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. If a member of the commission is absent for three (3) consecutive, regular meetings without an explanation acceptable to a majority of the commission, the office of that commissioner shall be declared vacant at the next regular meeting. 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.”