Castle Rock Councilmember Jess Loban is stepping down from his post, he announced July 21, because his family will be moving out of state.
Loban said he expects his last day to be Aug. 31.
Loban called his time on council “a huge honor” during the council’s July 21 meeting. He said the choice to leave was both abrupt and “a heavy decision.”
Town Manager David Corliss said the town charter gives council discretion in when to appoint a successor. Mayor Jason Gray cautioned against moving too hastily and suggested council wait until a later meeting to appoint Loban’s successor, rather than making a selection July 21.
The town charter states council can appoint through a majority vote someone to fill open seats until the next regular election, within 30 days of the vacancy.
“At that election, a successor shall be elected for the unexpired term, if any, of the vacant position,” the charter states.
The council is not required to fill a vacancy if the next regular election is within 90 days of the vacancy.
Loban recommended the council appoint Ryan Hollingshead to his position when it fills the seat, a suggestion echoed by Councilmember Kevin Bracken. Hollingshead is a former football coach and assistant principal at Castle View High School.
“We are going to have an as smooth as possible transition,” Loban said.
Loban was elected to represent portions of The Meadows as the District 1 councilmember in 2016.
His term was set to expire this year and his seat is up in the November council elections. He and his wife are 10-year residents of Castle Rock and have lived with their five children in The Meadows for most those years.