§ 7. Charter officers.

(1)

Designation. The city manager and the city attorney are redesignated as charter officers, except that the office of the city attorney may be contracted to an attorney or law firm.

(2)

Appointment; removal; compensation; filling of vacancies.

(a)

The charter officers shall be appointed by a majority vote of the full council and shall serve at the pleasure of the council.

(b)

The charter officers shall be removed from office only by a majority vote of the full council. Upon demand by a charter officer, a public hearing shall be held prior to such removal.

(c)

The compensation of the charter officers shall be fixed by the city council.

(d)

The city council shall begin the process to fill a vacancy in a charter office within 90 days after the vacancy. An acting city manager or an acting city attorney may be appointed by the council during a vacancy in such charter office.

(e)

A charter officer shall not be a candidate for city council while holding his or her charter officer position.

(3)

City manager. The city manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the city.

(a)

Qualifications. The city manager shall be selected on the basis of experience, expertise, and management ability as it pertains to running municipal government.

(b)

Powers and duties. The city manager shall:

1.

As the chief administrative officer of the city, direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the city, except the offices of city attorney, and except as otherwise provided by this charter or by law.

2.

Appoint, suspend, or remove any employee of the city or appointive administrative officer provided for by or under this charter, except the office of city attorney and except as may otherwise be provided by law, this charter, or personnel rules adopted pursuant to the charter. The city manager may authorize any administrative officer who is subject to his or her direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in that officer's department, office, or agency.

3.

Ensure that all laws, provisions of this charter, and acts of the council are faithfully executed.

4.

Prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the council in the form prescribed by ordinance.

5.

Attend meetings of the city council.

6.

Draw and sign vouchers upon depositories as provided by ordinance, and keep or cause to be kept a true and accurate account of same.

7.

Sign all licenses issued by the city, and issue receipts for all moneys paid to the city, and deposit said moneys in the proper depositories on the first banking day after receipt. The city manager may delegate the responsibilities of this subparagraph to an appropriate city employee who shall be bonded.

8.

Provide administrative services in support of the office duties of the mayor and the council.

9.

Keep the council advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the city and make recommendations to the council concerning the affairs of the city.

10.

Submit to the city, and make available to the public, a complete report on finances and administrative activities of the city as of the end of the fiscal year.

11.

Sign contracts on behalf of the city to the extent authorized by ordinance.

12.

Perform such other duties as are specified in this charter or as may be required by the council.

(4)

City attorney . The city attorney shall be the chief legal officer of the city.

(a)

Qualifications. The city attorney shall be a member of The Florida Bar in good standing.

(b)   

Powers and duties. The city attorney:

1.

Shall serve as chief legal advisor to the city council, the charter officers, and all city departments, offices, and agencies.

2.

May hire such assistants as may be required, when approved by the city council.

3.

Shall attend city council meetings unless excused by the city council, and shall perform such professional duties as may be required by law or by the council in furtherance of the law.

4.

Shall prepare an annual budget for the operation of the office of the city attorney and shall submit this budget to the city manager for inclusion in the annual city budget, in accordance with uniform city procedures.