The Mayor Pro-Tem is Vice President of the Council. When the Mayor is absent or unable to act, the Mayor Pro-Tem shall perform the Mayor’s duties, except that the Mayor Pro-Tem may not appoint, employ or discharge officers or employees without the approval of the Council. Official actions of the Mayor Pro-Tem when the Mayor is absent or unable to act are legal and binding to the same extent as if done by the Mayor. The Mayor Pro-Tem retains all of the powers of a Council member.