Monterey Aldermen Address Hiring Procedures For City Attorneys

The Monterey Board Aldermen approved the first and second reading of an ordinance Monday that outlines the process of hiring for a city attorney.

Aldermen Jim Whittaker said the original procedures caused confusion and needed clarification.

“The reason for this ordinance in my opinion is we had so much problems with the hiring of the lawyer, and it just wasn’t clear in the code,” Whittaker said.

Mayor JJ Reels said only one item in the code changed. Mayors still have authority to employ counsel, but the Board of Aldermen must approve the hire, Reels said.

Members also approved a food truck ordinance Monday. The code change regulates peddlers and solicitors.

Two other ordinances were set to be voted on, but both were tabled. The first was a special permit for alcoholic consumption at events and the other was a change to Monterey’s commercial zoning regarding residential uses and parking requirements.