Title
Presentation recognizing the service of City Attorney Robert Gehler
Body
Summary and Background Information:
City Attorney Robert Gehler is retiring after 47 years of service to the City of Commerce City. Mr. Gehler has held this post in various forms since 1968 and will retire April 4, 2016, having made his mark on the city, including drafting the city charter. Originally from South Dakota, Gehler came to Colorado as a member of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in 1964. Ready to leave the Army, Gehler passed the Colorado Bar and joined the firm of Berger and Rothstein in 1965, whose office was just outside the west gate of the arsenal. He served as assistant county attorney for Adams County from 1965-1968.
In 1968, newly elected Commerce City Mayor Eli Koff felt that a change in city attorney was desirable to move the city forward and engaged Gehler's firm. He was sworn in as city attorney in January of that year. In 1970, residents voted overwhelmingly to become a home rule city instead of a statutory city and the process of adopting a city charter began. Approved on its first vote, the charter, which guides how local government functions, has been amended only five times since it was adopted. Gehler cites this as one of the city's most memorable legal achievements.
The presentation will recognize Mr. Gehler's years of service and impact to the Commerce City community.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): City Manager McBroom
Staff Member Presenting: City Council