Implements the explicit policies enacted by the City Council.
Attends and makes presentations at City Council meetings.
Acts as legal advisor to the City Council, City boards and senior City staff.
Acts as City’s primary legal counsel.
Assists in recommending, interpreting and implementing policies and procedures.
Arbitrates questionable items within the limits of general policies.
Reviews, prepares, or assists in the preparation of all agendas, ordinances, resolutions, agreements and contracts, leases, legal opinions, deeds, liens, subpoenas, city policies, and all other City related matters, by reading various documents, entering data into the computer, attending meetings with staff, council and others, writing letters, conducting legal research and negotiations and using dispute resolutions techniques, and approves the form of such instruments.
Responds to open record requests and seeks opinions from the Texas Attorney General on any denials.
Responsible for oversight to City litigation docket and debt collection procedures.
Attends and participates in various meetings, by conducting presentations, participating in discussions and writing documents.
Drafts legislation pertaining to municipalities and monitors state and federal legislative activity.
Reviews property Title Search reports to ensure 100% ownership and clear of liens or judgments and generates title opinions for the Community Development Housing Assistance Program.
Leads and coordinates the condemnation process in relation to any properties secured through eminent domain for public projects.
Monitors and controls performance of the department in conformance with objectives, plans, schedules, and budgets.
Provides proactive legal counsel on issues pertaining to personnel policies and procedures and provides counsel in all compliance employment matters such as but not limited to EEOC, FLSA and FMLA requirements.
Represents the City, as legal counsel, in all actions brought by or against the City or against City officials for actions performed in their official capacity.
Attends City Council meetings and conferences for the purpose of learning policies underlying official action, and gives advice on legal questions involved, including advice as to alternative legal and administrative approaches to the solution of major City problems.
Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
Oversees prosecution staff and ensures consistent application of municipal ordinances and Class C misdemeanor laws.
Ensures compliance with state and federal laws related to municipal governance, including the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) and the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA).
Coordinates with risk management personnel on liability claims, property damage, workers’ compensation matters, and insurance coverage issues.
Advises departments on strategies to minimize legal exposure and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Advises on procurement procedures, competitive bidding requirements, professional service procurements, grant-funded projects, and compliance with Texas Local Government Code and other purchasing statutes.
Provides legal review for grant agreements and compliance requirements with state/federal agencies (FEMA, HUD, EPA, DOT, TCEQ, etc.).
Selects, manages, and evaluates outside legal counsel for specialized matters such as bond counsel, labor law, environmental cases, or complex litigation.
Provides training and guidance to elected officials and staff on ethics laws, conflicts of interest, and statutory compliance requirements.
Reviews easements, dedications, rights-of-way, annexations, and development incentives for legal sufficiency.
Provide legal advice to the City Manager and coordinate with the City Manager on operational legal matters.
All other duties as assigned by Mayor & City Council.