The mayor, members of the city council, and all employees under the direction of the mayor, are authorized to attempt to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation by the Legislature of the state, or the adoption or rejection of any rule, standard, rate or other legislative enactment of any state agency under the State Administrative Procedures Acts, Chapter 34.04 RCW, and may do so as directed by the mayor and shall be construed to be on official city business when engaging therein. Further, such funds as are currently appropriated within the various departments for travel and related expenses are authorized for use for this purpose as well as such additional funds as may from time to time be appropriated by the city council. [Ord. 8742 § 1, 1979].