At the first meeting following each regular municipal election held under this charter, or any special election for the purpose of filling vacancies in the council, the council shall meet at the usual place for holding meetings, and the newly elected members shall qualify and assume the duties of office. There-after, the council shall meet regularly at such times as may be prescribed by its rules but not less frequently than once each month. All regular meetings of the council, except as permitted by State law to be closed, shall be open to the public; special meetings shall be called upon request of the Mayor, City Manager, or a majority of the members of the council.