(a) The city manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the city government. He shall be appointed by the council on the basis of training and ability. He shall serve at the pleasure of, and be subject to removal by the council, but he shall not be removed from office during a period of sixty (60) days following any regular city election except by the affirmative vote of four members of the council. His compensation shall be set by the council.
(b) The council shall appoint a city manager within ninety (90) days after any vacancy exists in such position or they may appoint an acting manager during the period of a vacancy in the office, or the city manager, with the consent and approval of the council, may designate an administrative officer or employee of the city to act as city manager if he is temporarily absent from the city or unable to perform the duties of his office. The residence requirements of the city manager shall be at the discretion of the council.