Each council, at its first regular meeting and thereafter when
a vacancy occurs, shall elect from its membership a president of the
council. He shall serve for a term of ONE YEAR and until his successor
is elected and qualified. During such term he shall be a member of
the council with the same right to speak and vote therein as any other
member, but without the right of veto. He shall be recognized as the
official head of the city for all ceremonial purposes, by the courts
for the purpose of serving civil process, and by the governor for
military purposes. In case of his absence or disability, his duties
shall be performed by a president pro tempore, chosen by the council
from among its own members.