Neither Council, nor its committees or members, shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or removal from office or employment, by the City Administrator, or in any manner take part in the appointment, discipline, or removal of subordinates and employees in the administrative service to the City. City Council, its committees and members shall not interfere with that portion of the service of the City for which the City Administrator is solely responsible. Neither the Council, nor its committees or members shall give any orders to any subordinate of the City Administrator. Council may, however, inquire into the conduct of any office or department, the performance of any contract, or any of the affairs of the City. Council may, in the exercise of such power, compel, or authorize a committee to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, paper and other evidence under penalty of law.