(A) The Mayor is the Chief City Executive and head of the executive branch. He or she shall faithfully perform the duties and responsibilities contained in I.C. 36-4-5-3 et seq. and other statutes of the state.
(B) Election. The Mayor shall be elected for a four-year term and shall serve until his or her successor is elected and qualified as is provided by statute.
(C) Duties.
(1) The Mayor shall preside over the meetings of the Common Council and shall perform such duties as may be required of him or her by statute or ordinance. He or she shall have supervision over all the executive officers and employees of the city and shall have the power and authority either by him or herself or by any officer or person designated for the purpose by him or her to investigate and to examine or inquire into the affairs or operation of any department, division, bureau, or office. When so authorized by the Common Council, he or she shall have power to employ consultants and professional counsel to aid in such investigations, examinations, or inquiries.
(2) The Mayor shall be the representative of the city and shall act for and on behalf of the city on formal occasions and receptions. In his or her absence or inability to attend any such function, he or she may select any other city official to so act. He or she shall sign all contracts on behalf of the city and all licenses issued by the city. He or she shall cause to be prepared and published all statements and reports required to be prepared and published by statute, ordinance, or resolution of the Common Council.
(D) Appointment of officers. The Mayor shall appoint all officers of the city whose election or appointment is not otherwise provided for. Any vacancies occurring in such appointive office shall be filled in the same manner.
(E) Designation of officers' duties. Whenever there is a dispute as to the respective duties or powers of any appointed officer of the city, this dispute shall be settled by the Mayor after consultation with the City Attorney. The Mayor shall have the power to delegate to any appointed officer any duty which is to be performed when no specific officer has been directed to perform that duty.
(F) Mayor's absence. During a temporary absence or disability of the Mayor, the Common Council shall elect one of its number to act as presiding officer pro tem who, during such absence or disability, shall preside over meetings of Common Council as is provided by statute.
(`94 Code, § 30.15) (Ord. 5-1992, passed 6-15-92)