(A) If, at the time of the adoption of this code, the city has a Fire Department, there is continued in this city a Fire Department. If the city, at the time of the adoption of this code, does not have a Fire Department, the City Council may by resolution create a Fire Department subject to the provisions of this code. All Fire Departments are established under the authority of state law, M.S. § 412.221, Subd. 17, as it may be amended from time to time.
(B) All officers of the Fire Department shall be appointed by the City Council. If one of the officers duly appointed shall resign his or her office, be removed from office by the City Council, or is deceased during his or her term of office, the successor shall be duly appointed by the City Council as soon as is practical and no later than two weeks from the time the position becomes open. The officer so appointed is so appointed for any period of the unexpired term of the vacated office.
(C) Firefighters and probationary firefighters shall be appointed by the City Council upon recommendation by the Chief of the Fire Department. The process of recruitment, selection, appointment and termination of firefighters and probationary firefighters shall be at the discretion of the city council.
(D) As required by state law, M.S. § 412.241, as it may be amended from time to time, the City Council shall have full authority over the financial affairs of the Fire Department, and shall provide for the collection of all revenues and other assets, the auditing and settlement of accounts, and the safekeeping and disbursement of public money. This division does not apply to the funds of any Fire Relief Association.