(a) Removal and vacancy.--Members of the board shall hold office until their respective successors have been appointed and have qualified. The appointing power may remove any member of the board appointed by that appointing power, but only in case of incompetency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. No member shall be thus removed except after having been given a copy of the charges against the member and an opportunity to be publicly heard at a place in the metropolitan area, in person or by counsel, in his own defense upon not less than ten days' written notice. In case of failure to qualify within the time required or of abandonment of his office or in case of death, conviction of a felony or removal from office, that office shall become vacant.

(b) Abandonment.--A member shall be deemed to have abandoned his office upon failure to attend any regular or special meeting of the board, without excuse approved by resolution of the board, for a period of four months or upon removal of his residence from the metropolitan area.

(c) Filling of vacancy.--Each vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment in like manner and with like regard as to the place of residence of the appointee as in case of expiration of the term of a member of the board.

(d) Appeal.--A member removed for incompetency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office shall have the right to appeal that removal to the court of common pleas of the county for which that member was appointed, but only on the ground of error of law or manifest and flagrant abuse of discretion.