DC 99:6c and in case of the absence of one or both of those who are appointed to assist him, he has power to preside over the council without an assistant; and in case that he himself is absent, the other presidents have power to preside in his stead, both or either of them.
DC 99:10 In cases of difficulty respecting doctrine, or principle (if there is not a sufficiency written to make a case clear to the minds of the council), the president may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation.