Chapter 2.12
CITY ATTORNEY

Sections:

2.12.010    Creation of department.

2.12.020    City attorney—Appointment and confirmation.

2.12.030    City attorney—Duties and responsibilities.

2.12.010 Creation of department.

There is established in the city a department known as the legal department which shall be under the supervision of the city attorney, subject to the direction of the mayor and/or city administrator. (Ord. 2000-21 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)

2.12.020 City attorney—Appointment and confirmation.

A.    There is hereby created the position of city attorney. The city attorney shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by a majority of the city council. The city attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor.

B.    The city attorney shall have any combination equivalent to a law degree with admission to practice law in the state of Washington and comprehensive municipal experience in criminal and civil matters including increasingly responsible legal management and administrative duties. (Ord. 2000-21 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)

2.12.030 City attorney—Duties and responsibilities.

A.    Duties and Responsibilities. The office of city attorney shall be the legal advisor to the mayor and council and of all of the officers, commissions and boards of the city in relation to matters pertaining to their operations in a governmental capacity. The city attorney shall:

1.    Represent the city in litigation, as assigned, in all courts in which the city is a party or directly interested and shall act generally as attorney for the city and the several departments of the city government, together with such additional duties as the council may prescribe by ordinance from time to time.

2.    In addition to the duties prescribed by the laws of the state of Washington, as hereinabove set forth, the city attorney shall: attend all regular and special meetings of the council; review and approve, as to form, all proposed ordinances, resolutions, leases, instruments of conveyances, contracts and agreements, and such other and similar instruments as may be required by the business of the city when requested to do so by the council, mayor, city administrator, or department head.

3.    Advise the council, boards, commissions, department heads and other city officials and officers including the rendering of formal opinions when so requested, or when it appears to the attorney advisable to do so; consult with and participate with other city officials or representatives of the city concerning settlement of claims against the city or its officials, officers and employees while acting in their official, governmental capacities; and attend, when requested to do so, official meetings of any board or commission in connection with the proposed drafting of any ordinances, resolutions or contracts.

4.    Prosecute in the court of criminal jurisdiction, and on appeal in appellate courts, all alleged violations of city ordinances including, but not limited to, domestic violence, DUI, theft, assault in all courts.

5.    Perform the following risk management and insurance administration: receive all claims for damages and respond or forward to the insurance carrier; receive all lawsuits, notify the insurance carrier; coordinate claims of damage to city property and process for restitution or subrogation; maintain current inventory of insured property to ensure insurance coverage.

6.    When a conflict of interest occurs in any city matter coming to their attention, advise and request the mayor to appoint a temporary substitute city attorney as to any such matter. (Ord. 2000-21 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)