At the first regular meeting of the commission following a regular municipal election, the commission shall meet at the usual place for holding its meetings and the newly elected members shall assume the duties of office without party or partisan mark or designation. Thereafter the commission shall meet at such times as may be prescribed by ordinance or resolution, but not less frequently than once each month. Special meetings shall be called by the city secretary upon request of the mayor or a majority of the commission. Any such notice shall state the subject or subjects to be considered at the special meeting. The commission shall, by ordinance, determine its own rules and order of business. A quorum of the commission, which shall consist of four (4) members, shall be necessary for the transaction of business. Minutes shall be taken and recorded by the city secretary or deputy, and such minutes shall constitute a public record. An abstention from voting shall constitute and be recorded as a “no” vote unless the commissioner has filed an affidavit declaring a conflict of interest under state law in which case it shall be recorded as an “abstention.” All meetings of the commission and of committees thereof shall be open to the public, except as allowed by state law, and the rules of the commission shall provide that the citizens of the city shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at any such meetings in regard to any matter considered thereat. Unless otherwise established by the commission all meetings shall be conducted pursuant to Robert’s Rule of Order.