Fruita councillor announces immediate resignation; council to accept applications and appoint replacement

A Fruita City councillor announced an immediate resignation during the meeting, saying personal housing affordability required a move outside the community. The councillor said the departure is effective immediately and that, while stepping down from council, they will remain active in local business and community events.

Mayor and staff described the process to fill the vacancy: city staff will post notice and accept applications starting the next day; the application window will remain open for two weeks. After the application period closes, council will review submissions at an open meeting, select candidates for public interviews, hold interviews at open meetings, and appoint a replacement. The council noted the Charter requires an appointment process and that the entire sequence must be completed within 60 days of the vacancy to avoid triggering a special election.

Councilmembers and the city attorney thanked the departing councillor for service and noted the city will follow its established appointment process. No appointment decisions were made at the meeting.