CHAPTER 15
MAYOR

 

15.01 Term of Office	15.04 Compensation
15.02 Powers and Duties	15.05 Voting
15.03 Appointments

 

15.01 TERM OF OFFICE.

The Mayor is elected for a term of two (2) years.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 376.2)

15.02 POWERS AND DUTIES.

The powers and duties of the Mayor are as follows:

1.   Chief Executive Officer. Act as the chief executive officer of the City and presiding officer of the Council. Have the power to examine all functions of the municipal departments, their records and to call for special reports from the City Administrator at any time.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.14[1])

2.   Proclamation of Emergency. Have authority to take command of the police and govern the City by proclamation, upon making a determination that a time of emergency or public danger exists. Pursuant to the Mayor's emergency powers, within the City limits, the mayor shall have the authority to:

   A.   Imposition of Curfew: After proclamation of a civil emergency by the mayor, the mayor may order a general curfew applicable to such geographical areas of the city or to the city as a whole as the mayor deems advisable and applicable during such hours of the day or night as the mayor deems necessary in the interest of the public safety and welfare.

   B.   Mandatory Evacuation: After proclamation of a civil emergency by the mayor, the mayor may mandate that all or any part of the city of Iowa City be evacuated as the mayor deems advisable and applicable for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response or recovery.

   C.   Extraordinary Measures: After proclamation of a civil emergency by the mayor, the mayor may order that any other extraordinary measures be taken for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response or recovery.

   D.   Violation Of Order: The violation of a curfew order, evacuation order or other order regarding extraordinary measures issued by the mayor hereunder or any directive or order issued pursuant thereto by any peace officer shall be unlawful and is a municipal infraction punishable by civil penalty as provided herein.

3.   Special Meetings. Call special meetings of the Council when the Mayor deems such meetings necessary to the interests of the City.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.14[1])

4.   Mayor’s Veto. Sign, veto or take no action on an ordinance, amendment or resolution passed by the Council. The Mayor may veto an ordinance, amendment or resolution within fourteen days after passage. The Mayor shall explain the reasons for the veto in a written message to the Council at the time of the veto.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 380.5 & 380.6[2])

5.   Reports to Council. Make such oral or written reports to the Council as required. These reports shall concern municipal affairs generally, the municipal departments, and recommendations suitable for Council action.

6.   Negotiations. Represent the City in all negotiations properly entered into in accordance with law or ordinance. The Mayor shall not represent the City where this duty is specifically delegated to another officer by law, ordinance, or Council direction.

7.   Contracts. Whenever authorized by the Council, sign contracts on behalf of the City.

8.   Professional Services. Upon order of the Council, secure for the City such specialized and professional services not already available to the City. In executing the order of the Council, the Mayor shall act in accordance with the Code of Ordinances and the laws of the State.

9.   Licenses and Permits. Sign all licenses and permits which have been granted by the Council, except those designated by law or ordinance to be issued by another municipal officer.

10.   Nuisances. Issue written order for removal, at public expense, any nuisance for which no person can be found responsible and liable.

11.   Absentee Officer. Make appropriate provision that duties of any absentee officer be carried on during such absence.

15.03 APPOINTMENTS.

1.    The Mayor shall appoint the following officials:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.4)

   A.    Mayor Pro Tem

   B.   Any ad hoc committee deemed appropriate

2.   The Mayor shall also appoint, subject to Council approval, the following officials:

   A.    Police Chief

   B.   Fire Chief

   C.   (Repealed by Ord. 6-20-2016B - Jul. 16 Supp.)

   D.   (Repealed by Ord. 6-20-2016B - Jul. 16 Supp.)

   E.    Historic Preservation Commission

   F.    Parks and Recreation Board

   G.    Board of Adjustment

   H.   Board of Library Trustees (except member appointed by Cornell College)