City of Somerville header
File #: 23-0645    Version: 1
Type: Order Status: Approved
File created: 4/12/2023 In control: City Council
On agenda: Final action: 4/13/2023
Enactment date: 4/13/2023 Enactment #: 215237
Title: Amending Section 2-7 (a) of the Charter Review Committee's proposed Charter text to read: SECTION 2-7: APPOINTMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL (a) Advisory Legal Counsel - Subject to appropriation, the city council may secure legal services, when needed, to seek a secondary legal opinion. The city council shall make a reasonable request for such legal services, and such request shall not be unreasonably denied by the mayor. The city solicitor and any advisory legal counsel shall consult to the extent practicable prior to the release of any secondary opinion. The legal services provided to the council shall not include representation of the council or any councilor in any litigation, or the issuance of formal legal opinions on behalf of the city. The city solicitor shall remain the only authorized officer of the city in all legal matters involving the city’s government.
Sponsors: Ben Ewen-Campen

Agenda Summary

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Amending Section 2-7 (a) of the Charter Review Committee's proposed Charter text to read: SECTION 2-7: APPOINTMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL (a) Advisory Legal Counsel - Subject to appropriation, the city council may secure legal services, when needed, to seek a secondary legal opinion. The city council shall make a reasonable request for such legal services, and such request shall not be unreasonably denied by the mayor. The city solicitor and any advisory legal counsel shall consult to the extent practicable prior to the release of any secondary opinion. The legal services provided to the council shall not include representation of the council or any councilor in any litigation, or the issuance of formal legal opinions on behalf of the city. The city solicitor shall remain the only authorized officer of the city in all legal matters involving the city’s government.

 

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Official Text

Amending Section 2-7 (a) of the Charter Review Committee's proposed Charter text to read: SECTION 2-7: APPOINTMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL (a) Advisory Legal Counsel - Subject to appropriation, the city council may secure legal services, when needed, to seek a secondary legal opinion. The city council shall make a reasonable request for such legal services, and such request shall not be unreasonably denied by the mayor. The city solicitor and any advisory legal counsel shall consult to the extent practicable prior to the release of any secondary opinion. The legal services provided to the council shall not include representation of the council or any councilor in any litigation, or the issuance of formal legal opinions on behalf of the city. The city solicitor shall remain the only authorized officer of the city in all legal matters involving the city’s government.