(A) The Department of Law shall be headed by the City Attorney who shall be charged with the performance of all legal services of the city, including those of legal advisor to the Council, the Manager, and to all departments and officers of the city, and the prosecution of all cases arising out of the violation of the provisions of the city ordinances. The City Attorney shall also represent the city in matters in which the city is interested coming before any court or tribunal and shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Manager.
(B) (1) The City Attorney shall investigate all cases in which worker’s compensation is involved, shall file all papers and documents required by the Worker’s Disability Compensation Act, Public Act 317 of 1969, being M.C.L. §§ 418.101 et seq. of this state, and shall prepare and approve all worker’s compensation payrolls.
(2) The City Attorney may, with the approval of the City Manager, enter into worker’s compensation redemption (settlement) agreements and applications for lump sum advances in cases where the city is, or may reasonably expect to become, legally liable for worker’s compensation benefits; provided, that the total amount to be paid does not exceed two-thirds of the computed value of deferred weekly indemnity benefits as computed in accordance with the Worker’s Disability Act of this state. The Finance Director shall pay such redemption agreements and lump sum advances as approved by the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the Worker’s Compensation Bureau, subject to availability of funds appropriated for that purpose by the Council.
(C) The City Attorney shall be charged with the responsibility for calling to the attention of the Manager all matters of law affecting the city.
(D) The City Attorney may, with the approval of the City Manager, adjust, settle, or compromise any action, causes of action, account, debt, claim, demand, dispute, 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, not involving a sum exceeding or requiring payment to exceed $2,000, provided the money to settle claims generally has been appropriated and is available therefor. The City Attorney shall keep a record of all claims and suits disposed of under the provisions of this subsection and of division (B)(2) above.
(E) When an officer or employee of the city requests in writing to be legally represented by the City Attorney, and such request is approved by the City Manager, in any matter involving injury to persons or property not exceeding $2,000 caused by negligence of the officer or employee while in the course of employment and while acting within the scope of authority, the matter may be handled and disposed of as if it were a claim against the city under division (D) above.
(Prior Code, § 11.16) (Ord. D-1571, passed 1-25-1988, effective 2-4-1988)