The council, the city manager or any person or committee authorized by either of them, may inquire into the conduct of, and investigate any office, department, agency, officer, employee, or other affairs of the city; and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and compel the production of books, papers and other evidence.
However, the council alone, with or without the city attorney as counsel, may inquire into the conduct of and investigate the officers, employees and affairs of the judicial department. Failure to obey a subpoena or to produce books, papers or other evidence as provided herein shall constitute an offense against this charter and shall be punishable as the council may provide within the constitutional and legal limits.