A Nesquehoning councilman’s monthly stipend has been suspended after he failed to attend council meetings and workshops for over a year.

Borough council unanimously voted on Wednesday to suspend David DeMelfi’s $100 monthly payments for being on council until he attends a meeting to explain his absences. According to borough records, the last time DeMelfi attended a borough council meeting was March 2018.

A letter will be sent to DeMelfi by the borough solicitor explaining the action.

DeMelfi was elected to council in November 2015 and has not sought re-election for another term, which expires at the end of this year.

The action comes at the same time that the state House approved a proposed constitutional amendment that allows local elected officials to be removed for not attending meetings, which are part of their duty.

The proposed amendment, which passed in the House Wednesday, now moves to the Senate for approval.

If approved by the Senate, it moves to both chambers before going to the voters for approval.