Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the City Code thereby authorizing the City Manager and other designated City officials to execute certain contracts, change orders, and interlocal agreements not to exceed $50,000.00 and adding a new Section 2-6 thereby authorizing the City Attorney to institute lawsuits, retain outside legal counsel, settle and pay certain lawsuits, claims, fines, penalties, sanctions and severance.
Body
During the course of day-to-day business of the City, it is necessary for agreements and contracts to be executed by the City Manager. The City Council has provided authority to the City Manager for these purposes, but has done so through various council actions or by ordinance in the past. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide broad direction to provide authority to the City Manager to approve contracts and agreements. The existing limits on City Manager purchasing approval remain unchanged and any contract or agreement exceeding $50,000.00 will require the approval of the City Council. In addition to the authority of the City Manager, the ordinance also provides delegation authority to other department directors.
The ordinance also provides authority to the City Attorney in matters relating to lawsuits and the hiring of outside counsel. A survey of other cities indicates that the City Attorneys typically have authority to settle claims up to $100,000.00. The ordinance grants the City Attorney the ability to settle lawsuits and claims under $75,000.00, and separately authorizes the ability to retain outside counsel when necessary.
Recommended/Desired Action
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance.
Attachment(s)
Proposed Ordinance
Drafter
Cliff Keheley
Head of Department
Cliff Keheley