The city council, upon the recommendation of the judge of the municipal court, may designate any appropriate person who is a resident of the city to serve as marshal, and in the absence of such a designation, the chief of police or corresponding officer of the city shall execute any writs and other processes directed to him, except as herein otherwise provided, and such duty may be performed by any deputy marshal or by any members of the police force of the city, as the case may be. (1991 Code § 12-10)