A. The office of the city attorney is established. It shall consist of the city attorney and such assistants as may be authorized by the council. The city attorney shall administer the office and be responsible for the successful performance of its functions. He or she shall serve under the direct supervision and control of the council as its legal advisor. The city council may enter into a contract with a private law firm to perform the services of city attorney and, in that connection, may designate a city attorney and such assistant city attorneys as are deemed necessary, and references in this chapter to city attorney or the office of city attorney will include any applicable law firm and performance of the functions by any of its members or employed attorneys.
B. The city attorney may retain or employ other attorneys, assistants, or special counsel as may be needed to take charge of any litigation or legal matters or assist the city attorney therein; provided, however, that such employment or retainer shall be reported to the city council at the regular meeting thereof next following the employment or retainer. (Ord. 3 § 1 (part), 1991: prior code § 2.16.010)