EAST LIVERPOOL - Members of the East Liverpool City Council may go after one of their own following Monday's meeting.

Several council members sought the advice of Law Director Charles Payne about removing one council member - James Tennant - and declaring his seat vacant.

Tennant has come under a growing amount of criticism for not showing up at recent council meetings.

Tennant's recent absences were not excused by council. At an Oct. 19 meeting, council President John Torma said Tennant has not returned phone calls or offered a reason for missing the last several meetings.

"When people run for this position, they know the first and third Monday of every month is for council meetings," Torma said during the Oct. 19 meeting. "We have some year-end business coming up that has to be taken care of."

Council members Sherrie Curtis and Brian Kerr confirmed Friday that they and others are exploring the idea of a future vote on Tennant's seat.

"We have requested an opinion from Charles (Payne) on what can be done," Curtis said. "If we get the opinion and something can be done, then I assume we will do so."

On Friday, Payne said Ohio Revised Code will be the guide, and it will ultimately be up to council on how it proceeds.

"From the way I understand it, council can vote to vacate a member's position if that member missed two months of regular meetings," Payne said. "I will simply let the council know what the statute says."

The last time Tennant attended a council meeting was Sept. 8. If he does not appear Monday, that would meet the two-month requirement.

The move to vacate the seat would be unusual. Curtis said she does not remember when such a procedure was last used adding, "There's no record of anything being done like that to any councilman that I know of."

Tennant did not seek reelection this year, and he fills one of the three at-large council seats.

Curtis said fellow council members are considering the forced vacancy in order to have it filled during a critical time of the year.

"We are nearing the end of the year when we are in desperate need and must have a full house, so to speak," Curtis said. "We will have special meetings and need to deal with budget issues, and it's a critical time of the year for the city." Curtis is also head of the Finance Committee. Tennant and Kerr are also members of that committee.

"I understand he (Tennant) has chosen not to run again, and I accept that, but he is not upholding his duty to be at council meetings," Kerr said. "I don't think he understands the position he puts us in."

Curtis added, "If someone makes a commitment to city council, I think they should fulfill their obligations."

An East Liverpool City Council member earns $350 a month and has a small life insurance policy for as long as they serve. Several years ago, council members gave up other benefits like health insurance coverage.

A phone call to Tennant Friday afternoon was not returned.