Except for the purposes of inquiry, the Council and its members shall deal with the administrative service of the City solely through the City Manager. The Council and its members may not:
1. Direct or request the City Manager or other authority to appoint or remove employees of the City.
2. Participate in any manner in the appointment or removal of employees of the City, except as provided by law.
3. Give orders on ordinary administrative matters to any subordinate of the City Manager, either publicly or privately.
The word “employee,” as used herein, shall not include appointive officers, either appointed by the Mayor or Council.