The Montesano City Council soon will have a vacancy.

Councilman Chris Hutchings has announed his pending resignation following the Feb. 28 meeting.

“I’ve got a very demanding schedule with a lot of things lined up for this year that just makes being on council a priority very difficult,” Hutchings said. “I decided it would just be easier to step out.”

Hutchings was unopposed in his bid for council in 2009 and later re-elected to a second term.

He has been an outspoken proponent of transparency in local government, and Mayor Vini Samuel commended him for his efforts during his tenure on the council.

“I will miss your vigorous perspective on lots of interesting issues including the Open Public Meetings Act,” Samuel said. “It’s good to have a diverse voice, and clearly you have a strong focus and perspective, and I have enjoyed this last year.”

According to RCW (42.12.070), the remaining council has 90 days to appoint a replacement for Hutchings after his resignation. That replacement will serve out the remainder of his term.

Hutchings’ term expires at the end of this year, so any replacement will need to file to run for election this year. The county’s filing period is in May. The primary election is in August and the general election is in November.