2.14.020 Selection and qualifications.
2.14.030 Contract approval and term.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a clear, efficient, and effective process for retaining the services of a city attorney, consistent with past practice and the requirements of RCW 35A.12.020. Consistent with the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct, the city attorney shall owe his or her professional responsibilities and obligations to the city as a municipal entity, rather than to any particular branch, department, or individual member of the city government.
(Ord. No. 1124, § 1, 8-1-2019)
2.14.020 Selection and qualifications.
The city attorney shall be selected by the mayor with confirmation by the council, and shall serve at the pleasure and under the primary direction of the mayor. The city attorney shall be selected based on his or her qualifications for the duties of the office and shall have the necessary training and experience in municipal law and related legal matters to effectively advise the city (including its staff and all elected and appointed officials) regarding the rights and responsibilities of the city, its staff, and its officials, and to promote compliance with applicable laws. The city attorney shall be licensed to practice law in the state of Washington, be a member in good standing of the state bar association, and have practiced law for a minimum of five years. The city attorney shall hold no other classified, appointive, or elected position in city government. The duties and powers of the city attorney include those duties and powers specified elsewhere in the municipal code, as well as those specified in his or her contract.
(Ord. No. 1124, § 1, 8-1-2019)
2.14.030 Contract approval and term.
The city attorney shall be retained on a professional service contract on terms deemed appropriate by the mayor with any necessary approval for budget purposes by the council. The contract shall specify that the city attorney serves at the pleasure of the mayor and under the mayor's primary direction. In no event may the city attorney contract purport to limit the city attorney to advising only certain persons or city officials. Rather, the city attorney shall advise all duly appointed and elected officials and staff of the city, subject to budgetary limitations as set by the council and administered by the mayor. The city attorney contract shall be for an initial term of two years, and any extensions beyond the initial term shall require council confirmation.
(Ord. No. 1124, § 1, 8-1-2019; Ord. No. 1126, § 1, 9-5-2019)