EAST LIVERPOOL — The city’s Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) is a little bigger after a meeting Thursday afternoon.

Seven members did appear, allowing its board of trustees to take action on some issues especially related to its membership.

The East Liverpool CIC is a non-profit organization authorized under Ohio law to spearhead economic development, property management and community revitalization within the city.

It works closely with East Liverpool’s planning office, approving small business loans and facilitating improvement initiatives, according to the Ohio Auditor of State’s website.

In attendance were members Scott Shepherd, who also oversees the board as president; mayor Bobby Smith; law director Charles Payne; councilman Tom Beagle as well as Lisa Blasdel, Connie Javens, Dan Dietz and Craig Kidd.

The board has struggled to reach a quorum at recent meetings due to its large membership and numerous vacant seats.

During February’s meeting, when six potential board members were interviewed, it was discussed how the bylaws play a huge role in the board being able to fill all the vacant seats, as they restrict candidates based on residency.

Before Thursday’s meeting, the board had six open seats with only three candidates eligible to occupy them due to being city residents. The others operated businesses within the city and lived in the township.

The Ohio Revised Code limits non-city resident membership to only 25 percent of the board, so by increasing from 18 to 20 members the CIC was able to add Anthony Puorro after a secret paper ballot vote.

Members also voted to reappoint Thomas Clark, who is serving on behalf of city council as a general board member as well as three city residents to board openings: Jeannette Bailey, Stuart Wallace and Dan Williams.

There remains an open trustee position, for which the board approved solicitation of applications through their next meeting. Applicants must be a city resident to occupy the seat.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com