All powers of the city shall be vested in the council unless
specifically provided otherwise in this charter. The council shall
provide for the exercise of these powers and for the performance of
all duties and obligations imposed on the city by law.
The council shall be the judge of the election and qualifications
of its members and of the grounds for forfeiture. A member charged
by the council with conduct constituting grounds for forfeiture of
office shall be furnished with a written document from the council
setting forth such charges. Such member may demand a public hearing
before the council. The council shall have the power to issue subpoenas
to compel the testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence,
and it may administer oaths. The council shall subpoena such witnesses
and evidence as may also be requested by the member whose forfeiture
is under review at such hearing. Any person who willfully fails to
comply with a subpoena issued hereunder shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
subject to penalty as provided by ordinance. Decisions made by the
council under this provision shall be subject to review by the appropriate
court as provided by law.
The council may make investigations into the affairs of the
city. In the event the council determines to conduct a formal investigation,
it may do so only upon the vote of a majority of the council then
in office setting forth with particularity the nature of the investigation.
In the event the council undertakes a formal investigation, it may
conduct hearings, issue subpoenas to compel the testimony of witnesses
and production of evidence, and it may administer oaths. All such
hearings shall be public. Any person who willfully fails to comply
with a subpoena issued hereunder shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
subject to penalty as provided by ordinance.
The council shall provide for an independent audit of all city
accounts at least annually. Such audit shall be made by an independent
certified public accountant or firm of such accountants. A copy of
such audit report shall be kept in the City Clerk's office and
shall be open to public inspection.
All ordinances and resolutions of the city of a general and
permanent nature shall be codified and promulgated according to a
system of continuous numbering and revision as specified by ordinance.
The council shall appoint an officer who shall have the title
of City Clerk. The council shall fix the compensation and conditions
of employment for such office. The City Clerk shall maintain the journal
of council proceedings, authenticate by signature of the City Clerk
all ordinances and resolutions, and record them in full in a book
maintained for that purpose. The City Clerk shall perform such other
duties as may be required by law, by this charter, or by the council.
The City Clerk shall be responsible to the council and shall hold
office at the pleasure of the council.