All the powers of the City and the determination of all matters of policy shall be vested in the Council. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Council, by a majority vote, shall have power to:
a. appoint, assign duties not otherwise specified in this Charter and remove the City Manager;
b. establish other administrative departments;
c. adopt the budget of the City, levy taxes and special assessments;
d. authorize the issuance of bonds, notes and other forms of indebtedness by ordinance;
e. inquire into the conduct of any office, department or agency of the City and make investigations as to municipal affairs;
f. appoint the members of the Civil Service Commission;
g. appoint the members of the Planning Commission;
h. establish all salaries and wages;
i. adopt plats;
j. adopt and modify the official map of the City;
k. regulate and restrict the height and number of stories of buildings and other structures, the size of yards and courts, the density of populations and the location and use of buildings for trade, industry, business, residence or other purposes;
l. enact and adopt ordinance measures and regulations for the establishment and preservation of the public peace, safety, health and general welfare;
m. enter into contracts and grant franchises;
n. accept gifts and grants on behalf of the City;
o. provide for an independent audit;
p. determine and establish all rates, charges, assessments and contracts pertaining to the use and service of public utilities;
q. perform such other duties and exercise such other rights, not inconsistent with this Charter, as now or hereafter granted to the legislative authority of any municipality in Ohio;
r. City Council shall appoint any qualified individual to perform the duties of City Manager during the City Manager’s temporary absence or disability. Such approval shall be given by motion to the City Clerk. A member of City Council and the Mayor shall be disqualified for such designation.
(Amended November 4, 2003)
(Pursuant to an Ohio Ethics Opinion advisory letter a City Council members may not receive additional managerial compensation if appointed pursuant to this Section.)