Subject to the limitations imposed by Section 268.02 of the Codified Ordinances, Council shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and books, documents, records or other evidence at the request of any member of Council for the purpose of investigating charges against an officer or employee. Upon motion adopted by Council, the President of Council or, in his or her absence or unavailability, the President Pro Tem shall sign any subpoena to be issued pursuant to this section, and such subpoena shall be served and executed by any person authorized to serve subpoenas, and in the manner required, by Rule 45 of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure. The return of such subpoena shall be filed with the Clerk of Council. The Director of Law, the Assistant Director of Law or in their absence or unavailability any member of Council may administer the requisite oaths to witnesses, and Council shall have the same power to compel the giving of testimony by the attending witnesses as is conferred upon courts of justice. In all such cases, witnesses shall be entitled to the same privileges, immunities and compensation as are allowed witnesses in civil cases, and the cost shall be paid from the General Fund of the Municipality. Any person who refuses to obey a subpoena issued pursuant to this subsection or to testify in response to such subpoena shall be guilty of contempt of Council, a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(Ord. 68-2015. Passed 6-8-15; Ord. 124-2016. Passed 9-26-16.)