Council presses for legislative counsel as corporation counsel acknowledges backlog and confidentiality concerns

Council members discussed a proposal to establish a legislative council to draft legislation for the Common Council and avoid delays. Members said corporation counsel has historically been slow to return requested drafts and that council priorities have been delayed by a backlog.

"A referendum would be required for the common council to have its own council," Rosa Pizzi, corporation counsel, told the committee, adding that the charter and state rules define the referendum process and that her office would not submit a referendum form to the board of elections without council input. Pizzi also raised practical concerns involving attorney-client privilege, conflicts of interest and confidentiality should the council attempt to house a separate legislative counsel. She said the law department would identify conflicts and, where necessary, recommend outside counsel to avoid privilege issues.

Several council members said the backlog has impeded legislative work and requested a written list of outstanding items and realistic timelines; corporation counsel said the department is hiring and would improve responsiveness. The committee tabled the item for follow-up and asked for written communication on how to proceed and what requires charter or referendum changes.