Bryan Van Stippen, the Stevens Point alderperson for District 5, resigned from the Common Council effective Thursday, Dec. 31.

He said in a press release his resignation was based on a change in his employment responsibilities which require him to step down.

Van Stippen could not be reached before The Gazette’s publication for further comment.

“We all thank him for his service to the people of the city of Stevens Point and wish him and his family well in their future endeavors,” said Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza.

The Stevens Point Common Council will hold a special meeting before the regularly-scheduled committee meetings at 5:50 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, to discuss how to proceed.

“The plan right now is to use the procedure we’ve used as long as I can remember to replace a vacant seat,” Wiza said. “They did it for me, they did it for Joanne Suomi, the council will consider it at a special meeting on Monday. We have it set for five minutes, we don’t expect there to be any controversy. We just want (the Council) to have a plan.

“That plan is to allow any potential candidates who are at least 18 years old, a resident of that district and not a convicted felon to apply. By apply, we mean write a letter of intent, include a resume and give some background information,” Wiza said.

All paperwork can be completed at the City Clerk’s Office.

“At that point we will compile all of those and ask all of the candidates to appear at a special Common Council meeting on Feb. 1,” he said. “At that meeting, the council will interview the candidates and vote for the replacement for District 5.”

Then, the individual will be sworn in and take all aldermanic responsibilities for District 5 for the remainder of Van Stippen’s term, which will expire in 2017. The individual will have to go through the normal public election process to remain District 5 alderperson.