(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for the appointment and qualification of the office of City Attorney.
(B) Duties. The powers and duties of the City Attorney are as follows:
(1) Location of office. Locate this office in a place provided by the city or establish the office in a location central to the general governmental activities of the municipality. The City Attorney should furnish their own office;
(2) Attend meetings. Attend meetings as requested by Council;
(3) Legal documents. Upon request formulate drafts for contracts, forms and other writings which may be required for the use of the city;
(4) Records. Keep in proper files a record of all official opinions and a docket or register of all actions prosecuted and defended by the City Attorney accompanied by all proceedings relating to said actions;
(5) Opinions. Upon request give his or her opinion in writing upon all questions of law relating to municipal matters submitted by the City Council, the Mayor, members of the City Council individually, municipal boards or the head of any municipal department;
(6) Prepare ordinances. Prepare those ordinances which the City Council may desire and direct to be prepared and report in writing to the Council upon all ordinances before their final passage by the City Council and publication;
(7) Prosecute and defend. Act as attorney for the city in all matters affecting the city’s interest and appear on behalf of the city before any court, tribunal, commission or board. He or she shall prosecute or defend all actions and proceedings when so requested by the Mayor or City Council;
(8) Bonds and papers. Sign the name of the city to all appeal bonds and to all other bonds or papers of any kind that may be essential to the prosecuting of any cause in court and, when so signed, the city shall be bound upon the same;
(9) Restriction upon appearances. Not appear on behalf of any municipal officer or employee before any court or tribunal for the private benefit of said officer or employee;
(10) Report defects. Make a written report to the City Council and interested department heads of the defects in all contracts, documents, authorized power of any city officer and ordinances submitted to him or her or coming under his or her notice;
(11) Examination of contracts. After, due examination, offer a written opinion on and recommend alterations pertaining to contracts involving the city before they become binding upon the city.
(Prior Code, Art. 3, Ch. 7) (Ord. passed 4-2-1985)