(a) Merit Principle. All appointments and promotions of City officers and employees shall be made solely on the basis of merit and fitness demonstrated by a valid and reliable examination or other evidence of competence.
(b) Merit System. Consistent with all applicable federal and state laws the City Council shall provide by ordinance, for the establishment, regulation and maintenance of a merit system governing personnel policies necessary to effective administration of the employees of the City’s offices and agencies, including but not limited to any pay plans, examinations, force reduction, removals, working conditions, provisional and exempt appointments, in-service training, grievances and relationships with employee organizations.