(a) The vice-mayor shall, when the mayor is officially absent, during vacation, on leave, or otherwise, act as head of the city and shall assume all of the duties and responsibilities of the mayor.
(b) The vice-mayor shall, while acting in such official capacity, designate himself as vice-mayor in any instrument which he may sign in behalf of the city, including checks, ordinances or other official documents.
(Code 1958, § 2-4, 2-2)