Letter of the Law

Nov-Dec 2023

Considerations and Rules for City Credit Card Use

While cities can use credit cards to make purchases and accept credit card payments from customers, there are legal considerations…

Sep-Oct 2023

How Minnesota’s Data Practices Law Relates to Cybersecurity

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) is a state law that controls how government data are collected, created, stored,…

July-August 2023

Compensating Employees on Workers’ Comp Leave

Three options to address the legal requirements and typical city practices when compensating employees on workers’ compensation leave.

May-June 2023

How to Identify and Prevent Theft by Fraudulent Instruction

Trends in Minnesota and nationwide indicate that there are an increasing number of incidents of theft by fraudulent instruction.

Mar-Apr 2023

First Amendment and Regulation of Signs

The First Amendment protects signs as speech; as a result, courts closely review attempts to regulate signs.

Jan-Feb 2023

Avoiding Pitfalls When Rehiring or Retaining Retirees

Rehiring someone who has retired can be a viable option for cities struggling with workforce shortages. There are some serious…

Nov-Dec 2022

How City Land Use Plans Can Be Preempted by State and Federal Laws

The Planning Act provides protections for certain uses, prohibiting cities from discriminating against them through zoning administration.

Sep-Oct 2022

Legal Duties of a City Fire Chief

Operating a fire department without an appointed fire chief can make fulfilling some vital operational duties unfeasible.

Jul-Aug 2022

Avoiding Legal Pitfalls When Recruiting for Diversity

Employers cannot discriminate in their employment selection process, but they can seek to be welcoming of all applicants and take…

May-Jun 2022

When and Why Should Your City Amend Its Zoning Ordinance?

The city’s zoning code is an important document, but it should not and cannot be written in stone. Ordinances may…