Highlights of the “strong mayor” plan that goes into effect Dec. 1.

        • Council of nine members, each serving two-year terms.

        • Direct election of a mayor for a four-year term, following a nonpartisan primary election in September to determine two candidates.

        • Mayor shall preside over, but not be a member of, council and shall have power to veto legislation. Vetoes can be overridden by six members of council.

        • Mayor appoints city manager with prior approval of council and may start removal of manager with the advice of council. Removal requires approval of council.

        • Mayor appoints and removes chairmen of council committees and assigns all agenda items to committees.

        • Mayor shall be the official head and representative of the city for all purposes, except as provided otherwise in the charter.

        • Mayor shall review the annual budget estimate prepared by the city manager and submit the estimate, with comments, to council within 15 days.

        • Mayor's salary shall be twice that of a council member.

        • Mayor limited to two consecutive four-year terms.

        • Mayor selects a vice mayor, who is a member of council. Vice mayor acts in the absence or disability of the mayor but does not have the power to veto, appoint or remove.

        • In the event of the death, removal or resignation of the mayor, the vice mayor becomes mayor with all the duties and powers of the mayor. But if the vice mayor assumes office before June 1 in the year of a council election, an election will be held for the unexpired term of the mayor.

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