SECTION 5. VACANCIES AND ABSENCES.

   If a vacancy occurs in a Ward Council seat, the replacement shall be chosen within thirty (30) days of the vacancy by the precinct committee members in the ward of the same party as the person vacating the seat. If the precinct committee members fail to make the appointment, the remaining members of Council shall have thirty (30) days to make an appointment. If Council fails to make the appointment; the Mayor shall make the appointment.

   If a vacancy occurs in an At-Large Council seat, the replacement shall be chosen within thirty (30) days of the vacancy by the precinct committee members within the City of the same party as the person vacating the seat. If the precinct committee members fail to make the appointment, the remaining members of Council shall have thirty (30) days to make an appointment. If Council fails to make the appointment; the Mayor shall make the appointment.

   If a vacancy occurs in either a Ward or At-Large council seat and the person vacating the seat was not a member of a political party that elected precinct committee members, the replacement shall be chosen by the committee listed on the nominating petition by the candidate, within thirty (30) days. If the member of Council did not designate a committee, Council shall fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days. If council fails to make the appointment, the Mayor shall make the appointment. (Amended 11-7-00)