Brentwood borough council's meeting last night was postponed to next Tuesday after four council members called off sick.

Borough manager George Zboyovsky said he received one call yesterday morning and three during the afternoon from council members saying they had flu-like symptoms.

Those who called in sick were council president Jay Lieb, council vice president Ann Schade, Richard Bender and Dawn Synborski.

Because a majority of council members was absent, the remaining members, Janice Boyko, Mario Richards and David Wenzel, could take no action. Items on the agenda included hiring two police officers, making the proposed 2010 borough budget available to the public, and ratifying payments to various vendors.

"This meeting was critical," Mr. Richards said. "I don't think it's a coincidence these other members of council didn't show up."

Mayor Ken Lockhart expressed concern that the borough would be charged late fees for the vendor bills.

"I know we will be hit with late charges. I think it's pretty bad that taxpayers will have to pay late charges just because members aren't here," Mr. Lockhart said.

Afterwards, Mr. Lockhart said Mr. Lieb has an ill family member, but the absence of the other three members is "an embarrassment to the borough."

"I couldn't answer for why they're not here," he said. "All we needed is for one of them to be here and we could've held a meeting."

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