Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Mayor Dave Wortman, left, recognizes Councilman Joe Michaels Monday at what was Michaels’ last meeting. He resigned his seat on council due to a change in employment.

The Warren City Council bid farewell to one of its members and set a time to appoint a replacement on Monday.

Councilman Joe Michaels announced his resignation a few months ago to be effective at the end of July due to a change in employment.

Mayor Dave Wortman credited Michaels for working “far harder and smarter” than anyone who ran for election last year, needing to both “introduce himself to the community” and make his views “well known.

S”The bill-paying job sometimes takes us away from the city and (to) new opportunities,” he said. “That is our loss, no doubt.”

Michaels apologized for not completing the term but said he is “proud” of what council accomplished in a “very short time.”

He asked council to take into consideration “what I stand for” when he was elected, highlighting personal freedom, small government and fiscal accountability.

A notice from the city explained that those seeking appointment to the post were to apply by July 1 and that an appointment was expected Monday.

That did not happen as council has scheduled a special meeting for Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. to fill that vacancy and also discuss state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants most notably related to two downtown hotel projects.