CRANSTON –– It was a key vote.

The city and the schools had been sparring for months over millions of dollars in local education aid.

And on a Tuesday night two weeks ago, the City Council gathered to weigh a settlement in the contentious matter.

Trouble was, one-third of the nine-member panel was not there for the vote.

And when the council rejected the deal, on a 3-3 vote, school officials and parents eager for an agreement called foul.

“I’m disappointed they didn’t show to at least give us an accurate reading as to where they stand,” School Committee Chairman Michael A. Traficante said at the time.

But the case of the shrunken council, it turns out, is not unique.

A review of council records shows that absenteeism is, in fact, quite common.

Councilwoman Maria Bucci has missed nearly 37 percent of regular and special meetings since the current term began in January 2007. And Councilman Terence Livingston has skipped four of every 10 sessions.

Attendance records are mixed for the other council members –– with President Aram G. Garabedian turning up for every meeting, Vice President Paula B. McFarland missing 14 percent and the rest falling somewhere in between.

Suzanne Arena, one of the city’s most vocal gadflies, called the highest absentee rates “shocking.”

“If they’re not present at the meetings, they’re really not hearing what the news is,” she said. “We need to unseat people who are repetitive absentees.”

Livingston, a Democrat who is running for reelection this fall, said he has stayed on top of key issues and showed up when it counted.

“I’ve been there for every major vote,” said Livingston, a lawyer.

But some of his colleagues ventured gentle criticism.

“I love Terry,” said Republican Councilman Jeffrey P. Barone, calling Livingston a “great councilman.” But “anyone who misses 40 percent should definitely reevaluate where their priorities are.”

Still, several council members said part-time legislators earning $4,000 per year –– $5,000 in the case of the council president –– are bound to miss some meetings.

Livingston, for his part, said a busy work schedule explained many of his absences. Bucci, who is not running for reelection, cited responsibility for her six- and nine-year-old children.

McFarland said caring for her mother, who has cancer, led to a few absences earlier this year.

And Councilman John E. Lanni Jr., who has missed 5 percent of council meetings in the last 1½ years, said a wake for a family member kept him from the schools settlement vote two weeks ago. The others absent from that meeting were Bucci and Councilman Richard D. Santamaria, Jr.

(All nine council members turned out last week for a second vote on the settlement, rejecting the deal again, on a 5-4 vote, and setting the stage for a courtroom battle over some $4.9 million in additional local money sought by the schools.)

Council members said a packed meeting schedule has also played a role in absenteeism.

The council holds its regular meetings once a month –– usually on the last Monday.

But the council president can also call special meetings –– often on short notice –– to discuss legal settlements, contract negotiations and other matters.

Garabedian called 40 such meetings in the last 1½ years, according to city records. And several council members suggested the sheer volume of the get-togethers, combined with the short notice, made consistent attendance a challenge.

“I think we have to be more judicious in calling special meetings,” said Livingston.

But Steven C. Bloom, an independent City Council candidate challenging Livingston, said attending meetings is a basic part of the job.

“Forty percent is atrocious,” he said, referring to Livingston’s absentee rate. “An elected representative for any office [has] a responsibility to show up more than that.”

And Christine Lopes, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, a good-government group, said elected officials who are frequently absent deprive their constituents of a say in civic affairs.

“They’re elected to represent the constituency they’re supposed to represent,” she said. “And if they’re absent, the people are losing their voice.”

The city has compiled minutes, including attendance records, for 57 council meetings from January 2007 through mid-June 2008.

Seventeen of the sessions were regular, monthly meetings, where the council conducted much of its major business.

Attendance at those meetings was generally strong, with Livingston and Bucci each missing two and McFarland, Lanni and Barone skipping one.

Attendance was spottier at the 40 special meetings, with Livingston missing 21, Bucci skipping 19 and McFarland and Councilman Emilio L. Navarro each absent for seven.

Councilman Anthony J. Lupino, who has missed 5 percent of the regular and special meetings combined, said consistent attendance does not necessarily equate with effectiveness.

Livingston, several council members pointed out, is well-prepared and vocal when he does turn up for meetings.

But showing up counts, Lupino suggested.

“You’re supposed to represent the people,” he said.

dscharfe@projo.com