There shall be a City Manager who shall be hired and appointed by the Mayor and chosen on the merits of his/her executive and administrative qualifications and experience. The Mayor's appointment of the City Manager shall be subject to the confirmation of the City Council. If the City Council fails to act on the appointment within 30 days thereafter, the Mayor's appointment shall be deemed approved. The City Manager shall serve the City on a full-time basis and shall be responsible directly to the Mayor. The City Manager shall serve for an indefinite term.
The City Manager shall be chosen on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications and experience. The City Manager shall be a City resident or become a City resident within one year of appointment and shall reside within the City for the duration of his/her appointment. A candidate for the position of City Manager shall have the following minimum qualifications:
A. 
Education and experience.
[Amended 7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 4-2021[1]]
(1) 
A bachelor' s degree in local government, public administration, or political science or related discipline and a minimum of three years of public administration experience; or
An associate's degree coupled with a minimum of 10 years of local government or public administration related experience.
(2) 
Past local government or public administration experience of the individual must show performance in areas that include budgeting and finance, human resource management, information technology, risk management, grants procurement and administration, economic development strategies, understanding of state laws and other related matters including land use planning, zoning regulations, engineering, and public works.
(3) 
Experience and knowledge in local government accounting is desirable.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance was approved by referendum 11-2-2021.
B. 
Skills and past performance.
(1) 
Administrative ability. Must have demonstrated performance in human resources and/or collective bargaining for a community having not less than 10 employees. Good communication skills, including the ability to listen, communicate with various segments of the community, and develop good relations with the business community. Person must be willing to devote whatever time is necessary to achieve the goals and guidelines established by the Mayor. Candidate must have knowledge of how to organize departments and demonstrate leadership qualities.
(2) 
City Council and Mayoral relations. Ability to take time and interest in working with the Mayor and City Council members to keep them informed and explain technical processes. Should be able to adequately inform the Mayor and City Council members on a regular basis. Both written and oral communications with the Mayor and City Council members are essential. Candidate must be open and honest with the Mayor and City Council members and be able to present all sides of an issue that affects the City. The individual must be able to carry out the intentions and directions of the Mayor enthusiastically.
(3) 
Budget and finance. Should have demonstrated prior experience in managing a municipal budget. Experience and expertise in grant procurement is desirable, as well as dealing with locally owned utility finances.
(4) 
Collective bargaining/human resource management. Must have some knowledge of labor relations law, with preferred demonstrated ability in the collective bargaining process. Must demonstrate a personality that can communicate the local government's goals and needs to employees.
(5) 
Community relations. Candidate must have demonstrated involvement in community activities. Experience working with and understanding the needs of the business community is highly desirable. Candidate should be able to present a confident image of the local government to the City at large. Must be able to demonstrate a positive, productive attitude to citizens of the City.
(6) 
Intergovernmental relations. Must be able to relate to and develop a good working relationship with other local governments, county governments, community organizations, schools, and state and federal agencies.
The City Manager shall not hold any other public or political office during his/her tenure.
The City Manager shall have all administrative powers and duties over the operations of the City, including but not limited to the following:
A. 
Shall direct and supervise the activities of the departments and employees of the City pursuant to the Mayor's policies and direction.
B. 
Shall prepare the annual budget(s) pursuant to the Mayor's policies and direction.
C. 
Shall receive, review and evaluate job applications and conduct interviews. The City Manager shall make hiring recommendations to the Mayor.
D. 
Shall administer the personnel policy and procedures.
E. 
Shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of an accounting system, which shall be designed to accurately reflect the assets, liabilities, receipts and expenditures of the City.
F. 
Shall be responsible for the collection, custody and disbursement of all City funds and the preparation of monthly financial reports to be provided to the Mayor and City Council.
G. 
Shall administer the purchasing policy and program.
H. 
Shall attend all regularly scheduled meetings of the City Council.
I. 
Shall be responsible for the proper execution of all policies set forth in the Administrative Code.
J. 
Shall perform and/or be responsible for any and all other duties as may be required by the Mayor, this Charter and the Administrative Code.
The Mayor shall set the salary of the City Manager with City Council approval. Any adjustment to the salary of the City Manager shall be made following an annual review and recommendation by the Mayor, subject to approval of City Council by resolution.
If so desired, the Mayor shall recommend to City Council the termination of the City Manager and submit the reasons of dismissal for City Council's consideration. The City Manager shall have the opportunity to address City Council at a public meeting and respond to the issues set forth for his/her dismissal. The City Council must vote to terminate the City Manager by a super-majority vote of the entire City Council, which shall be four affirmative votes, in order for the termination to become effective.