(a) There is created the Civil Service Board of the City of Jacksonville, which shall be composed of five members appointed by the state senator and state representative who represent the city in the Legislature from a list of three nominees for each position on the board submitted by each of the following groups of city employees:

(1) Employees of the street and sanitation department.

(2) Employees of the police and fire department.

(3) Employees of the gas, water, and sewer department.

(4) Employees of the offices of the mayor, the city council, the city clerk, the city library, and the city recreation department.

(b) At least 60 days prior to the expiration of the term of a member of the civil service board, each of the aforementioned groups of city employees shall hold a department meeting for the purpose of nominating three candidates for appointment to each board position with an expiring term of office. The head of each of the aforementioned city departments, or his or her designee, shall preside over the meeting in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order and shall administer the nominating process including any necessary election. If more than three candidates are nominated, a secret ballot election shall be conducted at the meeting. The three candidates on the ballot who come in first, second, and third in the balloting shall be the nominees for the group. The names of the three nominees shall be submitted to the state senator and state representative at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the term of the board member. The state senator and state representative representing the city shall appoint one member from the nominees submitted by each group. One other board member-at-large shall be appointed by the state senator and state representative representing the city. Each appointee shall serve for terms of six years and until his or her successor is appointed.

(c) No person shall be appointed to the board who is not a qualified elector of the City of Jacksonville and under the age of 25 years.

(d) Members of the board shall take the constitutional oath of office, which shall be filed in the office of the judge of probate. Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. The members of the board shall elect a chair, vice chair, and a secretary from among their members.

(e)(1) Any member of the board who becomes a candidate for or is elected or appointed to another public office shall vacate his or her office as a member of the board.

(2) Any member of the board who fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the board or six regular meetings of the board within a twelve-month period shall be deemed to have vacated his or her office as a member of the board and the vacancy shall be filled as provided herein.