Deal with the City Council as a group, but what you tell one person, tell all of them, preferably in writing. Always keep the City Council well informed, no surprises.
Timing is critical.
Speak well of those you work for. It is nice to be liked, as well as respected, but given choice between the two, always settle for respect. The job of a City Manager is to remove obstacles that get in the way of departments doing their job. All Successes look like failures half way through. Address yourself to the needs of others - not necessarily what they say their needs are.