1) The managing attorneys, under administrative direction of the commissioner of law are responsible for the department of law's preparation of ordinances, resolutions and legal advice. In the performance of these functions, the managing attorneys shall serve as liaison between the council and the department of law.
2) All requests for ordinances, resolutions and legal advice shall be made in writing to the commissioner of law. However, in the following circumstances only; such requests may be made orally:
a. Simple or routine matters that can be readily handled off-hand, such as photocopying of documents, location of a particular statute, etc.;
b. Emergencies; or
c. When time requirements make it impracticable, such as during a council meeting, etc.
When oral requests are made, they should, if possible, be directed to the commissioner of law or managing attorneys. In their absence, requests should be made to the senior staff attorney present at the time the matter arises.
3) Every written request should contain the following information:
a. Whether an ordinance, resolution and/or legal advice is sought;
b. The factual situation, if any, which has given rise to the request;
c. Whether the attorney assigned to work on the request should contact the council member before beginning work; and
d. The deadline for completing the project.
4) In the event of delays or questions concerning projects underway in the department of law, council members should consult either the commissioner of law or managing attorneys.
5) All ordinances and resolutions will usually be prepared by the department of law upon the written request of any council member. All ordinances and resolutions not prepared by the department of law shall be timely submitted to said department for review before delivery to the council clerk for first reading.
6) The managing attorneys on a rotational basis, shall be present at all official meetings of the council. In the case of work sessions or committee or subcommittee meetings, an attorney will be present if either (a) their attendance is requested or (b) a project on which they have worked is scheduled for discussion.
(Res. No. 599-2023, § 2, 11-2-23)