CITY OF BAYTOWN PROGRAM SUMMARY \1060 LEGAL SERVICES
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Program Description The Legal Department is a service-oriented department providing counsel to the City Council, the Baytown Area Water Authority (BA WA), the Baytown Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD), the Baytown Fire Control, Prevention, and Emergency Medical Services District (FCPEMSD), and the Baytown Municipal Development District (MOD), as well as to their boards and commissions. The department also tenders legal advice to officers and employees of the City relating to their powers and duties in such capacities. Legal services provided by the department include drafting and negotiating contracts, securing pre-clearance for all municipal elections, prosecuting violations of the transportation, health and penal codes as well as the Code of Ordinances, and representing and coordinating the representation of the City in various civil matters ensuring that the rights and interests of the City are being appropriately protected and pursued. Major Goals • Provide dependable legal advice to the City Council and to the Boards of Directors of BA WA, CCPD, FCPEMSD, and MOD and their boards and commissions as well as the officers and employees of the City. • Draft, review and negotiate legal instruments for City projects in order to achieve the desired project goals while ensuring that the City's interests are adequately protected.
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Represent the City, BAWA, CCPD, FCPEMSD, and MOD in all legal proceedings in an effective, zealous manner. Prosecute all cases filed in Municipal Court. Remain current on all state and federal laws and regulations applicable to the City, BA WA, CCPD, FCPEMSD, and MOD. Serve on the negotiating team in the firefighter collective bargain process.
Major Objectives • Legal counsel ). Support all legal opm1ons, whether written or oral, with case or statutory authority, as appropriate. ). Ensure that all requests for written opinions are honored in a timely manner. • Legal representation ). Zealously represent the City, BA WA, CCPD, FCPEMSD, and MOD and protect their prospective interests. ). Ensure court-imposed deadlines are met. ). Ensure that all witnesses are advised in a timely manner of trial settings. • Legal documentation ). Ensure all contracts accomplish the intended purposes while providing sufficient protections. ). Maintain all written opinions issued by the department in an opinion book for future reference.