SECTION 4.12 REMOVAL.

   Council may, by a vote of five (5) of its members, expel or remove any member for gross misconduct, malfeasance, nonfeasance, misfeasance in or disqualification for office; for violation of his oath of office; for the conviction while in office of a crime involving moral turpitude, or if adjudicated legally incompetent; for persistent failure to abide by the rules of Council; or for absence without justifiable excuse, as determined by affirmative vote of four (4) remaining members of Council, from three (3) consecutive regular meetings. Prior to any such action, which must be taken within a reasonable time by Council, the accused member shall be notified in writing of the charge against him at least fifteen (15) days in advance of a public hearing upon such charge, and he and his counsel shall be given an opportunity to be heard, present evidence, and examine any witness appearing in support of such charge.