TAMRMS#: B06
10.4
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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Business Case - Solicitor
Presented by: Marta Caufield, Director, Legal, Legislative & Records Services
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
1. That 1.0 FTE be added in 2025 to the Legal, Legislative & Records Services department for a Solicitor position.
2. That the following postponed motion be approved:
PM-26-001
That $88,100 be added to the 2026 base operating budget for the annualized funding for the Solicitor offset by a reduction in external legal counsel dollars, to be funded through 2026 assessment growth revenue.
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SUMMARY
This report explains the rationale for the request to add 1.0 FTE to the Legal, Legislative & Records Services department for a Solicitor ahead of the 2026 budget cycle.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Legal Services branch is part of the Legal, Legislative & Records Services department. The Director of the department serves as the City Solicitor, City Clerk, and FOIP Head pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The Legal Services branch consists of the City Solicitor, a Solicitor, and a Paralegal.
The Solicitor is responsible for assisting the City Solicitor in providing the full range of legal services for the City of St. Albert. This includes providing verbal and written advice and opinions on diverse legal matters to members of administration and City Council, drafting bylaws, drafting, negotiating and reviewing various agreements, policies, and leases, acting as a liaison between external counsel retained by the City and administration, and representing the City as required to outside agencies, in order to guide municipal policies, decisions, and activities. The Solicitor is also responsible for keeping the City Solicitor advised of emerging legal issues, and provides coverage for the City Solicitor as required.
The current Solicitor will be taking a leav...
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