A Westport City Council position has opened after the resignation of Position 2 Councilman Bob Parnell effective at the end of the April 12 council meeting.

“Today I turned in my resignation to be effective after tonight’s meeting,” said Parnell Monday. “I think it’s best for the situation I’m in to allow others to move forward and take care of things that need to be done.”

Citing health reasons, Parnell said he would still be available “as a resource person” for the council, and thanked Mayor Rob Bearden, the council, and city staff “for the support that they have provided me over the last four or five years.”

Emotional council and staff members thanked Parnell for his service. Bearden said, “Thank you so much for all you have done, all the hard work you’ve put in, and your dedication to the city. We’re going to miss you on the council, we really are.”

Public Works Director Kevin Goodrich said he wanted to thank Parnell personally — “You and I haven’t always seen eye to eye, but always found some common ground, and it was always based on what was better for the City of Westport, and that has pushed me to be better at my job.”

The city is accepting applications for the Position 2 vacancy through April 28. The council application form is available at Westport City Hall, and online at https://www.ci.westport.wa.us/government/city_council/index.php#outer-213. Completed applications can be sent to City of Westport, Clerk-Treasurer, 604 N Montesano, P O Box 505, Westport, WA 98595, or e-mailed to clerk_treasurer@ci.westport.wa.us