Council to codify claims and lien authority; notice and mediation language cleaned up

City staff presented a proposed ordinance to amend Sedona City Code Chapter 3.1 (claims and demands against the city) that would clarify the city’s existing lien and settlement authorities and remove obsolete references to a volunteer mediation service.

Why it matters: the changes aim to document existing practice so staff and the public have clearer guidance on when notice of claim is required, how the city can file liens for unpaid civil penalties and who may settle claims or disputes.

Proposal details Monique, the staff presenter, said the revision clarifies that notice of claim is required only for monetary damages and extends codified settlement authority language to include claims and lawsuits brought by the city (for example, in easement or condemnation matters). She told the council the city manager’s settlement authority would remain at $25,000 or less.

Volunteer mediation and public questions Monique said the code currently references a city volunteer mediation service that she believed no longer exists and proposed removing those references. During discussion a council member recalled the volunteer mediator Paul Friedman had served until about a year to two years ago. Monique and staff confirmed the city manager’s mediation service remains available and that staff had been seeking a new mediator following Mr. Friedman’s departure.

Next steps Monique said, because the revision is short and simply codifies existing authorities, she planned to bring the amendment back as a consent item at a future meeting. No formal ordinance vote was taken at this meeting.

Ending Staff will place the chapter 3.1 revisions on a future consent agenda once redlines and clean copies are prepared.