Discussion on filling the presiding magistrate position is one of three topics of the Apache Junction City Council’s Nov. 4 and 5 closed-door executive sessions.

The city of Apache Junction is hiring a presiding magistrate with a salary of $140,000 to $180,000 after accepting the resignation of Aaron Douglas LaSota, who was hired for the position in 2021 for $125,000 a year. A separation agreement states LaSota has a lawsuit alleging discrimination at the Pinal County Superior Court that will be withdrawn.

The City Council is to meet in executive session, which is not open to the public, at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, and Tuesday, Nov. 5, in the Executive Session Conference Room, 300 E. Superstition Blvd.

Both agendas have three items:

• Discussion or consideration of employment, assignment or appointment to fill the presiding magistrate position;
• Discussion or consultation for legal advice with attorneys of the city to discuss appointment of presiding magistrate city code requirements; and
• Discussion or consultation or instruction to attorneys of the city on potential presiding magistrate contract negotiation terms.

READ: What is being decided behind closed doors?

State law allows the meetings per Arizona Revised Statutes, which states, in part, that upon a public majority vote of the members constituting a quorum, a public body may hold an executive session. It goes on to list seven subsections detailing the types of meetings that may be held, according to azleg.gov.