Municipal Law

Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC regularly counsels municipalities on the issues and operations that face city councils, administrative boards and commissions. Our attorneys also represent developers, businesses and individuals in proceedings and disputes with the state, counties and cities we do not represent.

Our firm currently represents the cities of Alburnett, Fairfax, Ely, Mount Vernon, Urbana and Walker and on a full-time basis. We also counsel other cities on individual matters that require specialized services.

Municipal Law

Services Provided

Business Counseling and Agreements

Addressing open records and open meetings issues
Drafting and implementing rules and regulations required to be adopted by the board of adjustment
Drafting, interpretation and enforcement of ordinances
Drafting of resolutions
Establishment and operation of commissions
Negotiation and drafting of 28E Agreement
Police officer training agreements

Employment Related Matters

Human resources, including hiring, firing and investigation of employees
Drafting employee policies and handbooks
Union negotiations

Utility Matters

Utility shut-off and collection issues
Addressing utility placement issues
Negotiating and drafting agreements with various utilities and vendors

Compliance

Compliance with state and federal laws
Compliance with subdivision and other land development processes
Municipal code enforcement
Prosecution of simple misdemeanors

Real Estate and Economic Development

Addressing nuisance abatement issues
Annexation, contested and uncontested, including contested hearings in front of the State, City Development Board and state courts
Economic development
Eminent domain
Interpreting, negotiating and prosecuting building code issues
Negotiation and drafting of easements
Planning and zoning issues and hearings
Real estate transactions
Reviewing, drafting and finalizing construction contracts
Vacation of property rights

Other Representative Matters

Board of adjustment hearings
Media relations
Private activity bond financing
Protection of a city's intellectual property rights
Representing cities in various litigation matters, both as plaintiff and defendant

As a full-service law firm, we bring a team approach to business needs by collaborating with other practice groups including:

If you have questions regarding our municipal law practice, please email or call us in Cedar Rapids at (319) 366-7641 or in Coralville at (319) 354-1019.

Municipal Law