REEDSBURG — The Reedsburg Common Council will be looking to fill a third district vacancy following the sudden resignation of Matt Stieve.

Stieve won an uncontested election in April after being appointed to fill a vacancy in 2008. He cited personal reasons for the decision.

"I just want to spend more time with the family," Stieve said in a phone interview Thursday. He said it was something he had been thinking about for awhile but had not told anyone on the council or at city hall.

"I'd like to thank the residents of Reedsburg for giving me the opportunity to serve," Stieve said. "I apologize for not being able to fulfill my duties for the entire two-year term."

Stieve said he was having to choose between two major commitments — his family and his constituents. He said his duties as an alderperson were taking time away from  his family. Because council members are paid on salary, not per diem, he became frustrated not all of his peers have taken their obligations as public servants seriously.

In a letter to the editor Stieve said, "I'm resigning for two reasons: First, there's my family... Secondly, I'm discouraged and frustrated by the lack of participation among some city council members."

He goes on to write that council members who do not attend meetings or are unprepared are performing a "disservice to the constituency." In the letter he added, "It is my hope that this resignation will reinvigorate the attendance debate and encourage better participation at city council meetings."

Residents interested in being appointed for the third district post, generally described as east of N. Dewey Ave., north of Main St. and west of the city limits, should submit a letter asking for consideration to Mayor Carol Held, City of Reedsburg, 134 S. Locust St., P.O. Box 490, Reedsburg, WI 53959 before July 10 at 4 p.m.

Applicants will be interviewed by a panel consisting of Alderpersons Calvin Craker and Brandt Werner, who will then make a recommendation to the council to approve an appointment. The appointed person will serve until elections in April 2010, but may seek re-election at that time to continue service.

Council members are paid $2,600 per year. Council meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. All council members also serve on several boards, commissions and committees.

Inquiries should be directed to City Administrator John Dougherty at 524-6404. The city's email address is cityhall@ci.reedsburg.wi.us.