SHELBY — A spot has opened at Shelby City Council this week, and city leaders now need a new voice for Ward Three.

Mayor Steven Schag made the announcement at Monday night’s council meeting — Eric Cutlip resigned Feb. 26, effective immediately, to take over as Shelby’s new parks superintendent.

“Former councilman Cutlip was all any citizen and mayor would want as a fine public servant,” Schag said. “He was hard working, conscientious, responsive, clear-thinking, honest and compassionate.”

Schag said council will miss Cutlip’s presence at the table but supports his move.

“I know I speak for all of you when I say we will miss him around this table, but I do wish him all the best in this new position,” he said. “He is very well suited for that superintendent’s job as well.”

Cutlip embraces parks role, encourages next council member

Cutlip said he pursued the parks position after learning it remained unfilled.

“I heard they still hadn’t gotten anyone for the position, and I thought to myself, ‘Now would probably be a good time for a change,'” Cutlip said.

In addition to his council role, Cutlip works as the bus mechanic and transportation supervisor for Shelby City Schools. He will step down from those positions as well.

“I felt like it was a good time to try something with fewer hours so I could spend some more time with my family,” he said.

Cutlip said he looks forward to working in what he described as a more laid-back atmosphere and serving a community resource his family frequently uses.

“I’m really looking forward to taking this position. I think I have a lot to offer to it,” he added. “I live here in Shelby and use the parks all the time.”

The parks have long played a role in his family life. He and his wife run through them regularly, and their daughter spent time playing there when she was younger.

“I love our parks and I really look forward to not only keeping up with everything Jerry Marshall did, because he did a wonderful job, but also bringing my own perspective and seeing if there are ways I can improve the parks,” Cutlip said.

“We have a great park board and I really look forward to making the parks a better place for all the citizens of Shelby,” he said.

Cutlip also offered advice to the next person who will fill his council seat.

“Be diligent and make sure to make it to all the meetings,” he said, noting absences can strain council, especially when members attempt to pass emergency legislation.

“Be receptive to the people that call. They may not be happy when they call, but you need to hear them out and try your best to resolve them,” Cutlip said.

Ward 3 vacancy opens application process

City officials now seek a Ward Three resident to fill the vacant seat.

Applicants must be registered voters, reside in Ward Three within the City of Shelby and remain current on city tax liabilities.

Candidates must agree to submit a financial statement to the Ohio Ethics Commission.

They also must deliver a cover letter, resume and any supporting documents to City Hall by 4 p.m. on March 12.

Council will interview candidates March 16 at 6 p.m. at the Justice Center, 29 Mack Ave. Officials may adjust the start time depending on how many candidates apply.

Under Charter Section 4, council must fill City Council vacancies for the remainder of the unexpired term. If council fails to fill a vacancy within 30 days, the mayor appoints a replacement. Such an appointment does not require council confirmation.

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