§ 7.12. RESTRICTIONS ON POWERS OF COUNCIL.

(a)

Council shall not have the power to make any contract with or give any official position to any person who is in default to the City. Further, Council shall not have the power to sell any park, except where such park or part thereof is not required under an official master plan of the City, or engage in any business requiring an investment of money in excess of ten cents per capita, unless it be a utility presently operated by the City, or, unless approved by three-fifths of the electors voting thereon at any general or special election.

(b)

Neither Council nor any committee or member thereof shall direct or demand the appointment of any person to, his promotion within or to, or his removal from any office or employment in the City government except those officers directly appointed by Council. Except for purposes of inquiry authorized by it, Council, its committees and its members shall deal with the administrative officers and employees of the City solely through the City Manager concerning matters relating to the performance of their several official duties and employments. No action contrary thereto shall be valid or binding upon the City Manager or any officer or employee of the City. Any violation of the provisions of this paragraph shall constitute a violation of this Charter.

(c)

Except in those cases where a larger majority is required by law, no ordinance or resolution shall be adopted or passed, nor shall any appointment be made, nor any person removed from office as required or permitted by this Charter, except by the affirmative vote of at least four members of Council.

(d)

There shall be no standing committees of Council.