Councilman Josh Shorb resigned from the Powell City Council Monday, contingent on the sale of his home in Ward 1. Shorb and his family are planning to move to a house in Ward 3, and the pending sale is expected to be finalized April 29.“It's with a really heavy heart that I resign, contingent on the sale of my house,” Shorb told the council Monday.The council will appoint a new council member to fill the vacated seat. Shorb was up for re-election this fall.The city will begin advertising the position when Shorb's house sale is finalized, said City Clerk Ardyce Busboom. Residents interested in the position can submit a letter to Mayor Scott Mangold.

After a one-week advertising period, Busboom said she expects the council will appoint a new member at its meeting May 17.

The new member will hold the seat through the end of the year and will have the option to run for a four-year term this fall.

In addition to Shorb's Ward 1 seat, positions also are available in Powell's Wards 2 and 3 this election season. The Park County Election Office's filing period for the three city council seats is May 13-28.

Ward 1 includes the area north of Third Street between Division and Clark; and north of Fifth Street between Clark and Gilbert. The ward includes Northwest College and the Park County Fairgrounds.

Shorb said he and his wife tried, unsuccessfully, to find a home within Ward 1 so that he wouldn't have to leave the council. He said the design of the family's current Ward 1 home isn't conducive to his young family's needs.

“I had to make the decision that's best for my family and best for our needs,” he said. “I hated to do this, but I had to put my family first.”

Mayor Scott Mangold said council members understood the demands of raising children, emphasizing that family comes first.

“You've been a tireless worker for the city of Powell,” Mangold said, adding that it was an honor to serve with Shorb.

Shorb was elected to the council in 2006 and took office in January 2007.

He said he has learned a lot during his time on the council.

“I sincerely thank the voters of Ward 1 who allowed me the opportunity to serve,” Shorb said later. “It was a great opportunity, and I enjoyed it. I did the the best job I could — I did my level best.”

Shorb's resignation comes at a difficult time as landfill discussions continue. Shorb, who has been instrumental in representing Powell in landfill planning, said he plans to remained involved as much as possible with the project.

“I'd like to stay engaged in the landfill issue,” Shorb said.

He also plans to support the Powell Aquatic Center, another major project that was planned during his council term.

“My wife and I plan on buying a family membership, that's for sure,” he said.

Shorb also indicated he isn't closing the door on running for the council again in the future.

“We hope to have you back soon,” Mangold said.

“I'll be around,” Shorb replied.