CHESAPEAKE — A former Chesapeake village councilman may return to public service this evening.

Mayor Dick Gilpin said he hopes to swear in Paul Nathan Hart, who was defeated for reelection to council in November, to replace Scott Taylor, who has vacated his seat on the governing body.

Gilpin said Taylor had not attended village council meetings for the last three months and in November was sent a letter asking if he wanted to keep his seat. Gilpin said Taylor did not reply. Gilpin said he took this as an indication Taylor was no longer interested in being on village council. Gilpin acknowledged Taylor has “had some problems” recently. Taylor was arrested this spring on charges of assault, aggravated menacing, resisting arrest and domestic violence and possession of marijuana stemming from two different incidents. His case is pending in Lawrence County Municipal Court.

As for Hart, Gilpin explained, “He’s been a good councilman and always worked hard for us.”

Gilpin said Hart seemed like a natural choice because he had been a councilman and had ran in the last election.

Asked about Hart’s recent arrest on a misdemeanor gambling charge, Gilpin replied, “Those are just allegations.”

Gilpin said he has never dealt with the issue of a councilman who vacated his seat by not attending meetings and has had to seek advice from village solicitors Brenda Neville and Richard Meyers.

The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. today. Gilpin said the seating of a new council member may take place before or during the meeting.