Council renews contract for first assistant city attorney Kevin Foley for one year

The Lawrence City Council approved a one-year renewal of the employment contract for Kevin Foley, the city's first assistant city attorney.

City Attorney (presenter) and Foley described the last year's work and the rationale for extending a one-year contract. The city attorney said Foley's in-house work reduced the city's reliance on outside litigation counsel and cited litigation matters handled and administrative representation completed during Foley's first year. Foley confirmed he has not taken private practice work since joining the city and said he does not intend to do so.

Under the approved contract Foley's salary will increase to $135,000 annually; the contract also provides two additional vacation days (the remainder of leave and personal-day provisions remain unchanged). The city attorney said the mayor had requested a one-year term for the position; councilors asked for a two-page summary of Foley's accomplishments, which was provided to the council and accepted for the record.

The council voted to suspend Rule 11 and then to approve the contract renewal by roll call; the presiding officer announced the motion carried. Several councilors publicly commended Foley and the law department for the past year's work.