The position of city administrator is hereby established, and he shall be the chief administrative officer of the municipality. He shall be chosen by the city council solely on the basis of his training, experience and administrative qualifications. The city administrator shall be appointed for an indefinite period by a majority of the city council. The city administrator shall reside in the city limits and may be removed at the will of the city council. The city administrator shall be under contract with the city and such provisions and establishments of office will be covered in detail in said document. The city administrator shall serve as the city’s public works superintendent and assume all duties as documented in this division.
(2002 Code, sec. 2.37(1))
(a) 
The duties and responsibilities of the city administrator shall be:
(1) 
Subject to city council regulations and applicable laws, the city administrator shall control and direct the administration of municipal affairs.
(2) 
The city administrator shall see that all laws, ordinances and resolutions of the city are enforced.
(3) 
The city administrator shall supervise the activities of all municipal department heads and personnel of the city in the administration of municipal policy with authority to effectively extend or terminate their employment.
(4) 
The city administrator shall attend and participate in all meetings of the city council.
(5) 
He shall be responsible for the preparation of the city council agenda and recommend to the city council such measures as he may deem necessary for the welfare of the citizens and the efficient administration of the city. He may attend, at his discretion or at the direction of the city council, other committee and commission meetings. The city administrator shall prepare an annual fiscal budget and capital improvement plan for the city council. He shall recommend all salaries for each employee upon evaluation of the employee and it shall be the duty of the governing body to approve all recommendations. He shall maintain financial guidelines for the municipality within the scope of the approved budget and capital program. He shall submit reports to the city council on the financial condition of municipal accounts and make sure the annual financial statement is prepared in accordance with state statutes.
(6) 
The city administrator shall handle all personnel matters for the city in conjunction with policy established by the city council. He shall negotiate or delegate the negotiation of terms and conditions of employee labor contracts for presentation to the city council. The city administrator shall represent the city at official functions as directed by the city council and maintain good public relations with the citizens of the community. The city administrator shall act as purchasing agent for the city and be responsible in making all purchases in accordance with the approved municipal budget and state laws. He shall have the authority to sign purchase orders for routine services, equipment and supplies for which the cost does not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). All claims resulting from orders placed by the city administrator shall be audited for payment by the city council. He shall negotiate contracts for any kind of merchandise, materials, equipment or construction work for presentation to the city council and shall give opportunity for competition on purchases and sales unless the nature of the sale or purchase is impossible.
(7) 
The city administrator shall coordinate municipal programs and activities as directed by the city council. He shall monitor all consultant and contract work performed for the city. He shall coordinate the activities of the city attorney.
(8) 
The city administrator shall be informed regarding federal, state and county programs which affect the municipality. He shall consult with officials of both public and private agencies as may be required.
(9) 
The city administrator shall inform the city council on matters dealing with the administration of the city and prepare and submit to the city council for adoption an administrative code encompassing the details of administrative procedure.
(10) 
The city administrator shall now act as the superintendent of the city and shall plan, direct, manage and oversee the public works department, which includes engineering, street construction and maintenance, parks, water/wastewater management, permits, inspection and all facility and equipment maintenance. The administrator shall evaluate and update existing construction codes, read and interpret plans and technical documents, and advise architects, designers, builders and owners on code and procedural issues. A class C water and wastewater license is required within 1 year of employment. Responsible for completing and submitting any required forms or certifications to regulatory agencies concerning water/wastewater operations.
(b) 
The city administrator shall receive such compensation as the governing body shall fix from time to time.
(2002 Code, sec. 2.37(2))
The city administrator must have considerable knowledge of municipal government operation, proper procedures, public relations, finances, purchasing and all administrative requirements for proper municipal operation, construction and maintenance methods as well as fleet maintenance and operations methods. He must have knowledge of or ability to acquire full knowledge of all laws affecting the municipality. He must have the ability to provide harmonious relations with municipal employees and the general public. He must have the ability to plan development, to collect material and analyze for reporting and to conduct and implement standards of procedure, operation and organization.
(2002 Code, sec. 2.37(3))
During the absence or disability of the city administrator, the governing body shall designate some properly qualified person to perform the duties of said office.
(2002 Code, sec. 2.34)
The city administrator shall furnish such surety bond as may be required by the governing body by ordinance, the premium to be paid by the city.
(2002 Code, sec. 2.36)