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C. Council-manager Minn. Stat. § 412.541, subd. 2. Some home rule charter cities and statutory cities have a council-manager Minn. Stat. § 412.611. form of government. Under this form, the council has policy -making and legislative authority, but administration of the government is the responsibility of the council -appointed city manager. The manager is directly responsible to the council. The manager appoints department heads, usually without council approval. In this form, neither the mayor, nor any other individual member of council, nor council as a whole typically has any decision -making authority in day-to- day administration of the city. Again, a home rule charter can modify this. III. Legal powers and responsibilities of the mayor The powers and responsibilities of a mayor may vary depending upon whether the city is a statutory city or governed by a home rule charter. Below are the basic powers of a mayor in a statutory city. A city charter may add to or limit this list. Ceremonial head of the city. As the head of the city, the mayor often has certain responsibilities not found in statute but based on custom or tradition. For instance, the mayor may represent the city before other governmental bodies such as the Legislature. The public and media also usually regard the mayor as the official spokesperson for the city and its policies. Minn. Stat. § 412.191, subd. 2. Presiding officer at council meetings. In most cities, the mayor's greatest authority is that of presiding officer at council meetings. Though not a legal See Chapter3: Meeting requirement, the presiding officer clearly has a responsibility to be impartial Management. and objective in conducting the meeting. To maintain this objectivity, many mayors choose to minimize making or seconding motions and to allow other members of the council to speak before the mayor expresses their opinion. Minn. Stat. § 412.191, subd. 2. Calling meetings. Mayors can call a special meeting. Two members of a five - member council or three members of a seven -member council, can also call special meetings. Minn. Stat. § 412.191, subd.4. Executing official documents. The mayor of a statutory City must sign . . S Minn. tat § 412.201 St § ordinances, contracts authorized by the council, and written orders for A.G.. (June 1966). payment of claims that have been audited and allowed by the council. These are ministerial duties meaning the mayor may not refuse to sign if the purpose, approval, and form are legally correct and complete. Power to make some appointments. While the power to appoint usually resides in the council as a whole, the mayor has authority to make the following appointments, subject to council approval: Minnesota Mayors Association Chapter 1 6