The City Attorney is one of three positions within the City which is directly appointed by City Council. The City Attorney's Office provides legal advice to the City Council, staff, and boards and commissions for the benefit of the citizens of the City of Grand Junction. The City Attorney attends all City Council meetings and drafts ordinances and resolutions. In addition, the City Attorneys provide advice to the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, and Liquor Licensing Board. The City Attorney reviews and consults on contracts regarding City services and provides legal opinions and consulting on a daily basis on such issues as personnel, land use and development, property acquisition, finance, and other matters of municipal law.

City Charter
City Code
Colorado Revised Statutes
Municipal Court

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City Attorney, John Shaver
It is my pleasure to present you with this information about the Office of the City Attorney. I have been fortunate over the months since my appointment to have assembled a talented and energetic team that dedicate themselves every day to finding smart solutions to complex problems. Their energy will continue to benefit the citizens of the City and the larger area of the community that we serve. Virtually every aspect of city government demands the creative involvement of public sector attorneys and staff. It is a privilege for each of us at the City Attorney's Office to be entrusted with the rewarding task of providing comprehensive legal services to the City, the City Council and the various boards, commissions and departments that we represent. The staff and I are committed to providing high quality legal representation, prosecution and problem solving services. For an attorney with an interest in public service and a love of this community, there is no better position than that of City Attorney. I am honored to serve you and I look forward to keeping you informed about the work of the office through periodic reports on this website. John P. Shaver City Attorney
City Attorney Office Personnel Profiles
City Attorney, John Shaver
John received his Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law. His areas of particular interest are land use and environmental law. John has been with the City since 1990. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy District Attorney in the 7th Judicial District.
Assistant City Attorney, Jamie Beard
	Jamie holds a Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctorate from Ohio State University. She practiced criminal and domestic law in Ohio for eight years and did the same locally with a private firm for three years prior to coming to the City Attorney's office. Jamie has been in Grand Junction since 1998.
Staff Attorney, Shelly Dackonish
Shelly received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in French. Shelly practiced civil litigation with a private firm in Grand Junction prior to coming to the City. An Iowa native, Shelly has been in Grand Junction since 1993.
Staff Attorney, DeLayne Merritt
	DeLayne received her Juris Doctorate from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/Criminology from Mesa State College where she also was a member of the Mesa State College volleyball team. Prior to coming to the City Attorney’s Office, DeLayne was a law clerk for the Kansas Department of Revenue in Topeka, Kansas. She was also a legal assistant for a private law firm in Meeker, CO. A Colorado native, DeLayne resided in Grand Junction for almost four years prior to moving to Kansas.
Paralegal, Mary Lynn Kirsch
Mary Lynn received her Paralegal Certification from the Denver Paralegal Institute and a Bachelor’s Degree from Colorado State University. She is a native of Colorado and has lived in Grand Junction since 1984. Prior to coming to the City Attorney’s office, she worked in the legal/contracting departments for Kaiser Permanente and Rocky Mountain Health Plans, and previous to that, for private law firms in Grand Junction.
Belinda White, Senior Administrative Assistant
	Belinda received an Associate of Arts degree from Oklahoma State University. A Colorado native, she returned to Colorado in 2002 after spending time out of state. Belinda sees to it that the City Attorney's and City Manager's offices run smoothly, regardless of the task.
Tina Dickey, Senior Administrative Assistant
Tina is currently enrolled in the Paralegal program at Mesa State College and working toward receiving her Paralegal/Legal Secretary certificate. She has been with the City of Grand Junction for many years and transferred to the Administration Department from the Grand Junction Police Department in July 2007. Tina will work with Belinda to see to it that the City Manager's and City Attorney's offices are organized and efficient.

New Ordinances and Legislation

It is the City Attorney's responsibility to remain abreast of pending or recent legislation. Attorneys in the City Attorney's office write and or review all ordinances introduced and adopted by the City Council. The City Attorney makes recommendations to staff and City Council concerning efforts which should be taken by the City concerning pending and current state and federal legislation which may affect the City. Further, it is the responsibility of the City Attorney to remain informed on recent case law which effects the operations of the City of Grand Junction.

Municipal Ordinance Violations

The City Attorney's Office is also responsible for prosecution of Municipal ordinance violations, which include violations of the Model Traffic Code, Zoning and Development Code, Animal Code and other violations of the Code of Ordinances. The Municipal Court Judge is Carè McInnis-Raaum. Municipal Court is held on Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m.; 8:30 a.m.; 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. Trials are conducted on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Arraignments for Minor in Possession of Alcohol/Marijuana are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 8:30 a.m. The City Attorney's Office cannot speak to you or answer questions regarding your case until after you have been advised on your rights at your initial court date which is listed on the front of your ticket.

Public Speaking
When time and scheduling permits, the City Attorney's Office is happy to speak to classes or civic groups about the City or the legal process. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

This page updated Wednesday, August 27, 2008