The powers and duties of the Mayor are as follows:
1. Act as the chief executive officer of the City and presiding officer of the Council. In the absence of a full time City Administrator Clerk-Treasurer the Mayor shall supervise all departments of the City, give direction to department heads concerning the functions of the departments, and have the power to examine all functions of the municipal departments, their records and to call for special reports from department heads 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. Within the City limits, the Mayor has all the powers conferred upon the Sheriff to suppress disorders.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.14[2])
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 and 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. (Repealed by Ordinance No. 02-2024 – Jun. 24 Supp.)
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.
(Section 15.02 – Ord. 2020-01 – Apr. 22 Supp.)
The Mayor shall recommend the appointment of the Mayor Pro Tem, along with the following City officials, with Council approval:
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.4)
1. City Attorney
2. City Engineer/NPDES Administrator
3. City Administrator
4. City Clerk
5. Treasurer
6. Deputy City Clerk
7. Operations Manager, Public Works
8. Fire Chief
9. 1st Assistant Fire Chief
10. 2nd Assistant Fire Chief
11. Fire Captains
12. Fire Lieutenants
13. Zoning Inspector/Administrator
14. Building Inspector
15. Floodplain Administrator
In addition, the Mayor recommends individuals for appointment by the Council for membership on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Sewer/Utilities Review Committee.
(Section 15.03 – Ord. 02-2024 – Jun. 24 Supp.)