Among other powers the council shall have authority to:
(1) Adopt ordinances and resolutions on any subject within the scope of its powers, and to provide penalties for the violation thereof;
(2) Establish the internal organization and staffing of the departments, boards and commissions created by this charter; set up such additional departments, boards or commissions as it may deem necessary and determine their powers and duties;
(3) Adopt and modify the master plan for the city and an official map of the city;
(4) Regulate the use of private real estate in the city by establishing zones, limiting the uses in each zone, and limiting the height of buildings and the intensity of land use;
(5) Adopt a subdivision platting ordinance and approve subdivision plats which conform thereto;
(6) Enact a comprehensive building code;
(7) Authorize the levy of taxes and the issuance of bonds as provided in this charter;
(8) Adopt an annual appropriation ordinance based on the annual budget, and delegate its enforcement to the city manager;
(9) Establish a volunteer firemen's relief and pension fund and make payments therefrom;
(10) Appoint and remove the city manager, establish his salary, and appoint an acting city manager when necessary to expedite public business;
(11) Inquire into the conduct of any city officer or employee in the performance of his public functions;
(12) Make investigations of any office, department or agency of the city;
(13) Grant public utility franchises by vote of five-sevenths (5/7) of council;
(14) Appoint and remove the members of the city planning commission, the zoning board of appeals and any other board or commission created by ordinance;
(15) Employ a Certified Public Accountant to audit the accounts of the city or any officer or department thereof, whenever such audit is deemed necessary; provided that a general audit of the city accounts shall be made at least annually;
(16) Issue subpoenas for witnesses and to require the production of books and papers which may be necessary in the conduct of any hearing or investigation.