Chapter IV.
THE CITY MANAGER
Section 1. Appointment of City Manager
The Council shall appoint a City Manager as an officer of the City, who will have the powers and shall perform the duties provided in this Charter. No member of the Council shall receive such appointment during the term for which he or she has been elected nor within one year after the expiration of such term. The Council shall enter into a written agreement with the City Manager setting forth the terms and conditions of employment of the City Manager by the Council, provided that the written agreement and shall not restrict the power of the Council to remove the City Manager pursuant to Article IV, Section 6 of this Charter.
Section 2. City Manager; Qualifications
The Council shall choose the City Manager solely based on executive and administrative qualifications with special reference to actual experience in, or knowledge of, accepted practice regarding the duties of the office. The City Manager shall serve at the pleasure of the Council.
Section 3. City Manager; Powers and Duties
The City Manager shall be the chief administrative officer and head of the administrative branch of the City government and shall be responsible for the proper administration of all City affairs. The City Manager has the sole authority to control, order, and give directions to all heads of departments and to subordinate City officers and employees under the City Manager’s jurisdiction. Subject to this Charter, the City Manager has the power and is required to:
(1) Devote full time to the discharge of the official duties of the City Manager.
(2) See that all ordinances are enforced and that all franchises, leases, contracts, permits, and privileges granted by the City are observed.
(3) Appoint, suspend, or remove non-Council appointed City officers and employees as needed for the City’s benefit. The City Manager may authorize the head of a department or office to appoint, suspend, or remove subordinates in such office or department.
(4) Supervise the work of the City Clerk and provide for a written evaluation on an annual basis to be provided to the Council for consideration. This subsection does not change the contracting or hiring procedures for the City Clerk.
(5) Prepare the annual budget estimates, submit them to the Council, and be responsible for the administration of the budget after adoption.
(6) Keep the Council advised at all times of the affairs and needs of the City, and make reports annually, or more frequently if requested by the Council, including a report on water conservation and any other sustainability efforts undertaken by the City.
(7) In case of accident, disaster, or other circumstances creating a public emergency, the Manager may award contracts and make purchases for meeting said emergency, but such awards and purchases must be listed on the next Council agenda.
(8) Have such other powers, duties, and functions as the Council may prescribe, consistent with this Charter.
Section 4. City Manager to Attend Council Meetings
Unless excused therefrom, the City Manager shall attend all Council meetings. The City Manager is entitled to a seat in the Council meeting and to take part in the discussion of all matters coming before the Council but has no vote therein.
Section 5. Acting City Manager
The City Manager may designate a qualified City administrative officer to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Manager during their temporary absence or disability, with immediate notice to the Council. If the City Manager is suspended by the Council, or if there is a vacancy in the office of the City Manager, the Council shall appoint an acting City Manager to serve until the suspension ceases, or until another City Manager is appointed.
Section 6. Removal of City Manager
The removal of the City Manager shall be by an affirmative vote of not less than five Councilmembers. Upon removal, the Manager shall be paid any severance amount or benefits due under his or her employment contract. Council action shall be final and not subject to appeal. This Charter vests in the Council all authority to suspend and remove the City Manager.