2005 California Government Code Sections 34851-34859 Article 1. City Manager

34851.  An ordinance establishing a city manager form of government
may be:
   (a) Enacted by the legislative body; or
   (b) Submitted to the electors by the legislative body at any
municipal or special election; or
   (c) Submitted by the people as an initiative measure.
34852.  The ordinance shall define the powers and duties of the city
manager and may fix his compensation or the minimum amount he is to
receive.
34853.  Where the ordinance is submitted by the legislative body,
the proposition shall be printed on the ballots substantially as
follows:  "Shall Ordinance No. ____ providing for a city manager form
of government be adopted?" followed by the words "yes" and "no," so
printed that the voters may express their choice.
34854. If a majority of the votes cast at the election is in favor
of the ordinance, it shall go into effect on the tenth day after the
canvass of votes.
34855.  Within sixty days after the effective date of the ordinance,
the legislative body shall appoint a city manager, who need not be a
resident of the city at the time of his appointment.
34856.  The city manager may appoint and dismiss the chief of police
and other subordinate appointive officers and employees except the
city attorney. When the offices of city clerk and city treasurer are
made appointive, appointments to such offices shall be made by the
city council unless the city council vests such appointing power in
the city manager by ordinance.
34857.  Upon appointment of the city manager, the terms of
subordinate officers over whom he has power of appointment and
removal cease, unless they are reappointed by him.
34858. Any city adopting the city manager form of government may
abolish it in the manner in which it was adopted.
34859.  All ordinances establishing a city manager form of
government, enacted prior to September 19, 1947, are confirmed,
validated, and declared legally effective.