(a) Powers and duties generally.--Council may, by ordinance, vest in the city administrator powers and duties relating to the general management of city business and to the enforcement of city ordinances and regulations. Nothing in this section shall be construed to diminish the powers granted to other city officers by law.

(b) Specific powers.--The powers and duties conferred upon a city administrator by council may include the following:

(1) Appointment as chief administrative officer of the city, responsible to council for the proper and efficient administration of the affairs of the city.

(2) Directing and supervising the administration of all departments and functions of the city, except as otherwise provided by law.

(3) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, appointing city employees on the basis of merit system principles and suspending, removing or otherwise disciplining employees, in accordance with the following:

(i) The city administrator may make recommendations to council concerning appointments or removals at the department-head level.

(ii) Before taking any action with regard to appointments or removals at the department-head level, the city administrator shall confer with council.

(iii) Council shall confirm appointments or removals at the department-head level.

(4) Designating a qualified administrative officer of the city to perform the city administrator's duties during the city administrator's temporary absence or disability. In the event the city administrator fails or is unable to make the designation or if the city administrator's absence or disability continues more than 30 days, council may, by resolution, appoint an officer of the city to perform the duties of the city administrator during the city administrator's absence or disability until the city administrator is able to return to work.

(5) Negotiating contracts for the city, subject to the approval of council, making recommendations concerning the nature and location of municipal improvements and executing municipal improvements as determined by council.

(6) Ensuring that all terms and conditions imposed in favor of the city or its residents in any law, franchise or contract are faithfully kept and performed and, upon knowledge of any violation, informing council.

(7) Attending all meetings of council and participating in discussions with council. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to permit the city administrator to vote with council.

(8) Recommending the adoption of measures to council as the city administrator may deem necessary or expedient, keeping council advised of the financial condition of the city and making reports to council as requested by council.

(9) Investigating, at any time, the affairs of any officer or department of the city that is under the city administrator's jurisdiction.

(10) Preparing and submitting the annual city budget for review and approval by council. The recommended budget and an enabling ordinance shall be submitted to council for its review not later than the last stated meeting in November of each year. The city administrator may include an explanatory comment or statement of the recommended budget. The recommended budget shall be in a form as required by law for city budgets and shall contain information explaining the various items of expenditure and revenue as may be required by council.

(11) Performing other duties as may be designated by council by ordinance.