The legislative powers of the City except as are reserved to the people by this Charter (Initiative and Referendum), and by the Constitution of the State of Ohio, shall be vested in a Council, which shall consist of seven (7) members elected at large by a non-partisan ballot. All such members must be and must remain residents of the City. The term of office of members of Council shall be for four (4) years beginning the first Monday of December next following their election and they shall hold office until their successors are elected and qualified. To effect election by staggered terms of its members, the four (4) members who receive the highest number of votes shall be elected for four (4) years, and the three (3) members receiving the next highest votes shall be elected for two (2) years. At succeeding elections all members shall be elected for four (4) year terms of office.