current on legislative changes is essential to ethical and compliant election administration. This session provides an expert overview of recent Campaign Finance statute updates and their implications for municipal processes. Attendees will gain clarity on reporting requirements, contribution limits, and filing obligations, with practical guidance on implementing statutory changes within their jurisdictions. Participants will also discuss real-world scenarios and compliance strategies, ensuring they leave prepared to manage campaign finance responsibilities with confidence and precision.

Mental Health/Wellness for the Municipal Clerk

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presenter:
TBD

The municipal clerk’s role is demanding and requires focus, adaptability, and consistent professionalism. This session explores practical approaches to maintaining mental and physical wellness in the context of public service. Participants will learn strategies for managing stress, balancing workloads, and fostering a healthy organizational culture. Through reflection and discussion, clerks will be reminded that sustainable leadership begins with self-care and that supporting their own well-being ultimately enhances the effectiveness of their offices and communities.