Unexcused

Another local official is under scrutiny for missing meetings.

Hancock City Councilman Joe Bauman was once again absent at Wednesday’s meeting of the city council.

Hancock Mayor Lisa McKenzie said she did not receive notice from Bauman that he would be missing the meeting and his whereabouts were unknown.

She said his repeated absences are definitely an issue.

Bauman was the subject of possible disciplinary measures after missing several consecutive meetings last year for a work-related issue.

The matter was dropped after Bauman resumed attending meetings on a regular basis.

The city council was not so forgiving this time, with only one out of six members voting to excuse this absence.

In an email request for comment, Bauman stated that he had to work and no cell phones are permitted in the facility.

It is not clear what the ramifications are for an unexcused absence or if there will be any further action against Bauman.

In other business, the city council gave the go ahead for a grant application for $22,000 for a new police patrol vehicle.

Mayor Lisa McKenzie shared that the Hancock Rotary donated $2,000 for the new beach dock project at their meeting on Monday.

And a moment of silence was held for long-time Hancock jewelry store owner Mike Shanahan, who passed away on Monday.