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Legal

Chris Curran
Chris Curran

City Attorney

Responsibilities:


The Legal Department for the City of Bettendorf is responsible for the following services:

  • Advising the City Council, staff, boards and commissions on legal and policy matters
  • Drafting and reviewing ordinances and amendments
  • Litigating in district and appellate courts claims by and against the City of Bettendorf
  • Collecting unpaid bills and fines through negotiation and settlement or by litigation
  • Representing the City in all administrative and arbitration claims
  • Providing legal advice and support at all meetings of the City Council and at meetings of boards and commissions
  • Supervising and monitoring all legal work performed by outside counsel
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts, real estate, and other legal documents
  • Responding to public inquiries regarding the City Code and regulatory matters, and open records requests (FOIA)
  • Prosecuting violations of City Code

The Legal Department cannot provide advice or representation concerning personal legal issues.

Staff:

The Department is composed of a full-time city attorney and a part-time assistant.

The City Attorney is Christopher Curran. Mr. Curran was appointed to his post in July 2017 and his office is located in City Hall at 1609 State Street.

The Assistant City Attorney is Rex Ridenour. Mr. Ridenour is in private practice and his office is located at 111 E. 3rd Street, Suite 700, Davenport, IA 52801. His telephone number is (563) 324-1971. Mr. Ridenour is primarily responsible for prosecuting municipal code violations but also serves as the City's legal advisor in the absence of the City Attorney.

Traffic Violations & Municipal Infractions:

If you have a speeding ticket, other traffic citation, or municipal infraction, and wish to discuss the ticket or discuss plea bargaining of the matter, you should enter a plea of not guilty at the time listed on the ticket. A file will be generated and sent to the Assistant City Attorney only after a not guilty plea is entered. Mr. Ridenour will not be in a position to discuss the particulars of any citation until after a not guilty plea is on file.

Human Rights:

Additionally, the City Attorney serves as the staff liaison to the Human Rights Commission. If you have a complaint that you wish to file with the Human Rights Commission, the process begins here.