City Council, June 13, 1991.
A special session of the City Council is held Thursday, June 13, 1991, at five three o’clock p.m. All the members are present except Councilman Barry and President Houle presides.
Council President Houle states that he has hired Michael F. Horan, Attorney, to act as special counsel to the City Council on this matter.
Mr. Horan states that the City Charter provisions allow Brian J. Sarault to continue as Mayor under the circumstances as they exist at this date. He also states that under Section 3-500 a vacancy occurs only if the Mayor resigns. He also states that there are no provisions for the Mayor to take a leave of absence. The only two provisions which allow for the Council President to be Acting Mayor while the Mayor is still in office, are during periods of temporary disability or if the Mayor is temporarily out of town. He also states that he does not believe either of these two conditions exists currently, so therefore officially there is no vacancy.
Mr. Horan states that should Mayor Sarault decide to resign, since there are less than 180 days until the next city election, the Council President will serve as Acting Mayor unless a special election was requested by one-third of the City Council.
Mr. Horan also states that no action of the Council is binding on the Mayor regarding his resignation. The Council can suggest, recommend, or request that he resign, but there are no provisions to require it.
THE MEETING IS RECESSED AT FIVE TWENTY O’CLOCK P.M.
THE MEETING IS RECONVENED AT FIVE THIRTY-TWO P.M.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN RABBITT.
Ayes - President Houle, Councilmembers Houle, Calista, Doyle, Kinder, Robert Lynch, William Lynch, Rabbitt, and Vieira.
Noes - 0.
The meeting is adjourned at five forty-two o’clock p.m.