The Council may make, or cause to be made, inquiries or investigations into the affairs of the City and the conduct of any City department, office, agency, board, authority or commission and for this purpose invite or subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. A written report of the findings of fact shall be made to the Council within a reasonable time of the conclusion of any inquiry or investigation conducted under this section, which report shall be made a public record. There may be deleted from such report any matter permitted by State Code to be discussed in a closed or executive session provided that no such finding of fact deleted from the report shall be the exclusive basis of any punitive or disciplinary action, nor shall it be the basis for the denial of due process. Any person who fails or refuses to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the Council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of not less than $50.00 or more than $500.00.
Inquiries or investigations under this section shall be conducted only at meetings called especially for the purpose of conducting an inquiry or investigation.