(A) The position of City Attorney is herein established. The City Attorney shall be appointed by the Manager to render legal services to the city as may be required by the Manager, including but not limited to the following services:
(1) The City Attorney shall serve as chief legal advisor on city affairs to the Manager. Upon request of the Mayor, any Council member, or the Manager, a legal opinion shall be presented in writing unless a majority of the Council directs otherwise.
(2) The City Attorney shall handle all legal matters relating to assessments and condemnation proceedings.
(3) The City Attorney shall supervise the drafting of contracts, leases, and ordinances involving the city.
(4) The City Attorney shall see to the enforcement of judgments or decrees rendered or entered in favor of the city.
(5) The City Attorney shall prosecute or defend all suits and actions at law or equity to which the city may be a party or may be interested and shall represent the city in all litigation except as otherwise directed.
(6) The City Attorney shall serve as legal advisor to the Police Department.
(7) The City Attorney shall attend all Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings upon request.
(B) The City Attorney shall have the right to employ such assistants as the Attorney shall designate, subject to the financial restrictions of this code, Minnesota law, and the Charter.
(C) Should a conflict or potential conflict of interest occur between representation of the interests of the city and representation of the interests of the Mayor, any Council member, or Manager, the City Manager may upon advice of the City Attorney employ a Special Assistant City Attorney for any legitimate purpose relating to such conflict.
(`77 Code, § 3.205)