A. Removal:
1. After unexcused absences from his or her official duties for four (4) consecutive regular meetings for reasons other than health, or for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office, the Mayor or any Council member may be removed from his or her office by a majority vote of members of Council and the office be declared vacant.
(Amended 11-4-14)
2. Neither the Mayor nor members of Council shall be allowed to vote upon the question of their own removal.
3. The decision of Council to remove an elective officer shall be made only upon concurrence of a majority of all members of Council after public hearing upon the charge(s) brought; and provided further, that the accused elective officer shall have been notified, in writing, of the charge(s) against him or her at least fifteen (15) days in advance of such public hearing; and provided further, that the accused or his or her counsel shall have been given an opportunity to be heard, to present evidence, and to examine witnesses appearing in support of such charge(s).
4. Council shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and require the production of records, but the decision of the Council in such case shall be subject to review by the proper court of law.
B. Filling of Vacancies:
l. In the event the office of a Council member becomes vacant, City Council, within thirty (30) days of the vacancy occurring, shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy until it is permanently filled by the election laws of the State of Ohio.
2. If a vacancy occurs after the general election and someone has been elected for that position, the electee shall fill the position within five (5) days after the Jefferson County Board of Elections has certified the election results.
3. If a seat of Council remains unfilled as a result of a person not running and being elected to such seat, Council shall fill said seat at the first meeting of Council following the vacancy occurring.
(Amended 11-4-14)