Commissioner Burke told the Commission on Nov. 24 that he will step down from his seat early next year because a new position requiring frequent commuting makes it difficult to fulfill city duties. "I'm intending to announce my resignation probably beginning of the year," Burke said, adding he would likely wait until May to allow the city a full month to find a replacement.

Burke told colleagues he is committed to attending meetings through December and that he had recently had a house closing that fell through, which will keep him local until spring. He said the commute is "becoming kinda untenable" and that he could no longer dedicate the time the position deserves.

Colleagues thanked Burke for three years of service and praised his work on the fire department and the city master plan; mayoral remarks and commissioner comments recognized his contributions and wished him well.