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RES 2004-17 STAFF ATTORNEY POSITIONRESOLUTION NO 2004-17 A RESOLUTION of the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington, establishing the position of Staff Attorney. WHEREAS, since 1990, the City of Bainbridge Island has designated that the City Attorney position be contracted and has contracted with the firm of Inslee, Best, Doezie & Ryder, for all legal services; and WHEREAS, the City pays its contracted City Attorney on an hourly basis; WHEREAS, in recent years the amount of legal work done for the City has risen significantly resulting in a major increase in legal costs; WHEREAS, the City Council has examined alternative methods of acquiring legal services with the dual objectives of reducing costs and enhancing the level of service; WHEREAS, while the City is satisfied with the services provided by its current City Attorney, the City Council believes that hiring a full-time staff attorney to provide routine legal services will help to reduce costs and increase the availability of legal advice to City staff and elected officials; WHEREAS, the City intends to retain the firm of Inslee, Best, Doezie & Ryder as its City Attorney and this firm will continue to handle all of the City's litigation and major proiects that cannot be handled by the staff attorney; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, as follows: Section 1. The City Council approves the job description for Staff Attorney attached to this resolution. Section 2. The City Council approves the position of Staff Attorney subject to funding in the 2005 budget. Section 3. The determination of whether the Staff Attorney is an employee or an independent contractor shall be determined by the City Council during the 2005 budget process. PASSED by the City Council this 26th day of May, 2004. APPROVED by the Mayor this 27th day of May, 2004. ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE: SUSAN P. KASPER City Clerk FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: May 18, 2004 PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: May 26, 2004 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-17 91f -TY 07', 1I 3AIN] ��" D((_ fE ISI -F �°�N )) Job Description Job Title: Staff Attorney Department: Executive Office Reports To: Mayor Effective Date: July 1, 2004 SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the City Attorney, the Staff Attorney provides legal advice and guidance to the mayor, Council, City Administrator and City Departments, implements sound organizational practices, controls costs, and participates in achieving City goals and objectives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Under general guidance from the City Attorney, provides ongoing legal advice to the Executive Office, City Council, City Departments and various Boards and Commissions through direct consultations and written legal opinions. Resolves legal questions which arise during the development and implementation of City projects and programs. Attends meetings of the City Council and other meetings as necessary. Gives legal opinions and advice as questions are raised at Council and Commission meetings attended. Supervises and reviews the preparation of ordinances, regulations, contracts, and other legal documents ensuring compliance with local, state and federal law and adequate legal protection of the City. Coordinates with and refers complex legal issues to the City Attorney for review and/or opinion. May by direction of the City Attorney represent the City in Civil actions when the City is a party in State and Federal Courts and before administrative agencies. Conducts the office of Staff Attorney in a manner that optimizes human and financial resources. Coordinates the activities of the City Attorney with the City Departments to ensure the most effective and appropriate responses to potential legal issues. Other related duties as assigned by the Mayor or City Administrator. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: �lLl )CC l E,'�LANDP PAGE 2 This job description reflects general details necessary to describe the job's essential functions and the job's level of knowledge and skill typically required. The job description should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONS: The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Attendance at evening meetings will be required. Some travel to off-site locations may be required. Work is performed in an executive office, Council, or meeting room setting. Close and constant work with computers exposes the incumbent to normal emissions from the computer monitor. Repeated interruption of the work is typical. This position requires extensive telephone contacts, computer operations, reading and repetitive motion tasks. The incumbent will be required to work with high -stress customers to meet deadlines while handling multiple priorities. The work area can be noisy and congested at times. QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • Outstanding ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Mayor and City Council, City Administrator, other senior management team, community leaders, as well as representatives from the public and private sectors. • Juris doctorate degree, or equivalent. • Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar. • Knowledge of the Revised Code of Washington and the principles of municipal law, including drafting ordinances and resolutions. • Extensive knowledge of municipal law, particularly land use and environmental law, but also labor, employment and contracts. • Must have excellent analytical and writing skills. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • The position requires a commitment to public service, municipal management and the ICMA Code of Ethics. Experience demonstrating the ability to make analytical and reasoned judgments on issues of public sensibility. • Demonstrated ability to develop a team approach to problem solving with City staff and Council. • Experience and understanding of the budget process. • Demonstrated experience and ability to take an active role in community relations and be willing to devote time to establish a positive and responsible City government. • Knowledge of strategic planning, financial and budgetary processes, capital improvement program management, intergovernmental relations, labor relations/negotiations/contract administration, and land use and traffic and transportation issues. • Certification or recognition by professional associations. PAGE 3 Ability to use a variety of computer software, including word processing and spreadsheets. • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others. • Valid Washington State Driver's License. • Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully and persuasively to groups or individuals, orally and in writing in high stress situations. Also ability to work effectively with computers and electronic communications. • Ability to work effectively in a union -management setting. • Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of records and related documents. Physical Requirements: Continuous repetitive arm/hand movement is essential to performance. The incumbent in this position must be able to discern voice conversation, have the physical ability to perform essential job functions, must have hand -eye coordination sufficient to operate computers, do keyboarding, and operate other office equipment. The individual may be required to do repetitive arm/hand movements (i.e., keyboarding). In addition, the incumbent must have the ability to produce legible handwritten documents. The incumbent may be required to lift up to 30 pounds, if necessary. Equal Opportunity Employer - Americans with Disabilities Act The City of Bainbridge Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and Minorities Are Encouraged to Apply Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and Employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change.