October 22, 2025, Judicial Advisory Board
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JUDICIAL ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES October 22, 2025 The Judicial Advisory Board of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on October 22, 2025, at 7:47 a.m. BOARD PRESENT BOARD ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Kelley Durham, Vice Chair Keith Berkshire Kelli Flinchbaugh Sonia Martinez Joshua Rogers Theo McCalvin, Chairperson Kent Cattani Lisa Anderson Kristin Hooker Britanee Hudson Alfred Smith Kelly Whittemore 1. Meeting called to order and roll call. Vice Chairperson Durham called the meeting to order at 7:47 a.m. and conducted a roll call. Vice Chairperson Durham excused Chairperson McCalvin and Boardmember Cattani from the entire meeting. 2. Elect Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Deputy City Clerk Lisa Anderson provided an overview of City Code 2-3-5 related to the election of a chairperson and vice chairperson. It was moved by Boardmember Flinchbaugh, seconded by Boardmember Martinez, that Boardmember McCalvin be appointed to serve a second one-year term as Chairperson of the Judicial Advisory Board. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Durham–Berkshire–Flinchbaugh–Martinez–Rogers NAYS – None ABSENT – McCalvin–Cattani Vice Chairperson Durham declared the motion carried unanimously by those present. It was moved by Boardmember Berkshire, seconded by Boardmember Rogers, that Boardmember Durham be appointed to serve a second one year-term as Vice Chairperson of the Judicial Advisory Board. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: Judicial Advisory Board October 22, 2025 Page 2 AYES – Durham–Berkshire–Flinchbaugh–Martinez–Rogers NAYS – None ABSENT – McCalvin–Cattani Vice Chairperson Durham declared the motion carried unanimously by those present. 3. Items from citizens present. There were no requests to speak. 4. Discuss and receive an update on the judicial survey collection process. Ms. Anderson reported that the Judicial Survey contract with LeCroy & Milligan was extended for an additional year. She noted that mid-term reports were received in August and that the reappointment report, covering July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025, will be issued in January. She presented the survey statistics from the July 2025 reporting period and highlighted the continued emphasis on distributing the surveys via email. She added that the next quarterly survey distribution will occur in October and will be incorporated into the reappointment report. In response to a question from Boardmember Berkshire, Ms. Anderson confirmed that response rates have increased over the past year due to the implementation of email surveys. Boardmember Martinez remarked on the rise in attorney feedback, likely attributable to ensuring surveys are sent to attorneys who have appeared before the magistrates. She noted the ongoing challenges of obtaining responses from litigants. 5. Convene an executive session. It was moved by Boardmember Berkshire, seconded by Boardmember Rogers, that the Board enter into an executive session at 7:53 a.m. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Durham–Berkshire–Flinchbaugh–Martinez–Rogers NAYS – None ABSENT – McCalvin–Cattani Vice Chairperson Durham declared the motion carried unanimously by those present. a. Discussion or consideration of employment, assignment, appointment, promotion or resignation of a public officer, appointee, or employee of the City. (A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1)); i. Reappointment of Presiding Magistrate Stephen Umpleby to a two-year term; and ii. Reappointment of Magistrate Alicia Lawler to a four-year term; and iii. Reappointment of Magistrate David Allen to a four-year term. (At 8:03 a.m. the executive session adjourned, and the Board reconvened their regular meeting.) Judicial Advisory Board October 22, 2025 Page 3 6. Review, discuss, and approve the schedule, workplan, and process for the 2025-2026 Reappointment cycle of Presiding Magistrate Stephen Umpleby, Magistrate Alicia Lawler, and Magistrate David Allen. It was moved by Boardmember Martinez, seconded by Boardmember Berkshire, to approve the schedule and workplan for the 2025-2026 reappointment cycle. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Durham–Berkshire–Flinchbaugh–Martinez–Rogers NAYS – None ABSENT – McCalvin–Cattani Vice Chairperson Durham declared the motion carried unanimously by those present. 7. Review and discuss schedule and appointment process related to the appointment of a new City Magistrate. There was no discussion on this item. 8. Staff update and scheduling of meetings. Next meeting: February 11, 2026, 7:45 a.m. Mesa City Hall – Study Session Room 20 E. Main Street 9. Adjourn. Without objection, the Judicial Advisory Board adjourned at 8:04 a.m. I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Judicial Advisory Board meeting of the City of Mesa, Arizona, held on 22nd day of October 2025. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. __________________________________________ KELLEY DURHAM, VICE CHAIRPERSON la