Office of the City Attorney
The City Attorney is the legal counsel to the City of Placentia, its elected officials, the Redevelopment Agency, and the Planning Commission. The City Attorney is primarily responsible for legal documents, legal advice, litigation, and attending public meetings.
Legal Documents
The City Attorney prepares some and reviews all legal documents presented to the City Council, Redevelopment Agency, OnTrac Board of Directors, and the Planning Commission. The typical legal documents pertaining to City business include agreements, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and franchises. Agreements, contracts and franchises bind the City to future courses of action with other parties. Ordinances are used to adopt laws. Resolutions are used to set forth Council policies.
Legal Advice
The City Attorney provides legal counsel to the Mayor and City Council, the Redevelopment Agency, the OnTrac Board of Directors, and various department personnel in the process of conducting City business. Legal opinions are most frequently rendered on planning matters, personnel issues, real estate negotiations, new legislation affecting the City, and the operation of municipal elections. The City Attorney is scheduled on a regular basis at City Hall to meet with staff and Council.
Litigation
The City Attorney represents the City in court actions and lawsuits, is responsible for the prosecution of violations of the Municipal Code, represents the City’s management staff in grievance arbitrations, and frequently holds legal conferences to avoid litigation actions. The City Attorney attempts to resolve all legal matters in an amicable manner to avoid lengthy and costly litigation proceedings.
Public Meetings
The City Attorney attends all regular and special meetings of the City Council, Redevelopment Agency, and OnTrac Board of Directors. One of the firm’s attorneys may attend other meetings as required. The City Attorney reviews all legal documents public presentation, and is available to advise the City’s elected and appointed officials as requested.
