Sec. 4.2. Liberal Interpretation.

The powers of the city under this charter shall be construed liberally in favor of the city, and the specific mention of particular powers in the charter shall not be construed as limiting in any way any of the powers granted by this charter. (3-4-2003)

Sec. 5. When Elections To Be Held; Special Elections; Procedure For Elections For Local Improvements Or Levies Of Assessment Or Bonded Indebtedness.

General municipal elections shall be held in said city at the same time as the general election for federal offices in the state of California under and pursuant to the general laws of the state of California governing elections in charter cities, so far as the same may be applicable, and except as herein otherwise provided. All other municipal elections that may be held by authority of this charter or of general law shall be known as special municipal elections, and shall be held, substantially as in this charter provided for general municipal elections; providing, however, that special elections to authorize any municipal or local public improvement, or the levy of assessment therefor, or to create a municipal bonded indebtedness, shall be held in conformity with any general law of the state relative thereto under which any such proceeding is instituted by the council, in case such general law provides for the procedure and manner of holding elections thereunder. (4-6-1971; 4-5-1977; 3-4-2003; 7-1-2014)

Sec. 6. Initiative, Referendum And Recall.

Ordinances may be initiated, or the referendum exercised on ordinances passed by the council, under and in accordance with the constitution and general laws of the state. Any elective officer may be recalled from office under and pursuant to the provisions of the constitution and general laws, provided that a special election shall be held at the same time as the recall election, in accordance with the constitution and general laws of the state, for the purpose of electing officers to fill the place or places of the officers sought to be recalled. (4-6-1971; 3-4-2003)

Sec. 7. Elective Officers To Be Residents.

In order to be eligible to hold any elective office in the city of Porterville, a person must be a resident and elector therein, and shall have resided in said city for at least thirty days next preceding the filing of their nominating papers, or equivalent declaration or candidacy, and be an elector at the time of said filing. (4-6-1971; 4-5-1977; 3-4-2003)

Sec. 8. Elective Officers.

The elective officers of the city of Porterville shall be five councilmen, who shall be elected from the city at large at a general municipal election therein.

Sec. 9. Legislative Body; Composition; Election; Term; Compensation; Ineligibility For Other City Office; President Of Council; Vice-President; Installation Of Newly Elected Officers; Powers To Be Exercised By Council.

The legislative body of the city shall consist of five persons elected at large, which body shall be known as the council.

The members of the council shall be elected by the qualified voters of the city at a general municipal election to be held in the said city at the same time as the general election for federal offices for the state of California. They shall hold office for the period of four (4) years from and after the Monday next succeeding the day of their election and until their successors are elected, and qualified; provided the respective terms of any council member presently serving or elected at the time of the adoption of this amendment shall be extended one additional year to the even-numbered year following the expiration of their respective terms. (3-4-2003; 7-1-2014)

The members of the council shall each receive the sum of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each council meeting actually attended; the mayor shall receive the sum of twenty- five dollars ($25.00) for each meeting of the council actually attended, provided, however, that the members of the council shall not receive compensation for more than seven meetings in any one calendar month. In addition, the council shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred for authorized city business. (4-6-1971)

The members of the council shall not be eligible to any other office or employment with the city.

The council shall reorganize at its next meeting following each municipal election and shall choose one of their number to serve as president of the council to be known as mayor. At this time the council shall also choose one of their number to serve as vice-president, and he/she shall act as mayor pro tempore in case of the absence, sickness or other disability of the mayor. The mayor and mayor pro tempore shall serve a two year term, but either may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the council. If the council removes the mayor prior to the expiration of his/her term pursuant to this provision, the council shall choose one of their number to serve as mayor until the next organizational meeting. (3-4-2003)

The council shall meet at its usual meeting place on the first Monday after any municipal election, duly canvass the returns and declare the result thereof, and install the newly elected officers, if any.

All powers granted to and vested in the city of Porterville by law or by the provisions of this charter, shall, except as herein otherwise provided, be exercised by the council to be designated the "Council Of The City Of Porterville." The council shall be the governing body of the city and subject to the express limitations of this charter shall be vested with all the powers necessary or convenient for a complete and adequate system of municipal government, consistent with the constitution of the state. (4-6-1937)

Amendment note - The third paragraph of § 9 was amended April 6, 1971. Formerly said section allowed each council member the sum of $5.00 for each meeting actually attended, for not more than two meetings in any one month.