FORKS — The Forks City Council is seeking candidates to fill a vacant council position for the second time in the past six months.
On Monday, John Leppell, who was in his second term as a Forks City Council member, resigned. The council unanimously accepted his resignation.
Leppell, who is in his 70s, cited health reasons for the resignation, Mayor Nedra Reed said.
“It was with regret that we accepted his resignation,” Reed said.
“He has been very ill and experiencing significant health issues.
“We will miss him, but his main purpose is to get well.”
Leppell was unavailable for comment on Thursday.
The council will name a replacement to fill the rest of the term for Leppell’s seat, which expires in November. Reed will have no vote on the matter, unless there is a tie among council members.
Anyone interested in the position should send a letter of interest to City Clerk and Treasurer Dan Leinan at 500 E. Division St., Forks WA 98331, by e-mail to danl.forks@centurytel.net or by fax to 360-374-9430.
Applicants must live within city limits and be registered voters.
Forks City Council positions are for four-year terms and are unpaid, as is the elected mayor’s position.
The five council members and the mayor meet the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the council conference room at 500 E. Division St.
All council positions are elected at-large.
Forks City Council member Artie Anderson stepped down in February after serving one year of his fifth term.
Anderson, 56, who ran unopposed for the seat in 2007, announced his resignation on Dec. 22.
Mike Breidenbach, a longtime resident, was appointed to the position in February.
Two other people had written letters of interest for the position, Reed said.
“I would really encourage both of those people to apply for this one as well,” she said.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
