There shall be a Department of Law headed by a Corporation Counsel
who shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the
Common Council. They shall be qualified on the basis of being admitted
to practice as an attorney and counselor before the courts of the
State of New York. They shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor,
be directly responsible to the Mayor and be the chief legal officer
of the City.
The Corporation Counsel shall have the following powers and
duties:
A.
To enter into any agreement and to compromise and settle any claim
against the City, with the approval of the Mayor and the Council.
B.
To commence any action or proceeding in the name of the City or the
necessary and proper department, board, bureau or officer when directed
either by the Mayor or by the Council.
C.
To prepare for execution and approve as to form any contract or instrument
to which the City is a party when required by the Council or by any
City officer.
D.
To approve as to form all bonds required to be submitted to the City.
E.
To represent and protect the rights and interests of the people of
the State of New York and the City of Cortland in the conduct, prosecution
and trial of all criminal actions, suits and proceedings and for violations
of all ordinances and local laws of the City of Cortland and in the
City Court of Cortland except such criminal actions and proceedings
as shall be prosecuted by the District Attorney of Cortland County.
F.
To hire such assistants, as provided for in the budget, with the
written approval of the Mayor.
G.
To provide legal assistance, including legislative drafting assistance,
to the Council upon request.
