Warren City Council now has a vacancy.

Elissa Davis resigned at Monday night’s council meeting.

“This is a moment that I never like to have – an acceptance of a resignation,” Mayor Maurice Cashman said. “Elissa Davis is moving out of town to pursue better job opportunities. We certainly are going to wish you well and hope that you are very, very successful. (I’m) sure you will be.”

“I’ve gained a considerable amount of experience here,” Davis said, indicating she “enjoyed every minute…. Leaving my hometown is bittersweet.”

City Solicitor Andrea Stapleford said that the city’s home rule charter states that the vacancy must by filled by a vote of council within 30 days after a resignation.

Stapleford said the appointee would serve the rest of the term – until January 1, 2020.

Should council not make an appointment, she said that the Court of Common Pleas is empowered to do so.

Past vacancies, Stapleford explained, were filled by interested applicant submitting a letter of intent and resume to council.

According to a press release from the city, those document should by submitted to City Manager Nancy Freencok at the city building or via email to admin@cityofwarrenpa.gov.

“All materials must be received by noon on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, and will be forwarded to Council members for their consideration. In accord with the Home Rule Charter, a candidate must have been a resident of the City of Warren for one consecutive year and must be a registered voter of the municipality. Regular Council meetings are held at 7:30 PM on the third Monday of each month with special meetings and work sessions being scheduled as necessary.”

Stapleford said council’s October meeting – on the 15th – falls within the 30 day time period and will be on the agenda for that meeting.

In other personnel related items, council unanimously agreed to a four year extension with City Manager Nancy Freenock.

The agreement will run from Jan. 1, 2019 through Dec. 31, 2022.

Mayor Maurice Cashman said that he and Gregory Fraser have reviewed the agreement, the home rule charter and the city code and “find it desirable” to offer the extension. “All terms and conditions will continue. We have discussed that with Mrs. Freenock and she is in full agreement with just the extension.”

A new junior council member was also appointed on Monday for the 2018-2019 school year.

Lily Striker, a senior at Warren Area High School, was sworn in to the advisory post at the outset of Monday’s meeting.