Fountain Hills resident Beth Culp filed a notice of claim with the Town of Fountain Hills Monday, May 18, concerning alleged violations of Arizona open meeting law, Arizona constitution and First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Named alongside the town in Culp’s claim are Mayor Gerry Friedel, Vice Mayor Gayle Earle and Councilmembers Rick Watts, Allen Skillicorn and Hannah Larrabee.
The claim states Culp intends to pursue legal action concerning the alleged violations, which she says took place during council meetings on Nov. 18, 2025, and Feb. 3, 2026. Culp is seeking compensatory damages and declaratory and injunctive relief for the accused violations. She has previously filed complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s office related to these matters.
