City Councilman Jim Vreeland Resigns Over Health Issues

Councilman Jim Vreeland officially tendered his resignation late this morning. 

He had told the Pacifica Tribune earlier this month that we was , although no details emerged until today. 

"I regret to inform you that I am facing health issues that leave me unable to fulfill my duties as a member of the City Council,” he wrote. “I therefore respectfully offer my resignation from the City Council, effective 12p.m. Feb. 27, 2012.”

Vreeland said he's proud of all the council has done during his time on it, and wishes he could continue to serve. 

“Serving the people of the City of Pacifica for the past 15 years has been the greatest honor of my life – I am incredibly proud of all we have completed together,” he wrote. “I only with I were able to continue doing so at the high level I expect of myself and that the City deserves. My family and I appreciate your understanding during this difficult time, and offer you our most sincere good wishes for the future.”

Councilman Len Stone said he respects Vreeland's decision, but is looking ahead to the difficult decisions the council will need to make in coming months. 

"Jim must think that this is the best thing for him and his family, so in that respect it's a good thing for him personally," Stone said. "As far as the city goes, we have a lot of issues to deal with and we'll have to fill the vacant seat and move forward. Hopefully this will help our ."

Stone said the council has yet to consult with a city attorney representative about how they will fill the vacant seat--whether they'll make an appointment or wait for the November election--but he wants to get right on it. 

According to California Government Code, "If a vacancy occurs in an elective office provided for in this chapter, the council shall, within 30 days from the commencement of the vacancy, either fill the vacancy by appointment or call a special election to fill the vacancy. The special election shall be held on the next regularly established election date not less than 114 days from the call of the special election. A person appointed or elected to fill a vacancy holds office for the unexpired term of the former incumbent."

Vreeland's resignation falls beyond the 114 day cutoff, so a special election can't be held on June 5, the next scheduled election day. 

"I'd like to learn what our options are and make a decision on what we're doing sooner rather than later," he said. 

View a copy of Vreeland's resignation letter in the gallery above. 

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