The city administrator is the chief administrative officer of the city. The duties of the city administrator are as follows:
1. General. See that all resolutions, ordinances, laws, council and mayor directives and approved operational policies are either faithfully enforced and executed or referred to the proper official for compliance thereof.
2. Attend Council Meetings. Attend all meetings of the council unless otherwise excused by the mayor and council.
3. Recommendations. Recommend to the mayor and council such measures as the city administrator deemed necessary or expedient for good efficient government, and the general welfare of the city.
4. Supervision. Have general responsibilities for the supervision, direction, and administration of the following departments, offices, functions and services, and be directly responsible to the council for the proper function of the same:
A. Central business office (clerk, budget and finance).
B. Fire and rescue department.
C. Police department.
D. Building department.
E. Department of public works.
F. Personnel.
G. Water and sewer utilities.
H. Capital improvement and planning.
5. Liaison. Maintain liaison with citizens, businesses, developers, builders, engineers and other governmental agencies.
6. Contracts. Be responsible for the supervision and performance of all contracts for work and services to be done for the city, except as specified otherwise in said construction or service program involved.
7. Agreements; Contracts. Maintain an accounting of all obligations, agreements, commitments and contractual franchises involving the city and report to the mayor and council and deviations from the exact terms as specified.
8. Purchasing. Direct the purchasing of all commodities, materials, supplies, capital outlay and services for all departments of the city that have been budgeted and appropriated by resolution of the council, and enforce a program to determine that such purchases are received and are of the quality and character called for in the order.
9. Bids: The city administrator shall require the taking of bids on all matters which the city administrator deems advisable, as required by law, or as directed by the council.
10. Spending Authority:
A. The City Administrator shall have authority to approve the spending of up to $24,999.00 for any budgeted items. Purchases of $25,000.00 or more must be made only with Council approval. The City Administrator shall be given authority to spend $5,000.00 or less for any non-budgeted items and must have prior approval from the Policy and Administration Committee for spending anything over $5,000.00 for a non-budgeted item.
B. The City Administrator may spend $25,000.00 or less for any emergency purchases. “Emergency purchases” are those purchases that will cause more extensive costs or damages if the proposed purchase is not authorized quickly or during natural or other disasters. All emergency purchase decisions will be presented to the Mayor when possible for consultation on the need to make the purchase. A detailed description of any emergency purchase will be made to the Policy and Administration Committee at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
11. Appoint And Employ. Have the power to appoint or employ all officers and employees to fill authorized positions with the exception of the city clerk, city attorney, police department personnel appointed pursuant to civil service law (other than the police chief, who shall be appointed by the city council), fire officers and full time fire department personnel. The appointment or employment of officers or employees at the department head level is subject to council approval.
12. Suspension Or Discharge Of Employees. Have the power to suspend without pay for a period not exceeding fourteen (14) days or discharge summarily any officer or employee which the city administrator has the power to appoint or employ, subject, however, to the provisions of the veteran's preference law, chapter 35C of the code of Iowa. The suspension or discharge of officers or employees at the department head level is subject to review and confirmation by the council.
13. Emergency Employees. Have the authority to employ any person for emergency purposes as deemed necessary for the welfare of the city, but in no case shall said employment be extended after the first council meeting following the date of employment, unless otherwise approved by vote of the council.
14. Buildings And Equipment. Supervise the management of all buildings, structures and land under the jurisdiction of the council, and be charged with the care and preservation of all city owned equipment, tools, machinery, appliances, supplies and commodities under the control of employees or departments, over which the city administrator has, by this article, specific authority.
15. Financial Condition. Keep the mayor and council fully advised of the financial and other conditions of the city.
16. Annual Budget. Prepare and submit to the mayor and council an annual budget in the manner as prescribed by law.
17. Business Affairs. See that all business affairs of the city are conducted by modern, approved methods and in an efficient manner.
18. Records. Be responsible at all times for the maintenance of accurate and current records of all affairs of the departments under the jurisdiction of the city administrator, and in a form acceptable by the council. Copies of such reports shall be available for public inspection.
19. Council Committees. Assist the council committees in the execution of their reviews, investigations, reports and assignments, and provide administrative support in compliance with their directives.
20. Delegated Powers. Perform duties and have direct authority on all matters delegated by council action.
21. Administrative Support. Provide administrative support and assistance to the mayor and perform duties in the coordination of all phases of municipal activity as directed by the mayor and council.