SECTION 19. PRESIDING OFFICER.
   The Council shall be presided over at its meetings by the Mayor, or in his absence, by the Mayor Pro Tem., who shall be chosen annually by a majority of the Council present at the first meeting of said Council, from the members of the Council after the election and qualification; and such Mayor Pro Tem., shall in the absence of the Mayor, have all the powers and perform all the duties of the Mayor.