CITY ATTORNEY
PO Box 160, 33-41 East Main Street
Johnstown, New York 12095
phone: (518) 736-4018

Susan Palmer Johnson, City Attorney
email: spalmerjohnson@cityofjohnstown.ny.gov

Section C-8.2 General powers and duties of the City Attorney.

1. The City Attorney, subject to the direction and supervision of the Mayor, shall be the chief legal officer of the City. The City Attorney shall act as legal advisor to the Common Council, Mayor and other city boards and offices. The City Attorney shall appear for and protect the rights and interests of the city in all actions, suits or proceedings brought by it or against it or against any city officer, department, board or commission in connection with municipal business. The City Attorney shall institute all actions on behalf of  the City at the direction of the Mayor with the approval of the Common Council. Offers of settlement of lawsuits shall be made or accepted by the Mayor with the approval of the Common Council, upon the advice and consent of the City Attorney.

2. The City Attorney shall prepare all contracts, bonds or other instruments in which the City is concerned, and before execution thereof shall endorse his or her approval of the form and correctness thereof.

3. The City Attorney may employ counsel, pursuant to a contract approved by the Common Council, to assist in the argument and conduct of important cases or proceedings in which the City or any officer, board of department thereof is an interested party, or to assist in matters requiring specialized legal skills or experience. The City Attorney shall have the power to appoint a confidential secretary.