Title
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF MARSHAL M. PITCHFORD AS THE CITY SOLICITOR AND SPECIAL COUNSEL, APPOINTING MR. PITCHFORD AND DiCAUDO, PITCHFORD & YODER AS SPECIAL COUNSEL, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER AN AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Brief Description: Pursuant to Charter Section 8.03, a majority of City Council members must concur with the City Manager’s recommendation to appoint a City Solicitor. The City Manager is appointing Marshal Pitchford as City Solicitor and reappointing Mr. Pitchford and the law firm of DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder as Special Counsel.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
The City Manager and staff recently issued a Request for Qualifications and Applications to fill the role of City Solicitor. After receiving numerous submissions and conducting several interviews, the City Manager intends to appoint Marshal Pitchford as City Solicitor.
Pursuant to Charter Section 8.03, a majority of City Council members must concur with the City Manager’s recommendation to appoint Marshal Pitchford of DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder as the City Solicitor:
SECTION 8.03 CITY SOLICITOR.
The City Solicitor shall be appointed by the City Manager with the concurrence of a majority of the members of Council. The City Solicitor shall be an attorney-at-law, admitted to the practice of law in the State of Ohio; and shall be adviser of and attorney and counsel for the Municipality and for all officers and divisions thereof in all matters relating to their official duties; and shall, when requested by the City Manager or Council, give legal opinions in writing. The City Solicitor shall represent the Municipality in all suits or cases in which it may be a party and shall prosecute for all offenses against the laws of Ohio as may be required. The City Solicitor, or such other assistants as Council may provide, may act as prosecuting attorney, and render such services as are normally rendered by prosecuting attorneys in the State of Ohio. The City Solicitor shall, on the request of the City Manager, prepare contracts, bonds, and other instruments in writing in which the Municipality is concerned and shall endorse on each the proper approval of the form and corrections thereof. The City Solicitor shall draft proposed legislation on request of the City Manager or members of Council or the Mayor. (Amended 11-17-00; 11-3-20)
The City Manager also intends to reappoint Mr. Pitchford and the law firm of DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder as outside Special Counsel to handle litigation and other legal matters for the City.
A contract for both the City Solicitor and Special Counsel roles has been prepared and is ready for review and approval.
Timing Considerations
The City Manager will execute the agreement following City Council’s concurrence. The appointment and agreement will be effective June 1, 2024.
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Fiscal Impact
X Currently Budgeted
X Supplemental Appropriation Required
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
The City Manager recommends passage of this resolution and approval of the contract.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager