(1) The city Administrator is the administrative head of the city government
(2) A majority of the council shall appoint and may remove the Administrator. The appointment shall be without regard to political considerations and solely on the basis of administrative qualifications.
(3) The Administrator need not reside in the city.
(4) Upon accepting the appointment, the Administrator shall furnish the city a bond in an amount and a surety approved by the council. The city shall pay the bond premium.
(5) The Administrator shall:
(a) Attend all council meetings unless excused by the council or Mayor;
(b) Keep the council advised of the affairs and needs of the city;
(c) See that the provisions of all ordinances are administered to the satisfaction of the council;
(d) See that all terms of franchises, leases, contracts, permits, and privileges granted by the city are fulfilled;
(e) Appoint, discipline and remove appointive personnel, except appointees of the Mayor or council;
(f) Supervise and control the Administrator's appointees in their service to the city;
(g) Organize and reorganize the departmental structure of city government;
(h) Prepare and transmit to the council an annual city budget;
(i) Supervise city contracts;
(j) Supervise operation of all city-owned public utilities and property; and
(k) Perform other duties as the council prescribes and consistent with this charter.
(6) The Administrator may not control:
(a) The council;
(b) The municipal Judge in the Judge's judicial functions; or,
(c) Except as the council authorizes, appointive personnel of the city whom the Administrator does not appoint.
(7) The Administrator and other personnel whom the council designates may sit with the council but may not vote on questions before it. The Administrator may take part in all council discussions.
(8) When the Administrator is absent from the city or disabled from acting as Administrator, or when the office of Administrator becomes vacant, the council shall appoint a manager pro tem, who has the powers and duties of Administrator, except that the Administrator pro tern may appoint or remove personnel only with approval of the council.
(9) Except in council meetings, and/or executive sessions, neither the Mayor nor any council member may directly or indirectly, by suggestion or otherwise, attempt to influence the Administrator or a candidate for the office of Administrator in the appointment, discipline, or removal of personnel or in decisions regarding city property or contracts. A violator of this prohibition may be removed from office by a court of competent jurisdiction. In council meeting, members of the council may discuss with, or suggest to, the Administrator anything pertinent to city affairs.