(a) The city administrator shall be the chief administrative officer of the city government. He shall be selected 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 (4) members of council. His compensation shall be fixed by the council.
(b) The council shall appoint the city administrator within ninety (90) days after any vacancy exists in such position and they may appoint an acting administrator during the period of vacancy in the office. The city administrator with the consent and approval of the council, may designate an administrative officer or employee of the city to act as city administrator, if he is temporarily absent from the city or unable to perform the duties of his office. No person who holds or has held elective office in the city of Plainwell shall be eligible for appointment as city administrator or acting city administrator during a vacancy in that office until two (2) years have elapsed following the expiration of the term for which he was elected. The city administrator shall become a resident of the city, unless this requirement is waived by the majority of the council.