The city council or any duly appointed committee of the members of the council may make investigations into the affairs of the city government and the conduct of any department, office, agency, officer or employee thereof, and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, and require the production of evidence. Any person who fails to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the city council or a committee of the council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, in such amount and for such time as prescribed by state law for misdemeanors.