Petrolia Councilor Helen Havlik

There is a big hole around the Petrolia Council table.

Councilor Helen Havlik has been absent from two council meetings since Aug. 14 after having a stroke.

Mayor John McCharles says Councilor Tim Brown called Havlik to see if she needed a ride to that night’s council meeting. There was no answer.

McCharles and town staff have been trying to reach the family to find out how Havlik is doing, but have been unable to find out the full extent of her medical issues.

“I understand she’s still a bit confused,” said McCharles Friday.

Havlik is in her 80s and is still active with the Sarnia-Lambton Health Coalition and OASIS – Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs.

McCharles is not sure when Havlik might be able to return to her council duties.

He notes councilors are not supposed to miss more than three meetings in a row. “We’ll likely drag our feet on that” he says, adding considering the circumstances “we can give her a little bit of latitude here.”