N.Y. Second Class Cities Law § 40: Regulations of duties of officers

§ 40. Regulations of duties of officers. The common council may, by

ordinance passed by three-fourths of all its members, not inconsistent

with this chapter, or other laws of the state, regulate the powers and

duties of any city officer or department; and it has power to

investigate all city officers and departments and shall have access to

all records and papers kept by every city officer or department, and has

power to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books,

papers or other evidence at any meeting of the common council or of any

committee thereof, and for that purpose may issue subpoenas signed by

the president.