Personnel rules shall be adopted and amended by resolution of the council. The rules shall provide means to recruit, select, develop and maintain an effective and responsive work force, and shall include policies and procedures for employee hiring and advancement, training and career development, job classification, salary administration, retirement, fringe benefits, discipline, discharge, and other related activities. All appointments and promotions shall be made in accordance with the personnel rules without regard to sex, race, color, age, religion or political affiliation; and, furthermore, shall be based on merit and fitness. (Prior code § 1.825)