The City Solicitor shall, within a reasonable time, reply orally or in writing to an inquiry of an officer of the City who entertains doubts concerning the law in any matter before him in his official capacity, which inquiry clearly states in writing the question on which the opinion is desired. As used in this section, the term “officer” is limited to the City Manager, the Finance Director, the Chief of Police, the Building Inspector, the City Engineer, the Council acting by majority vote at a quorum at any regular or special Council meeting, and each board and commission provided for by the Charter or Codified Ordinances of the City, acting by majority vote of a quorum of such board or commission at a regular or special meeting of such board or commission. However, in any case in which the City Solicitor shall determine that the opinion requested may be given orally, and without a significant expenditure of time for research and analysis, the request for such opinion shall not require a majority vote of the Council, or board of commission as hereinbefore provided. Nothing herein provided shall prohibit the City Solicitor from rendering an opinion or providing legal advice, without request or inquiry, when he determines that such an opinion or advice is required for the lawful conduct of City affairs.
(1980 Code 35.02)