Section 22
On the first Monday in January next following any biennial general election there must be a regular meeting of the council, and such meeting is appointed by this act, and no notice thereof nor call therefor is necessary. At such meeting, the council by ballot shall elect a president of the council from its membership. In the mayor's absence from a council meeting the president shall preside over it. Whenever the mayor is unable, on account of absence, illness, or other cause, to perform the functions of his office, the president of the council shall act as mayor.