§ 407. Law.

(a)

Duties. There will exist a Law Department, under the supervision of the City Attorney, to perform the following duties:

(1)

Manage litigation. Direct the management of all litigation in which the City is a party or is interested;

(2)

Representation of the City. Represent the City in all legal matters and proceedings in which the City is a party or interested;

(3)

Prosecution of ordinance violations. Represent the City in the prosecution of all ordinance violations;

(4)

Counsel to officials. Advise the Mayor, Council or any committee or member thereof and the City Manager, heads of all departments, boards, commissions and offices concerning any legal questions affecting the City's interest;

(5)

Contract approval. Approve, as to form, all contracts, deeds, bonds and other documents to be signed in the name of, or made to, or with the City, unless excused by ordinance;

(6)

Review initiative petitions. When requested by a committee of petitioners providing a copy of a petition to be distributed, review a petition for initiative to provide comments on the lawfulness of the proposed legislation and the petition. An initial review should be completed within thirty days, and any subsequent reviews within fifteen days; and

(7)

All other assigned duties. Perform such other duties as the Council may by ordinance or resolution require.

(b)

Appointment. The City Attorney shall be appointed by the City Manager and be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri.

(c)

Assistants. The City Attorney may act through assistants, and shall, in accordance with the personnel rules and regulations of the City, appoint Assistant City Attorneys as may be authorized by ordinance.

(d)

Removal. The City Attorney may be removed by the Mayor and Council upon the recommendation of the City Manager.

(Ord. No. 140061 , § 4, 1-23-14, eff. 5-1-14)