During such a period when the Mayor is absent from the City, or is otherwise not accessible, or is temporarily unable for any cause to perform his duties, or the office of Mayor has become vacant due to the death, resignation or removal of the Mayor and continuing until permanent succession is chosen pursuant to the provisions of this section, the order of succession as Acting Mayor shall be as follows: Director of Law, Administrative Director, Director of Service, and Director of Finance. In case of the death, resignation or removal of the Mayor, the order of succession as Mayor shall be as follows: President of Council, a member of City Council elected by a majority of the Council members. The President of Council shall have ten working days after the office of Mayor becomes vacant to determine whether or not to succeed to the office of Mayor. He shall notify the Clerk of Council of his decision. Should the President of Council decline to succeed the Mayor or not inform the Clerk of Council within ten working days, then the City Council shall meet forthwith and elect one of its members by a majority vote to succeed to the office of Mayor.
Should the President of Council so decline, he shall forfeit none of the rights and duties incumbent upon him as President of Council. The person who succeeds the Mayor shall serve as Mayor until a successor for the remainder of the unexpired term is elected at the first regular Municipal election, if such election is held more than 120 days after the vacancy shall have occurred. Otherwise, he shall serve for the unexpired term.
(Amended May 3, 1988.)