(1) Litigation. The city attorney shall conduct all litigation in which the council participates as a party pursuant to this chapter.

(2) Civil Action. Whenever the city attorney has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons is engaged in a continuous pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of any rights granted by this chapter, or that any group of persons has been denied any of the rights granted by this chapter and such denial raises an issue of general public importance he may bring a civil action in the Ida County district court by filing with it a petition setting forth the facts and requesting such preventive relief, including an application for permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order against the person or persons responsible for such pattern or practice or denial of rights, as he deems necessary to insure the full enjoyment of the rights granted by this chapter. [Code 1975 § 7-5.15.]