Section 7.1. City attorney - Appointment; qualifications
There shall be a department of law, the director of which shall be known as
the city attorney. He shall be appointed by the city manager. He shall be a
resident of the City of Springfield, Missouri, and a duly licensed attorney
of the State of Missouri. He shall receive such compensation as may be fixed
by ordinance.
Approved by vote of the people in April, 1972.
Section 7.2. Same - Powers and duties
The city attorney shall have the power and be required to:
(1) Conduct and carry on all civil suits, actions and proceedings on behalf
of the city, represent the city in all legal matters in which the city is a
party or interested, and unless otherwise provided by ordinance as herein authorized,
represent the city in all cases before the municipal court.
(2) Advise the council or any committee or member thereof, the city manager
and the heads of all departments, boards, commissions and offices concerning
any legal questions affecting the cityÕs interests.
(3) When requested by the council or any member thereof or by the city manager,
draft proposed city ordinances or amendments thereto.
(4) Prepare or officially approve as to form, all contracts, deeds, bonds, and
other documents to be signed in the name of, or made to, with, or for the benefit
of, the city, endorsing his approval thereon in writing.
(5) Direct and supervise the revision of the city's ordinances, as herein provided,
within three years after the adoption of this Charter, and thereafter shall
maintain the system of continuous revision.
(6) See to the enforcement of all ordinances, franchises and public service
commission rules and regulations relating to privately-owned utilities operating
in the city and shall represent the city in the courts and before all public
regulatory bodies in connection therewith.
(7) Perform such other legal duties as the council may by ordinance or resolution
require.
Section 7.3. Assistants; Special counsel
The council shall provide by ordinance for such assistant city attorneys as
it may deem necessary, who shall be appointed by the city attorney with the
approval of the city manager. Such assistant city attorneys shall assist the
city attorney in his official duties with power and authority under his direction
to discharge any of the duties of the city attorney. The city council shall
further have the power to employ from time to time special legal counsel as
it deems necessary.