During the recent Regular City Council Meeting in Lincoln, California, significant discussions centered around the need for additional legal support within the city government and the establishment of a new internship program aimed at local high school students.

One of the primary topics was the workload of the city attorney, which has raised concerns among council members and community members alike. A resident expressed that the current city attorney's position is overloaded, particularly due to its dual role in overseeing code enforcement. The suggestion was made to alleviate this burden by hiring an additional attorney or reallocating code enforcement responsibilities to another city department. This change aims to ensure that the city attorney can focus on essential legal matters without being stretched too thin.

City staff responded by emphasizing that the legal workload has grown significantly, making it challenging for one attorney to manage effectively. They noted that outsourcing legal work can be costly, with fees reaching up to $600 per hour for outside counsel. By hiring an additional attorney, the city anticipates a reduction in overall legal expenses and an improvement in service levels across various departments.

The council ultimately voted to adopt a resolution to support the hiring of a new deputy city attorney, recognizing the need for enhanced legal capacity to better serve the community.

In addition to legal matters, the council discussed the approval of a new position for a high school intern at the library, funded by a $54,355 grant from the Library Services and Technology Act. This initiative aims to provide local teens with valuable work experience and skills development. The library plans to implement a recruitment process that prioritizes applicants from Lincoln, ensuring that the program benefits the city's youth.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city council's commitment to addressing the legal needs of the city while also investing in the future of its young residents through internship opportunities. These decisions reflect a broader goal of enhancing community services and supporting local development.