CHAPTER 3
FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Section 3.1 Council.

The council consists of six councilors elected from the city at large. In case of one or more vacancies in the council, the council consists of members whose offices are not vacant.

Section 3.2 Councilors.

The term of office of a councilor in office when this charter is adopted is the term of office for which the councilor:

3.2.1 has been elected or appointed before adoption of the charter; or

3.2.2 is elected or appointed after the adoption of this Charter.

At each general election after the adoption of the Charter, three councilors shall be elected, each for a four-year term.

Section 3.3 Mayor.

The term of office of the mayor in office when this charter is adopted continues through 1996. At the general election that year, and at each subsequent general election, a mayor shall be elected for a two-year term.

Section 3.4 Term of Office.

The term of an elective officer who is elected at a general election begins at the first council meeting of the calendar year immediately after the election and continues until the successor to the office assumes the office.

Section 3.5 Appointive Offices.

By an ordinance approved by four councilors, the council may create, modify, abolish, and combine appointive city offices, except that the office of City Recorder and Municipal Judge may not be combined or held by the same person.

Except when a different procedure is authorized by vote of four councilors, the council may fill such offices by appointment and vacate them by removal.

Section 3.6 Salaries.

The compensation for the services of each city officer and employee shall be the amount fixed by the council and shall be in accordance with state wage laws.

Section 3.7 Qualifications of Officers.

No person shall be eligible for an elective office of the city unless at the time of his or her election the person is a qualified elector within the meaning of the state constitution and has resided in the city during the twelve months immediately preceding the election. The council shall be the final judge of the qualifications of its own members, subject, however, to review by a court of competent jurisdiction.