5.01 Role and function of the Chairman
The Chairman will be elected by the Council annually.
The Chairman of Council and in his/her absence, the Vice-Chairman will have the following roles and functions:
(a) to uphold and promote the purposes of the Constitution, and to interpret the Constitution when necessary;
(b) to preside over meetings of the Council so that its business can be carried out efficiently and with regard to the rights of councillors and the interests of the community;
(c) to ensure that the Council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community and the place at which members who are not on the Cabinet or hold committee chairs are able to hold the Cabinet and committee chairmen to account;
(d) to promote public involvement, within the district, in the Council's activities, through the ceremonial and ambassadorial role of the Chairman;
(e) to be the conscience of the Council by exercising moral authority over the Council in a non-political manner, striving to promote openness, honesty and respect;
(f) to attend such civic and ceremonial functions as the Council and he/she determines appropriate; and
(g) in presiding over the Council, to have a second or casting vote to be used in the case of a tie. If the Chairman is not present, the person presiding shall have a second or casting vote.
