The mayor, with the consent and advice of the council, shall have the power to employ such special counsel and assistance as may be necessary for advising the council relative to the legal affairs of the city, for drafting ordinances therefor, and for the doing of such other legal work as may be considered necessary by such council, all of which work shall be performed under the direct supervision of the regular city attorney and shall be paid for out of the general fund. (Prior code § 1-11-4)