The City Council, as a Committee of the whole, or any Standing or Special Committee may conduct an investigation of any matter necessary for the proper performance of its legislative functions. The procedure for the institution and conduct of such investigations shall be as follows:
(A) The Council must first adopt a resolution determining the need for such investigation, setting forth with particularity the legislative purpose of the investigation and referring the matter to a specific Committee for the investigation.
(B) A majority of the members of such Committee shall be necessary to conduct any session of the investigation.
(C) Any such Committee may issue a subpoena over the signature of its Chairperson, to compel any person within the limits of the city to appear before the Committee and to give testimony under oath on any matter pertinent to the investigation. Any subpoena so issued shall be accompanied by a copy of this section and the resolution mentioned in division (A) above.
(D) Any person so subpoenaed may have legal counsel accompany that person.
(E) It shall be unlawful for any person so subpoenaed to refuse to comply with the subpoena.
(F) It shall be unlawful for any person called as a witness before any such Committee to refuse to be sworn or refuse to answer any proper question.
(G) Any person subpoenaed to appear before the Committee shall be entitled to a fee of $3 for each day that they appear before the Committee in response to the subpoena. The fee shall be paid by the Clerk upon a voucher signed by the Chairperson of the Committee.
(H) The Chairperson of the Committee, any member thereof, or any other person authorized by the laws of the state to administer oaths may administer any oath required during the progress of the investigation.
(Ord. 15-1963, passed 4-2-63; Am. Ord. 02-2002, passed 2-4-02)