A member of Summit Hill Borough Council came under attack by one of his peers for missing monthly council meetings.

Michael Kokinda, who is the council's vice president, attended just one meeting so far this year, even though the meeting dates have been changed to accommodate his work schedule.The meeting dates were changed from the second Monday of each month to the fourth Monday.Former Vice President John O'Gurek was vocal in his criticism of Kokinda, who was not present at the meeting.O'Gurek said sarcastically, "I applaud him for being named vice president. Let's give a hand to Mike."One member of the audience, who didn't identify himself, asked if Kokinda was receiving the monthly fee of $75 that council members receive if he doesn't attend the meetings.Council members said the fee is not contingent on meeting attendance."I don't know why he's not here," said Council President Jesse Walck.Council member Michael Alabovitz stressed that Kokinda can't be removed for absence from the meetings.At one time, municipal officials could be removed if they failed to attend three consecutive meetings.Attorney Michael Greek, solicitor for the borough, said court rulings have voided such a provision. Because of a change in the borough code, "you don't have the ability to do that," he said.Alabovitz said "lots of people missed meetings in the past."