N.Y. Second Class Cities Law § 40

§ 40. Regulations of duties of officers. The common council may, by\nordinance passed by three-fourths of all its members, not inconsistent\nwith this chapter, or other laws of the state, regulate the powers and\nduties of any city officer or department; and it has power to\ninvestigate all city officers and departments and shall have access to\nall records and papers kept by every city officer or department, and has\npower to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books,\npapers or other evidence at any meeting of the common council or of any\ncommittee thereof, and for that purpose may issue subpoenas signed by\nthe president.\n