The Council shall be the judge of the election and qualifications of its own members. Council may, by vote of two-thirds (2/3) of its membership, expel or remove any member for disqualification of office; or for violation of his or her oath of office; or for the conviction of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude; or for persistent failure to abide by the rules of Council; or for absence without justifiable excuse from three (3) consecutive regular meetings. Prior to any such action by Council, the accused member shall be notified in writing of the charge against him or her at least fifteen (15) days in advance of any hearing upon such charge, and he or she and his or her counsel shall be given an opportunity to be heard, present evidence or examine under oath any witness in support of such charge.