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RELEVANT LINKS: <br /> 3. Boards and commissions <br /> Handbook,Elected Officials Man cities have various boards and commissions that advise the council in <br /> and Council Structure and � <br /> articular areas. These boards and commissions are generally established by <br /> Role. <br /> ordinances that specify the board's responsibilities and duties. Some boards <br /> p fY <br /> and commissions may have specific powers given to them by state statute. <br /> 4. Cityattorne]I <br /> Althou h not a required position, most cities hire an attorney who acts as the <br /> g �. <br /> legal advisor to the city council. The need for cities to make contracts, write <br /> g � <br /> and pass ordinances, deal with employment issues and land-use matters, as <br /> well as the potential for litigation in a variety of different areas, makes a <br /> p g <br /> good working relationship with a city attorney very important. <br /> Here are some basic guidelines to help cities work with their city attorneys: <br /> • Provide information. Keep the city attorney informed about the matters <br /> the citymay be dealing with. Give the attorney all the facts that surround <br /> y � <br /> a specific situation. If you leave something out, it may affect the <br /> p <br /> conclusion reached by the attorney. <br /> • Include in <br /> a.s meetin g It's good idea to have the city attorney attend all <br /> the city council meetings. <br /> • Give time to prepare. give the city attorney advance notice of questions <br /> for which the council may want a legal opinion. This will allow the <br /> attorneyto thoroughly research the question and provide a well-informed <br /> g y q <br /> p <br /> legal opinion. An immediate answer to questions with complex legal <br /> g <br /> issues will not always be available. <br /> • Ask questions. If you don't understand what the city attorney has said, <br /> q y � <br /> ask for clarification. You can't follow advice that you don't understand. <br /> Ask the attorney y wh he or she has reached a particular conclusion if <br /> you don't understand the reasoning behind the opinion. <br /> City councilmembers don't always agree with the advice they get from their <br /> city attorneys. while there is no obligation to follow the legal advice you <br /> receive, cities should exercise caution before disregarding it. If you disagree r <br /> with the city attorne ' opinion, the city should consider getting a second <br /> ys � <br /> opinion from another attorney. Besure to let our city attorney know you <br /> p y y <br /> will be seeking an additional opinion on the matter. In some fields of law, <br /> such as employment and land use, an attorney who specializes in that <br /> particular field may be able to provide additional information that can assist <br /> the council in making a well-informed decision. <br /> League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 814120 <br /> 21 <br /> Chapter 8 16 <br /> City Administrative Staff Page <br />