The City Attorney may be a full-time position, provided however, that he may carry on a private practice which shall not unduly interfere with his position. The City Attorney may, from time to time with the permission of the City Manager, employ legal interns. He may be provided an office and secretarial services for purposes of conducting City business. Also, from such office he may maintain a part-time private practice, but shall be responsible for providing his own clerical staff. The City Attorney shall act to protect the interests of the City; more particularly he shall:
(a) Advise Council. Advise Council or its committees or any City officer, when thereto requested, upon all legal questions arising in the conduct of City business.
(b) Prepare Ordinances. Prepare or revise ordinances when so requested by Council or the City Manager and approve same as to form.
(c) Give Opinions. Give his opinions upon any legal matters or questions submitted to him by the City Manager.
(d) Attend Council Meetings. Attend Council meetings, upon request of the City Manager or Council, for the purpose of giving Council or the City Manager any legal advice requested.
(e) Prepare Legal Instruments. Prepare for execution contracts and similar instruments to which the City is a party or approve as to form all contracts and similar instruments to be executed by the City.
(f) Settlement of Claims. Have the power to adjust, settle, compromise or submit to arbitration, any action, cause of action, accounts, debts, claims, demands, disputes and matters in favor of or against the City or in which the City is concerned as debtor or creditor, now existing or which may hereafter arise, with the approval of the City Manager, provided the money to settle claims generally has been appropriated and is available therefor.
(g) Make Reports. Immediately report the outcome of any civil litigation in which the City Attorney or Special Counsel is representing the City to the City Manager and Council.
(h) Prosecute Offenders. Appear in the Municipal Court, in person or supervise a legal intern, in the prosecution of every person charged with the violation of a City ordinance or with the commission of a misdemeanor as declared by the City Code. In any prosecution for violation of any regulation of any Board or Commission created under authority of the Charter or State statutes the City Attorney shall act under the directions of such board or commission subject to paramount control of Council.
(i) Control Legal Services Incidental Hereto. Have charge of all legal services auxiliary to this section to include supervision of legal interns, if any and consult with Special Counsel.
(Ord. 837. Passed 5-8-90.)