Elyria council excuses Councilman Lipien for military service; law director: salary continues, no proxy votes

Elyria City Council on Feb. 3 voted to excuse Councilman Lipien for an extended absence while he serves in the U.S. military, and discussed how his ward responsibilities will be handled in his absence.

The law director, Dirie, told council that the charter governs excusal and that, "As an elected official, all elected officials receive a salary... So, yes, pay will continue." Dirie also said there is no city provision for proxy votes: "There’s no provision for, you know, proxy boats. So, clearly, that will be, his seat up here will be empty until his return."

Why it matters: The absence removes an elected member from council deliberations and raises practical questions for constituents in his ward about where to direct service requests and constituent concerns.

Council members directed residents to contact other council members or city officials for ward issues. Councilmember Tillett commended Lipien’s service: "He's going to serve in the US military, maybe the highest honor that there is," and said colleagues would help the residents of the ward while Lipien is away.

What the record shows and does not show

- The transcript records a unanimous voice vote to excuse Lipien; it does not record any change in salary policy or the creation of a temporary appointment mechanism. Dirie described the charter as the governing authority for excusals and stated pay will continue.

- The council suggested residents can reach out to other council members or city staff; the transcript does not show any formal reassignment of casework or an interim appointment to replace Lipien.

Next steps

Council members said they will assist constituents in Lipien’s ward and monitor needs while the seat is vacant pending his return.