Individual members of the Council shall not direct or request the appointment of any person to, or his removal from office by the City Manager or by any of his subordinates, or in any manner attempt to dictate the appointment or removal of officers and employees in the administrative service by the City Manager. Except for the purpose of inquiry, Councilmembers shall deal with the administrative service solely through the City Manager and no Councilmember shall give orders to any subordinates of the City Manager, either publicly or privately.
('64 Code, § 2-31)