Council reappoints city attorney and assistant city attorney, approves fee increases

The Lincoln Park Mayor and City Council on Monday reappointed Edward Zelnick as city attorney and Amy Higgins as assistant city attorney for terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and expiring Dec. 31, 2026, and authorized execution of the city's retainer and professional service agreements.

City staff told the council they seek an increase in the city attorney monthly retainer from the current amount reported in the presentation (listed in the meeting as "51100") to "55100" and a change to the assistant city attorney hourly rate from $81.50 to $85 per hour. Staff said the increase for the city attorney would add a budget impact (presented in the meeting as "48100 per year") and roughly $3,000 per year for the assistant city attorney; the council noted the amounts paid to municipal attorneys are generally lower than private practice rates and expressed appreciation for the attorneys' work.

Councilors asked about an apparent mismatch between the retainer agreement renewal date and the resolution's stated term; staff said the agreement may include optional renewal language and clarified that the term shown in the resolution is Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2026. Council approved both resolutions by roll call and authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute the agreements on behalf of the city.

The council recorded appreciation for the attorneys' service and expressed support for modest compensation increases. The exact numeric amounts presented in the meeting were those read aloud by staff; the resolution language authorizes execution of the attached agreements.