Amador County - At Tuesday’s meeting, the Sutter Creek City Council discussed the best approach to filling the vacancy left by Mayor Pro Tempore Bill Hepworth after his resignation last week. In a letter, Hepworth said, “My doctor has advised me that my health will no longer permit me to keep my commitment to the city council.” He wrote that “It’s no secret that I haven’t been well, and although I had hoped things would get better, I find I can no longer keep up the standard of work that I prefer to do.” Hepworth has been an active member of the community and a city council member since 1998. “We regret to see this resignation after 10 years of service,” said Mayor Gary Wooten. Councilmember Pat Crosby asked to make the resignation effective immediately so the council had more time to appoint a new councilmember. In fact, a public notice had already been drafted seeking letters of application for Hepworth’s term, which expires in November 2010. The notice explains that applicants must be a resident of Sutter Creek, a citizen no less than 18 years of age, and have an interest in the Sutter Creek community. Wooten said jokingly that he was familiar with the appointment process because “I was appointed after the former Mayor was arrested.” The council unanimously approved a motion to appoint someone to fill Hepworth’s remaining term. Letters of application should be submitted to City Hall, 18 Main Street, Sutter Creek, no later than Firday, April 3. Call Sutter Creek City Hall at 209-267-5647 for more details. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.