Except for the purposes of inquiry, the Council and its members shall deal with the administrative services of the city only through the City Manager. Neither the Council nor any member thereof shall demand or influence the appointment of any person to office or removal therefrom by the City Manager or in any manner take part in the appointment or removal of officers and employees in the administrative service of the city other than by suggestions to the City Manager. Neither the Council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinates of the City Manager, either publicly or privately.
(`78 Code, § 2.04.080.)