(a) The Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Council. The Mayor shall be recognized as head of the City government for all ceremonial purposes and by the Governor for purposes of military law. As a Councilmember, the Mayor shall have all powers, rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of the Councilmembers, including the right to vote on questions. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Council shall elect a qualified person, who may or may not already be a Councilmember at the time, to be Mayor for completion of the unexpired term or until the vacancy is filled by election.

(b) At the first meeting after the time prescribed for the beginning of the terms of newly elected Councilmembers or as soon thereafter as practicable, the Council shall elect one of its members Vice Mayor, who shall serve as such until the next such first meeting. The Vice Mayor shall act as Mayor during the absence or disability of the Mayor, or, if a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, until another Mayor is elected and qualifies. If the office of Vice Mayor becomes vacant, the Council shall elect from its members another Vice Mayor for completion of the unexpired term.