Business briefs Jul 13, 2008
Mayer practices law in the areas of family law, elder law and municipal law. Schofield, Higley & Mayer, S.C. have their offices at 700 Wolske Bay Road, Suite 100, Menomonie. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Marcus Hook fills vacant council position Jul 13, 2008
Under Pennsylvania municipal law, the borough had until Thursday to fill the vacancy - 30 days from the date of Gallo's resignation, which occurred because he was moving from the area, said borough Manager Bruce A. Dorbian. Eventually, Clausen will need to decide whether to run in the 2009 primary election to retain his seat as an at-large council member. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
A shot at stiffer penalties for underage drinking Jul 13, 2008
There is no state statute that allows municipal law enforcement to charge an underage adult -- ages 18-20 -- for drinking in a private residence, but there is a state statute that allows municipalities to enact underage drinking ordi nances, empowering townships to broaden local police powers against underage drinking, said Rachel Goemaat, spokeswoman for the Di vision of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The township ordinance covers private property as well as public and school property. (NJ.com -- Times)
Local Government Owner's Manual: How to petition your government Jul 6, 2008
If you re considering a legal petition, Smith suggests consulting with an attorney who understands municipal law. The reason: the opposition will be closely inspecting your petitions, looking for any technicality to invalidate them. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Should towns pay for state police? Jul 2, 2008
John E. Pallone, D-New Kensington, would require all communities with more than 10,000 people that don't have a municipal law enforcement agency to either establish a local police force or pay an annual fee of $100 per resident for state police protection. There are 21 such towns in the state. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Police department wins re-accreditation Jul 2, 2008
It was the first municipal law enforcement agency to achieve the accredited status in 1998 and was re-accredited in 2004. Re-accreditation means that the department has demonstrated its voluntary commitment to law enforcement excellence by its compliance with 233 standards deemed essential to the protection of the life, health, safety and rights of the people it serves, according to the department. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Drive safely on Fourth of July weekend Jun 29, 2008
The Pennsylvania Team DUI Association says that both state and municipal law enforcement officials will be out in force cracking down on drunk drivers with an aggressive "Red, White and Busted" impaired driving enforcement campaign. Increased sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and heightened enforcement activities will be deployed to show zero tolerance for anyone caught driving impaired. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
Vaughan mayor faces charges over election spending Jun 26, 2008
A municipal law expert will decide the fate of Vaughan Mayor Linda Jackson after city council voted unanimously to proceed with laying charges against her on campaign finance irregularities ... Councillors held a four-hour closed-door meeting -- with Jackson absent -- on Monday, following legal advice from Kingston lawyer Timothy Wilkin, an expert in municipal law, the Toronto Star reports. (CTV.ca)
U.N. court hears case on U.S. executions Jun 20, 2008
"The United States cannot invoke municipal law as justification for failure to perform its international legal obligations," it said in its application to the court two weeks ago. Mexico asked the World Court for an "interpretation" of its earlier ruling to clarify what it meant when it asked the U.S. to "review and reconsider" the cases of the condemned prisoners. (MSNBC -- International)
181 Pennsylvania fugitives captured Jun 20, 2008
Assisted by 128 officers from 31 state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies, the Marshals Service tracked down more than half of the 338 fugitives on its target list during the weeklong initiative that concluded Saturday. Among the fugitives arrested were two wanted on sex offenses, seven wanted on assault charges and 45 wanted on drug charges. (Scranton Times, PA)
Mexico pursues appeal Jun 20, 2008
"The United States cannot invoke municipal law as justification for failure to perform its international legal obligations," it said. The International Court of Justice is the U.N.'s judicial arm for resolving legal disputes among member states. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Local bidders bill may fail Jun 18, 2008
For this to happen, legislators have to approve an amendment of the state's general municipal law, which currently mandates that municipalities award to the lowest bidder, according to Assemblyman Gary Finch, the bill's sponsor in the state Assembly. It would be based on the assumption that the local bidder pays local taxes, hires local people and has a local payroll, Finch said. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Noble sells library property Jun 12, 2008
He said that at the last zoning-board meeting, he discussed the differences between township law and municipal law with a member of the zoning board. We are in compliance with Illinois state law, he said. (Olney Daily Mail, IL)
Contract seen as election violation Jun 12, 2008
Councilman Dave Kenny, an attorney with expertise in municipal law, said the council would likely be forced to rescind the contract. "It appears on its face there's been a violation and we will have to enforce the (pay-to-play) ordinance," Kenny said. (NJ.com -- Times)
Guatemala dam will bring money, misery Jun 8, 2008
In April 2007, affected communities held a referendum on whether to allow the construction of large-scale hydroelectric projects such as Xalal and oil exploration on their lands - a right granted to them by the Guatemalan Constitution and municipal law. Of 21,155 voters, 89. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Grand Jury: City Attorney's Duties Need Clarification Jun 5, 2008
"We feel on balance that the existing job description of the city attorney is inadequate in the 21st century field of municipal law," the grand jury report states. Read the full report. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Lawmen probe top county Democrat May 30, 2008
"Dennis Oury has nothing to hide, and those records will reveal that he and his law firm have done their jobs admirably and have been compensated fairly and honestly. Dennis is an expert in the field of municipal law, a tireless advocate for his clients and he has acted at all times in the best interests of his clients," he said. Ferriero is also a partner at the prominent Bergen County law firm Scarinci & Hollenbeck. (NJ.com)
HMB taps Santa Cruz law rm to fill lawyer position May 29, 2008
Condotti has a wealth of experience with municipal law, including ties to Bay Area governmental entities. He will continue to serve as attorney for the as well. (Half Moon Bay Review, CA)
Litwinsky arrested on child pornography charges May 29, 2008
On Friday, May 23, officers with the Billerica Police Department, North East Municipal Law Enforcement Council s Computer Crime Unit and the FBI arrested Thomas Litwinsky, 57 of 1 Mitchell Road, Billerica, for possession and distribution of child pornography. He was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on Wednesday, May 21, following a 14-month investigation and arraigned in U.S. District Court Boston following his arrest. (Billerica Minuteman, MA)
Critics say new green rating hurts affordable housing May 27, 2008
They worry the point system, and any resulting developer disincentives, will get ingrained in municipal law books if local governments continue to adopt LEED standards at unprecedented rates -- all at a time, they add, when the growing gap between wages and mortgages is creating an affordable housing crisis regionally and nationally. While affordable housing is hardly the USGBC's domain -- it makes higher priorities of energy efficiency and carbon reductions -- the nonprofit said its two-point... (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Montgomery McCracken to open Jersey Shore office May 13, 2008
He handles both municipal law and commercial litigation. Montgomery McCracken said he will focus on representations in the utilities industry, as well as pharmaceutical class actions and mass tort matters. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Our View: New city counsel must be qualified May 8, 2008
The taxpayers deserve to have only the most qualified attorneys considered for the job, so becoming the city's attorney means having first gained experience in the intricacies of municipal law. Just as importantly, politics needs to kept out of the selection process. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Town Attorney considers bid for state Senate May 2, 2008
" She would not comment on Marino's possible bid for the seat she holds. The Republican convention is May 13 and the democratic convention is May 19. Slossberg was first elected in 2004. Marino is a principal with Bridgeport based Cohen and Wolf, P. C. Marino practices in the areas of commercial litigation, construction, municipal law and bankruptcy.. Marino presently serves as town attorney for the town of Orange. He is the former chairman of the Orange Republican Town Committee and past... (Orange Bulletin, CT)
Surveillance Camera, Issues, in New Milford May 2, 2008
He pointed to a visitor out with his family at a park who might litter, which is a violation of municipal law, but not, he pointed out, a major crime, and the general level of discomfort persons under possible surveillance might feel. Mr. Lillis also questioned whether the police chief or Mayor Pat Murphy had the authority to oversee the camera's use, with Town Attorney D. Randall DiBella maintaining that the police, rather than the mayor, had operational power over use of the equipment. (Litchfield County Times, CT)
Council targets blight, reworks shopping cart law Apr 23, 2008
The Modesto City Council on Tuesday cleaned up a municipal law that prohibits people from stealing shopping carts, creating new requirements for businesses to retrieve their property. It resulted from more than two years of work by Councilwoman Kristin Olsen to reshape the law by adding more resources for the city to collect abandoned carts. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Ex-alderman, ex-con, ex-Dem, Jones seeks political comeback Apr 18, 2008
State law does not prohibit convicted felons from seeking office unlike municipal law, which prevented Mr. Jones from reclaiming his aldermanic seat, a move he attempted last year. He was rebuffed by the city Board of Elections, and when he took his case to the Illinois Supreme Court, the judges sided with the board. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Watertown reps vote for $392 million tax hike Apr 15, 2008
POLICE TRAINING (S 1342) - The House approved a Senate-approved bill creating a special commission on police training to investigate and study the establishment of a statewide law enforcement training program that would coordinate municipal law enforcement training and create more efficient law enforcement facilities, staffing instruction and preparedness. The measure also requires the committee to study the adequacy of the training provided to law enforcement officers in handling incidents... (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
Officials: Edgewood's Police Coverage to Change Apr 13, 2008
He urged the council to adopt Municipal Law Enforcement Plan 3 of the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). The plan features a 20-year retirement, which Welch said will make Edgewood more competitive in hiring more experienced officers. (Cedar Crest East Mountain Telegraph, NM)
Dover sued: new coalition says board didn't follow law's due process Apr 11, 2008
The coalition also claims that the town board violated general municipal law and the town's zoning law by not including the change in the text after the proposed law was sent to Dutchess County Planning and Development. Under the Municipal Home Rule Law, every local government has the power to adopt and amend local laws, which are introduced by a member of the town's legislative body. (Henrietta Post, NY)
Dunmore council meets, but without prior work sessions Apr 6, 2008
Scranton-based attorney Frank Bolock, who specializes in municipal law, noted that work sessions are not mandatory. Mr. Bolock was the City of Scranton solicitor from 1990-2000, is the former Clarks Summit borough solicitor, and now works for the Borough of Dalton. (Scranton Times, PA)
Comp plan trashed; Red Wing gains upper hand as judge scuttles local laws Apr 4, 2008
The town also failed to send needed reports to the county Department of Planning within the time limits specified by municipal law. It also failed to give the wetlands law impact "the hard look required by SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act), and failing generally to comply with the procedural requirements of SEQRA," the petition said. (Pine Plains Register Herald, NY)
Office politics for politicos Mar 18, 2008
She is a student at law, spending her articling year in the Toronto offices of the firm Fraser Milner Casgrain, where she hopes to be hired on in the tax or municipal law branches. Ms. Oliel's story about fetching Wendy's for Bill Clinton is a surefire ice breaker - and a good way to get face time with a senior partner. (Globe and Mail)
Chance to run for judge excites Anderl Mar 16, 2008
She established a successful practice here, handling family law, contested custody, guardian ad litem cases, a recent focus on elder law, municipal law, contracts and business formation. She picked up experience as a prosecutor as Chippewa Falls municipal attorney, and judicial experience as a county court commissioner. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Police plan to delete Internet predators Mar 15, 2008
OSBI is one of those 59 affiliate agencies and within Oklahoma the OSBI has a task force involved that includes 34 state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies. "Sequoyah County is one of them," Tanner said. (Sallisaw Sequoyah County Times, OK)
Beacon Hill Roll Call Mar 15, 2008
Police training (S 1342) The Senate approved a measure establishing a 16-member special commission to study the possibility of establishing a statewide law enforcement training program to coordinate municipal law enforcement training and to create more efficient law enforcement facilities, staffing instruction and preparedness. Property tax relief to nonprofit veterans organizations (H 3045) The Senate approved legislation allowing cities and towns to exempt from local property taxes up to $1. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
Symposium Focuses on Growth Curbs Mar 5, 2008
Three experts on municipal law spoke to a crowd of more than 100 at Sandhills Community College Monday about the pros and cons of a development moratorium. Watch the whole symposium on Pilot TV. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Recent Valley promotions and hires Mar 1, 2008
Withey Morris PLC has added transactional, land use, elections and municipal law veteran Jon Paladini to its roster. Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen LLP has opened a new Phoenix office, which will be led by new partners Leslie D. Dahan, Bonnie K. Gibson, Rodney A. Malpert, Belkis C. Muldoon and Sandra N. Sheridan. (AZCentral -- Business)
Board replaces solicitor Feb 28, 2008
Hoffman told the board that while he did not have specific experience representing a first-class township, he has been involved with issues in Springfield and has relevant experience in municipal law. Gillies asked the board if Hoffman was indeed the best candidate the township could expect for this appointment, given his lack of experience. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Schools overview rightfully extended Feb 28, 2008
On Monday system officials unveiled proposed conduct code changes that would allow campuses to discipline students for serious or repeated violations of municipal law, for obstructing university-run activities or for damage to property. Under the new code, if a student commits a serious criminal offense or presents a danger or threat to the health of the student body, a university could take disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Photo Gallery Feb 26, 2008
Union City officials passed a new ordinance, or municipal law, changing speed limits in school zones from 25 to 15 miles per hour effective immediately after last week's Board of Commissioners meeting on Feb. 6. Where the previous speed limit on these neighboring school zones was 25 miles per hour, the new ordinance passed by the board at this commissioners meeting reduces it to 15 miles per hour to promote driver and child safety. (Hoboken Reporter, NJ)
Question Florez's motive, not Jackson's Feb 23, 2008
I would very much trust the legal opinions of Joe Machado since it seems that his experience in municipal law far exceeds the need for the shenanigans being used today. As a citizen, it is frightening to see one person try so obnoxiously to change the political makeup of the council for her own political gain, and it is frightening to see the newspaper not do much about it. (Nogales International, AZ)
DA requests judge to rethink police decision Feb 21, 2008
There is a clear division of opinion on what is correct under municipal law to do this, he said ... Judge Cascio has a background in municipal law and was a solicitor prior to becoming a judge. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Organised Labour not happy with High Court ruling Feb 20, 2008
"At the end of the consultations, it was concluded and agreed by the social partners that there was the need to shift from the old common law position that an employer was under no obligation to give reasons for terminating the employment of a worker to a new and modern approach. "This outcome resulted in the provisions on grounds of termination, fair and unfair termination in sections 15, 62 and 63 of the Labour Act and was aimed at ensuring security of employment," he said. He said even though... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Three seek third branch bench Feb 10, 2008
PRIVATE PRACTICE: Civil and criminal trial work and appellate work; trials involving homicide, sexual assault and other serious felonies, family law and child welfare cases; real estate, guardianships, municipal law, school law, business and contract law, bankruptcy, labor matters. JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE: Court Commissioner, 20 years; Small Claims Court Commissioner, four years; Assistant Family Court Commissioner, 20 years. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Audit Slams Book On Bridgehampton SD Feb 7, 2008
The district violated NYS General Municipal Law, according to the audit, when it did not seek competitive bidding for electrical installations and repairs totaling $28,503 for the 2005-2006 school year, and $8,326 for garbage removal. "[T]he district's procurement policy inappropriately exempts these services from competitive bidding requirements," the audit stated. (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
Wood-burner law try goes up in smoke Feb 5, 2008
The regular monthly supervisors meeting Monday was the battleground for the second time in three months as many unit owners voiced opposition to any ordinance curbing their use, while ordinance supporters called on township officials to consider the air quality of people living near them. Those wanting an ordinance say the emissions need to be controlled and want supervisors to implement burn times, such as restricting use in the warm months, and create minimum acreage requirements around the... (Scranton Times, PA)
Forney City Council appoints new secretary Feb 5, 2008
Prior to her position with the city of Rockwall, Brooks spent 10 years as a legal secretary at a Dallas law firm where she received extensive experience in municipal law and property tax collection. The city secretary position is created by City Charter and is primarily responsible for maintaining the official records of the city and coordinating municipal elections. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
Zoning update committee offers 7 options for town Jan 24, 2008
The committee was formed to update the town's zoning ordinance to reflect the land use goals found within the town's comprehensive plan and as is also required by New York State municipal law. Residents, farmers, land owners, historians and developers are welcome to attend these planning sessions that are open to the public. (MIllbrook Voice Ledger, NY)
Battle of the border Jan 22, 2008
And, our Border Patrol agents, National Guard members and municipal law enforcement officials must have the authority to respond to any provocation in whatever manner they deem necessary. You'd think it would not be necessary to say that. (North County Times)
NB attorney ends 56-year career Jan 21, 2008
The World Link: NB attorney ends 56-year career. NB attorney ends 56-year career. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Schu: Arkport payments ‘improper': Village attorney says $38,696 paid to clerk, two others, done contrary to the law Jan 19, 2008
As I advised you by telephone, Federal Municipal Law section 92 prohibits those types of payments unless they are expressly authorized by statute, local law, resolution or pursuant to a contract term. It did not appear that any of those actions were taken prior to the payment. (Hornell Evening Tribune, NY)
A closer look at Sean Kilkenny Jan 17, 2008
Sean Kilkenny is an attorney with Elkins Park-based law firm Friedman Schuman, where he specializes in municipal law, real estate, zoning and land development ... Kilkenny heads Friedman Schuman's municipal law department and has five years of experience ... He will get help from lawyers in his municipal law department, including Mike Savona, Todd Eisenberg, Bob Nemeroff, Jeff Hoffmann, Tom Nelson and Jill Schuman. (Conshohocken Recorder, PA)
Another TJ cop, wife and kids shot and killed Jan 16, 2008
Top federal, state and municipal law enforcement officials plan to discuss the attack during a noon news conference at Tijuana's municipal police headquarters. Security is visibly tight around the building, with numerous officers wearing ski masks and brandishing weapons. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
General counsel revamps his office Jan 15, 2008
- Tom Beverly, new director, municipal law clinic to help law students. - Bruce Page, promoted to eminent domain division chief. (Florida Times-Union)
University of La Verne College of Law Announces Appointments of Interim Deans Jan 12, 2008
She represented the city in a variety of municipal law matters in both court and administrative proceedings and served as the primary legal advisor for the City's Planning Commission and planning department staff. Her practice experience also includes four years as an associate at Riverside-based Reid er P.C., where she focused on real estate matters, business disputes and construction litigation. (PR Newswire)
Real-world expertise shared with students at Career Academy Jan 12, 2008
" Depending on the career they choose, students will get real value out of the smattering of criminal investigatory techniques they are learning, Wyatt said. "The average Iowa police department has seven sworn officers," he said. "If they do choose municipal law enforcement as a living, DMACC predicts that 90 percent of them will go to work in Iowa. " This will be valuable to them because in a local PD, there's no crime lab that'll do it. Larger cities do have these kinds of services, but in the... (Ames Daily Tribune, IA)
Parties disagree on appointment Jan 10, 2008
Hoffman said he has worked in Friedman Schuman's municipal law division for about six months, but he has not yet served as the regular solicitor for a first-class township. Harbison said he was comfortable appointing Hoffman without interviewing other candidates. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Palm Coast picks Orlando law firm to handle city affairs Jan 10, 2008
"The firm has several attorneys who specialize in municipal law, so I think that they should do a good job for the city and they have a depth of experience, which is important," Vice Mayor Alan Peterson said. With its move to hire the multi-lawyered Brown firm, the city marks a return to contracting out for legal services rather than hiring an in-house attorney as it did for the first time with Groot on Dec. 1, 2006. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Only 52 complaints received statewide to smoking ban Jan 7, 2008
DaJuan Hayes wrote on Jan 5, 2008 6:44 AM:" If you want to dine or drink in a smoke-free environment, you can do so. There are plenty of smoke-free restaurants available. Their number is growing all the time. That's also true of employees. If you work in the food service industry, there are plenty of smoke-free establishments at which you can work if a smoke-free environment is important to you. The market is responding to the demand for non-smoking businesses. Restaurant and bar owners want to... (Bloomington Pantagraph)
City commissioner seeks council link from Virginia Jan 4, 2008
He will attend FBI Academy training sessions designed to help municipal law enforcement officers across the country and globe. Ervin s application for the FBI training was submitted before he ran for the city council in 2005. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Officials prepare for 2008 Jan 4, 2008
Thompson said that he has had experience in municipal law for six years. Attorney Rodney Farrow, who will serve as the Seymour city attorney, said that he will continue to help commissioners with pending cases until the new counsel is settled in. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Ilion board may do away with village charter Dec 29, 2007
Cushman said being a chartered village, the village can write its own laws as long as the laws are not inconsistent with the New York State Municipal Law, while non-chartered villages must follow the municipal law ... If the village does do away with the charter, the village board will have to a make a decision on whether it should adopt the state municipal law. (Herkimer Eening Telegram, NY)
Racism on public access; Dec 29, 2007
Public access channels, mandated by municipal law to be carried by cable television systems contracted with local jurisdictions, attract mostly cult audiences drawn by the mixture of home-grown crude programming assembled by amateur producers, many hoping for a shot at being discovered by Hollywood. More provocative shows are slated during the late evening hours. (Los Angeles Times)
Report: Drew Peterson denies claims he fired gun in home Dec 15, 2007
You know, I'm going to tell you right now, I know because I've talked to the police department, I've talked to the police chief, that is not only required that he reports that to the police, but there's a municipal law about discharge of a firearm within the city limits. FIEGER: Mark. (Fox News)
Gov.-elect Jindal selects his executive counsel Dec 15, 2007
Jindal's office says Faircloth specializes in cases involving government and municipal law and complex commercial ligitation. Faircloth worked as an attorney for the Louisiana Coushatta Tribe during the tribe's scandal-ridden period involving high-powered Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, representing tribe members who brought to light Abramoff's illegal use of tribal money. (WWLTV.com, LA)
