Subject to other requirements of this Charter, the Council may enter into contracts it finds in the public interest, for the design, construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling, repair or maintenance of any public work, improvement, facility or structure, including any local improvement, or may at its option directly employ labor for this purpose or any portion thereof or function connected therewith. The Council may by practice or regulation classify various improvements and functions, some of which may be performed under contract and others of which may be performed by direct labor. [New sec. Nov. 8, 1966.]