The City Manager shall serve as chief administrative officer of the City. The City Manager shall be responsible for the direction and supervision of all activities of city departments, the execution of the budget and implementation of policy as established by the City Council. The City Manager shall have authority and responsibility to provide city staff and to employ, discipline and discharge all city employees, except officers appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Council as designated in this charter. All orders on the treasury shall include the signature of the City Manager or the manager's designee and the signature of the Mayor or President of the Council. The City Manager shall designate another city employee to serve in the absence of the City Manager.