At all meetings of the city council, a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum to do business. Whenever at or during any meeting less than a quorum shall be present, the members present may, by order entered upon the minutes, direct any absent member or members to attend forthwith or at a stated time and place and cause said direction to be communicated orally or in writing to, or served upon, such absent member or members. Successive directions may be ordered, communicated or served. (1993 Code)