City attorney says he will step aside, calls recent events a distraction

The city attorney addressed the Emigration Canyon Town Council after the body ratified the termination of the city's contract with Peak Law, saying he would step aside to avoid being a distraction and offering to help with the transition.

In a remarks period that followed the ratification, the city attorney said he had viewed his role as protecting and advancing the town's interests and that "given the circumstances that have developed over the past several months, I felt pretty blindsided by it, but it is what it is." He said his priority was the town and that stepping aside was intended to alleviate pressure on city operations.

He thanked council members for the opportunity to serve over the past five years and said he would do whatever he could to ensure "a smooth and professional transition." He referenced working closely with a colleague, Cameron, and noted that some of the communication about their roles "could have been" clearer in hindsight.

Council members responded by thanking the city attorney for his service; the presiding official called him "an excellent attorney." The city attorney said he remained committed to assisting during the handover but indicated he would step back from the day-to-day role.

The council did not take immediate personnel action at the meeting; it discussed scheduling a special meeting to decide how to procure replacement legal counsel.