(A) Creation of office. The office of City Attorney is hereby created. It shall consist of the City Attorney and such assistants as may be authorized by the Council.
(B) Appointment of City Attorney. The City Attorney shall be appointed by a majority vote of the City Council for an indefinite term and shall serve under the direct supervision and control of the Council as its legal advisor. The City Attorney shall hold office for and at the pleasure of the Council. Nothing in this section, however, shall be construed as a limitation on the power of authority of the Council to enter into any supplemental agreement with the City Attorney delineating additional terms and conditions of employment.
(C) Removal of City Attorney. The City Attorney may be removed by the Council by a majority vote of its members, without right of hearing, unless such hearing is required by state or federal law.
(D) Retainment of other counsel. The Council may retain or employ other attorneys, assistants or special counsel as may be needed to take charge of any litigation or legal matters or to assist the City Attorney herein.
(E) Compensation. The City Attorney shall receive such compensation and expense allowance as the City Council shall from time to time determine, and such compensation shall be a proper charge against such funds of the city, as the Council shall designate.
(F) Duties of City Attorney. The duties and functions of the City Attorney shall be as follows:
(1) Advise the Council and all city officers in all matters of law pertaining to their office;
(2) Furnish legal service at all meetings of the Council, except when excused or disabled, and give advice or opinions on the legality of all matters under consideration by the Council or by any of the boards or commissions or officers of the city;
(3) Prepare and/or approve all ordinances, resolutions, agreements, contracts and other legal instruments as shall be required for the proper conduct of the business of the city; and
(4) Prosecute and defend all suits, actions or causes wherein the city is a party.
(Prior Code, § 2-2.04) (Ord. 938, passed 12-12-2014)